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They need plenty of exercise, training, and attention. They make the perfect guard dogs. They are larger than the European Shepherd. They also are lighter in color with tan and black markings. They can switch to guard dog mode quickly when needed. The German Shepherd requires training, attention, and exercise to be happy and healthy. They do well with agility training and other activities that rely on listening and following instructions. Exercise The American German Shepherd needs at least 2 hours of active time every day. Training The American German Shepherd loves learning and is very smart. These dogs are loyal and like having a job to do. This makes them a great choice for high-pressure situations, although many of the German Shepherds used in law enforcement are from the European lines. Like many large breeds, they are prone to hip dysplasia and bloat. Maintaining a healthy weight, plenty of exercise, and regular veterinary visits are the best way to ensure your dog has a long, happy life. Suitable for: The American German Shepherd is suitable for active families that are willing to invest the time and energy required to help them become well-behaved and loyal pets. They are also a smart choice for active singles that want a hiking or jogging partner. The biggest difference is in size and appearance. The European version is darker in color with red and black markings more typical. They are also slightly smaller and have a less sloped posture than the American German Shepherd. They are very loyal and loving to their people and can also be very protective. They need plenty of active, outdoor time every day or else they will become bored and depressed. Similar types of exercise are appropriate for both breeds, including hiking, running, walking, and fetch. Training Many of the German Shepherds used in law enforcement are from European lines. Both the American and European lines of German Shepherds are very trainable, though, and respond well to having intense instruction from a young age. The breeding of the European German Shepherd is also more closely regulated which leads to fewer genetic health problems in general. Suitable for: The European German Shepherd has benefited from carefully regulated breeding that has preserved its favorable characteristics without sacrificing its health. This makes them an excellent choice for working in law enforcement and other occupations. They are also loving, loyal family pets for the family that can meet their exercise and attention needs. The American and European German Shepherd are technically the same breed of dog, although they come from two distinct bloodlines. The American line is a great choice for a family pet, although breeding is not as regulated, which results in more health problems than their European cousins. The European German Shepherd is also a good family dog , although they are regularly used by law enforcement and other agencies. The European German Shepherd can be found in America but is rarer and more expensive. Related Reads:. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article. Sound in mind and body, strong, functional, intelligent, trainable, courageous, and resilient. These are the natural qualities that can only be realized through the incredible genetics of purebred German Shepherds. We only import the best-of-the-best. Certified champions straight from Germany! Due to his home being burglarized in , Wayne decided to train dogs in tracking, obedience, and protection. His untrained Staffordshire Bullterrier was unable to protect his home and he then decided to obtain a Rottweiler for protection. Wayne continued to train Rottweilers up until the early 90s where he purchased his first German Shepherd. He was raised along side German Shepherds which had a huge impact toward his love and respect for the breed. At Kraftwerk K9, we honor the history of the German Shepherd. We here at Kraftwerk K9 care for and teach these world-class dogs to live up to their full potential. Our ethical breeding facility sits on 25 gorgeous acres of Washington soil and is available for touring before purchase. Take a look at our facility Learn more about our certified German Shepherds by calling today at or visiting our Available Dog page! May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available.
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. Free Bulldog Puppy Starter Kit! 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?
It was founded in when both of its founders were still in college. The duo takes breeding very seriously, which is why they only have a few litters every year. Their priorities are to ensure the health of all dames and sires , and they try hard not to overbreed them. They specialize in producing both family dogs as well as working dogs and show dogs. They carefully plan all of their litters, and they take into consideration all aspects that the ideal Boxer has to have, including temperament, conformation, and health. All of their parent dogs are AKC registered, with amazing temperaments and superb health. In fact, they have listed all the health results publicly on their website, so you can know exactly what qualities they have. They have a contact form that all aspiring Boxer owners can fill out, and a representative from the kennel will get in touch with them. Lastly, Soleil Boxers have an open-door policy. They produce show-quality Boxer puppies that are entirely up to AKC standards. When breeding, they focus on health, temperament, and longevity. They are located on a 5-acre plot of land, giving their Boxers enough space to run around. All of their puppies are crate-trained and obedience-trained. They do all they can to ensure you get the best quality dog possible. This dog breeder also conducts all the necessary health testing on their dogs, ensuring you get a healthy Boxer pup, free of genetic disorders. The application process is straightforward, which makes everything a lot easier and more approachable. They have an application form on their website that you can fill out. Once you do, someone will contact you and put you on a waiting list. Otherwise, the dog will be put up for further sale. The only thing that could make the adoption process challenging is if you want your Boxer puppy to be of a specific color — for example, brindle. Here are some of the best Boxer breeders in Southern California: Telstar Boxers This might easily be one of the most reputable Boxer breeders in California. This includes 2 Dams of Merit and even 8 Sires of Merit! Telstar Boxers are located in San Diego, and they were founded by Jennifer and Gene, who have more than 35 years of breeding experience. In fact, this is one of the oldest Boxer kennels we could find! They have a unique Boxer program that focuses on producing Boxer puppies that will become amazing show dogs. They are structurally sound, healthy, and with an ideal temperament. This is where you can also find information on their pricing and policies. Email: [email protected] Anden Boxers This is a small but professional Boxer breeder in California that specializes in breeding family companions and working dogs. They have all the information about their dogs listed publicly, including the health testing records and lineage. Their puppies are bred and raised in the center of the family home, so they are provided with a loving and caring environment that can help them develop the best temperaments possible. They also expose all of their puppies to all sorts of sounds and sights, so they can easily adjust to new environments. All of their dogs are fed with a natural, raw dog food diet, as they believe this will keep these dogs close to their ancestors and make them grow strong. Encore Boxers Photo from: theboxerworld Encore Boxers is a kennel that has been operating since the s. They have been raising select Boxer puppies according to a breeding program that they developed for years. Because of this, their dogs have wonderful temperaments and are perfectly socialized. This helps reduce the stress and anxiety that comes with finding a great forever home. The kennel is owned by Cheryl Cates, who ensures all of their dams and sires receive excellent veterinary care. All of their puppies are dewormed and have received the necessary vaccinations and genetic health testing. In other words, they have great bloodlines that are destined for success if you decide to participate in dog shows. Their dogs come with AKC registration papers, a health guarantee, and even their favorite chew toy! The breeder offers lifetime support for all of their dogs, and they will be there for you if you need any help with raising your dog. They breed top-quality Boxer puppies that have excellent health and temperament as well as show conformation. Their goal is to produce ideal Boxers that can excel as both show dogs and companion dogs. At the same time, this is one of the many active Boxer breeders in California. They are well-known in the show dog community and have won many awards not just in the US but also in Canada! All of their puppies are AKC registered and clear of any health and genetic conditions before they are allowed to participate in their breeding program. Their puppies have been raised with love and care to ensure they are well-socialized and properly taken care of. All of the available puppies can be found on their website. Each of their puppies comes with a health guarantee, as well as lifetime support. They are home to more than 35 AKC Boxer champions! Only if all the test results are fine can these dogs enter their breeding program. Their puppies begin the socialization process when they are between 3 and 14 days old. During this time, the breeder conducts neurological stimulation exercises that help boost their confidence. All of their puppies come with their first vaccination shots, veterinary checks, a microchip, chip registration, and AKC registration papers. Shipping options are a possibility, but this has to be discussed with the breeder. Expect to wait at least 6 months before you get your new puppy. There are a few more places you might want to check out. Chances are you will find your new buddy there. On its marketplace, you can find puppies for sale listed by AKC-approved breeders. Some of them might be in the California area. Granted, this is the most ethical way to get a pet. So, is this a good way to become a Boxer owner? Not just that, but most breeders will ensure these canines have undergone some basic dog training, so they can easily adjust to new homes without displaying any bad behavior. Some people might think that the best Boxer breeders in California sell their dogs at too high a price. They might even try to find a more affordable place to purchase their dog from. Backyard breeders are some of the people you might run into. These individuals sell their dogs at a much lower price than reputable breeders. However, this is because, most of the time, they are inexperienced in raising puppies. These are simply dog owners who have ended up with an unplanned litter of puppies that they now want to sell. This is why they are not the best option. Other places to find Boxer puppies for sale are pet stores and puppy mills — however, we would strongly advise against this. Because of this, most puppies that come from pet stores and puppy mills have behavioral issues. Many will also have underlying health conditions. As you can see, there are many advantages to purchasing a Boxer from a reputable breeder. Either way, all dogs are good dogs, and Boxers make amazing family companions, as long as you know how to properly train and socialize them. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article. A note to all those on the waiting list. We are so sorry the website was temporarily shut down. We were having technical difficulties, So happy its back on. But we were always here to continue breeding for your fur baby. Thankyou for being patient, always look forward to helping you. We are Sublime Boxers, a family orientated breeder. We love placing our boxers with loving homes. Show quality dog, or family pet, we got them! We do a lot for our dogs. Our adult dogs get wormed every three months and updated on their shots. Momma dogs get extra worming before and during their litters to ensure the pups get less-to-none of those nasty worms that are certain in every puppy dog or cat. Then, pups get their regiment of worming before they go home, as well as their 1st puppy shot. All adult dogs are on NuVet, which is a vitamin with antioxidants to ensure the puppies are at their best before they go home. We also give you a puppy pack to get you started with your new puppy. Contents include a bag of food to lessen the stress of a new environment. All our dogs are loved, have large pens, and run around our 1-acre yard. We spray throughout the year to keep the fleas and flys at bay, as everything can affect the dogs and puppies. We have had nothing but excellent comments from owners, telling us how fantastic their puppy is in looks, smarts, temperament, and loving nature. That is why we take great pride in our dogs. Through selective breeding, we have kept an excellent line of boxers with a lovable temperament that has been consistent throughout the years, including even out most recent litters of puppies. We also give a one-year health guarantee, that you can extend to 2 years if you keep your puppy on NuVet, which is a supplement that helps your puppy with the stress of growing up by building its immune system. We hope that we can help you with finding your next loved pet.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. If your Golden Retriever is like mine, they just want to play all day. It contains a mix of games that will mentally stimulate them, physically stimulate them, games with toys involved, and games with no equipment needed. Here are the best games to play with your Golden Retriever: Chase All puppies love chasing and being chased, so this is a fun way to tire them out. Treat Toss Treat toss is another way to get your puppy practice coming to you. This is a great game to play to pre-practice recall, get your pup some exercise, and have them learn that good things come from you. This game obviously requires lots of food, so instead of feeding your puppy their meal in a bowl, you could just play this game. To play this game, you and your partner each grab a handful of treats kibble will be fine for young puppies and sit across the room from each other. For more fun or more advanced dogs, there are a few ways to mix this game up. The other option is to take it outside. This is best with older puppies who are not so distracted and who are good at coming when called. We play this game with my 3-year-old Golden Retriever all the time in our backyard where we stand on opposite sides of the yard to get him some exercise. Want to potty train your Golden Retriever puppy fast? Click here to download the Potty Training Cheat Sheet! Tug Tug is a classic game that you can play with Goldens of any age. Once your pup learns how to drop it , you can mix in practicing other commands between sessions of tug. This makes it a great way to get physical and mental exercise, plus bond with them. The only equipment you need to play tug is a rope toy like this one from Amazon. We play fetch with tennis balls he likes the Penn tennis balls better than balls made for dogs or the West Paw Zogoflex Zwig stick. And if you want to make it easy to throw the tennis ball farther, you can get a Chuckit! Launcher to throw the ball like a major league outfielder. Open Sesame This is a fun game to mentally challenge your Golden Retriever puppy and teach them some impulse control. The first step is to grab a treat in your closed fist and hold it out to your pup. The moment they pull away, open your hand and give them the treat. This will teach them that patience, not pestering, will get them what they want. Getting a Golden Retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook. Airplane Game The Airplane Game is a great game to get your puppy to pay attention to you. To play this game, hold a treat in your hand. She might even jump , bark , or paw at you to get the treat. Immediately reward her for doing so. Muffin Game To play the Muffin Game, take a muffin tin and put treats in it. Then, put balls or other objects over the treats so your pup has to move them to get the treats. Oliver loves this game and this is another idea I got from Brain Training for Dogs. The only requirement is that they either know how to stay or you have a partner to hold them still while you hide. I usually have a few treats to give to Oliver when he finds me, but you could also have a tug toy to play with them as a reward. This game is great because it helps them practice stay and recall , as well as builds the bond with you two. You can also play this game with their toys where you hide one of their favorite toys in another room and they have to go find it. Wrestle Mania Wrestle Mania is what it sounds like — wrestling with your pup! Oliver and I wrestle a few times a week and he loves it. Building A Bond With Them Having a solid bond with your puppy will help them want to behave and obey you more — not to mention this is the whole reason you got a Golden Retriever! Playing games, having fun, and exercising with your pup are all ways to have a better relationship with them. When I was a kid, the only thing that motivated me to learn math was that I wanted to keep score of basketball games. Playing games like Open Sesame will help your pup with impulse control, the Airplane Game will help get them to focus on you, and tug interspersed with tricks and commands is a fun way to practice those behaviors. Have any questions about these games? Let me know down in the comments! Related articles:. To help you narrow your search, the Hounds Lounge pack has broken down the fun games to play with your pup into six different categories, including DIY games, games to make dogs smarter, indoor games, games to keep dogs fit, sense of smell games, and games for older dogs. Start reading now, and find the perfect dog games to play with your fur fam. To play the following games, you can use household items you already have on your paws! Start playing by dropping treats into each muffin cup, covering them with tennis balls, and handing the tin off to Fido! Once your woof has figured out how to reach the treats, you can up the ante by only putting a treat in some of the cups but covering them all with tennis balls. This game requires your dog to solve problems and flex their sniffer! Treat Burrito To cook up a treat burrito, all you need is a towel and some small treats! Lay the towel out flat, then scatter treats all over its surface. Roll the towel up slowly, keeping each treat in place, then serve up the burrito to your pooch. Cardboard Tube Treats Cardboard toilet paper and paper towel rolls can be repurposed into dog toys! One game option is to fill a cardboard tube with peanut butter, then give it to your woof to lick up. You can freeze the tube if you want to keep Fido occupied for longer! Another way to use cardboard tubes to play fun games with your dog is to arrange several tubes in a shoebox so that they all support each other and stand up straight. The tubes should all be roughly the same height. Your woof will thoroughly enjoy hunting down every bite. Snack Track Down This game can involve empty containers of any size, from shoeboxes to yogurt cups rinsed clean, of course. Place a few containers on the ground, with at least one hiding a smelly treat! Then, bring Fido in to sniff out the prize! When you first play this game, you might want to poke holes in the containers to make the treats easier to smell. As your pooch becomes a pro at this game, you can make it harder by adding more containers and spreading them out farther, with only one container hiding a treat! Fill the pool with balls, then sprinkle small treats on top. When your dog enters the pool to get their paws on the treats, the balls will shift, and the treats will move! This game — and most of the dog games to play above — is also a good option for feeding a fast eater. Hide-and-Seek To play hide-and-seek with your woof, have them sit and stay while you go find a hiding place. Treasure Hunt A treasure hunt is similar to hide-and-seek, except you will hide a smelly treat or toy rather than yourself! Tell your dog to sit and stay, then go hide the prize. If they know all these tricks, your pooch is sure to be at the top of their Doggie Daycare class. Stop and Go Some fun games to play with your pup can also reinforce training. Get Fido a little riled up and excited, then create some space between the two of you. Keep playing by repeating this routine a few times over! Stop and Go teaches your dog how to control himself, plus it strengthens his listening skills. A great way to teach them new words is to name their favorite toys, people, and activities. Below are great dog games to play for rainy days, late nights, and for folks who might not have a yard! Clean Up, Clean Up Looking for fun games to play with your pup that are also beneficial to you? Clean up is the clear winner! With this game, you teach your dog to literally clean up after themselves. Introduce a toy bin or laundry basket, and teach your dog to drop their toys inside. Snuffle mats require your dog to sniff out treats that are hidden in folds and pockets. This game is quiet and mess-free, making it perfect for playing with dogs in the great indoors! You can order a snuffle mat on Amazon, or you can easily make your own with a sink mat and strips of fleece from an old blanket! Clear some space and then use household items to design your course. Your woof could weave around stacks of books, shimmy under chairs, hop over blankets or jump through a hula hoop! Even indoors, an obstacle course offers great mental and physical stimulation. Staircase Run If you have stairs in your house or apartment, they offer fun and physical dog games to play! However, be careful not to run too fast, or you could take a tumble! After a few runs, your woof will be pooped out! Obedience Training If you and Fido will be inside together for a good chunk of time, why not work on some training? First, show your dog a toy or a treat, praise them as they are coming to you, then reward them. After a few repetitions, whenever your dog looks at you and starts to move towards you, add in your chosen verbal cue come, here, etc. Make sure to only add in the cue when you are confident your dog is moving towards you. You can slowly up the ante by asking your dog to come before showing them the treat. But, be sure to reward with a high-value treat like chicken, cheese, or beef liver, when they get to you. Also, try slowly adding distance within your low-distraction environment. With positive reinforcement and treats, learning can be fun — and even considered a game! Good training ensures that dogs listen to their owners and stay disciplined, even during fun times! Give your woof a workout with the games below. Tug-of-War Tug-of-War is a classic game, but did you know that the tugging and pulling is also great exercise for your dog? Typically using a rope toy, you and your dog can play tug-of-war inside or outside, and little space is needed. You want to challenge your woof but also allow them to win on occasion! This will teach your dog that they are not allowed to nip at you and, if they do, the fun is over. Fetch Fetch is another classic that burns some serious calories. If you also want to get some exercise while playing fetch, try out this tip from our blog, 8 Ways to Make Exercising with Your Dog More Fun : Take your dog for a normal round of fetch using a ball or their favorite toy. Repeat until you are both pooped! Play fetch with a tennis ball or other ball designed for retrieving. If you really want to get your dog excited, play fetch with a frisbee! Sprinkler Fun Sprinklers offer fun games to play with your pup and your kiddos! If you have little ones and furry ones in the family, playing in the sprinkler is a great way to keep everyone happy on a hot day. Set up your sprinkler where the grass is dry and show your pooch how to jump over the water! Impawtant Note: While your dog can get a sip of sprinkler water, you and the kids should stick to drinking water from inside the house. Get a soccer ball and teach your pooch how to nudge it with their snout. Eventually, try softly kicking the ball toward your pooch and see if they pass it back. If Fido masters passing, give him a shot at playing defense! Dribble the ball up to him, and see if he steals it from you. Before you know it, your woof will be a regular footballer! Chase Bubbles See how many bubbles your pooch can pop! Get a bottle of nontoxic bubbles for kids, and blow a few at a time in front of Fido. Pretty soon, your fur baby will be romping around bursting bubbles! From a classic bath to a spa treatment, your fur baby can get the services they need to look like a million bones. Therefurr, playing with dogs is extra fun when smells are involved! Check out these scent-focused dog games to play with Fido. Close your hands into loose fists, then present your dog with both hands. Your pooch will sniff around a bit, but they should ultimately linger on the hand with the treat, which you will then give them as a reward! To make the game more challenging, have a friend join in to double the pawsibilities! This game involves making Fido work for his food! Play this game by getting Fido distracted or tucking him away before preparing his meal. This is a great mental exercise and a chance for your dog to use his instincts! Stroll and Sniff Walks are a great way to allow your dog to exercise his nose — out and about, there are so many new scents to take in! You can turn a walk into a game by bringing along some small treats and pausing every now and then to drop a treat into a grassy area. Show your dog the treat before you toss it, and then give them a little time to track it down. Then, bring your dog around and show them where the trail starts, and watch them follow it to their reward! Once Fido has mastered short trails, you can create longer ones with more space between each treat. Bring several dog toys into an open area, either indoors or outdoors. Scatter them around the ground. Then, get your pooch and start playing with one of these toys. Both of you should make plenty of contact with the toy so that your scents will linger. The goal is for Fido to bring back the toy you were both just playing with. The dog games to play listed below are senior dog-friendly, as well as great options for dogs with joint problems, arthritis or other health concerns. Swimming If your older dog — or young dog — likes water, swimming is one of the grrreat games to play with dog. Cavaletti Course This game is a toned down version of an obstacle course, making it perfect for older dogs. Set it up by placing a few poles such as broomsticks about a foot apart. Then, slowly walk your pooch through the course while keeping them on a short leash. This is a good strength exercise, and you can make it more challenging by lifting the sticks one or two inches with crushed soda cans or pillows. Modified Fetch Fetch is a timeless dog game to play! You might consider rolling the ball on the ground instead of throwing it. Know when to wrap up fetch and move into nap time! Backward Walking Back it up, Fido! Backward walking is a fun game that helps your dog strengthen their rear legs and also improves balance and coordination. When you get close enough to him, Fido should take a step back, and you will reward him with a treat! Puzzle Dog Games to Play Puzzle games are grrreat dog games to play for any woofs, including seniors! Fun and Games with Furriends! Their furrst day of daycare is free! Make a reservation now at any of our locations. Even if you take your dog for long walks daily, boredom can still set in if they do not have an opportunity to activate their mind. In particular, Golden Retrievers need a job to do to keep their brain busy throughout the day. Without this type of interaction with the world, you just might find that your dog develops some behavior problems. Golden Retrievers need mental stimulation daily to prevent nuisance behaviors like barking or destructive chewing. These games help keep their minds sharp and prevent cognitive decline in old age. You can practice it with puzzle toys, nose work games, and by allowing them to explore the world. If you think that your Golden Retriever could benefit from some mental stimulation, here is everything you need to know. This breed is known for its helpful relationship with its owners. They are known to be excellent at hunting and fieldwork. Others are highly trained in specialized areas to help act as a sight for the blind or to track down individuals in search and rescue work. Golden Retrievers need a job to do to keep them happy and healthy. If you spend much time at all with a Golden Retriever, you are likely to notice that their brains and bodies are always busy. A dog who does not get enough activity each day is likely to show some disruptive behaviors like barking or destructive chewing. You must give these dogs a job or they will find one on their own. Mental stimulation gives your canine a job to do and relieves them from their boredom. As a result, they are less likely to seek out ways to alleviate their boredom on their own. A mentally exhausted dog is often a happier dog. A Golden Retriever needs a good bit of physical exercise each day to manage their energy levels. Many owners do not realize that mental exercise also plays a role in how tired your dog is at the end of the day. Mental stimulation can help them to feel more tired than just physical exercise like a walk around the neighborhood. A tired dog is a happy dog. Benefits of Mental Stimulation for Golden Retrievers Did you know that your dog can show a cognitive decline in its later years? As your Golden Retriever ages, there is a likelihood that they might start to go downhill mentally. They might have high anxiety, physical fatigue, and a decrease in social interaction. Some may even forget basic commands that do not get used regularly. Mental stimulation can help to prevent this type of steady decline when it comes to your pup. It activates parts of the brain that have gone dormant when dogs are left to their own devices. Games and other mentally stimulating activities can keep your dog feeling younger for longer. However, mental stimulation is good for dogs of all ages. Boredom can cause dogs to misbehave. If they are not given a task, chances are that they will start to look for one on their own. This is when your pup is likely to get into trouble. They might begin to chew on furniture, bark incessantly at the neighbors, or even have housebreaking accidents. Many of these behaviors are easily avoided if your dog feels that they have a job to do. Mental stimulation can also help occupy your dog while you are away. Some dogs may suffer from separation anxiety. However, their experience of this feeling can be lessened if they have something to occupy their attention in your absence. This is why it can be good to leave puzzle toys and simple games for your dog to do while you are away. Get ready to curb some of those bad behaviors and set your dog up for success with these twelve activities. Teach your Golden Retriever a New Skill Training your dog to learn a new skill is one way to activate their brain. This can be anything from basic obedience for young puppies to more advanced skills for older dogs. If your dog already knows a wide variety of skills, you can even start to apply them in new ways. For example, a dog who knows how to retrieve might learn to fetch items from around the home. For those who are unsure where to start with training, consider signing your pup up for a group obedience class at a local pet store. A trainer can help you understand the basic concepts of teaching your dog something new. When the class is over, you will have all the tools you need to teach your dog other skills that were not included in the class. Find It If your dog already has a basic stay command, ask him to do so in one room. Meanwhile, you will go to an adjacent room and hide some delicious snacks. Make sure to choose something that has a strong smell to it. Let him use his nose to seek out the treats that you hid. Puzzle Toys Maybe your Golden Retriever needs some mental stimulation, but you simply do not have time to spend with them today. The good news is that they can still get their brain moving even without you present. Purchase a Kong ball or some puzzle toys that they can play with, in your absence. Stuff them with high-value rewards that they will look forward to. For example, you can fill a Kong ball with peanut butter and then pop it in the freezer for a few hours. This will keep your dog busy for hours. Exploration on Walks Walking your dog daily is important to keep them tired and happy. However, you can also use this as an opportunity to exercise their mind. Once in a while, you can give them free rein to explore as you go. They can sniff and experience the world in a new way instead of just being held in a heel position. Working their mind out this way is important. However, you may want to teach your dog a command to release them from a heel position and let them know that exploration is okay. The question is, does he know them by name? Teach your dog distinct names for their favorite toys so that they know which ones to retrieve. You might teach them the difference between ball and rope, for example. If they have lots of toys, you might need to be creative with the simple names you assign to each one. Once they know the names of their toys, you can hide them and ask your dog to find or retrieve them. Agility Courses Most dog owners associate agility courses with physical exercise, but obstacles also teach your Golden Retriever to use their brain as well. They must figure out how to balance on the seesaw, weave in and out of the poles, and how to go over or under a set of hurdles. Agility courses can easily be made out of common household items or you can set up an elaborate course in your backyard. No matter what, this is one activity that is great for Golden Retrievers in both body and mind. Shell Game You have probably seen the shell game played on the street before, but have you ever played it with your retriever? Take two or three cups and hide a treat under one of them. Shuffle the cups around and then ask your dog to find the treat. This forces them to pay attention visually to where the treat goes while you are shuffling. They can even use their sense of smell to find the treat. You need to give them one if you want to keep their minds active and healthy. Teach them to hunt, get them involved in a sport like flyball, or take them for long hikes where they have to carry the pack. Anything, where they have some responsibility, can help to stimulate their mind. More Play Time A lot of dog owners leave their pups to their own devices during the day. However, interactive playtime can be very mentally rewarding for your Golden Retriever. You should be an active participant in the game you choose whether it is fetch or tug. Take Your Dog on Errands How often does your dog get out of the house? Besides his daily walks around the neighborhood, your pup does not have many opportunities to explore the world at large. You can stimulate their mind by taking them with you when you run your errands. Take them along when you go to fill up the tank, head through a car wash, or go to pick up dinner. Your dog will be excited to spend time with you! Buy New Toys for your Golden Retriever If your dog is already used to puzzle toys, you might have to freshen up their toy box from time to time. Once they learn the trick to securing their snacks, the game becomes a bit stale for them. Think of it this way: would you want to play with the same three toys over and over? Try blowing bubbles in the backyard for the little ones and the canine companions. Watch as everyone tries to chase and catch the bubbles. Your dog will love this game because there are endless opportunities to chase the bubbles, but they will never truly get to catch them at the end. Mentally Stimulating Your Golden Retriever No matter what game you choose to play with your pup, they will soak up all of your attention. These mentally stimulating games and activities will keep them happy and tired. After all, a tired dog is oftentimes a well-behaved dog. Because Golden Retrievers were bred for work, it is all the more important to make sure that they are mentally stimulated each and every day. Related Questions How much mental stimulation does a Golden Retriever need? Golden Retrievers should have about twenty to thirty minutes of mental stimulation every day. This is in addition to their daily walks or physical exercise. If you want to combine these tasks, consider teaching your dog games like flyball or agility. Are Kongs mentally stimulating? Yes, Kongs can be mentally stimulating for dogs if you pack them full of treats. For example, you can pack it full of peanut butter and then freeze it overnight. This will require your dog to work harder to get to those tasty morsels. How do I know if my dog is mentally stimulated? Dogs who are mentally stimulated are often better behaved. Dogs who bark, whine, and destroy things often need an outlet to channel their energy. Consider some of the activities on this list to curb some of these destructive behaviors. References Ellis, Nicole. Greenberg, Aurora. Helmer, Jodi. Hi, I'm the owner of Juniper Pets! You can often find me playing fetch with my dogs, working out or cooking up something legendary in the kitchen. Hope you enjoy my blog! Recent Posts. If you click on a link and choose to make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no cost to you. Making sure your Golden Retriever gets plenty of exercise is vital to its health and well-being. Physical exercise ensures your Golden Retriever has healthy muscles and bones, that its heart and lungs get stronger, and it helps maintain a healthy weight. However, for your Golden Retriever to be well-balanced, it also needs mental stimulation and socialization. Boredom in dogs can often lead to destructive behaviors. So, what are some good activities for Golden Retrievers? Good activities for Golden Retrievers incorporate physical exercise and mental stimulation and should include training and socialization whenever possible. Physical activities help burn excess energy and maintain physical health, while mental-focused activities aid in cognitive skills and problem-solving. The game also works on recall skills as a bonus. Fetch is simple and cheap. You throw it an item such as a tennis ball, frisbee, or practically anything your dog can comfortably carry, and your Golden gets it and brings it back. Or, if the weather is lousy, you can play a shortened version in the house. The tug game is widely recommended by most science-based trainers and animal behaviorists. Begin by showing your dog a toy that they like and that is suitable for the dog. You may have to really wiggle it and shake it around if your dog has never played before. The goal is to get their interest peaked, and movement usually does it. Every game has its rules, and this applies to a game of tug too. Your dog cannot make contact with skin or clothes, and you decide when the fun begins and ends. Rules for us humans are that no aggressive pulling is allowed, nor is pulling aggressively up at steep angles or side to side. The tug of war game is an excellent way for your dog to learn and reinforce skills such as let go, sit, and go-play commands. The tug game can be combined with fetch as well. Teach your Golden to let go and ask for a sit. Mixing it up keeps it more exciting and mentally stimulating. Follow the Leader Follow the leader is a great training game that teaches your dog to follow you while having fun. If your Golden goes right, you go left; if your dog runs ahead of you, you slow down; if your Golden slows down or stops, you run. The rule is that he follows you. It can be a quick activity to start or end a play or training session, and it works well as an add-on to other activities. I usually like playing follow the leader before a fetch game. Puzzles and Games Many pet stores and online retailers carry puzzle games and lick mats, so if your budget affords it, these can be fantastic options to keep your dog mentally stimulated. Puzzle feeders can be used with your kibble, while lick mats work well with peanut butter, yogurt, or dehydrated foods such as beef liver treats. All dogs need mental stimulation, especially higher intelligent dogs such as the Golden. Many games engage a Goldens brain and include anything from hiding treats in toys to commercial puzzle games. Or we put a treat or two in a muffin tin, put tennis balls on each hole, and the goal is for our Golden to find the reward. Or create a foraging box. Keep some boxes in various sizes, such as cereal boxes. Sprinkle some treats in each box and then place the smaller box inside a bigger one and those inside an even bigger one. Your Golden has to use its nose to locate the treats and must figure out how to get the goodies out. Kong toys work well also. You can put some loose kibble in there for your Golden to locate, or you can soak the kibble, put it inside the Kong and freeze it for the next day. Your Golden will need to figure out how to get the tasty reward out. You can use make-shift pylons any object will do , use Hoola hoops, small jump obstacles like cardboard boxes, stairs, brooms, rolled-up blankets, and whatever you think of. Teach your Golden to run through the obstacle with you. Have your Golden run-around, over, and under the obstacles. Find a hiding space. Someplace where your dog cannot see you, but your Golden should still be able to hear your when you call. Once you find the right spot, say behind a curtain or door, call his name. Your Golden will find you pretty quickly unless you are a great hider , but they love seeking you out and finding you. Another variation is using treats. You can do this activity indoors or, if you have a yard, then outdoors. Use cheese, boiled chicken, apples, or any high-value treat your dog loves. You may have to show them the first few treats, so they get the hang of the game, but they catch on quickly. Bubble Game Cheap, fun, and no training is required. Great for kids as well. Get a bubble blower. Blow bubbles. Your Golden Retriever will chase the bubbles and jump up, snapping at bubbles to break them. Just make sure the bubbles are pet friendly yes, they make bubbles for dogs , and off you go. You can use a PVC pipe, an old fishing rod, or a sturdy stick think hockey stick, eh. Attach a long rope or string, and now add a furry toy, a rag, or a dog toy, and you have a flirt pole. The flirt pole is excellent for physical activity and mental stimulation. Your Golden has to run, jump, and anticipate changes of direction and plan for what will happen next. It also benefits those dogs with a more innate prey drive by stimulating that instinct. The rule is, though, you must let your Golden catch the lure or toy on occasion. It also prevents frustration. Not allowing a dog to catch its toy is teasing and can cause behavioral issues. Once your Golden catches the lure, now you can transition into a game of tug. All handy things for your Golden to learn. And, the teaching moment is all wrapped up nicely in a fun play activity. Just remember, dog training is supposed to be fun, so keep it that way. It can be fun and still accomplish the goal at the same time. The best teachers know how to do both. Or teach your Golden an invisible boundary, so it stays out of the kitchen or stays back from the door. Not only are these complex skills a great way to invigorate the mind, but it teaches skills that benefit both them and you. Activities That Require Classes Obedience Training Formal obedience classes are a wonderful activity and one that I consider essential. It combines socialization, mental stimulation, and training. Your Golden gets to meet new dogs and people, learn basic commands, and do all this in a distracting environment. Obedience classes ensure your Golden gets a great foundation of obedience and manners while simultaneously building and strengthening communication between your Golden and you. You each must learn to work together as a team. Hold up. Are you looking for a good online training program for your Golden Retriever? I recently wrote an article comparing some of the most popular online dog training systems. Canine sports classes are especially suited for dogs with high energy or dogs with very ingrained instinctual drives like herding dogs. Scent Work Scent work training is excellent for dogs. Scent work is also great for fearful and reactive dogs as it teaches them to focus and be confident. Nose work starts by teaching your dog how to seek out treats and toys, kind of like puzzle games and hide and seek. Then it expands and increases in difficulty to entire rooms, outdoor areas, and vehicles. Scent detection is actually a competitive canine activity. If you and your dog have an interest, then competitive events are an option. Doggie DayCare Doggie daycare is great for puppies and older dogs alike. Just like children need to play with other kids their age to get exercise, mental stimulation, and to learn how to socialize — your Golden is no different. So, you get a day to relax or run errands. It also helps teach your Golden Retriever to be away from you, which can reduce separation anxiety. If you work and have your Golden in there every day, then you know your pup is getting exercised along with plenty of social and mental stimulation. This a tired pup — physically and mentally. A shout-out to his best friend Milo for the fun times. Strictly Outdoor Activities Swimming For this one, you need a body of water. Golden Retrievers are bred to retrieve waterfowl from lakes, and their coats are designed for the water. Golden Retrievers are very well adapted to tolerate cold because of their double coats, and they dry off quickly. The result? Goldens are ideally suited to the water and love to swim. Body of water includes lakes or ponds, pools, and even slow-moving rivers or streams. If swimming is done in a pool, be mindful of pool chemicals and chlorine. Give your Golden a good rinse after a pool swim. Did you know that overbathing can be bad for a Golden Retriever? Dock Diving Of course, with this one, you need both a lake and a dock. Once your Golden is comfortable with the water, just run and jump off the dock. Chances are your Golden will follow. Dock diving incorporates swimming plus diving plus fetch all rolled in one. Make sure you put a life jacket on them, though. Kayaking and especially canoeing are easier for your Golden, but paddleboarding will take training for the both of you. These activities can involve swimming too if you decide to take a dip with your Golden sometimes that may be unavoidable. However, the real benefit is mental stimulation new sights, sounds, and smells and the time you spend together. Hiking Hiking is an excellent activity for people and dogs alike. It usually incorporates inclines depending on the terrain and offers a host of other sights and sounds for your dog. Not all trails allow dogs, so check in advance to be sure. And if the trails do allow dogs, then most will require that you keep them leashed. Keeping your Golden on a leash is a good idea anyway since if you lose your dog in a thick brush or a forest, you may never get them back. Also, you want to be mindful of any encounters with small animals like squirrels or porcupines or bigger critters like bears. Just keep them leashed to be safe. Rocky and ungroomed, jagged trails can cause issues with their paws, so be alert to the type of landscape on the hiking path. Make sure to bring water and snacks for you and your dog. Also, throw a small backpack on and take some essentials just in case. Bring a first aid kit along at a minimum. Remove any you find and be thorough. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are not unlike walking or hiking in that it gets your Golden Retriever outdoors and trotting beside you. Usually, groomed trails or shallow snow is best, or your Golden may have difficulty navigating itself through the snow. Bike Riding Biking can be an excellent exercise for you and your dog if you have a well-behaved and well-trained Golden. You want your dog to trot beside the bike, which means you need to keep the speed reasonable. It would be best if you had excellent control of your dog, so training your Golden gradually with the bike beforehand is a good idea. You should also wear a helmet. Be very mindful of temperature in the summer; your Golden can overheat quickly. Bring water and snacks for your dog. If your Golden falls behind, then it may be tiring. Turn around and walk your Golden back home. Yes, you can over-exercise a Golden Retriever. Walking During walks, your dog is exposed to the world outside his home. He gets to experience various sights, sounds, smells, and environments, which mentally engage him. Walking is the foundational exercise for all puppies and dogs, which is no different for Golden Retrievers. Walking should be the staple exercise for your dog throughout most of its life. Dogs love to walk, and walking helps bond your dog to you. You may find your dog wants to stop frequently and check things out. A solution is to mix up your walking sessions. One that focuses on fast walking for exercise and another where your Golden gets time to smell and investigate his environment. One is more physical, the other more mental. Both are social. Running Running is a great cardio workout for both humans and dogs. However, refrain from running with your Golden before 14 to 18 months of age due to developing joints, muscles, and bones and the impact of running on those. And be sure to get a thumbs up from your vet first. Every so often, stop and ask your Golden to sit or change directions and vary the terrain. Keep it fun and your dog guessing. If running in the summer, be cautious of not overheating your Golden, so stick to cooler mornings or evenings and bring water for the both of you. The article details the age they can start, how much they can run, how fast and how far, and much more. Check it out here: Need a Running Partner? How About Your Golden Retriever? Playtime is a perfect opportunity for you and your dog to bond. Luckily, there are several fun games that you can play with a Golden Retriever! As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to keep your pet active and entertained. Learning some of a Golden Retrievers favorite games will create many memorable moments for you and your furry friend. Read on and learn more about the games that Golden Retrievers like to play! 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! There are two ways to play this game. One way is where you hide, and your dog looks for you. Once they find you, make sure you praise and encourage them to do it again. Another way is to hide treats in interesting places and ask your dog to look for them. Since Golden Retrievers love treats, and they will work hard to ensure that they get them. The challenge of looking for the treats uses up some of the dogs excess energy, gives them a chance to exercise their body, and provides the mental stimulation a Golden needs. You can also play a version of hide and seek where you hide a dog treat in a puzzle toy like this one by Outward Hound on Amazon. Your Golden Retriever has to figure out how to get to the treat. 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! Note: Play Hide and Seek with treats in moderation since giving them too many extra treats will end up causing more harm than good. You can also try playing hide and seek with your dogs favorite toy instead. The game is fun, helps keep your dog active, and is a good way to teach them manners. This is a rope made of special material that will not hurt their teeth or have any harmful chemicals. Try the Mammoth Tug Rope found on Amazon. When playing tug of war, always remember that the game ends when the dog touches your hand with his mouth, so you should teach them this rule from the beginning. This helps ensure that the game remains safe since some dogs can get carried away when playing tug of war. Alternatively, a safer and very fun to watch way to play tug of war with your pooch is to set up a bungee out in the yard where your Golden Retriever can play the game all by himself. Watch how excited these two Goldens are to play with their new tug of war bungee. Like humans, dogs enjoy spending time in the water, especially on a hot afternoon. When teaching, use a doggy life jacket Amazon for safety. After your dog has learned how to swim, you can then have fun playing other Water Games, such as dock diving or swim racing. You can also bring along some of their toys and play a game of fetch in the water. You can play this game both indoors and outdoors. Also ensure that your Golden Retriever is running on a carpet. Otherwise, they are at risk of slipping and hurting themselves when running to get the toy, especially if the floor is slippery. For an outdoor game of fetch, the bouncier the dog toy the better. A Jolly Ball is a ball and a rope combined. This is a durable rubber toy that really bounces! The inside is hollow so it can be filled with peanut butter or dog treats for an added surprise. Clean Up Teaching Your Golden to Clean Up As its name suggests, Cleanup is where your dog will collect the toys that have scattered on the floor while you were playing. Imagine that! Though this may take time for them to get, Golden Retrievers are smart and will eventually be in a position to pickup and put away anything you ask him to. Pretty cool! You can improvise with items such as blankets, old furniture, or wrapping paper tubs, creating your own obstacle course. Use treats to lead your dog through it. This is a fun and an ideal exercise for your dog, especially if you are trying to help them lose weight. Here is a YouTube video to guide you on how to play some agility games: How to play games with agility training. Is it a sport or a game? To ensure safety in the game, make your Golden Retriever sits downstairs while you throw the treat onto the top landing. When your dog is coming downstairs, encourage them to run slowly to reduce the risk of injuries. Under, Over, and Through Golden Retriever Obstacle Course Teaching your dog to go under, over, and through objects is not only a good brain game, it is also good exercise for them. Use an item such as a chair and teach them to crawl under the legs of the chair as a response to the command you give them. You are also likely to bond better with your dog when they see you joining them. You can set up all sorts of obstacles to climb over, go around, and crawl under using items in your home. Cardio Twist Golden Retriever Slalom Game This game is often played in dog competitions, but you can play it at home as well. Set up poles using household items such as chairs or stools and have your dog weave between them. If you have other people in the game, they can also serve as poles. Weave between the poles and instruct your dog to follow you at your pace. Change your pace from fast to slow from time to time. Cardio twist is not only a great workout for you and your dog but it also helps them learn coordination. Golden Retriever slalom. You can also use pillows, chairs, people, anything really. Since dogs have a powerful sense of smell, you can make a game out of it. The follow your nose game is similar to hide-and-seek. You play it by hiding something yummy and smelly in a scent bag and instruct your Golden Retriever to look for it. Avoid hiding the bag in an obvious place. Hide it somewhere where your dog will have to put in the effort to get it, so as to challenge and stimulate them. This dog game is best played outdoors since there are many hiding spots, including underground. Golden Retrievers, young and old, love to chase bubbles out in the yard. You and your dog can have hours of fun with this one without requiring much effort on your part. An old dog will enjoy this game as much as a young dog will! This Golden Retriever loves her bubbles! Conclusion It is impossible to exhaust the list of games to play with your Golden Retriever. But whenever you have a chance, entertain and bond with them by joining them in the games listed above. And remember that safety comes first, so always ensure that your playing area is safe to avoid any risk of injuries for you and your Golden Retriever. The Three Cup Game 1. As golden retriever likes to chase you can make your own chase toy by attaching a toy to the end of a rope and tying it onto a stick you can wave around for your dog to chase. You can also make your own puzzle toy with a muffin tin, some tennis balls and a few treats. Stairway dash If you have a stairway, make it a game to run up it and burn some serious energy. To get the most exercise from this game with the least risk to your dog's joints, start at the bottom of the stairs. Put your retriever in a sit-stay and throw the toy up to the top landing. Make it more exciting by keeping your dog in a stay while creating a buildup, such as saying "Reeady…. Let your dog come back down the stairs at his own pace, encouraging a slower return since it's the downhill climb that risks injury. After 10 or so repetitions of this, golden retriever will be totally tuckered out. Agility Training Golden retrievers tend to enjoy doing dog agility training and are a good way to keep your pooch occupied in every way possible, both their body and mind. And the best part is this can be done in your backyard. Set up items like tables and hula hoops and get your retriever to go around, under, or over them. You can even work on balancing on top of smaller items. It helps you to build a bond with your golden as you work together towards a common goal. Many dogs can be trained to get comfortable on a treadmill. Start off by simply having them in the same room as the machine while it is on so they can get used to the sounds and sights. You can then turn off the treadmill, get them to stand on it, and give them a treat. After they seem comfortable, turn it on at a very low speed and encourage them to stay on with treats. If they have problems getting used to it, try standing in the front of the treadmill and giving them the occasional treat for motivation. Remember to always supervise your dog when they are on a treadmill and never tie them to it. Hiding Treats All dogs love treats and you can take advantage of this to give your golden retriever some exercise. Take some of their favorite treats and hide them around your home in various places. Consider putting them underneath rugs, behind chairs, under tables, or behind doors. Your dog is likely to get exhausted looking for the treats and get a great workout in the process. Just remember to restrict yourself to a reasonable number of treats. Giving them too many can make them sick or defeat the point of exercising by leading to weight gain. Under, over and through Training your dog to perform new tricks like high-fives or lying down is great mental exercise. However, training them to do tricks that require physical skill exercises both mind and body, making teaching certain tricks perfect for pooping out the pooch when inside on a rainy day. One of the things you can do with your dog to get started is training him to go under, over and through objects. Set up an item like a kitchen chair, a step stool, or some other sturdy object on legs. Next, teach your dog how to crawl under the object and stay there, crawl all the way through the object, walk around the object, and how to jump over it entirely. The Three Cup Game Another great nose work starter game. Get out 3 cups and line them up in a row in front of your dog. To start put a treat under one of the cups while your dog is watching, give him the OK to show you which one is the right cup. Once your dog seems to get the hang of it you can make it more challenging by mixing the cups around after you place the treat. More Training. Read articles about:Dog Activities 5 Games to Play With Your Dog One of the best parts of being a dog owner is finding fun and constructive games for dogs. Engaging in physically and mentally stimulating exercise with your dog is a great way to keep them healthy. It also strengthens your bond. All you need is a yard, park or field, a tennis ball or frisbee and an enthusiastic dog to have some fun. Fetch is an excellent game for energetic dogs. It provides plenty of physical exercise while helping them fulfill their instinct to run. It can also keep your dog mentally engaged and challenged by trying different objects for him to run after. For example, a frisbee may be a bit trickier to catch yet more fun to snag in midair. Try adjusting the height, distance and direction of your throws to keep your dog interested. Tug of War Another classic game most dogs love is playing tug of war. Great for both indoor or outdoor play, tug of war is fun and engaging for your dog. Plus, all that pulling and tugging is a good source of physical exercise. Only pull gently for a few seconds at a time. If they seem too little, explore other play activities. Try using a rope, or a dog toy made from soft rubber. If your dog has a history of back and neck injuries, try another activity until talking with your veterinarian. This dog enrichment game is a fun way for them to exercise their problem-solving skills. This game uses a flirt pole. A flirt pole is a long pole or stick with a rope attached to one end. You can either purchase a flirt pole or make one with a little bit of DIY. Tie a toy to the rope of the flirt pole and drag it slowly, occasionally stopping as your dog gets ready to pounce. Agility training is the ultimate mental and physical stimulation for dogs. It will help your dog burn off excess energy and help tire them out for a long nap or a restful night of sleep. Set up an obstacle course in a yard or park with objects from around the house. You can use boxes to jump over, cones for them to weave between and anything else that comes to mind. If you have a hula hoop, teach them to jump through it and, of course, reward them with treats as they make progress. Avoid Overstimulation There are lots of games to play with dogs both inside and outside. This leaves your dog excited for their next play session rather than exhausted and discouraged. Find out more tips and insights on dog ownership from our experts on our Pet Expertise page. Related articles. Make sure you subscribe to my YouTube Channel as I am going to be showing you some of the things I use to build a small course in my tiny yard. I will also show you how I teach my 6-month-old Lab to navigate it. Biking Biking is an all-out endurance effort for your dog. I like biking with my dog because it ramps up his cardiovascular response and gives him a great workout without killing me. Be careful with these because you will have a problem if you have a pound Lab tied to your bike and that dog decides to take after a cat. Running This is another oldie but a goodie when it comes to exercising your dog. You might not consider this a game, but if you change up your route enough, your dog will love the change in scenery. More important than what your dog sees is what he will smell. Keep in mind that your dog can run much farther than you can. So, unless you are training for a marathon, a typical run might not be enough exercise for your Retriever. Everyone gets stuck in traffic or caught in a last-minute meeting at the end of the day. These treats can be great at the last minute or, with a little preparation, they can be even better. If something unexpected comes up and you cannot get to your planned activity with your dog, then fill one of these with treats and let your dog wrestle with it for a while. Something sticky inside like peanut butter will really force your Lab or Golden to work even harder. You want the food to just be on the point of soggy without turning into mush. Now, fill the KONG treat with your soggy food and freeze it. When you get home, pull out the treat and set it out for your dog. He will work on that treat for 20 to 30 minutes trying to get the frozen food out. Adventure Hikes When you take your dog to a new field you will watch him cover at least 4 times the territory that you do sniffing and marking and learning. So, if you take a nice 1-mile-hike in a new field, your dog will likely cover 3 to 4 miles. In addition to the great physical workout, your Retriever will also be using his mind trying to figure out what he is smelling. Your dog will access long-term memory banks to see if he has ever smelled these things before. Bubbles, Bubbles, and More Bubbles Have you seen these bubble guns? They make my kids go bonkers—mostly the 2-year-old and the 5-year-old. Well, your dog is likely to enjoy chasing these wisps on the wind just as much as your children. My daughter and Odin playing with the bubble maker Get one of these guns and set yourself on one side of the yard hopefully with a crosswind and then fire away. Your Retriever will chase the bubbles and then wonder where it went after chomping down. This is almost always good for a couple of Instagram or Snap Chat posts. To make one of these great tools, get a 5-foot stick or an old fishing pole and tie a rope to the end of it. Hold the toy still on the ground until your dog approaches it. Just before he launches himself for the toy, pull it out of his reach. This will really rev him up. When he gets closer, move it again. After a couple of times, you will probably see your dog go into stealth mode. Crouching and creeping. Odin and me, just playing with a flirt pole that I made out of the Christmas light stick. His mind is going to be racing with ways to get this silly toy. It is an excellent game for both physical and mental stimulation. I like this game because it does not require a lot of me physically. For the most part, I can stand in one place and give my dog a real mental puzzle. Once your dog has those commands down pat, then you are ready to play. It also helps if your dog knows some hand signals for those commands as well. Take your dog to one side of your yard and put him in a sitting position. Then walk 10 or 15 yards away, but make sure your dog can still see you. Hold your arms out wide to your pup. If he is familiar with the hand signal, he should run towards you. Now, in the middle of his run, hold up the hand and give him the STAY command. Hopefully, your Retriever stops in his tracks. Give him the hand signal or the voice command SIT. Repeat the process until your dog reaches you. You should have some kind of a treat in your pocket to reward him for being so obedient and focused. Note: You might need to teach this activity in pieces and start with shorter distances. The mental side of this activity is fantastic. Your dog will have to focus intently on you and your commands. It will require serious self-control and it is important that every dog practice self-control on a regular basis. I doubt the chef in your house is going to want you using the one out of the cupboards. You also want several tennis balls and a smelling treat for your dog. Put the treat in one of the muffin tins and then cover it with a tennis ball. Put several more tennis balls in the other muffin places. This is another one of those activities that will use the mental aspect more so than the physical. It is a great option when you are forced indoors with weather that is either too hot or too cold. Puzzle Games If you are looking to purchase something already to engage your dog, think about one of the following puzzle games from Amazon or Chewy.
Next up is another thing to do before you bring your puppy home… How To Puppy Proof Your House When puppy-proofing your house, think like a puppy. Crawl around on the floor and take note of what you see. Puppies will chew nearly anything, so make sure that there are no valuables down at puppy-height, or things that could be poisonous to them or be a choking hazard. Make sure there are no open cabinets or pantries where your puppy could get into food. Be careful of small trash cans that could hold some smelly trash that would be enticing to a puppy. And finally, next are a few other random tasks to do before you bring home your new puppy. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! Not exactly. Find a vet. Find the closest emergency animal hospital. This is not something you want to wait until you need it before looking it up and making a plan. Find a list of local poisonous plants and animals. Talk to your vet and do some research so that you know which plants and animals to avoid. Find a puppy kindergarten class. This will help with training, socialization, and general learning how to be a puppy parent. Check your yard or house for any escape routes. This next section will cover everything from what to expect with a puppy, what to do the first 24 hours of bringing them home, how to train them, and more. A week after bringing Oliver home, it was very obvious to me why she asked me that. Puppies are hard work! Their little bladders can only hold it for a few hours, so this is expected. Chewing Puppies will try to chew any and everything. Like every thirty minutes often. Now, for the most important expectation of them all… You will miss puppyhood! Yes, you will miss the sleepless nights and puppy bites. So make sure to take lots of videos and pictures. How would you like to be treated in this situation? Here are some tips to help your puppy get comfortable in their new home. Let your puppy make decisions When you get to your house, set them at your open front door and let them choose to walk inside. Let them explore their new home on their own terms. Letting them make decisions can give them a sense of confidence, hope, and control, and ease into their new home. Limit visitors Now is the time to build the bond with your puppy and let them get to know you, not overstimulate them with a lot of people. Limit their access to your home Getting used to a new home with two rooms will be a lot easier than getting used to a new home with five rooms. Only let your puppy have access to a few rooms so that they get acclimated to their new area quicker, then as they get more comfortable you can allow them to explore new areas of the house. You can use baby gates to restrict access to sections of the house. Bonus benefit: this will also decrease the chances that they leave you a present in the guest room. In general, just keep things low key when you bring them home and let them get used to their surroundings. Training Your Golden Retriever Puppy Training your golden retriever puppy is one of the best things you can do both for them and with them. They have short attention spans and like to have fun, so short training sessions and training games work best. A lot of people think that training is just obedience training, like sit and stay , but it also includes life skills like crate training , potty training , how to not jump on people or bite them, and how to not pull on the leash. Socialization Socialization is something that is not talked about as much as it should be. It can help mitigate fear and aggression and help them become confident, well-adjusted adult dogs. You can socialize your puppy with other dogs by setting up play dates with gentle dogs that you know are vaccinated and by going to puppy kindergarten. Dog to other living beings includes humans, cats, and other animals. You can socialize them with other people by taking them to a pet-friendly store like home depot, and you can socialize them to other animals by taking a walk by the neighborhood cat with lots of distance between them, so neither animal gets overwhelmed. Dog to stuff is the broadest category, but no less important. When Oliver was very young we were on a walk and a FedEx truck drove by. He had never heard a big truck like that and was terrified. So make sure that your puppy is comfortable with trucks, cars, the garage door, buses, umbrellas, and whatever other objects they may encounter. For instance, if you live in Chicago, get them used to trains, buses and crowded streets. Every day, separate out five special treats for your puppy. For example, you might let your neighbor give your puppy a treat, or maybe you take your puppy to a bus stop and when the bus goes by you give them a treat, or maybe you introduce them to a cow and give them a treat. The treat helps them have a positive experience with these new things and people, plus it helps you easily remember to expose them to lots of these new things. Do this for the first four weeks of their life and before you know it, your puppy will have been exposed to new dogs, people, things, or environments, and will be well on their well to becoming a well-adjusted adult dog. Puppy Raising Mistakes Below are some mistakes that new puppy owners make that could make it harder to train and raise their puppy into a happy, confident adult. Not remembering how young they are Puppies are like little toddlers. Waiting to train your puppy until they have a problem Training your puppy before they have any behavior problems will make life so much easier for you. Forcing things too quickly Things like crate training and potty training take time. Setbacks hurt more than stretching their limits will help, so be patient and take things slowly. Conclusion Golden retriever puppies might just be the best living beings on the planet. However, they are a lot of work and can be quite naughty sometimes. Have any questions about golden retriever puppies? Let me know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is thinking about getting a golden retriever puppy, please share this with them. Related articles:. Play separate Bring your dog to a puppy socialization class as early as eight weeks to allow them to exhaust their energy with other puppies. This will relieve your adult dog from some of the puppy play and increase the foundation for positive interactions. We brought Emma home on a Saturday and took her to puppy class on Monday. Looks for an organization that sanitizes the play location and requires all puppies have at least their first round of vaccinations. Play sessions can be in short durations minutes. Older dogs will naturally give your puppy some corrections, and this is great for training manners. However, puppies can be like the Energizer bunny and can be more playful than your adult dog. They have not learned bite inhibition yet, and their razor-sharp shark teeth are as unpleasant to your adult dog as they are to you. Ellie likes her personal space, so watched her closely for times when she appeared overstimulated by mouthing and jumping. Behaviors to monitor and unacceptable play? Signs of tension, aggression, or fear Behaviors such as growling, snarling, snapping, charging, or biting Stiff body movements instead of bouncy Curled lip, low warning growl Ears pinned back Tucked tail One dog trying to jet away instead of taking turns You'll want to intervene and redirect if you see any of these signs. Do not pull them apart by the leash. Instead, quietly step in, separate the dogs, and distract them with a chew toy. This reassures the older dog they do not have to do it all on their own and that you will step in to rescue and support them. Be mindful of food, treats, and toys Continue to manage the environment to maximize the success of positive interaction. Pick up and remove anything your dog may be territorial over, which reduces resource guarding, when a dog reacts when they perceive a threat to a valuable resource in their possession. Feed each dog separately. You may also be interested in… About the Author Kevin Bubolz is the founder of Golden Retriever Life, an online community with a mission to spread smiles. Our Top Recommendations 1. Read ahead of time. We felt well-educated on a plan for taking care of a puppy by reading books before Emma came home. We needed to be very hands-on and involved when Emma was here, so we were happy we already had a plan ahead of time. Planning allowed us to maximize our time with her and increase success. From Day 1, we worked on very simple training tasks with her and added more skills or increased the complexity each week. Watch your puppy like a hawk. Puppies do not know right vs. Our job is to teach Emma what she should and should not do. By watching her closely, we were maximizing success for the long term. The goal is to intervene or redirect her before she starts an undesired behavior. It is easier to provide direct supervision by using puppy gates to limit her access in the apartment. Start training from day 1. Puppies need mental and physical exercise. Puppy Training We followed a five-week training plan to cover basic obedience skills and a few fun tricks. We found each week's pace of training and structure to be highly successful in building a solid foundation. I would recommend following the training in order as each week build on the previous week starting with week 1 training. Puppy Socialization Our at-home training was supplemented with puppy socialization classes at a local training facility for Emma to be around other dogs and people. We were happy we were already registered for puppy socialization classes before Emma came home. Honestly, it is one of my favorite parts of the week. Emma always came home ready for a nap. I recommend searching in your area for puppy socialization classes by looking online, asking neighbors, or asking your vet. When Emma receives all her vaccinations, we will be out and about with her more often, which will help with socialization and provide the opportunity to continue training in various environments. We plan to visit some of the pet-friendly stores in our area. Lastly, we will sign Emma up for an obedience class to continue to work toward our goal of her becoming a therapy dog to continue our mission to spread smiles. Read the full disclosure here. This comprehensive list covers all the essentials, plus some added extras. Food: Every dog needs food! See our puppy food guide for recommendations. Bowls: Your puppy is going to need something to eat that food from. Something to think about. Bedding: Your pup will need a comfortable bed to call their own. You can decide whether to choose a puppy-sized one or one that they can grown into. To avoid buying more than one crate, you can get one big enough to fit your adult golden and make it puppy-sized using dividers. Brushes: Get your puppy some brushes suitable for a longer-coated dog. The sooner you get pup used to being brushed, the easier it will be in the future. Toothbrush and toothpaste: These are daily essentials in your grooming routine. Be sure to choose a dog-specific toothpaste as the human stuff can be dangerous to canines. Treats: Essential for training. Pick high-value treats for when you really want to motivate your pup. Chew toys are essential to help direct chewing away from your belongings. Tug toys, balls to play fetch and treat-dispensing toys are also nice to have. Travel harness or dog guard: To keep your dog safe in the car. These are the main things you need to think about when puppy proofing your home. Put them up high or away in their proper place. Not only will it leave you out of pocket if your pup chews something expensive, many such items are also choking hazards. Be careful of plants: Make sure you remove any plants that are poisonous to dogs , both in your house and your garden. Common offenders include foxglove, wisteria and yew. Secure medicines and cleaning products: Both medicines and cleaning products can be highly toxic to dogs if ingested. Hide electrical cords: If a puppy sinks their teeth into an electrical cord, it can prove fatal. Try not to have electrical cords running across the room or out in the open where your puppy can get to them. If needs be, you can get cord concealers, cord wraps or even pvc pipes to secure them. Planning Appropriate Puppy Socialization Socialization, with both humans and other dogs plus other animals, if your new puppy is going to be around them , is one of the most important things to think about with your new puppy. A well-socialized puppy should turn into an adult dog who interacts well with all dogs and people, which makes your life so much easier as a dog-owner. It might sound a bit over the top, but it will stop your pup from getting confused or overstimulated and it sets some ground rules for the humans involved, too. Pick out regular meal times for your puppy and try to stick to them as closely as possible. Also take your puppy out into the garden on a schedule, as this will really help with toilet training. You can also schedule in training sessions, play sessions and, when your puppy is old enough, their daily walks. Learning How To Train Your Puppy You might think that training your new dog will be intuitive when you get them home, but dog training is a skill you learn, not one you just pick up as you go along. Once your puppy is old enough, group puppy training classes are an excellent idea. Not only will you learn more about training your pup, your dog will also get to socialize with other young canines. The ideal option is to have the puppy in the back seat in a car harness and have a passenger sit next to them, who can hold, pet and comfort them on the journey home. Some people forgo the harness altogether and have a passenger simply hold the puppy, wrapped in a blanket or towel. However, before you even get your puppy into the car, you should try to get them to relieve themself first , to avoid any toilet-based accidents on the journey home. Once you get your precious pup home, all that effort and preparation will have been worth it to give your new four-legged friend the best start in life. 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You make it seem like puppy ownership is as simple and trouble-free as the world presented in cute puppy pictures. We can all agree that, at birth, all puppies are too adorable for words. We can also agree that raising puppies is a weighty responsibility, and never one to be undertaken lightly. Boxer puppies are not special in this regard. These caveats out of the way, it seems like no time at all between the stages of tiny, mewling infant and the first time you get the guilty look from Boxer puppies. Out of the whelping box, straight into mischief Boxer puppies start up with impish behavior from the moment they take their first tentative steps out of the whelping box. Training and socialization are key elements to a happy life with Boxer puppies. These little guys and gals, after all, become huge and physically imposing dogs. Keep an eye on this little fellow! Boxer puppies were made for the outdoors. Being outside, running about, playing with toys, and pawing at stuff — this is a top-flight day of action and adventure for Boxer puppies. When they want a snack before dinner, though, Boxer puppies will try and get sneaky. That we have such things as cute puppy pictures, of course, owes as much to human waggery as to anything Boxer puppies get into of their own accord. Boxer puppies are well known for toting things around in their mouths. No room in the house is safe from the shenanigans of Boxer puppies. Did you remember to close the bathroom door? Have fun re-rolling the toilet paper! Boxer puppies are eager, excitable, and enthusiastic friends to dog owners who are ready and willing to put in the work that training requires. Is it possible to sit Boxer puppies next to flowers and not have them inspire confidence, ease, and a sense of pervading calm? Sure, this brindle Boxer puppy seems contented, seated next to a little garden pinwheel, but be careful not to let her sit idle for too long. Boxer puppies need stimulation and interaction, so make sure she has toys to play with and things to occupy her mind! Boxer puppies love to play. Growing into solid, well-built dogs, they never really lose the joy and excitement that comes along with meeting new friends. Are your Boxer puppies naughty or nice? Every dog is different; each has her own personality and tendencies. Much depends on us, as dog owners, to train and socialize them in order to corral their wilder instincts. Do you have any experience with Boxer puppies? Share your experiences with Boxers at every stage of life in the comments! Page 8 Hurley the Boxer puppy at 4 months old; Hurley looks a lot like Bruno. On one of the first warm days of the spring season Bruno the Boxer enjoys sitting outside in the sun. Later Bruno decides it's time to also warm up his underside. His father is a very tall, confident male and his mother is a very gentle and attentive female. Ramsey is very attached to his family and whines at the window when my husband goes to work or when my daughter gets on the school bus. He is also very gentle to my year-old daughter. He often falls asleep with the children on the rug in the family room. He needs to be out! He loves to play fetch and leaps over fallen trees in the woods. He walks 3x a week and plays with the kids or ball for the remaining week days. Ramsey loves people and children. He becomes excited when extended family members visit and sits in their lap so that they won't leave. We love him very much. He also doesn't realize that he's 70 pounds of pure muscle and tries to be a lap dog like a Yorkie! Sadie loves this football; she plays tug-o-war with it. In this picture she had been holding it in her mouth for the longest time. Lacy Ann Price the Boxer at 11 years old Frank the white Boxer 7-month-old Daria with her tongue hanging out Caesar the brindle Boxer at 9 months old Simba the white Boxer puppy at 4 months old Simba the white Boxer at 7 months old. A little cuckoo in the best way. These are a few ways that parents of Boxer puppies might describe their pooches. The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds for good reason. Those adorable looks are backed up by big personalities. Do you think a Boxer puppy is right for you? Brush up on your facts about Boxer puppies before you adopt! That can make quite a mess! Boxers are known for their puppy-at-heart attitude that shines through their young adult years. Be sure to give your Boxer puppy plenty of space to exercise and play, and teach them how to settle down if need be. This stubbornness also can carry over into aggression. Some Boxers can get rough with dogs of the same size and sex. Be sure to socialize your Boxer pup early and often and set up expectations early to avoid too much drama. Your Boxer puppy will have tons of energy, but as they age, the need for snuggles and downtime will start to balance out with the need for play. Boxer puppy sitting in grass Boxer puppy looking up at camera Boxer puppy looking at camera Boxer puppy running Boxer puppy Boxer puppy lying in grass. Our stock photo library contains a vast collection of images featuring these adorable canines. Our collection boasts everything from playful puppies to majestic adult dogs, and they come in a range of styles, including black and white, color, and more. When selecting an image, it's important to consider the purpose of your project. For example, if you're creating a website or social media platform aimed at promoting boxer dog fitness, you may want to use images of active dogs running or playing. Alternatively, if you're creating a blog post or article about the breed's history, an image of a statue or painting could be a good fit. No matter what the purpose of your project, our boxer dog images are sure to fit your needs. All of our images are available in high-quality JPG, AI, and EPS formats, meaning they can be used for print or digital marketing initiatives, social media posts, websites, and more. Suitable for Every Project Our boxer dog images are not just limited to pet-focused projects. These furry companions are versatile and flexible, and their images can be used across a range of industries. If you're in the pet industry, images of boxer dogs could help you attract more customers, as the breed is incredibly popular. Alternatively, you could use these images for non-pet related projects like book or album covers, greeting cards, or calendars. Make your Project Stand Out In a world of digital noise, it's essential to make your projects stand out. One of the best ways to do that is by incorporating high-quality images, and our boxer dog images will surely do the trick. They're not just cute and lovable; they're also expressive and full of character, making them perfect for a wide range of projects. Take your project to the next level with our boxer dog images, and you'll definitely make a lasting impression. Nothing Beats Authenticity When choosing the perfect photo for your project, you want to make sure that it's authentic and reflects the desired tone and mood. Our boxer dog images are real photographs of these lovable dogs, meaning you can trust that they are genuine and free of any awkward or stiff poses that sometimes come with posed photoshoots. With our boxer dog images, you'll get pictures that genuinely reflect the breed's personality, making them ideal for projects that require authentic, natural-looking visuals. Conclusion Our boxer dog images offer endless possibilities, designed to suit projects of all kinds. With high-quality images available in various formats and styles, our collection is an ideal selection for web and print design, social media, and other projects that can benefit from their irresistible charm. Selecting the right images for your project can seem daunting, but with our straightforward and vast stock photo library, you can choose the perfect image for your project in no time. Get your hands on these fantastic boxer dog images for your project and watch it come to life with the perfect visuals.
Prices for Labrador Retrievers may be influenced by several things. Expect some to be more expensive than others because these canines are grown and raised differently by each breeder. The following are some typical elements that influence the price of a Labrador Retriever puppy. Physical Appearance The yellow Labrador Retriever often commands a more excellent price than the chocolate or black Lab. Labrador Retrievers are available in various hues, including red, yellow, black, chocolate, and Dudley. They can also be categorized as English or American Labradors; the latter is the more reasonably priced canine. Due to their different uses, American Labradors are more commonly employed for fieldwork, whereas English Labs are primarily utilized as show dogs. Click here to learn more. Purebred puppies sprung from a show championship bloodline are unavoidably more expensive than a Lab puppy of pet quality, even though this has little influence on their ability to be loving companions. Although younger canines will cost more, you will get to enjoy them while they are still puppies. On the other hand, an older dog will likely be calmer and cost less money but may have behavioral problems that need to be addressed. Training A puppy will cost more than the usual price if the breeder has previously trained it. Raising a well-behaved dog is also more likely a result. Different breeds require different amounts of sleep, but how much sleep do Labradors need? Even though it is more expensive, this is a better and more ethical choice than purchasing a dog from a backyard breeder or a puppy factory. If you want your puppy to have this certification, be prepared to pay more for a Labrador Retriever. Health Health problems can arise in Labrador Retrievers. The most frequent conditions are progressive retinal atrophy, which causes blindness, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Therefore, you should always ask the breeder if they have checked the parents for hip, elbow, or eye issues before purchasing a Labrador puppy. The cost of the puppy will be lower if the pedigree has a history of hip or elbow dysplasia. A reputable breeder will provide health records and certificates for both parents. The puppy will be protected from inheriting progressive retinal atrophy and will have a higher likelihood of having healthy hips and elbows. Because unskilled owners misunderstand how much exercise these working dogs require and cannot exhaust them, American Labradors are more likely to wind up in shelters. An English Lab is unusual to come across at a shelter. That is because they are show dogs and frequently have more seasoned owners. They are also much less energetic, making them a good choice for young families searching for their first dog. Although labs are generally calm and easygoing, a rescue Labrador may not be the best choice for new parents. They may require special attention and instruction because of behavioral problems brought on by previous neglect. Other Factors In general, service dog-trained Labrador Retriever puppies cost much more than regular Lab puppies. An assistance dog must undergo considerable training, which adds significant expenses to its upbringing. To avoid unforeseen costs, ask the breeder specific questions about what is included in the bill. How Much Is a Labrador Puppy? This becomes particularly true if the Lab puppy you intend to buy comes from a line of champions. Labrador Retrievers are a friendly, devoted breed that gets along well with kids. Additionally, labs are very clever, driven, and simple to teach. They are, therefore, excellent dogs for new owners. Particularly in America, it is not difficult to discover Labrador pups for sale. A Labrador can be adopted in various ways, including from dog shelters and breeders. For instance, there are several blends, colors, and types of labs. Click here to find out. However, getting a black Labrador puppy from a top-notch retriever could be pricey. Although yellow labs are not uncommon, because of their high level of popularity, adopting one of these puppies can be expensive. It is less expensive to adopt than to purchase from a breeder. When you purchase from a reputed breeder, you also increase your chances of receiving a healthy puppy. They prepare to move to a permanent home when they are eight weeks old. Before this age, no Chocolate Lab should be sold. Make sure the breeder you choose to get your puppy from is reputable. Avoid puppy mills and pet retailers when purchasing pups at all costs. You must be prepared to pay a little bit more if you want a Silver Lab or charcoal or Champagne. Despite their growing numbers, they are still uncommon, particularly in the UK. This fact has led some people to conclude that breeders only chose to breed this uncommon gene for this purpose. Prices will probably decrease as they grow more widespread, but they might never get to the point where they are comparable to regular labs that adhere to AKC rules. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please note: We are not veterinarians and you use our advice at your own discretion. We always recommend that you consult your veterinarian whenever you have health-related conditions your furbaby is facing. With that in mind, as pet parents ourselves, we wish nothing but the best for your pet and their healthy and happy lives. The cost of a Labrador Retriever puppy can vary significantly, depending on where you get your dog. If you decide to adopt a dog instead of buying a puppy from a breeder, you may get your dog for free or only be looking at a couple of hundred dollars, which will offset the rescue costs. These dogs are extremely popular, being the most registered dog in America and England since , and thus finding a Labrador Retriever to call your own is not a challenging task. A beautiful black Labrador Retriever dog Should you buy a Lab puppy or an older dog? There are pros and cons to buying both puppies and older Lab dogs. Labrador puppies are more expensive and require more vaccinations initially; however, older Labradors may have health issues or require intensive training to iron out negative habits. They are some of the cutest in the doggie kingdom. A Labrador Retriever is a large dog and this is going to cost more in the long run, than say, buying a Chihuahua. Large breed dogs like Labradors eat a lot, and this expense can be pretty significant, depending on the brand of dog food you buy. For instance, a Labrador Puppy will consume around pounds of dry puppy food a year, whereas an adult Lab will eat about pounds of food each year. That said, be sure not to overfeed your Labrador Retriever, as these food-obsessed dogs are prone to developing obesity. Dogs that are bred to be show or field-quality dogs can be significantly more expensive. How to find a reputable Labrador breeder and avoid puppy mills Be very wary of Lab puppy mills and backyard breeders when looking for your new dog. These parent dogs are often not health screened and sometimes live in very poor environments where their sole purpose is to have more and more puppies. To this end, a Labrador dog that is too cheap should be seen as a red flag. A breeder who generally cares for their pet will undoubtedly charge more, but then you have peace of mind knowing that the parent dogs are happy and healthy and well looked after. These fees often already include spaying or neutering costs, vaccinations, and microchipping. These include the following: Two adorable yellow Labrador Retriever puppies staying warm 1. Age Generally, the older the dog, the cheaper the initial purchase price. Young eight-week-old Lab puppies are going to be the most expensive choice. The double coat of the Labrador Retrievers comes in three main colors, namely chocolate brown , black, and yellow Labrador which is a creamy color. Black Labradors are generally the most expensive of the three. Silver Labradors are also a possibility but are pretty rare and also costly. Read our article here to learn more about Labrador Retriever colors. Purebred or mixed Labrador Retrievers are commonly mixed with other breeds to create interesting crosses like the Borador , Bassador , and Boxador. Mix breed dogs are generally less expensive than purebred Lab puppies and have fewer health issues, so they can also be cheaper in the long run. Parents that are champion or show quality dogs are going to produce more expensive puppies. Labrador dogs that have been specifically trained for specific roles like service dogs, guide dogs, and search and rescue dogs will also be more expensive than those destined for a life of leisure as the family pet. Labrador type Did you know there are two types of purebred Labradors? The most common pet Labrador is the American version, whereas English Labs are more common amongst show dogs. American Labradors are generally more athletic compared to the fluffy, broad-chested English Labs. Labrador puppies registered with the AKC are more expensive. Gender Female Labrador dogs will typically cost more than male Labs because they have breeding potential. That said, dogs that have already been spayed or neutered and are not bred for subsequent litters should cost around the same. These should include screenings for hip and elbow dysplasia as well as progressive retinal atrophy PRA. A DNA test for exercise-induced collapse is also sometimes performed. In addition, most reputable breeders will bear the costs of the first worming and vaccinations as well as tick and flea treatments and microchipping your pet. As mentioned, Labs are one of the most popular dog breeds, and being so in demand can push the price of puppies up, especially if you only have limited breeders where you live. Training and socialization Some breeders take the time to train and socialize their Lab puppies. There are grooming, exercise, food, training, and health care costs to consider. Vet expenses are one of the most significant cost considerations. These include regular vet checkups, vaccines, deworming, spaying or neutering, and attending to any health issues that may arise. Some common health concerns with this dog breed include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, ear infections, and eye problems. It is a good idea to add pet health insurance into your budget as this will help pay for any emergency medical treatment or health problems should the need arise. Seven yellow Labrador Retriever puppies indulging on their meal A quick search on Amazon will yield thousands of Labrador dog food options to choose from with various price tags. Be sure to check out our article on the best dog foods for Labs to help make your selection. Professional groomers will usually bathe and shampoo your Lab dog and also clean the teeth and the ears. Introductory obedience group sessions can be a good idea to socialize your puppy and learn a few basic skills. Another cost is a dog license. Two newborn Lab puppies getting as much sleep as they can There are some essential things you need to take into consideration before getting a Labrador puppy. Do you have the right space for your Labrador Retriever? Labrador Retrievers are big dogs that need space. They will need a house with a yard where they can expel their excess energy. Do you have time for your Lab dog? Labs are not couch potatoes, especially when they are puppies. These dogs require active owners who can dedicate time to exercise and play with them. They need to be walked at least once a day and may also enjoy a good swim. Can you afford a Labrador dog? As mentioned, the cost of buying a Labrador dog is just the first step. There are many other factors to consider to keep your pet healthy and well-looked after. You need to keep these in mind when asking yourself if you can afford a pet. Will a Labrador suit your lifestyle? Also, if you like a clean house, then a Labrador Retriever is not the best dog for you. These messy pups like to swim, and they shed a lot. A new Lab puppy is also likely to make a mess in the house a few times while being potty trained. Will a Labrador Retriever dog fit in with your family? Labrador Retrievers are known to be excellent family dogs. Just be careful with bringing a tiny puppy into a home with young kids. Labs, however, are very gentle dogs and so make excellent family pets when your kids get a bit older. What are great names for a Labrador Retriever? There are so many great dog names that you can choose for your Labrador Retriever. A good name should be easy to call and preferably just one or two syllables as it will be easier for your dog to learn. These names could include options like Max, Rover, Ace, or Buddy. Other popular Labrador Retriever names are inspired by coat colors such as night, shadow, onyx, or raven for a black Lab and sunny, blondie, goldie, or summer for a yellow lab. Conversely, chocolate Labs could go by the name Hershey, brownie, brandy, cookie, or muffin. Labrador Retrievers are some of the most loving, intelligent, and fun dogs out there. There is a reason why they are one of the most popular breeds in the world. That said, getting one of these puppies is a significant investment. If you can afford the cost of buying a Labrador Retriever and the monthly expenses that incur looking after a pet, then no doubt a Lab will be a fantastic addition to your home and possibly your most loved family member. Do you already have a Labrador Retriever at home? How much did you pay for your Labrador dog, and is there anything you wish you knew before bringing your new pet home? Be sure to let us know in the comments below. Further reading: The Cost of Popular Pooches. Over the years, this breed of dog has consistently ranked in the top five for most popular dog breeds. In fact, for nearly 31 years, the Labrador Retriever was ranked as the number one most popular dog before getting knocked out of the number one spot this year by the French Bulldog. And with this breed, often referred to as simple the Lab, remaining high on the list for most searched for and most loved dog, we want to know how much it costs to own one. What are the costs associated with these dogs, from actually getting the puppy to feeding them and beyond. How much does it cost to own a Labrador Retriever? Crufts returns this year after it was cancelled last year due to the Coronavirus pandemic. And we should also point out that a Chocolate Lab is going to cost more than a Black Lab or a Yellow Lab since this color of fur is rarer. Next, we have to talk about feeding your Lab. Considering the Labrador Retriever is medium to large breed dog and often on the larger side of things , you are looking at a diet that may cost a bit more. Now we have to talk about those vet visits. That being said, there are some health concerns that all Labrador Retrievers may face over the course of their lives our pup was lucky enough to not have to deal with these issues, although he did have to have his eyelids fixed as a puppy and that can significantly increase their vet bills. Finally, you will absolutely want to consider grooming when it comes to your Lab as they are another breed that has a double coat. Of course, dog toys, beds and other supplies are also a must for your pup, so these are added expenses that should also be considered. However, if you have ever owned a Lab, you know they are absolutely worth the cost. Less - The Labrador Retriever is a medium to large-sized , short-coupled, powerfully-built dog with a short, dense, water-resistant coat; small, drop ears; and a short, thick otter-like tail carried level with the back or with a slight upward curve. The length of body is equal to or only slightly longer than the height at the withers, and the distance from the elbows to the ground is equal to one-half the height at the withers. Balance, outline, intelligence, temperament and movement are of overriding importance. The Labrador Retriever is a breed of moderation, thoroughly sound, and willing and able to do its work. The Labrador Retriever is a dog without exaggeration, so light, weedy dogs; long, low-stationed dogs; and cloddy, lumbering dogs are to be equally penalized. The Labrador Retriever is an enthusiastic hunter with a good nose and a soft mouth. They excel in all performance activities. Another essential characteristic of the Labrador Retriever is the short, dense, double coat that protects the dog when retrieving from water. Labrador Retrievers are noted for their excellent temperaments. This breed is friendly, outgoing and eager to please. They are extremely intelligent and easily trained to perform a variety of complex tasks. These dogs were brought to England, probably on fishing boats. Originally black in color, the first recorded yellow Labrador appeared in a litter born in .Chocolates were also recorded at about the same time, but never achieved the same level of popularity as the blacks and yellows. Originally bred to retrieve from water, the modern Labrador Retriever has proven to be one of the most versatile breeds, excelling in hunt tests and field trials, in obedience and agility events, and also as service dogs. How Much Does a Labrador Cost? And, this is just the upfront cost of the puppy. This includes the cost of food, veterinary bills, grooming, bedding, and so on. Labrador puppy costs depend on a few factors. Quality of the breeder Quality of the parent dogs Type of Labrador eg. For instance, puppy prices tend to be higher before Christmas, so buy a puppy in the spring, instead. Originally, black Labs were favored above other colors. Brown and yellow Labs were extremely uncommon, and were not at all desirable. Over time, this opinion changed and brown and yellow Labs became more accepted. Shooting communities still tend to prefer the black Lab, but yellow Labs are very common in other working roles, like as therapy dogs and guide dogs. On the whole, each official Labrador color will cost a similar amount. But, yellow and brown Labs may cost slightly more than black Labs, since the genes that cause their coloring are recessive and therefore are less common. Non-Standard Colors Labrador costs can be hugely increased or reduced by non standard colors or patterns. For instance, dilute shades or mismarks. Dilute coloring is recessive and highly controversial in the Labrador community. The genes that cause these shades will dilute pigmentation, turning black Labs into charcoal Labs, chocolate Labs into silver Labs, and yellow Labs into champagne Labs. Some believe this color results from cross-breeding. But, others believe the recessive genes simply remained hidden over generations, like original yellow and chocolate coloring. Dilute colors are not accepted in the official breed standard. So, many breeders will not adjust their price, and may even lower it for unexpected dilute puppies. The same is the case with mismarks. Mismarks can include white patches and spots, brindling, and even tan markings. Extensive mismarks will disqualify a Lab from show. Show type Labs are bred to fit the Labrador breed standard. They are usually slightly stockier and less active than field types. Field types are more often bred for their working ability than for any specific appearance. Labradors cost more when they are bred to show standards. Field Labs tend to be cheaper than Labradors bred for show. But, you should consider which type is best for you, rather than just going for the cheapest Labrador you can find. Field type Labs can be much more energetic and active than show types. First time owners may find the English Lab slightly easier to raise and train! Conversely, Labrador costs can be highest with field trial champion bred dogs that are likely to win awards. Labrador Costs From Breeders vs Shelters Labrador puppies from reputable breeders will cost more than dogs from a rescue center. Whilst Labs from breeders can cost thousands of dollars, Labradors from rescue centers can only be a few hundred dollars. A major difference between Labs from a breeder and Labs from a rescue center is the history of the dogs. Puppies from a breeder will stay with their mom and siblings until 8 weeks old. At 8 weeks, puppies can go to their new home. Rescue center dogs can have unknown histories, or even histories that involve abuse. Labs from rescue centers are usually older, and have often lived with other families. However, many Labs are given up for non-behavioral reasons. They can be just as wonderful pets as puppies from a breeder. And, many dogs from rescue centers will have basic training, including house training, obedience, and potentially recall. Why Are Breeders So Expensive? Reputable breeders tend to cost more than any other puppy source. Breeders have to spend a lot when breeding a litter, and all of this will lower their profit margins. Labrador breeding costs include: Health testing and certificates. Life Span Did You Know? Black Labrador Retrievers, or just Black Labs, are a common coat color variation of one of the most popular dog breeds. The Black Labrador Retriever is not necessarily a separate dog breed. Black Labs are still Labrador Retrievers; they just have a distinct coat color that is a specifically-bred characteristic. Like other Labrador Retrievers, Black Labs are energetic, playful, and affectionate dogs that make great family companions. Although they are active and energetic dogs, Labs are also known for their gentleness and patience with other family members. Well-socialized Black Labs tend to get along well with just about everyone including children, other dogs, pets, and even strangers. They are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , Black Labs thrive on attention, especially from their favorite humans. They are happiest when they are spending time with their families and receiving affection and attention from them. Despite their high energy, Labs are highly adaptable dogs. They do tend to be better suited to homes with fenced yards where they can run, but they also adapt well to apartments provided they get enough daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. They do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat and extreme cold like many dog breeds. As such, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Black Labrador Retriever can include elbow dysplasia , hip dysplasia, heart disease, hereditary myopathy, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Another potential health concern is EIC exercise-induced collapse , which can occur in young adult Labs and has a genetic link. Because carriers can be identified by DNA tests, it is recommended that breeders test for them. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you talk to the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Labrador Retrievers are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Although their high energy and puppylike exuberance can sometimes be a challenge, they are intelligent dogs that are eager to please. As long as training is kept consistent and focused on positive rewards and praise, novice owners still tend to do well with Black Labs. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training too. Black Labs have a short, water-resistant double coat that sheds year-round and sheds heavier as seasons change. Depending on how active your Black Lab is and what they get into, they may need a bath more often, especially if they are swimming a lot. Weekly ear checks and careful cleanings when needed help prevent ear infections. Good dental care for dogs , like daily brushing and cleanings at the vet when needed, can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. As one of the most active dog breeds , a Black Labrador Retriever will need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are a minimum. Your Black Lab will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood. They tend to maintain a puppylike exuberance until they are years old. Although they do tend to mellow out as they get older, they are still active, energetic, and playful dogs. Once they are fully grown, you can try other things like hiking, running, dock diving, and more to find other activities you and your Black Lab can enjoy together. Fully-grown Black Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Black Labs generally live for years on average. Black Labrador Retrievers came before the also-popular Chocolate Lab. All modern Chocolate Labs can be traced back to three Black Labs in the s. It was the December issue of .Featured Black Labrador Retriever Article. Your Labrador puppy will need a bed, collar, leash, poop bags, food bowls, food, treats, toys, grooming supplies, and a dog crate. It is important to get any dog licensed to avoid legal issues. Training Labrador Retrievers are easy to train and do not require professional training. But, some keepers choose to take their Lab to puppy school. Because they are highly motivated, Labradors also do great in agility training. This is also a great way for them to use up their energy. Owners can either build their own agility course or pay to put their dog in agility classes. Vet Fees and Insurance One of the most expensive parts of owning a dog is all the vet visits. This includes all of their shots and monthly checkups. A way to help reduce the cost of veterinary bills is through buying pet insurance. It is best to start paying for a pet insurance policy when your Labrador is a puppy. Senior dogs are more expensive to cover since they are more likely to develop health problems. Food When it comes to feeding a Labrador, they are not cheap. Labradors eat a lot of food. They are medium to large-sized dogs and weigh around 70 pounds. These prices are based on feeding a high quality kibble. Wet food can easily cost several hundred dollars more. Backyard Breeders One important thing every potential owner should remember is to avoid backyard breeders and pet shops. It is true that these places sell dogs for a much lower price. But, that does not mean they will be cheaper over their lifespan. Backyard breeders do not screen their dogs to determine if they have inheritable health problems. This results in Lab puppies being born that are more likely to develop health issues such as hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. These breeders also do not provide proper veterinary care for their puppies. Many are sold while having worms or fleas and having received no socialization. Ethical Labrador breeders ensure their breeding stock is screened and their puppies are healthy and socialized before placing them into their new homes. Labrador Retrievers can develop diseases of the eye. The form of this disease that is very common is Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration. Caused by an inheritable genetic mutation, it ultimately leads to blindness. Screening will help to prevent you from buying a puppy that may become blind later on in life. Dogs with this disease will lose their sight between one and eight years of age. Hip and Elbow Scores Another health problem that Labradors are prone to is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a genetic skeletal disease that causes the hip joint to not form properly. This results in the femur grinding against the hip causing deterioration and loss of function. Many Labradors with this condition end up having to undergo surgery to reduce pain and regain function in their hips. The average hip score for a Labrador retriever is 12, so any score below that is considered good. Ideally, good breeders will only breed dogs with hip scores under .This will prevent you from purchasing a Labrador puppy that will require expensive surgery later on in its life. Purpose American Labradors are best suited for active families. Families that enjoy activities such as swimming, running, and hiking. They are great for families with older children who can engage and play with them more. American Labs would also do best with owners who can dedicate more time to them because they require a lot of exercise every day. People who work from home or part time would be ideal. English Labradors would make great pets for quieter families because they have a calmer personality. They are also gentler and would do well with a family that has young children. Since they are less active, they are suitable for a busier family who has less time to exercise them. Their docile, patient attitude also makes them excellent candidates to be service dogs so they would be a great dog for people who need one in their life. Summary The price of a Labrador can vary depending on if you get one from a breeder or rescue. Its color, pedigree and health will also influence the price. All Labradors are prone to health conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy and hip or elbow dysplasia. Make sure the breeder screens for these health conditions before breeding. This will help to ensure your puppy is healthy. The cost to keep a Labrador healthy, exercised and happy can get pricey. But, if an owner has done their research and prepared themselves, then Labradors make an excellent addition. What Lab do you prefer? American, English, or mixed? Let us know! He has spent decades training working dogs and spends most of his spare time studying, reading and learning about their behavior and welfare. Outside of Marvelous Dogs, he enjoys trail running and agility work with his working Labrador Retriever. You May Also Like.
What is the White color? There are a total of 6 color variations with white that are recognized by the AKC. Frenchies with pure-white coats will cost more than those with spots of other colors such as black throughout their coat. What White Frenchies look like While you may think that all White Frenchies look the same— this is not the case. As mentioned earlier, there are a few different variations of White French Bulldogs, with some having colors such as Fawn or Black throughout their coat. The Role of Color in Hearing You may be wondering how the color of the coat could affect hearing. A lack of pigment cells The reason for this is that these genes are associated with a lack of pigment cells which give the appearance of their coats. This affects the small hairs in the ear There are small hairs in the inner ear that are called cilia, and when there is an extreme lack of pigment cells, the cilia may not develop properly, resulting in deafness. Hearing tests can rule out deafness If you are interested in a predominantly white French Bulldog or are just concerned about the possibility of your new puppy being deaf, be sure to ask your breeder about performing a BAER test. Test for Health Issues. This is because White Frenchies have become increasingly popular, raising the number of breeders involved in their creation. It is important to note that white French Bulldogs can sometimes have health issues, such as deafness or skin problems, due to their coat color. As such, it is essential to research breeders carefully and ensure that any white French Bulldog you adopt comes from a responsible breeder who has taken steps to minimize the risk of health issues. However, they may not fare well in show competitions and conformation rings due to their association with deafness. Check out this unbelievably cute and happy White Frenchie: White Frenchie vs. Cream Frenchie White Frenchies have a pure white coat, while cream Frenchies have a slightly yellowish or beige tint to their coat. This color difference is due to a pigment called pheomelanin, which is responsible for the red or brown coloration in dogs. Cream Frenchies have a low concentration of pheomelanin, which gives them their cream or beige color. Regarding health, there is no significant difference between white and cream Frenchies. Both colors are prone to the same health issues that affect the breed, such as respiratory problems and skin allergies. However, it is essential to note that white Frenchies may be more susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer due to their lower pigment levels. As you can see, while these two colors seem strikingly similar, some key differences distinguish them. White Frenchie vs. However, White Frenchies have black noses, dark eyes, and black paw pads. On the other hand, an albino French Bulldog has a white coat with pink or blue eyes, a pink nose, and pale paw pads. Albinism is a genetic condition that affects melanin production, affecting everything, from color to skin, hair, and eyes. Albino Frenchies lack melanin, which causes their pink or blue eyes and pink nose and paw pads. This condition can also cause sensitivity to sunlight and other health issues. Help Dogs In Need Our blog posts aim to provide comprehensive, accurate, and objective information on all types of dogs, helping our readers make informed choices that fit their lifestyle. We don't endorse any specific breeding practices, but advocate for ethical breeding and dog welfare. We encourage exploring adoption first. Countless wonderful dogs, from all breeds, await their forever homes in shelters. Remember, with AdoptDontShop, you can give a deserving rescue a second chance at happiness. Platinum Frenchie White Frenchies have a pure white coat with no other colors or markings. Platinum Frenchies, on the other hand, have a light, off-white coat with a cream look and a slight bluish-gray tinge silverish. Platinums also have light eyes and paws, while whites have dark eyes and paws. In the s, the breed became popular in France, where they were further developed and refined. The breed was then brought back to England and America, where it gained popularity as a companion dog. The French Bulldog comes in various colors, including fawn, brindle, and black. However, the white French Bulldog is a more recent breed variation. This is because White Frenchies were initially considered a fault in the breed standard due to their association with deafness. Today, white French Bulldogs are a popular variation of the breed and can be found in many countries around the world. They are known for their affectionate and playful nature, making them a great choice for families and individuals. Even molecular and gene testing centers identify the e allele in white dogs. However, experts have identified other genes for the white color in dogs. For example, Dr. Little allocated white spotting and extreme white spotting almost all white to the S locus. He also theorized that a Cch allele faded phaeomelanin to cream, Ce faded phaeomelanin to white, and Ca caused albinism. Some link whiteness in dogs to the Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor MITF , which has been linked to deafness too. They have a short, smooth, and fine coat that is predominantly white. Their coat is soft to the touch and requires minimal grooming. The head of the White French Bulldog is large and square-shaped, with a very short muzzle and a black nose. Their eyes are round and dark in color, and their ears are erect and bat-like. The White French Bulldog has a short, sturdy neck, broad shoulders, and a deep chest. Their legs are short, muscular, and paws compact and round. They have a short and smooth tail that is either straight or slightly curved. The average height of a White French Bulldog is between 11 and 12 inches cm , and they weigh between 16 and 28 pounds kg. They are friendly and sociable with their family and love to be around people. They make great companions for families with children, as they are patient and gentle with kids. These dogs are also very loyal and protective of their family. They have a strong instinct to protect their loved ones and will bark at any perceived threat. These are sassy dogs with big personalities, so plenty of socialization is vital. White French Bulldogs are moderately intelligent and easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques and are eager to please their owners. They can be stubborn sometimes, but with patience and consistency, you can train them to obey commands. One thing to remember is that White French Bulldogs can be prone to separation anxiety. They do not like to be left alone for long periods and may become destructive if bored or anxious. Providing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation is essential to keep them happy and healthy. Here are some of the most common health issues: Deafness White or partially white dogs are more likely to be deaf. Other white dogs like Norwegian Dunkerhounds and Cocker Spaniels also reported high deafness levels. Sunburn and Skin Problems White French Bulldogs have a higher risk of sunburn and skin problems due to their light skin color. It is best to keep them indoors during peak sun hours and to apply pet-safe sunscreen to their skin when they go outside. Skin problems like allergies, hot spots, and skin fold dermatitis are also common among Frenchies, and it is vital to keep their skin clean and dry to prevent these issues. Breathing Difficulties These dogs are susceptible to Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome due to their short muzzles. This causes wheezing and sometimes dry heaving. Eye Problems White French Bulldogs are also prone to several eye problems. Brachycephalic ocular syndrome, glaucoma, corneal ulcers, dry eye, cherry eye, and entropion are some of the eye problems that can affect Frenchies. Regular eye checkups with a veterinarian catch any eye problems early on. Musculoskeletal Issues Musculoskeletal issues like hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and intervertebral disc disease are common among Frenchies. These issues can cause pain and discomfort for the dog and may require surgery or other treatments. Neurological Issues Neurological issues like hydrocephalus, an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, can be seen in some Frenchies. This condition can cause seizures, blindness, and other neurological symptoms. Dental Issues Their crowded teeth and narrow jaw can lead to dental problems such as misalignment, gum disease, and tooth decay. The compact space in their mouths makes it challenging to maintain proper oral hygiene, increasing the risk of plaque and tartar buildup. Mild to Moderate Issues Mild to moderate issues such as allergies, ear infections, obesity, and stomach sensitivities are also common among white Frenchies. However, they still require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and shiny. Here are some grooming needs for a white French Bulldog: Brushing Regular brushing is essential to keep the coat of a white French Bulldog in good condition. It helps to remove loose hair, dirt, and debris from the coat. Using a pet grooming glove can be a great way to brush a French Bulldog, allowing for a gentle massage while removing loose hair. Bathing White French Bulldogs should bathe every month or as needed. It is essential to use a dog shampoo and conditioner that is gentle on their skin. After bathing, it is crucial to dry them off thoroughly with absorbent towels to prevent any skin infections. Nail Trimming Regular nail trimming is essential to prevent overgrowth and discomfort for your furry friend. It is best to trim their nails once a month. Use dog nail trimmers to avoid cutting the quick of the nail, which can cause bleeding and pain. It is essential to clean their eyes and ears regularly with ear and eye wipes explicitly made for canines. This will help prevent any infections and keep your dog healthy. Sun Protection White French Bulldogs are susceptible to sunburn due to their light-colored coat. It is important to apply sunscreen to their nose, ears, and any other exposed skin when they are outside for extended periods. Use sunscreen made for dogs to avoid any potential harm. Dental Care Brush their teeth at least twice weekly to remove plaque and alternate with a canine mouthwash. Diet and Nutrition White French Bulldogs require a balanced diet to maintain optimal health. A diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates is best. Protein is essential for muscle development and maintenance. Some good protein sources for White French Bulldogs include chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish. Exercise Requirements White French Bulldogs require regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and prevent boredom. The amount of activity they need depends on age, weight, and overall health. Generally, they need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. White Frenchies can find it difficult for them to breathe, especially in hot weather. Owners should be mindful of the temperature and avoid exercising their White French Bulldog during the hottest parts of the day. These dogs are below average in intelligence but are eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Crate training, obedience, and socialization are key training aspects. Avoid using punishment or physical force during training, as this can damage the bond between you and your dog. Related Posts: How to Train a Stubborn Dog Finding a White French Bulldog Breeder When looking for a white French Bulldog breeder, it is essential to do your research and find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs. Look for health testing Reputable breeders will have their dogs health tested for common issues such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. Ask the breeder for proof of health testing before committing to a purchase. Visit the breeder If possible, visit the breeder in person to see their facilities and meet their dogs. This will give you an idea of how the dogs are raised and if they are well-cared for. Ask for references A good breeder will happily provide references from previous puppy buyers. Reach out to these references to hear about their experience with the breeder and their puppies. Avoid puppy mills Puppy mills prioritize profit over the health and well-being of their dogs. Avoid buying from pet stores or online marketplaces, as these are often fronts for puppy mills. Remember, a reputable breeder will prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs over profit. By researching and finding a quality breeder, you can get a healthy and happy white French Bulldog. Adopting a White French Bulldog Adopting a White French Bulldog can be an excellent experience for those looking for a loyal, affectionate, playful companion. However, before deciding to adopt, there are a few essential things to consider. French Bulldogs are known for their affectionate and playful personalities but also require much attention and care. They are prone to specific health issues, such as respiratory problems and skin allergies, so it is crucial to prepare for potential medical expenses. When adopting a White French Bulldog, it is best to check with local animal shelters and rescue organizations. These organizations often have French Bulldogs available for adoption and can provide valuable information about the breed and its needs. Some French Bulldog rescue organizations include:. Breeds The link has been copied! White French Bulldogs are a beloved breed known for their unique appearance and charming personalities. With their trademark bat ears, compact size, and friendly demeanor, they have captured the hearts of dog lovers all over the world. In this guide, we will explore the history, characteristics, and care of White French Bulldogs, as well as important information about their health and training needs. Whether you are a seasoned dog owner or considering adding a White French Bulldog to your family for the first time, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to give your furry friend the best possible life. Origin of White French Bulldogs The origin of the White French Bulldog can be traced back to the early 19th century when bulldogs were popular among working-class people in England. At that time, bulldogs were bred for bull-baiting, a bloodsport where dogs were trained to attack and kill bulls. However, when bull-baiting was banned in England in , bulldog breeding shifted towards creating smaller, more companionable dogs. During the industrial revolution, many English craftsmen and workers emigrated to France, taking their bulldogs with them. In France, the breed continued to be developed and refined, leading to the emergence of the French Bulldog, also known as the "Frenchie. In the US, the Frenchie was further developed, and breeders began to selectively breed for specific traits, including size, color, and temperament. One of the colors that emerged from this breeding process was white. While white Frenchies have always existed, they were not considered a separate color until the late 20th century when they began to gain popularity. It is worth noting that white French Bulldogs, like other colored Frenchies, can be prone to health problems such as breathing difficulties, skin allergies, and spinal issues due to their brachycephalic short-muzzled features. It is important for prospective owners to be aware of these potential health issues and choose a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and welfare of their dogs. French Bulldog Popularity One of the reasons for the popularity of the white French Bulldog is their unique appearance. The pure white coat, combined with the breed's distinctive bat ears and compact body, makes for an adorable and photogenic dog. White Frenchies are also considered by some to be a more rare and exclusive variation of the breed, which can add to their appeal. Additionally, French Bulldogs, in general, have become increasingly popular in recent years, consistently ranking in the top 5 most popular dog breeds in the United States. The Frenchie's playful, affectionate personality and low exercise requirements make them a popular choice for city dwellers and families alike. Furthermore, the breed's small size and adaptability to different living environments make them appealing to a wide range of people, from single professionals living in apartments to families with young children. Appearance and Physical Features French Bulldogs, including the white variation, are known for their unique and distinctive appearance. Here are some of the key physical features of the breed: Size: French Bulldogs are a small breed, typically weighing between 16 and 28 pounds and standing 11 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a compact and muscular body, with a broad chest, rounded ribcage, and short legs. Head: The Frenchie's head is large and square-shaped, with a flat forehead and a short, wide muzzle. Their most distinctive feature is their large, bat-like ears, which are set high on the head and stand erect. Coat: White French Bulldogs have a short, smooth, and fine coat that is pure white in color. The coat is soft to the touch and requires minimal at hom grooming. Eyes: French Bulldogs have large, round eyes that are set wide apart. The eyes are typically dark in color, although lighter-colored eyes can also occur. Nose: The Frenchie's nose is broad and black, with wide nostrils that allow for easy breathing. Tail: French Bulldogs have a short, stubby tail that is either straight or screwed, meaning it has a slight curve at the end. The white French Bulldog has a charming and unique appearance that has made it a popular breed among dog lovers. However, it's important to note that the breed's distinctive physical features, including its short muzzle and compact body, can also make them prone to certain health issues such as breathing difficulties, overheating, and spinal problems. Prospective owners should be aware of these potential health concerns and choose a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and welfare of their dogs. Temperament and personality traits White French Bulldogs, like all French Bulldogs, are known for their playful, affectionate, and sociable personalities. Here are some of the key temperament and personality traits of the breed: Friendly: Frenchies are typically very friendly and enjoy being around people. They are known for their sociable nature and are generally good with children and other pets. Loyal: White French Bulldogs are loyal and devoted to their owners, often following them around the house and wanting to be close to them at all times. Playful: French Bulldogs are playful and enjoy games and activities that stimulate their minds and bodies. They are a great choice for families with children, as they love to play and interact with kids. Relaxed: Despite their playful nature, Frenchies are also known for their relaxed and laid-back attitude. They do not require a lot of exercise and are content to spend their days lounging around the house with their owners. Affectionate: White French Bulldogs are known for their affectionate nature and love to cuddle and snuggle with their owners. They are often called "lap dogs" due to their tendency to want to be close to their owners at all times. Adaptable: French Bulldogs are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of living situations. They are a good choice for city dwellers, as they do not require a lot of space or exercise. They are also a good choice for families with children, as they are generally good with kids. Exercise and Activity Needs White French Bulldogs have a relatively low energy level and do not require a lot of exercise to stay healthy and happy. However, it's still important to ensure they get enough physical activity to keep them mentally stimulated and prevent boredom. To meet their exercise needs, it's recommended to aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, which can be broken up into several shorter walks or play sessions. It's important to be mindful of the weather conditions and avoid overexertion during hot weather, as Frenchies are sensitive to heat. Also, keep an eye on their breathing during exercise, as they can be prone to respiratory problems. In addition to daily walks, you can also engage white French Bulldog in interactive playtime, such as fetch, tug-of-war, or puzzle games that require problem-solving skills. This type of mental stimulation can be just as beneficial as physical exercise and can help prevent destructive behavior. Trainability and Intelligence White French Bulldogs are generally intelligent and trainable, but they can also be stubborn at times. To effectively train them, it's best to use positive reinforcement techniques such as rewards-based training and clicker training. Consistency and patience are key when training a white French Bulldog. Short, frequent training sessions tend to be more effective than longer, less frequent sessions. It's also important to socialize them from a young age, exposing them to different people, animals, and situations to prevent behavioral issues and ensure they are well-adjusted and confident. With consistent training and socialization, white French Bulldogs can be well-behaved and obedient pets. However, it's important to understand their stubborn streak and use patience and understanding during training. Caring for White French Bulldogs Diet and Nutrition White French Bulldogs require a diet that is high in protein, low in fat, and free of fillers and by-products. Feeding dog a diet that is appropriate for their age, activity level, and size can help prevent weight gain, obesity, and other health issues. Grooming and Coat Care White French Bulldogs have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. However, they do shed moderately and require regular brushing to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Here are some tips for grooming White French Bulldog: Brush the dog's coat at least once a week to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Use a soft bristle brush or rubber grooming glove to avoid irritating dog's skin. Clean dog's wrinkles and folds daily to prevent infections and skin irritations. Use a damp cloth or baby wipe to gently clean the area, being careful not to get water or soap in dog's eyes or ears. Bathe dog once a month or as needed. Use a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo formulated for dogs to avoid irritating their skin. Health Concerns and Common Medical Issues White French Bulldogs are prone to several health issues, including hip dysplasia, respiratory problems, and skin allergies. Here are some tips for keeping White French Bulldog healthy: Schedule regular check-ups with veterinarian to catch any potential health issues early on. Be aware of the symptoms of common health issues, such as difficulty breathing, coughing, or wheezing, and seek veterinary care immediately. Provide dogs with plenty of fresh air and avoid exposing them to smoke or other irritants that can aggravate respiratory problems. Keep dog's vaccinations up to date and provide them with heartworm prevention medication. Exercise and Activity Recommendations While White French Bulldogs are a small breed, they still require regular exercise and activity to maintain their health and prevent boredom. Here are some tips for exercising White French Bulldog: Take the dog for a daily walk to help them burn off excess energy and maintain a healthy weight. Play games with dog, such as fetch or tug-of-war, puzzle toys to provide them with mental and physical stimulation. Be mindful of dog's limitations and avoid over-exercising them, particularly in hot weather or if they are experiencing respiratory problems. White French Bulldogs are an adorable and loving breed that require proper care and attention to thrive. By providing your dog with a healthy diet, regular grooming and coat care, and exercise and activity, you can help ensure their health and happiness for years to come. It's also important to be aware of the common health issues that affect White French Bulldogs and seek veterinary care promptly if you notice any concerning changes in your dog's health. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Want to know more about TryFi. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. White merle Not all white Frenchies are albino, though this can be the case. White French Bulldogs should be bought from an experienced breeder who understands exactly how to breed healthy white French Bulldogs. White French Bulldog health problems White dogs are often thought to have inherent problems but, contrary to popular belief, not all white French Bulldogs are plagued with health issues. All Frenchies are susceptible to brachycephalic syndrome because of their short nasal passages and there are a number of other known health conditions that can afflict any purebred French Bulldog of any color. If a French Bulldog is white because of albinism — a genetic disorder characterized by a complete or partial lack of the pigment melanin in the eyes, skin, and hair — it will have a pinkish tinge to its skin and eyes. Deafness in White French Bulldogs It is often thought that albino white French Bulldogs are deaf, but there is no evidence specifically linking albinism and deafness. Hearing problems can occur in the trademark bat ears any color of French Bulldog and have various causes. A study of congenital deafness deafness at birth concluded that deafness at birth can occur in French Bulldogs but the presence of white fur seems to increase the likelihood of it occurring. There are high chances of health implications for such a Frenchie including deafness, blindness, or both. This is the main reason why two Merle Frenchies should not be bred and a responsible breeder will avoid this. White French Bulldogs Skin problems Just as fair skin people can burn more easily in the sun, so can white French Bulldogs. This means it is imperative to limit the amount of time they spend in direct sunlight to prevent sunburn and the possibility of skin cancer developing. Eye conditions in White French Bulldogs French Bulldogs, those with white coats included, can develop a number of eye conditions. These include cataracts, cherry eye, dry eye, and corneal ulcers. It is thought that white French Bulldogs are more prone to this condition. The range of white French Bulldog coat patterns and markings French Bulldogs can have white fur in their coats for three reasons: When only their skin cells do not produce any pigment. When they have albinism which causes a lack of pigmentation in all cells including fur and eyes. When they have a genetic disorder known as Leucism which causes a lack of pigmentation everywhere except the eyes. Some Frenchies are totally white and some have patterns that include white. There are also several Frenchie colors that have a white chest blaze. If a Frenchie is white because it has Leucism, it will look like an albino but will have colored eyes. A non-albino white French Bulldog usually has brown eyes. If it has no other colors, patterns, or markings, it is classed as solid white. It is very rare to see such a white Frenchie without a black mask but occasionally this may be a lot paler. White Pied French Bulldog Pied, also known as piebald is a term that simply means having two or more colors. With a Frenchie, Brindle typically appears as black stripes on a fawn background. A White Brindle French Bulldog is predominantly white with patches of brindled fur across its face, neck, and body. It effectively dilutes the intended color. Occasionally white Merle French bulldogs develop this color because they have inherited two dominant Merle genes, one from each parent. White French Bulldogs with the double merle genes are often deaf, blind, or both. There is also a chance of them having far worse physical conditions at birth. How much is a white French Bulldog? It is always difficult to state an exact price for a French Bulldog because they fluctuate all the time and depend upon many variables including fashion, availability, color, bloodlines, and demand. The French Bulldog is a popular dog and demand keeps rising. White French Bulldogs are expensive compared to other purebred dogs because they are not easy to breed. Also if someone specifically wants a white Frenchie, and a breeder notices a rise in demand for this color, this will lead to an artificially high price. If you spot a white French Bulldog for sale, ensure you are given proof of its health before you buy in light of the inherent health problems that can occur with certain types of white coats. Occasionally their eyes are light brown and sometimes they almost look black. Non-standard eye colors are blue or green. As white French Bulldog blue eyes are often linked to albinism or double merle, it is wise to have a sight test carried out on such a dog to ensure it has good vision. Are White French Bulldogs rare? White is one of the most common French Bulldog Colors. A French Bulldog often has white in its coat with other patterns and markings but it is quite rare to see a solid white Frenchie. Some breeders might attempt to breed a white litter but should never do this by mating two Merle dogs because of the health implications. Reputable breeders concentrate on producing healthy Frenchies as opposed to specific colors, so healthy white Frenchies should occur by chance only. Other useful White French Bulldog facts Lifespan The life expectancy of a healthy white French bulldog is 10 to 12 years, the same as any other color. However, Frenchie owners need to keep a close watch for problems, especially with hearing and sight. Annual vaccinations and health checks are essential as are a healthy diet and the right level of exercise. Air travel is not recommended for dogs with short nasal passages because of associated breathing difficulties. Also, white Frenchies and any other color cannot swim for very long because of their weight distribution, large head, and short muzzles so should be kept away from water or always wear a doggie life jacket. Size Like other colors, white French Bulldogs can weigh up to 28 lbs and reach a height of 11 to 13 inches. Frenchies are prone to excessive weight gain so ensure you feed yours the right amount to prevent it from developing weight-related illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. Characteristics A white French Bulldog has a square head, a short muzzle, a wrinkly face, and bat ears. Its body is compact and muscular. In general, Frenchies have smooth, short coats that are easy to care for and require minimum grooming. Because of its short nasal passages, this breed tends to be a mouth breather and consequently drools more than the average dog! Frenchies can also be a bit smelly but there are ways to manage this. Temperament A white French bulldog has the same gentle, friendly temperament as those with other coat colors. They are great dogs to have around children because of their playful , outgoing natures. Being a sociable breed, the Frenchie prefers someone to be around most of the time and does not like to be left alone. Ideal for A white Frenchie can fit into many lifestyles. White French Bulldog names When you own a white French Bulldog, it just has to have a befitting name. Here are a few perfect names: Pure White. Are white French Bulldogs all unhealthy? The Genetics The genes that carry color instructions have specific locations loci on the canine chromosomes. Different dog breeds have different color genes. Which is why some colors only happen in some dog breeds. There are just two basic pigments in the canine genome. The first pigment is eumelanin. It is black, but can be diluted or modified when other genes act on it. The second pigment is phaeomelanin. Which expresses in a range of reds from very light cream all the way to deep red. As you might imagine, color genetics can get quite a bit more complicated from here. White vs Albino French Bulldogs There are a number of genetic factors that can contribute to the appearance of a white coat in a French Bulldog. The C series of genes, sometimes called the albino locus, can restrict pigment expression to certain areas. It can also lighten existing pigment. This can result in an all-white French Bulldog with the characteristic pinkish skin, nose and eyes. However, to date, canine researchers have only located the gene responsible for albinism in the Doberman dog breed. No albino gene has yet been found in French Bulldogs A pure true albino French Bulldog would lack pigment in all areas where pigment is normally present. The eyes would look pinkish, blue or amber, depending on how light passes through the iris. The skin would also appear pinkish because the blood vessels show through. A partial albino French Bulldog lacks pigment in only parts of the body. He may display a white single color or other color in the non-affected areas. Leucism looks a lot like albinism. But it is caused by different genes that prevent the pigment cells from doing their job properly. Partial leucism is actually the genetic mechanism behind common canine markings such as the popular piebald color pattern. Or a predominantly white coat with a small percentage of markings of other colors. If those markings are sufficiently light or dilute, this gives the appearance of an all-white, single color coat. Here are some examples from the official French Bulldog Breed Standard of white-coated Frenchies with coat color patterns present: White and brindle Cream ranges from light ivory-white to a more yellow cream Fawn ranges from a very light yellow to a more reddish gold White and fawn Fawn, brindle and white Double Merle Genes There is one more way that a white French Bulldog has a predominantly white coat. One way is for a French Bulldog to inherit the merle color pattern gene from one or both parents. A French Bulldog with one merle gene is called a single merle. This happens when only one parent contributes the merle gene. A double merle occurs when two French Bulldogs carrying the gene for the merle coat color pattern are bred together. This will produce a dog known as a double merle or false white, that can be predominantly white-coated. However, this type of breeding will never be done by reputable breeders. It can create very serious lifelong health issues for the puppies. These include organs and nervous system development, as well as vision and hearing. In fawn or cream coat colors, this can create the appearance of a pure white coat. Piebald Spotting with White Coat A coat that is at least 80 percent white but includes 20 percent other colors on the body is called a piebald spotting. This means each parent dog must contribute these genes in order for them to take effect. The spotting color areas of pigment ranges from breed standard-accepted colors ex. Spotting typically occurs on the face, along the back, rump or around the shoulders. For very light colors like fawn or cream at the light end of each spectrum, the coat may appear to be a single solid or self color. In the extreme white fawn or cream, the visual appearance is often of a single self or solid white coat. These Frenchies may lack pigment in the eyes, nose and mouth. White French Bulldog Health Canine researchers discovered the white coat color is associated with certain health issues. This is typically true across dog breeds because the responsible genes are linked to pigment rather than breed. Deafness Dogs that have all-white or predominantly white coats can inherit hearing loss or deafness in one or both ears. This is called pigment-associated hereditary deafness. It could be cause by a lack of pigment in the inner ear canal. This can occur with the following dogs: White albino dogs White solid self dogs Dogs with the piebald or merle gene that are predominantly white-coated One limited study predicted that white French bulldog puppies have a 25 percent chance of bilateral deafness hearing impaired in both ears. They also have a .Skin Sensitivity Just as light-skinned people tend to be more apt to get sunburned, the same holds true for very light-skinned dogs. With increased incidences of sunburn comes a higher risk for eventual skin cancer. Including skin lesions and tumors. Eye Defects and Blindness Eye defects and disorders can occur with some white French Bulldog coat types. This includes: the possibility for missing eyes smaller-than-normal eyes malformed eyes non-functioning eyes. These defects can occur individually or together in one or both eyes. The merle and double merle gene expressions present the most risk for eye health issues. Developmental Issues The merle and double merle gene expressions can influence the development of major organs and the nervous system. In some cases, French Bulldog puppies are born with severely life-limiting health issues that they do not survive. French Bulldogs shed somewhat all year long but most noticeably during the changing of the seasons. When brushing and grooming your white French Bulldog, know that sometimes white-coated dogs have more sensitive skin. Choose a brush with rounded tips and gentle bristles. They have hardly any markings and if they do they are rarely visible, located around the rump area or on the head. This is an extreme piebald French Bulldog. Notice how there is a small amount of black markings on the head. What Does Piebald Coloring Mean? Are Pied French Bulldogs Rare? Pied French Bulldogs are relatively rare. Pied Frenchies can be AKC registered if the coat is white with brindle, cream, fawn or black patches which suggests that it is an acceptable coat to breed which makes it less rare. No, not all white French Bulldogs are albino. In fact majority of white French Bulldogs are not albino, they just have a white colored coat. In contrast, albino French bulldogs have a complete lack of pigmentation in their skin, hair and eyes making their skin a pinkish shade and their eyes pink or pale blue. Often French Bulldogs with white coats with dark eyes and noses are thought to be albino but they are not. Albino Frenchies need to have pink noses and pink skin around their eyes. An Albino French Bulldog has a fully white coat due to a lack of pigmentation as there is reduced production of melanin in the hair, skin and eyes. It is a result of a genetic mutation called tyrosinase full albino or tyrosinase-positive partial albino. An albino French Bulldog will have eyes that appear pink due to the lack of pigmentation that results in a pink hue around their eyes and noses. A dog that has a pink hue around its nose but not their eyes may not be albino. Albinism is the least common cause of a white coat for French Bulldogs. Leucistic French Bulldogs Leucism is a skin condition in dogs such as Frenchies that causes white or pale skin and hair. There are defects in pigment cell differentiation or migration from the neural crest to skin or hair during development which results in having a lack of cells that can produce pigment. In contrast to albinism, leucism does not affect the eyes. Most French Bulldogs who have leucism will not have pinkish hue eyes like albinos. It can be difficult to tell the difference between a French Bulldog with leucism and one with albinism so genetic testing can be performed to be certain about it. A cream French Bulldog is relatively rare as it is a recessive dilute from the fawn color coat. Generally this type of French Bulldog has an off-white coat. It is hardly ever pure white. Double merle French Bulldogs have created a lot of controversy in the dog world with many official bodies refusing to register dogs that are a product of merle-to-merle breeding. This is because they are a result of bad breeding practices and are affected by ocular defeats and deafness.
We are overjoyed for you! Golden Retrievers are one of the most friendly and loving breeds…and lucky for you, one of the easiest to train. Golden Retrievers require a great deal of mental stimulation to avoid going about on their own or becoming frustrated. Their love for food is infinite. Prerequisites for training my Golden Retriever puppy? What age can I start to train my Golden Retriever puppy? Sounds like a good deal! We can only hope. What do I need to train my Golden Retriever? Say bye to that sticky, meaty feeling in your fingertips. A piece of non-slip vet bed or a soft mat: For a cozy bed, warm nights, and good dreams. Treats: The more smelly, the better. Two identical toys : Great for swaps! The name says it all…your Golden Retriever puppy will love retrieving, so identical toys will be great for all the games we have in store for you in the Zigzag Puppy training app. Of course, Golden Retrievers grow to be big dogs. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? A golden retriever needs 2 hours of exercise a day. What age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? Golden Retrievers reach adulthood at 3 years of age and are seniors by 8 years old. Though their height has been reached, their weight will still fill out and they will continue to mentally mature. What are Golden Retrievers bred for? Distinctly British, the 1st Baron of Tweedmouth developed the breed crossing his golden colored retrieving dog Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel — these look similar to Irish Water Spaniels. The cross resulted in a dog that was comfortable being on land and water kind of like crocodiles , and robust enough to hunt goose, partridge and even deer. Do Golden Retrievers make good family pets? In fact, Golden Retrievers are one of the most loved dog breeds in the UK. The Kennel Club has a lot more good information and info about them. What does this have to do with how I train my Golden Retriever puppy? But there is a logic as to why knowing the context might help you train your Golden Retriever better: Golden Retrievers love to work. Commonly employed as Guide Dogs, they love having a job to do, which means they will adore training. Anyhow, they will be a breeze to train. They will also do almost anything for your soft words and approval — your praise will work just as well as treats. Because they are so gentle, they are a great fit for families with a variety of lifestyles and ages. They need a good amount of exercise; mental as well as physical. Let us rephrase — a hefty amount of exercise. Besides you and food, being in water is what they love the most! They have a very strong sense of smell, so retrieving or scent work games tend to be the biggest treat for most. Golden Retrievers are the social butterflies of dogs. They love most people, and are not discreet in showing it. You know how us Brits can be about politeness. That being said, make sure you also teach them the wonders of giving things up. It can lead to great things! But it can also be less helpful when they give you a love bite on your arm — give them a toy to carry instead. Shift to some play, and revisit training later — we want training to be associated with fun, and not something they begin to dread. There are a variety of reasons to crate train your dog. Use your crate: [25] X Research source To keep your puppy safe when you cannot watch her. To keep your belongings safe when you cannot watch your puppy. When your puppy is home alone. To give your puppy a place to calm down. When traveling. To keep your puppy away from children or other dogs. To aid in house training and other behavioral training. Never use your crate to punish your dog. And once your dog is no longer a puppy and can be trusted not to destroy the house, do not crate your dog when you are away. Save the crate for special times — i. For the most part, your dog should enter her crate voluntarily. The type of crate you use is up to personal preference, though many find that wire crates are the most durable and comfortable long-term solutions for dogs as well as being used at most kennels where you might board your dog. The most important thing is that you get the right size crate. If it is too small, your dog will not be comfortable. If it is too large, it will provide the den-like space dogs crave. Your dog should be able to stand in the crate without hitting her head, to turn around comfortably, and to lie on their side with their paws stretched out. Also buy a divider if purchasing the crate for your puppy. Your dog should enjoy her crate. It should provide a comfortable place for her to relax, so much so that she should choose to spend time there. Make sure to: [28] X Research source Put the crate in a room where you spend lots of time, so your puppy does not feel abandoned. Keep it a comfortable temperature: out of direct sunlight and far from fireplaces and radiators. Place soft bedding inside. Place chew toys inside to give your dog something to do. Cover your wire crate with a towel or crate cover. This will give it more of the den-like feel your dog craves. If you do it well, crate training will be much easier. Throw some new dog toys in, too. Let your dog explore the crate on her own. Let her go at her own speed. Every hour or so put more treats in the crate when your dog is not looking. Be sure to subtract all these treats from their daily food allowance. Also start feeding your dog in the crate. At first, put the bowl just inside so they only have to poke their head in. After 2 or 3 successful feedings, move it to the middle, then all the way back. Show your dog a treat and toss it in the crate. Move away and wait for her to leave the crate. Always use your cue words. Repeat the whole ritual several times a day until your dog is happily entering the crate to fetch treats. After tossing a treat in once or twice to warm your dog up, use your command word without a treat. If she enters, praise profusely and give a treat or two. Also praise her when she leaves. Repeat this training several times a day for two or three days, until your dog is entering and leaving the crate on command. If your golden puppy struggles with this step, go back to the previous one. Ask your puppy to enter the crate and sit. Slowly close the door. If you have to bang it shut before your dog escapes, then she is not ready for this step. When the door is closed, praise and give treats, then open the door and let her leave. Gradually lengthen the time they must sit in the crate before you let them out. Do sessions of training where they wait ten seconds, then 30, 45, and a minute. When your dog can comfortably stay in the crate for a minute, you will want to start moving away while she is in the crate. In the first session, move only a few feet away before you come back. Move to different areas of the room and keep looking at your dog. Next, try training sessions where you move around the room without paying attention to your puppy. Add moments when you step out of the room briefly and return. Finally, leave the room. At first, stay out for only five minutes. Gradually increase the time you are gone to 30 minutes. Go back to the previous step or reduce the time you are leaving her. Always remove your puppies leash and collar before putting her in the crate, as they are choking hazards. For a puppy, these will need to be shorter trips, as a puppy cannot be expected to go more than 3 hours or so without urinating. She needs to be able to get up and stretch her legs. Vary the time you put your dog in the crate. Sometimes do it ten minutes before you go. Sometimes five. Sometimes right before you head out the door. Praise your dog for entering her crate, then go. Now that your puppy is comfortable in her crate, she can sleep there overnight, but be sure you can hear her. Puppies often need to pee in the middle of the night. Well, besides their beauty, both Golden Retriever puppies and adult doggos typically are very people-oriented dogs who exhibit good behavior, lots of affection and gentle temperaments. Golden Retriever breeders will tell you that these intelligent dogs have lots of energy and usually respond well to training. Here's how it works: When your dog performs a skill or behavior that you like, you give them treats, toys or praise. In time, your dog associates that skill or behavior with good outcomes and becomes more likely to repeat it. There's one catch, though: Positive reinforcement works best when pet parents stay consistent. For example, every time they ask a dog to sit or shake —and it is done correctly—a treat or toy should be given. Use a happy tone of voice rather than a stern one, avoid yelling, and exercise patience. Goldens are highly motivated by food and often by play. When you use highly rewarding training treats or dog toys during your dog training sessions, you reward the specific behaviors you are trying to teach your dog and you build an enthusiastic learner. Teach your dog to love learning. In the same vein, make sure your expectations are reasonable for your dog. For example, puppies need shorter training sessions—around three to five minutes each—because their bodies and brains are not well-developed yet and their attention span is shorter. Regarding age-appropriate training for puppies, Dr. George recommends the following: Potty Training: This should begin as soon as you bring your puppy home. Take your pup out to go potty several times per day and within a few minutes after eating. Socializing: You can begin socialization—aka introducing your puppy to new people, places and experiences—within a week or two of bringing your puppy home. George advises. Obedience Training: Start training your pup around eight weeks of age. Training your dog early will make it easier to take them to visit the vet, go on walks and thrive in other social situations. Even adult dogs who are new to you and your home may not be ready for high-level training because they still are adjusting to the new environment and people in their lives. Feel it out and practice patience. On that note, because Golden Retrievers are often large, strong and energetic dogs, you may want to consider a gentle leader head collar, such as the PetSafe Gentle Leader Dog Head Collar. This gives you additional leverage whenever you are walking your pet in an exciting environment. Clicker training is extremely effective and is used worldwide to train all kinds of species. This method uses a special sound to mark a specific behavior. Speed up the process by including dog training during daily activities. Is it time for dinner? Are you about to take a walk? There are many opportunities to practice commands in everyday situations, so use that to your advantage! Encourage each family member to practice basic skills with the dog, including: Sit. Goldens are often very people-oriented dogs, aside from their beauty and cuteness. When considering adding a Golden Retriever to your pack, it is prudent to conduct research by speaking with golden retriever breeders, rescues, and parents. These are huge, lively dogs that are often unaware of their size. The good news is that golden retriever training is super easy as they are eager to please, especially when it comes to high-value puppy treats. It is important to get the best puppy training treats, whether you're teaching your puppy to lie down, sit, or potty train. Keep things interesting and exciting for your Golden throughout each training session. Instead of a severe tone, use a cheerful one. Avoid screaming and practise patience instead. If your pet ignores your cues, you can re-engage him by being playful and making the process a little simpler. You can also use delicious training treats while training your golden retriever. Make it enjoyable Food and play are powerful motivators for goldens. Positive reinforcement is guaranteed to help with golden retriever training. Age and skill-appropriate golden retriever training We don't expect toddlers to perform algebra, so make sure your expectations for your dog are reasonable. Puppies, for example, require shorter training sessions—around minutes each—due to their underdeveloped bodies and brains. Adult dogs who are new to you and your house may not be ready for advanced training because they are still adjusting to their new surroundings and humans. Keep It Secure A well-fit dog collar, such as the Frisco solid martingale dog collar, is one of the best tools for Golden Retriever training. For everyday walking and training, you'll also need a foot flat training leash. Because Golden Retrievers may be huge, strong, and energetic dogs, you might want to consider using a gentle leader headcollar, such as the PetSafe Premier gentle leader rapid-release dog headcollar, to provide you with more control when walking your dog in a stimulating area. Make Golden Retriever Training Easy to Understand When your dog does it right, using the clicker training approach can help you provide very clear feedback. Clicker training is incredibly effective and is used to train different kinds of animals all over the world! A distinctive sound is used to signify a certain behavior in this procedure. Your dog will realize he has earned a reward if you use a dog clicker, such as the Downtown Pet Supply training dog clicker. It doesn't take long for a dog to grasp the concept and then repeat it. Include training in your daily routine We can't perfect skills without frequent practice, and your canine companion is no exception. Start with something basic, like potty training your golden retriever puppy. Is it dinner time yet? Then, before you set the bowl in front of your dog, practice "sit. Just before you pick up the leash, call your dog's name or whatever cue the dog might notice. After your dog's stroll, practice "down" and "stay" when he is more likely to respond to your command. Take advantage of the numerous opportunities to practice commands in everyday circumstances. Make training your golden retriever a family project Make sure your Golden Retriever gets along well with everyone in the family, including other pets. Encourage each family member to work with the dog on fundamental commands such as sit, down, off people, counters, furniture , stay, come, and "all done" to end sessions. Encourage everyone to make default behavior a priority for training your golden retriever. When supervision isn't possible, you can assist other pets to feel comfortable around your golden by using equipment a dog leash, crates, or baby gates to separate them as needed. Maintain Consistency Some "home rules" for your dog must be agreed upon by all family members. While little variances in how people interact with pets are acceptable, the dog will learn and keep his manners best if the rules are followed consistently. Parents may prefer to start with the fundamentals of training their golden retriever. After that, you can assist your children in teaching the dog how to ask for them as well. Train your dog in stages You can increase your training requirements as your Golden Retriever masters fundamental manners and rules. When your dog understands that he must sit and lie down at specific times, you can ask him to stay in that posture until he is freed. Commit for the rest of your life Even if your dog is a beloved family member with excellent manners, there are always new things to learn. Training your golden retriever stimulates the brain, allowing you to better utilize your golden's high activity level. It also deepens the human-animal link, benefiting the whole family. Learn about new sports and activities, including nose work, agility, rallying, and therapeutic visits. Summary These suggestions can assist your new Golden Retriever in understanding the training. Whether you start with an 8-week-old puppy, an adolescent rescue, or a senior dog, these tips will result in success. It also allows you to assist him in burning energy, providing excitement, and developing a deep bond with your dog. Share this on:.
boxer fawn puppies - Though, I'd say everything in the box is useful and your dog will enjoy it all. The hedgehog and rabbit tug toy are still her favorites after a few months! The poop bags are also thick and scented for those inconsistent BMs, and there are a good amount included that should last a couple months. I picked out a Goody Box. I sat on the floor and helped Reggie open it. He sniffed and pushed things around, then took off with the bunny! Every thing in it is useful for play, training and cleanup! I have told several people about the fun Goody Box. Thanks Chewy!! Definitely a need! I had this Goody Box sent to my little brother who got a new puppy - a white lab. He loved the toys and the treats. The teething rings are a favorite and the nutro training treats just right. The bunny and hedgehog add variety to her toy box, a must with a busy puppy with lots of energy. I'm hoping that Chewy creates a few of these over time so that we can order a box with new items soon. My dog loves these boxes with the variety you get. .The amount of poop bags received is a plus. So far, the quality to them is pretty good. Haven't had an issue or felt any discomfort in their use. Doggo hasn't taken a bath to test out the ducky brush, but it seems of high quality. I am happy with my purchase. The ducky brush is great for distributing oils in her short coat. She likes the PB treat better than the hickory, but both go over big. The teething rings are so helpful. And the sample of wipes has been fab for tidying little paws! Thanks for gathering such a great selection! This is the second time we got one when we brought home our new puppy and both times the boxes were packed with great stuff. The banner is super cute too! Has perfect little training treats. Chewing rings that the puppy absolutely loved. Adorable toys. A cute tub brush,poop bags and holder to put on leash, a welcome banner. A perfect welcome gift. How to redeem this offer The Beef Items The beef patty was another hit. It broke apart easily and with little mess, so it would make a great training reward. We gave him a few bits of it, then broke the rest of it up to use as a kibble topper. He took it greedily and wandered off with it, but it ultimately proved too hard for his teeth. He did seem to have a good time licking it, though. He snatched it out of our hands as soon as he heard it squeak, and immediately set down to try to destroy it. No wonder these guys went extinct. Finally, there was the bandana. It was difficult to get the bandana on him, and he got it off within seconds. However, it does look adorable, so if your dog will tolerate wearing it, you should get great pictures out of it. If you know what your dog likes and dislikes, though, you may be better off shopping for everything yourself. You can read these by clicking here. All the food is healthy and high-quality and strikes a nice balance between bite-sized snacks and treats designed to last a while. Featured Image: Chewy. Design: Liked the theme and the toys were definitely durable. Health: Treats were made in the U. I mean, I love celebrating Halloween early as much as the next person, but in March? Mostly I was just weirded out by feeling like I'd been sent a Halloween box in March? Happy early Halloween, y'all! But in addition to that, everything in the box felt extremely high quality. Design: Both dog toys here felt very high-end and durable. Neither one was hideous, and I liked that there was a subtle St. I also loved that the rope toy is created through Fundacion Mitz which gives jobs to women in vulnerable communities. Health: I appreciated that the Loving Pets treats were made in the U. Customer Experience: I canceled my subscription via email, and it was easy. The customer service representative was pleasant and I liked that I got an email warning me that my subscription was renewing before I was out of the cancellation window. Summary: I was skeptical of this box going in because subscribing on the Greater Good site felt a little jenky, but I was actually really wow-ed by the quality of the items in the box and the value. I loved the products, and loved even more knowing that my purchase was feeding shelter animals. And our pick for the best Dog subscription box is… Okay, I lied. I love that it gives back, and everything in it felt really high-quality and thoughtfully-curated. I loved seeing a Fair Trade toy in the box, too. It felt good to buy an indulgent treat for our pups that also helped pups in need. Thanks for reading! Pin It The Dapple sometimes receives a small affiliate income when you shop using links featured on our site. Never Miss a Pupdate Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. Email Address. We can get food auto-shipped to our doors with no hassle. And now they are on their way to changing everything we think about subscription boxes. You can add the Chewy Box to any order and give your furry babies an extra surprise. But you should really read this before buying Chewy Box for dogs. The Chewy Box comes with two treats and two to three toys, depending on which box you choose. Each box is themed and has a slightly different number of products available. But the good thing is that you will always know exactly what you are paying for when you check out. What Themes Are Available? Chewy has something that no one else gives you, the ability for you to choose. Right now, when you log in, all you can find is the Chewy Birthday Box. This box has a birthday cake treat, ice cream treat, teddy bear, and a cupcake treat-dispensing toy. But in the past, Chewy had different boxes for new puppy owners, adult dogs, small dogs, and large dogs. We hope that Chewy will expand on these themes soon. What Were Past Boxes Like? In the previous years, this dog subscription box contained all sorts of amazing things. There was a Chewy Holiday Box for every major holiday. They included things like special treats, themed toys to match the holiday. Heart stuffies, turkey-shaped squeakers, and Christmas cookies, to name a few. But Chewy also had fun themes for the seasons and life events. If you just adopted a puppy, there was a welcome home box. There were also boxes for training puppies and a toys-only box. You could get a Chewy Box to celebrate anything you can imagine. There was something for everyone. While most of these toys have a theme, there are also boxes with a mix of different toys. These mixed boxes have a great variety of chew toys, stuffies, and treats. Do The Boxes Change Often? Read this before buying Chewy Box for dogs; these boxes change often. Every year it seems that Chewy updates what boxes are available. New boxes mean that the fun can keep on coming, and your dog will never get bored. How Much Does It Cost? Instead, you pay for whatever package you choose when you want it. But if you are already buying pet supplies, you might as well add them all to the cart to maximize your purchase. There are no contracts to keep you tied into paying for unwanted boxes. Are There Customizations? So if your dog has allergies, there are no substitutions. But Chewy tries to help you out as much as they can. For each box, they have a complete list of all treats and toys inside. They even display all of the ingredients in the product descriptions to prevent accidents. Chewy even gives a size recommendation for each box. Grain allergies are widespread in dogs. It can make them itch, develop yeast infections, gassy stomachs, and even balding. And while giving dogs grain-free food has gotten a lot of bad press lately, there is a time and reason for it. And Chewy has thought of everything. In the past, they have had a grain-free option for dogs that includes grain-free treats, a toy, and food samples. We are excited to see what new options the Chewy treat subscription box has for this year. Are These Toys Durable? If you have a tough chewer, you will need toys that can hold up over time. Some Chewy dog toys are durable and withstand lots of chewing. And in the past, there have been Chewy Ballistic boxes. These types of Chewy boxes are perfect for tough chewers. However, there is a downside to this. So you can only ever get one package from Chewy. If you are looking for a dog subscription box for heavy chewers, you might want to go with another brand. Chewy treats are made right in the USA. There are no harmful ingredients and manufactured from top-quality materials. And most of the Chewy toys are made in the USA also. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. So you can feel good about the goodies that you give your precious puppies. Add-Ons Most of the subscription boxes out there have the option for add-on toys for a few more dollars. For example, if you consider the birthday box, it gives you suggestions for birthday toys and treats that complement your package. High-Quality Products Some cheaper boxes out there send you treats that are about to expire. Or the toys might have failed the quality inspection, so they get sent out in these subscriptions. When you invest in a Chewy Toy box, you are guaranteed to have only high-quality products. No treats are expiring soon, and all of the toys are of top quality. You will know your money is well spent when you buy from Chewy. Shopping For More If your dog falls in love with a product in the Chewy Box, you will want to stock up for the future. Luckily, all of the toys and treats are products that you can find on Chewy. This ability is a lot different than other subscription boxes. When your dog falls in love with a Chewy product, they are always available online to add to your next package. Is There A Guarantee? Chewy stands by all of its products. And if a product comes defective, then they will replace it for free. The only catch is that Chewy does not guarantee a toy is indestructible. When you order from Chewy, you get your items within days. The Chewy Box has so much to offer for everyone. Because we know that each one will be more amazing than the last. No contracts, cheap boxes, and fast shipping, what more could you want? Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. Sharing is caring!
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boxer fawn puppies - We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. When considering bringing a new dog into your life, it is always important to consider how long that dog is likely to live. In this article, we will go through exactly how long you should expect your Labradoodle to live, which is largely determined by whether their poodle parent was a standard, miniature, or toy poodle. We will also go through all the different life stages of a Labradoodle and what to expect in each. What Is A Labradoodle? Labradoodles are crossbreed dogs that you get when you mix a Labrador retriever with a poodle. They are varieties that are a mix between a Lab and all the different poodle sizes including standard, miniature, and toy. They were bred because, while the temperament, intelligence, and trainability of Labrador retrievers make them excellent service dogs, they shed—a lot. This can be a huge problem when it comes to taking them into hospitals, public places such as restaurants, and even cleaning up after them at home. Poodles were chosen to crossbreed because they have a low-shedding coat. Their tight, curly coats mean that instead of leaving hair wherever they go, it gets caught up in their coat. Poodles are also highly intelligent dogs, even more intelligent than Labradors, and also very friendly, having been bred as companion animals. They are less outgoing than Labradors, but overall it was thought that they would add to, rather than subtract from, the characteristics that make Labradors excellent service dogs. You can read more about the Labradoodle coat and shedding in this article. How Long Do Labradoodles Live? All Labradoodles have a lifespan of roughly 12 to 14 years. Various factors influence where each dog is likely to fall within this scale. Labrador retrievers and standard poodles both tend to live around 12 years. So if you have a standard Labradoodle, you should probably expect them to have a slightly shorter lifespan at around the year mark. Miniature and toy poodles often live longer, as small dogs tend to live longer in general. So if you have a Lab that is mixed with one of these smaller breeds, you might expect them to live for an additional year or so. While these expectations are based on the average lifespan of their parent pups, some research suggests that crossbreed dogs live longer than their parents, by about a year or two. There are plenty of examples of Labradoodles living well into their late teens. Labradoodle Life Stages Throughout their lives, you can expect your Labradoodle to pass through five main life stages: puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood, middle age, and senior. Exactly when they will pass through each of these stages again depends on whether the Labradoodle is a standard, miniature, or toy cross. Smaller dogs tend to grow to maturity more quickly but then live longer. Conversely, larger dogs stay puppies longer but have shorter overall life expectancies. Puppyhood Labradoodles tend to be classified as puppies for the first five months of their lives. But just like with human babies, because they are growing so quickly at this time, they will pass through a number of different puppy stages. It is during this stage that you will find that littermates love to cuddle up and spend the day sleeping one on top of one another. During this stage, they are more interested in their mother and siblings than there are in people, but they do begin to learn that there is a bigger world and might start to explore a little in the later weeks. It is around this stage that they can also start to move onto dog food. This is often a necessity, as the mother will refuse to suckle them as their growing teeth cause her pain. This is a very important time, as they are also very impressionable. So they need plenty of attention, praise, and love. Training them at this stage will also teach them about action and reward, which will make them easier to train to do other things as adults. They will already understand that correct behavior can result in good things. At this stage, you can also start to expose the puppy to new people and new experiences. This is essential to the socialization process, so that they learn what to do when confronted by the unknown. This is a great time to try to take the puppy with you most everywhere you go. Essential training should continue throughout this stage. Adolescence Much like humans, during this stage Labradoodle puppies seem like they are either eating or sleeping all the time to manage big growth spurts, or getting into trouble. This period tends to last from around five or six months until about two years of age. But they also become more unpredictable as hormones start to play a role. Expect them to want to play all the time, to jump up a lot, and to do things that test your limits. Nevertheless, at this stage your Labradoodle should be fully housebroken, should have passed through that biting phase, and should be better at paying attention to you. They also lose their awkwardness around this age and seem more coordinated. Labradoodles in particular will start to show quite a bit of strength and agility at this stage. They should have all their adult teeth, but they still love to chew! This is something they inherit from the Labrador parent. Make sure to have an abundance of chew toys available to focus their otherwise destructive chewing. It is also during adolescence that territorial behavior tends to kick in. Your pup may become protective of their possessions, territorial of their home, and could start to bark at strangers. Also be aware that at some stage during adolescence—it can vary quite a bit—your dog will become sexually mature. Adulthood Depending on the particular type of Labradoodle that you have, you can expect them to settle down into adulthood at between two and three years of age. They should be about fully grown at this stage. So instead of getting bigger, you need to worry about them getting fatter! While it is natural for them to fill out a bit in the early stages of adulthood, it is important to keep an eye on their weight and their diet at this time. They will enter their physical and mental prime during this period, as they are much calmer and more tranquil. If they are being trained as a service dog, they can start working once they reach adulthood. None of this is to say that Labradoodles cannot continue to develop and learn new things at this time. Labradors and Labradoodles are very easy to train and can be taught new skills and behaviors at almost any age. Middle Age Your dog will start to enter the later stages of their life at about the ripe old age of seven years. At this point, Labradoodles still tend to be active and healthy dogs, but they do start to slow down a bit. It is also at this time that their joints might start to become stiff, and they can begin to develop more serious joint problems. You can try and alleviate this by feeding them supplements to support their joints. You can read more about joint supplements here. Senior When your Labradoodle hits nine or 10 years, they are truly senior and they will probably start to need a bit of extra care and attention. Joint pain is a common problem for Labradoodles, so you may need to make some adjustments to your home to accommodate them. Labradoodles also have a tendency to lose their eyesight in later years, and to feel the cold more intensely. Their appetite is also likely to change as this time, as is their metabolism. So again, watch their weight and what they are eating to maintain them at a healthy weight. This is especially important if they are suffering with joint issues, as excess weight will just make mobility even more challenging. Labradoodles are inclined toward a variety of health conditions, inherited from both their Labrador and poodle parents. The main Labradoodle health conditions to be aware of are: Allergies Labradoodles often develop food allergies, usually in their early years before they reach two years of age. This can often be caused by eating too much of certain foods in these formative months. But Labradoodles can also develop allergies in later life, and you might find that at age eight they are suddenly reacting to something that they have eaten their entire life. Labradoodles usually show an allergic reaction with skin itchiness and an upset stomach. If you notice these signs, visit your vet to try to identify what might be causing the problem. Ear Infections Labradoodles have floppy ears that cover the ear tracts. This means they are generally moist, dark spaces, which means breeding grounds for infections. This is also a common problem for Labradors but can be worse for Labradoodles because the curly hair in their ears can also trap moisture and foreign bodies. If they seem to have itchy ears, or if you notice smells coming from their ears, this is a sign that something is not quite right. This will mean a trip to the vet to determine the type of ear infection and the best treatment. Regular ear cleaning, especially after sleeping or bathing, is the best way to reduce the prevalence of ear infections in Labradoodles. Epilepsy Epilepsy is a neurological condition, of which one of the main symptoms is seizures. Labradoodles are quite prone to this condition. There is no cure, and treatment depends on the severity of the seizures and how often they occur. If your dog rarely has seizures, your vet will probably avoid medication, as it is not worth the risk. You may need to do some things to make your home safer for your dog, making it less likely that they will accidentally hurt themselves in the event of a seizure. Joint Issues Another issue inherited from their Labrador parents, Labradoodles often develop joint issues, especially in the hips, but it can be anywhere. Over time, what was an uncomfortable twinge can develop into serious pain, arthritis, and even lameness. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Sometimes joint supplements can be enough to keep your dog comfortable, while in other cases they might need serious pain medication. Progressive Retinal Atrophy This is a condition where a portion of the eye degenerates, eventually leading to blindness. This is quite common in Labradoodles and will usually affect both eyes, resulting in complete blindness. However, it is known to occasionally occur in puppies as well. There is no known treatment, though it is thought that a diet high in antioxidants may be able to help slow the progression of the condition. Signs of the disease include excessive bleeding and bruising where the dog is injured, but also spontaneos bleeds, for example nosebleeds, or blood in their urine or stool. This poses a risk to your Labradoodle throughout their lives, as they may need to avoid certain medications that can further thin the blood, as well as activities where they are at risk of getting injured. If they need surgery for some reason, such as when they are neutered, they will probably also require a platelet transfusion before the surgery. The Verdict When you decide to bring a Labradoodle puppy in your life, you are committing to love and care for that dog for about 12 to 14 years, which is the average lifespan of this crossbreed. During that time, they will pass through a number of different life stages, from being adorable puppies, naughty adolescents appropriately called the terrible twos , intelligent adults, and vulnerable seniors. But throughout all these life stages, a Labradoodle should give you a great deal of love and fulfilment. Do you have a Labradoodle? What is your experience living with these wonderful dogs? Share your thoughts in the comments section below or via our social media. Related Article. They venture into the surrounding environment. Puppies removed too early tend to be nervous, tend to bark inappropriately, tend to bite simply because these lessons a mother and littermates usually provides were missed. Training problems and long-term behavior problems can often be attributed to a puppy removed from the litter much too soon. Beginning at 3 weeks of age, what is going on at this stage of puppy devleopment: The first lessons learned are dog specific behavioral patterns They will learn various postures meanings and their affects to their mother and littermates. They will learn how to bite and what it is like to be bitten. They will learn what barking and other vocalizations mean and their uses. They will learn how to establish social relationships with other dogs. Beginning at 5 weeks of age, what is going on at this stage of puppy development: Vocalization and tempered activities dog manners usually are learned at approximately 5 weeks of age. They will learn how to be submissive to the leader of the pack. They will learn and refine additional postures, vocalizations, and acceptable dog interaction behaviors. With a few very clear signals and repetitions, the young puppy will learn quickly. At that point, a mothers glare or low growl is all that is needed to keep a young pup in line. Littermates also learn clear signals of communication to each other. It is during this time, that your dog needs to have positive experiences. They need to be introduced to new things and begin the groundwork to a happy, well-adjusted dog. Beginning at 7 weeks of age, what is going on at this stage of puppy development: Short attention spans. Things learned are permanent and will be resistant to change. Puppy will be eager to learn. What he does and learns now, he will do as an adult. Puppy will be transitioning his education from his mother to his human environment. Beginning at 8 weeks and ending at approximately 11 weeks of age, what is going on: Any traumatic, painful or frightening experiences can have a lasting impact. What You Can Do: Gradually introduce your puppy to new things, environments and people. Do not let others push your puppy or be forceful with them. Provide a secure comforting demeanor. Teach the puppy you are there to protect and lead. He has been watching you and the family very closely. He is picking up on human behaviors and reactions. He is learning the pecking order of the pack. As he observes and learns, he will then attempt to figure out where exactly he stands in the pack order and to also see if moving up in the pack will work. How could such a cute little pup be such a pistol? What is going on at this stage of puppy development: Puppy will begin to question authority. Puppy will attempt to move himself up in the pack order. Puppy will try to dominate. Puppy will grab leashes Puppy will try to determine what activities are going to be done and when. Puppy may growl. Puppy may put his mouth on you. Puppy can often become over excited. What you can do: Learn how your actions and body language communicate to your dog. Do not play aggressive games during this phase. Tug or wrestling If puppy becomes over excited, growls or mouths you, you stop all activity. Be very aware of how the puppy interacts with children — do not leave children unattended with the puppy. Enroll in a puppy kindergarten class to redirect some of the energy. He has been aware of where you are and would stay pretty close. During this period that same cute little puppy will decide that he is ready to go solo and take off running quicker than lightening. During this time, teaching the puppy that he must stay close by or come when called is critical. The failure to do this will result in a dog that will not be reliable to come or to stay close by as an adult and very well could lead the dog into a life or death situation. What is going on at this stage of puppy development: The puppy will become more independent. A puppy that previously would never go very far, will venture off. The Puppy will ignore commands to stay close or come. How you handle refusal to come or stay will affect future reliability off leash. Puppy will be clever in attempts to run around loose. Never allow dog loose in an unconfined area. Yes this is redundant to the above, so it must be pretty important for us to say it twice. Being off leash outside of a confined area is reserved for who have been well trained. Enroll in a training class that utilizes positive training techniques. Make coming a very positive experience. Oh… and never allow your puppy to be off leash in an unconfined area. This often is a time when many families start to worry that maybe they made a bad decision in getting a dog. Remember: you get what you put into it. You take the time right now to teach good habits, you will have the dog you always dreamed of for many years. This work will payoff. What is going on at this stage of puppy development: The puppy will become a free and independent thinker. The puppy will continue to review the pack order. The puppy will be very energetic. The puppy will be exuberant and enthusiastic. They turn into clowns with teeth. They will delight in learning new and fun things. What you can do: Appreciate the humor of it all. Have you read the book The Dog Listener yet? It will help. Understand that despite the behaviors it is your time to continue to train and reinforce the things you do want him to do. Reaffirm the family pack order. Be realistic about expectations still very much a puppy in a big boy body Channel all that energy into positive learning experiences. Continue with training classes; explore options for additional training opportunities. This is normal, but you must help your dog figure out how to deal with his fears or concerns. It will also reduce the chances that the things he fears will not be permanently imprinted for life. What is going on at this stage of puppy development: The puppy that was so confident will suddenly become reluctant to new things. This period can be subtle. This period can come and go several times over this entire period. It may appear to be unprovoked or unrelated to any specific occurrence. Puppy can become frustrating to owners. You may notice this behavior more in males. What you can do: Avoid extremes in your response no anger or forcing or over comforting Be patient and understanding. We aware of surrounding and potential triggers. Work on desensitizing him with gradual introductions with rewards. Praise with grand rewards for his attempts. Your dog will take his clues from you, if you act frightened or concerned he will too. He will begin to fill out a bit and develop more muscle tone. But, mentally, the dog is still working out some last details of his life and what it means to him. He IS a member of a pack and now begins to find that his turf is worthy of monitoring and protecting. You do not want you dog to take over these responsibilities because in no time you too will be under the rule of the King Dog. Which can lead to aggressive behaviors, protective to the point of creating fear or actually harming someone or another animal as he protects. This is bad news, and often a reason a dog is taken out of the home or destroyed. What is going on: The dog may become more turf protective. Strangers may be greeted with barking. Barking at noises, birds, cars, butterflies, pretty much everything he believe worthy of attention. Playing with other dogs may escalate to fighting. Same sex confrontations of other dogs can occur. Once again, checking the pack order to see if he can move up. What you can do: Reinforce how to greet strangers into your home. Teach your dog to ignore dogs he cannot be nice to. Practice or reinforce dog manners utilizing no threatening dogs Learn to read your dog and other dogs. Circling, walking on toes, stiff tail wags, tense facial expressions — are the signs of aggressive behaviors Rally your family to review that the pack order is clear and very one is consistent with training and corrections. Reward him for good behaviors. Give that dog another job, therapy work, obedience classes, agility. Republished with permission from International Doodle Owners Group. Save Save Ready for your puppy? It takes traits from both breeds, and new puppy owners will quickly see this combination was chosen intentionally. The Labrador retriever is an intelligent, loyal breed with an excellent temperament for nearly any family or living situation. Unfortunately, these dogs also shed a lot, which can be a hassle. It also makes a Labrador a poor choice for public social situations, such as outdoor dining at dog-friendly patios. Instead, the coat traps dirt, allergens, loose hair and other debris inside it. This means less shedding but also means daily brushing is required. The poodle is also an intelligent breed that makes a perfect addition to most homes since it was bred to be a companion animal. Any puppy is a lifelong commitment. Understanding what to expect at every life stage will help you prepare to give your cute little puppy a long, prosperous, happy life. A normal-sized labradoodle will live an average of 12 to 14 years. Smaller labradoodles resulting from a miniature or toy poodle crossbreed will generally live a little longer. However, you must remember that this lifespan is only an average. There are plenty of labradoodles who live into their late teens. A healthy diet, regular exercise and periodic vet visits are crucial to your labradoodle puppy living a long, healthy life. These main life stages include puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood, middle-aged and senior. Each life stage is discussed in more detail below. Puppyhood If you adopt a labradoodle puppy, this will be the first stage you get to witness. A labradoodle puppy will remain in this life stage from birth until five or six months. Birth to 7 Weeks From birth until about seven weeks of age, labradoodle puppies stay close to their mother. They spend all their time eating, sleeping, growing and cuddling with their littermates. As they get closer to seven weeks of age, they may begin exploring their world a little. Around seven weeks of age, a labradoodle puppy will start becoming more interested in people. This is also when it begins forming bonds with you and other humans in the home or family. These adorable puppies will become more playful and curious at about eight weeks old. Instead, you want to create only positive experiences during this time to ensure it grows into a secure young adult dog. This is the perfect time to start positive training techniques. Teaching your labradoodle puppy about action and reward now will benefit its lifelong training. During this stage of puppy development, socialization is crucial. Now is the perfect time to take it to new places, introduce it to new people and provide it with new experiences. The most important part of this stage of puppy development is that your pup becomes a free and independent thinker. With its curiosity at an all-time high, this is the perfect time to bring your new companion everywhere. Socialization and bonding are other vital aspects of this stage of puppy development. Pet owners will find their puppy wants to be with them all the time and may become mildly anxious when separated from them. Most of its time will be spent eating, sleeping or getting into trouble. Your growing canine should have lost its baby teeth, have all its adult teeth and be out of the biting stage it may have had during puppyhood. Thanks to the Labrador genes, your labradoodle will always love to chew. You can stop destructive chewing behaviors by providing a chew toy or two or 20 to keep it occupied. It may become territorial, but regular socialization can help ease these issues. Your labradoodle will also begin showing quite a bit of strength, so continuing its training during this time is crucial. Acting out, wandering and even behaving aggressively are all normal during this time. Adulthood For a labradoodle, adulthood starts somewhere between two or three years of age and lasts until around its seventh birthday. During adulthood, labradoodles are at their prime. Their adult coat will grow in, which may be thicker or denser than their puppy coat. This breed is very intelligent and easy to train, so if you want to keep teaching it new tricks, you can. Weight Management Your labradoodle will reach its adult size between two and three years old. They can tell you if your dog is a normal size or needs diet and exercise. Middle-Aged Your doodle puppy will turn middle-aged around seven years old. This life stage is relatively brief and only lasts until the dog turns nine or .During middle age, most dogs are still active and overall healthy. It may exercise less and sleep a little more as it transitions between adulthood and its golden years. A middle-aged dog may begin to develop some health problems, especially as it gets closer to its senior years. The primary issues of concern are obesity, joints and teeth. The teeth and joints will become especially vulnerable during this stage, so you must take your dog for regular teeth cleaning and wellness visits. In addition, your vet may recommend supplements to protect the joints. Extra weight will also place unnecessary additional stress on the joints and heart of your dog. Senior Your dog will officially be considered a senior from around nine to 10 years of age until the end of its life. During their golden years, your labradoodle will require extra care and attention. Health problems are most likely to occur during these years, and your vet may suggest two annual well visits instead of only one. After 10 years of age, your dog will likely encounter issues staying warm. You might consider a heating blanket in their bed, keeping the house slightly warmer during winter or providing extra blankets to snuggle under. Your dog may also have problems with its eyesight. The most common issue for senior labradoodles is their joints, which tend to ache as they get older. In addition, they may have mobility problems caused by sore and stiff joints. For example, consider a ramp to help it get into the car or up your porch steps. Developing one or more health problems could mean a shorter lifespan for your labradoodle. A few of the most common health problems affecting labradoodle puppies or adults include: Allergies usually to food Ear infections which can lead to hearing loss after repeat infections Epilepsy. As much as we want them to stay little forever, Labradoodle puppy growth happens. And it is very fast. In fact, puppies grow much faster than human babies do. An 8 week old Labradoodle will already weigh between 7 and 12 pounds! And by her first birthday she may weigh upwards of 80 pounds. How Big Do Labradoodles Grow? When fully grown, these dogs stand between 21 and 26 inches tall at the shoulder, and weigh from 55 to 90 pounds. Miniature Labradoodles are considerably smaller, standing somewhere between 10 to 18 inches tall and weighing from 15 to 25 pounds. These dogs are the result of mating a Lab with a miniature Poodle or Toy Poodle. Sometimes when Labradoodles reach a size which is in between these two ranges, they are described as medium Labradoodles. Males tend to be larger than females in any Labradoodle type. Predicting Labradoodle Puppy Growth Many people want to know how big their puppy will be when fully grown. Every dog is an individual. Mixed breed dogs like Labradoodles can even differ in size significantly within a single litter. The amount of variation in size between siblings depends a lot upon the difference in size between their parents. Labradoodle Parent Breeds Whenever two different breeds mate, their puppies may grow up looking a lot like one parent, or some combination of both. This is why there is such variance within designer dog breeds. In the case of the Labradoodle, some puppies can be more like the Labrador Retriever while others are more like the Poodle. The Labrador generally weighs between 50 and 80 pounds and stands from 22 to 25 inches tall. They typically carry their size on a well-built, muscular frame. Standard Poodles reach 17 to 24 inches tall and 40 to 70 pounds. Miniature Poodles stand 10 to 15 inches tall and weigh 10 to 15 pounds. In profile, the ideal Poodle has longer legs relative to their body than the ideal Labrador, so they give the impression of being leaner and more lithe. They will end up broadly the same size as both of their parents. For example, Labradoodles might look relatively stocky, like a Lab, or more tall and slim, like a Poodle. These methods are simply for reference and in no way should replace regular vet weigh-ins and check-ups. The Two Month Rule At two months, whatever he weighs will be roughly one quarter of his adult weight. The Four Month Rule At four months take how much he weighs, double it and add 10 pounds. When do Labradoodles Stop Growing? Most breeds tend to do the majority of their growing during their first 6 months of life. Growth slows down dramatically at around the time dogs reach sexual maturity, and female dogs start their seasons. Large and small dog breeds have considerably different growth patterns. In fact, bigger dogs can take twice as long to reach full size as small dogs. By contrast, miniature Labradoodles are generally fully grown at 11 to 13 months old. Spaying and neutering is an effective way to prevent unwanted pregnancies, and prevent some health problems. In other words, without testosterone male dogs grow taller than normal. Prolonging the growth period like this is not a good thing and can lead to joint problems such as cruciate ligament ruptures. Many vets believe this is of particular concern for Labradoodles, because they are already at increased risk of joint diseases such as hip dysplasia. Small-breed dogs can be spayed or neutered at about 6 months of age. When spaying a large breed female, there are a number of factors, such as lifestyle and risk of disease, to consider. There is a healthy amount of evidence now that spaying and neutering might not be the best idea for many dogs. And that they are more prone to some illnesses when they have these hormones taken from them. Proper nutrition is needed for normal health and Labradoodle puppy growth. Fuel for growth For example, puppies of all breeds need more calories every day relative to their size than adult dogs. However, overly rapid growth caused by too much fat relative to protein in their diet can cause number of growth disorders , several of which are incurable. This is particularly a problem for large and giant dog breeds. Eating too much as a puppy also predisposes dogs to obesity in later life. Labrador Retrievers in particular are known for being insatiable when it comes to food. Left unchecked as a puppy or adult, this can result in an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease further down the line. Vitamins and minerals Puppies also need precise amounts of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorous in their diet, to support healthy bone development. These include demineralization of the bones and skeletal deformities as they grow. This is why malnutrition from eating the wrong type of food is just as dangerous as eating the wrong amount of food. He might have a parasitic infection which is preventing him from benefiting from all the nutrition in his diet. Or, he might simply be small but healthy! Never try to make him grow faster by feeding him more. Overfeeding can cause digestive problems and create a fat puppy. You want to make sure that his mental and social skills are developing properly as well. If not well socialized in this time, they can become fearful of anything unfamiliar. Even at the tender age of 8 weeks, basic training and socializing can start. Use positive training methods with food as incentive. But we do know that the best indicator of how big a puppy will get is to look at the parents. Watching a puppy grow up is an amazing experience. Enjoy it while it lasts. Related Articles. Is kibble, cans, raw or homemade food better? Swapping Puppy Food Brands Moving into his or her new home is a challenging and exciting time for your Labradoodle puppy. Keep feeding what your pup is used to for at least two weeks. Then, slowly start mixing in the new food you have chosen for your pup. Labradoodle Puppy Diets Puppies have lots of growing to do. This means that they need more of certain minerals and nutrients for example calcium and phosphorus for bone growth. Your labradoodle pup will also need a higher amount of good quality protein. This is definitely not the case, though. This—among other things—can cause joint problems, such as hip dysplasia. Labradoodles are a cross between two breeds that are both already at high risk of developing hip dysplasia. The most important thing of all is to avoid overfeeding a Labradoodle puppy, as we will see later in this article. This is called hypoglycemia. Generally, a feeding schedule for your Labradoodle pup can look like this: 2 — 4 months: 4 meals daily 4 — 6 months: 3 meals daily 6 — 8 months: 2 — 3 meals daily Older than 8 months: 2 meals daily. Just make sure to divide the total daily amount onto multiple feedings. You can make slight adjustments to these amounts if your pup is looking a little slim or chunky. The number of calories your pup needs will also change as he or she gets older and heavier. There are a couple of different options out there. Commercial dog foods offer complete and balanced nutrition for your growing pup — this means that they have all the right nutrients in all the right amounts and ratios. If a puppy is fed an inappropriate diet, this could lead to long-lasting growth defects or other malnutrition diseases. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Kibble Kibble is the most popular type of dog food out there. There are only two things you need to pay attention to when choosing kibble: It should be designed specifically for puppies, and it should be high-quality. Research shows that higher-priced dog foods tend to have higher nutrient digestibility than lower-priced kibble — so it might be worth spending a bit more. Choose a kibble that contains a meat protein source as the first ingredient, and steer clear of ingredients like corn, soy, and cereals. Due to its high water content, the aromas and taste of the meat unfold better, making wet food the most palatable food there is. This comes at a bit of a cost, though: Wet food tends to be more expensive than kibble, and of course it spoils more easily. To get the best of both worlds of commercial dog foods, you can combine or alternate between kibble and wet food. The BARF diet consists of lots of raw meat and bones, as well as some veg and fruit. Supporters of raw feeding think that it will make your dog healthier, although there is no solid evidence for this yet. Raw meats are often contaminated with bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter. These bacteria could potentially cause diseases in your pup. However, this is extremely rare, as the digestive tract most dogs can handle these bugs just fine. This means that there is a lot less danger of bacterial infections from raw meats. Keep in mind that cooking for a dog is not the same as cooking for yourself. Avoid spices, onions, garlic, cooking oils, and too much salt. These are dogs that will always want more food and are prone to obesity. It can help to space out meals or add one or two feedings a day if your dog is constantly hungry. Another option is to make your dog work for small amounts of food throughout the day — be it with puppy training, food balls, or puzzles. The possibilities are endless. Most vets recommend treating your puppy for worms at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 weeks of age. After that, they should receive treatment every three months for all of their life. Based on where you live, your vet will advise you of what type of treatment your dog should have. Worming medication is relatively easy to administer yourself, so you may choose to go that route, or you can have your vet do the treatment. Here are some signs your puppy may be infected with worms: Diarrhea or vomiting. Weight loss despite eating well. Weakness and listlessness. Abnormally swollen stomach. Biting Phase All puppies bite! When the puppy starts teething, he is going to chew and bite. Biting gives the dog relief from the pain of teething. It also helps with boredom. When the puppy starts biting, take your hand away and give him an acceptable substitute like a chew toy. Having a variety of toys to choose from can really help here, as puppies, like children, will quickly lose interest when given the same toy over and over again. This variety toy bundle is packed with 12 different toys — ropes, balls, chews, and squeaky toys — that are perfect for little puppy mouths and needle-sharp teeth. An excellent value! No products found. Each time he bites, repeat this process and praise him when he chews on the toy instead of your fingers. When my dog, Oliver, was going through this phase, I found that a frozen puppy Kong really helped. Just be patient. The most important thing to remember is that this is just a phase that will soon be outgrown. Housebreaking is a huge responsibility that can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months depending on the puppy. For example, a 5-month-old puppy may be able to go for five hours in between potty breaks, but a 3-month-old puppy can only wait up to three hours before needing relief. For the best success at housebreaking, you need to be consistent and take the puppy outside at the following times. First thing in the morning. Right after eating. Right after waking from a nap. Just before bedtime. Any time you see the pup sniffing the floor. Carry the puppy outside to where you want him to go and put him down. As soon as he goes, praise him and bring him back inside. Do not allow him to play. With persistence and consistency, you should have your Labradoodle puppy housebroken in no time at all. Tip: Crate training your Labradoodle puppy will speed the housebreaking process significantly. This is the crate I use for my Doodles. Take the puppy around other dogs and animals once your vet gives the go-ahead. This can easily become overwhelming for shy or timid pups — we give you tips for making this a positive, successful experience in this article. You may also want to encourage young children to gently pet the dog with supervision of course to get him used to other people. When socializing your puppy, be aware that puppies undergo two distinct fear periods as they mature. The first occurs between 8 and 12 weeks, and the second can happen anytime between the ages of 4 and 14 months. If your puppy grows up feeling he should avoid children or be afraid of other animals, it can become a problem later. Visit our socialization article for more ideas and tips. Training Training your Labradoodle puppy should begin almost as soon as you bring him home. Give him a day or two to get used to you and his new surroundings and then begin working with him. Exactly how easy are they to train? Find out here. By the time your puppy is about 4 months old, you can begin teaching him tricks. Labradoodles are playful and intelligent dogs that love learning new things. Even the color might be slightly different. Depending on the type of Labradoodle you have, your pup will have either a fleece, hair, or wool coat. We explain more about Labradoodle puppy coats here. It will have to be groomed or brushed out as the new coat begins to come in. Failure to brush out the old dead coat can result in severe matting of the new coat, which can be a mess to deal with. Your Labradoodle will begin losing its puppy coat between 10 weeks and 14 weeks of age. The entire process of puppy coat to adult coat usually takes anywhere from one to several weeks. Although it varies from dog to dog, the baby teeth begin falling out between 14 and 30 weeks of age as adult teeth begin pushing their way through the gums. They may even begin falling out as early as 10 weeks old. The incisors are the first to fall out followed by the canines, and the premolars are the last to fall out. By the time the puppy is 8 months old, he or she should have a full set 42 of adult teeth. The dog will have 16 premolars, 12 incisors, 10 molars, and four canines. Keep those new adult teeth healthy by following the tips found in our Brushing Guide and how-to video. Related Questions: What is the average size for a Labradoodle litter? Although this can vary from dog to dog, the average size for a Labradoodle litter is eight. Litter sizes of five to nine are very common. Usually, the larger the breed is, the more puppies per litter can be expected, though first-time moms sometimes have smaller litters. They usually start yipping and barking around four to six weeks old, although it may not sound like barking at first. All dogs are not the same. Each one is different. Conclusion After obtaining all this information on the various stages of development your Labradoodle puppy will experience, you may still have some concerns. All puppy parents do! Worry just goes with the territory. Focus on enjoying and treasuring each growth stage because before you know it, that cute little puppy will be all grown up and puppyhood will be a thing of the past. Also, having an information-packed guide at your disposal can give you answers and calm some of your worries.