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Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Intentionally raised and trained Goldendoodle, Cavapoo and Toy Poodle puppies using the best practices in the industry. Experience, we have over 20 years combined experience. We set the standard other breeders want to follow. Health tested parents, most of which are generations and generations of our own proven lines. Healthy, smart, stunningly beautiful Goldendoodle, Cavapoo and Toy Poodle puppies backed by a written health guarantee. Temperament assessments and evaluations completed on each puppy prior to puppy selection using our tried and proven program developed over years of assessing and placing puppies. We live on a small 5 acre farm, raising and training animals is our life, it is also my passion and full time job. Aside from my children nothing brings me more joy than our animals. A few years ago my mom Karma joined me full time to help ensure that all of our dogs and puppies get the love and attention they need and deserve! Working together is a dream come true, we have so much fun raising these babies together. The dog house is filled with a whole lot of love and laughter, if you watch our Instagram stories each day you know what I mean! Our Studs: Windsong is willing to consider stud service to approved females. Fresh chilled and frozen semen services are available For natural breedings a current brucellosis test within the last 5 days and appropriate progesterone testing are required. Of course, he is absolutely stunning but his temperament is really what sets him apart from the rest. He is the best boy ever! So well behaved and good natured. He trained very easily and his manners are impeccable. He is good with people and animals of all ages. Barley resides in a guardian home with his adoring human parents. Benjamin trained easily, is very good with humans of all sizes and is extremely gentle and patient with his human baby siblings. Copper resides with his two human brothers in San Diego. We are hoping to have Copper join our program in early .He is lower energy and loves companionship. His tuxedo look is striking and he gets many compliments when out and about with his guardian family. Parker is a 3rd generation from Windsong. He is a Peri son and a Phoebe grandson. Parker resides with his two human brothers in San Diego. He has a fun and curious personality and adores all people. He is a well-behaved member of the family and is wonderful with babies and young children. Milo is taller than his dad, Neo. Milo resides in San Diego with his loving guardian family. He is a very chill and peaceful dood. On top of having an amazing temperament, Axel is quite literally the most beautiful dog WIndsong has every produced. He is a Papapya and Yondu son. While Axel wont join our program until mid , keep an eye for his siblings in future litters. He is very patient and will wait for you to come give him love and kissses. He is very sweet, cuddly and loving and I enjoy getting to borrow him. We cant wait to see the pups he produces! He has a thick fluffy coat that is velvet soft and a fun yet mellow temperament. He is super friendly and loves everyone he meets despite being a Covid puppy. His beautiful structure, gorgeous long legs and adorable head til are just a few of the qualities we love best in our man. Max is loving, gentle and well behaved. He has a very nice therapy-minded temperament and is a wonderful family dog. His beautiful red color coat is darkening with age and he is truly exceptionally beautiful. He resides with a wonderful guardian family who takes the absolute best care of him. He is a chill and lovable dood that enjoys hanging out with his family. He is a well-trained gentleman outside of the home and he is loved and admired by all. Tucker resides in Carlsbad with his guardian momma and 3 human siblings. He will happily snuggle you on the couch all day! Louie is always ready for a walk or playtime. Car rides are one of his favorite things! Louie lives with his human siblings in a loving guardian home.

We chose to breed Australian Labradoodles after careful research of the breed. These Labradoodles are smart, friendly, mostly non-shedding, hypoallergenic. We have never had a buyer say they were allergic. We are a small and personal family breeder. We have two Australian Labradoodles living in our home. All dogs deserve a family so we place breeding dogs in guardian homes where the dog is theirs for life, but we have breeding rights. We only have one or two litters in the house one time so we can give them the care and attention they need. The dogs and puppies live in our home and enjoy our fully fenced acre property. Our doodles are constant companions and entertainment for our family. They receive care and attention from people of all ages and sleep in our room. They are happily crate-trained, but spend minimal time there, as we are at home most days. We walk them most every day where they meet neighborhood friends. We do not breed high energy dogs. Temperament is very important in our program. They only go into their kennels if they want to hide out. We are not a kennel breeding operation and have no plans to become one. I have been training dogs for many years with positive training methods. I am proud to say that I have never had an unruly dog after some training. I believe in positive training methods with treats and praise. Socialization is very important so they go to friends and offices to visit with as many humans as we can introduce them too. The puppies will start socialization, training, and car rides at about 6 weeks old. Our interest in Labradoodles began with having raised Labrador Retrievers in Alaska. We have had 4 labs that all passed on. Two of them lived to be 16 years old which is practically unheard of in labradors. After losing our last lab 6 years ago and wanting another one, I did NOT want the shedding. So after careful research we came upon this breed. Both organizations have strict restrictions on breeding and a code of ethics that all breeders must in the associations must adhere to. Inbreeding calculations are made to be sure there are no close relatives. This will help to maintain the integrity and health of the breed. Our breeding dogs pass hip and eye tests, have an eye exam by an ophthalmologist veterinarian, cardiac screening and some other DNA tests for diseases. I encourage you to go to the website for more information. I also became a breeder because I love dogs and I love to train dogs! Happy Doodling! The main aim of this shelter is to match their pups with their ideal owners. They take extra care to place all their Labradoodles in loving, caring homes. All dogs go through a health examination process to make sure they are free of any diseases and any harmful parasites. When it comes to the pricing, all these pups are priced uniformly, irrespective of their color or coats. When you adopt a puppy from this shelter, it will also come with their vaccination and medical records that will help you keep a check on them. If for any reason, you find it difficult to care for the dog after you have adopted it, you can always take it back to the shelter. The main aim of their Guardian Program is to provide high-quality breeding dogs. It also aims to provide families with Labradoodles that are extremely loving, playful, and disciplined. The Selkirk Australian Labradoodles also ensure that the dogs are moved into a home where they will not be deprived of any love or care. The Guardian Program works helps in matching the right dog for the owner. If the owner has a very unstable home or causes any stress for the family, the owner can return the dog to the shelter. They particularly specialize in the breeding of Goldendoodles, but they have recently started to breed mini Labradoodles. How cute! Do you want to adopt your family pup from this shelter? This will be done once your application form has been approved. The price of the dog depends on the size. The deposit is non-refundable, and it will be a part of whatever is the total cost. Contact Information Contact: 7. Eagle Ridge Australian Labradoodles, Idaho The main goal of this shelter, which makes it one of the seven best Labradoodle breeders in Idaho ID , is to match the correct dogs with the correct owners. The owner makes sure to place these pups in a loving home where they can be cared for at all times. This shelter also provides five years against any sort of genetic illness. They also come with a microchip, and these pups are regularly vaccinated to keep them disease-free. They come in different types of coats, colors, and so on. Contact Information. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Doodles are her love and she has more than goldendoodles placed in homes throughtout the United States from Sophie's Goldendoodles. In , she began to feel frustrated with the number of Goldendoodle breeders in Idaho that didn't know what they were doing. They would make claims that weren't true and let puppies go to their homes when they were too young, not checked by a vet, or sick. Breeding wasn't restricted to a credible goldendoodle registry. She started researching ways to make the breed better and ran across a miniature Australian Labradoodle at a park in Boise, Idaho. She was thrilled to see the requirements to register the Australian Labradoodle and the gentle nature of the breed. The intent was to create a breed that was allergy and asthma friendly with the temperament of a service dog. The journey was inspired by a vision impaired woman in Hawaii who needed a Guide Dog which wouldn't aggravate her husband's allergies. For years, Cyndi has refused to breed labradoodles because the Lab is a working dog. The distinction is the Australian labradoodle has a service dog temperament which is fantastic for families.

Adoption may be the obvious option for someone inside your scenario. You can adopt a retrievers from a number of different places, such as gentle societies, rescue businesses, etc. Your golden retriever will probably be a a family member, so before you adopt, you should consider some things. You have to think about your causes of implementing a gold retriever. They are really faithful, pleasant and lively. This particular breed of dog enjoys everybody, including little creatures and strangers. If you prefer a dog to safeguard your home and family, what about a different breed would best suit you. Think about the risk you're taking when you are adopting an new search. It is important that you know exactly what to anticipate when you bring your new puppy home with you. Even though golden retrievers are deemed an respectful type, they require sufficient training from the very young grow older. You need to take into account the health of the canine before you pursue your adoption. Golden retrievers are prone to sickness. Some of the illnesses that affect the breed are moved genetically in the puppy's parents. If you have no idea what the mother and father are like, you should have the pup examined with a vet before going through with the adoption. In addition, you also need to possess the dog checked for bacterial infections on a regular basis. Take a moment to think about where your new friend is going to reside once you drive them to your home. Typically retrievers are not perfect housedogs. Nevertheless, retrievers love human contact, so find a suitable region in your home where one can spend some time near to your gold. Consider your way of life and how you will fit in your new buddy. They thrive on the attention they get from their owners. Even if you choose to adopt a mature dog instead of a puppy, they're still quite fun. If you don't invest a lot of time in your own home, you do not need a golden retriever. If remaining on your own for an prolonged period of time will become discouraged and bored stiff, which is not good news for your household. They love to run, swim, perform, and so on. If these activities do not squeeze into your schedule, possibly adopting a gold retriever might not for you. Lastly, consider your wellbeing when you are considering implementing. The layer of the gold retriever is extremely thick which dogs drop throughout the year. If you have issues with pet hair allergies, then you definitely don't want to proceed with adopting a brand new retriever. Implementing a gold retriever may be the best encounter in your life. If you already possess a retriever or have owned 1 in the past, then you are aware of what to prepare for. However, if you're planning on implementing the very first time, then you better buckle up for that trip. Are your golden retriever training methods no longer working? Perhaps you do not really understand how to proceed so that you can effectively look after your dog's behavior issues. If you are searching for advantageous gold retriever training techniques that may help you to stop your gold retriever from leaping on individuals, then here are a few clear-reduce ideas to think about: 1. Identify the reason for your gold retriever's behavior. You spend attention to your dog's common responses as well as the communications your dog is trying to convey through his body gestures. Certainly, your goldie sends indicators or messages through the have a nervous tic of his ear, the motions of his head or tail, as well as the moving of his eyes. He may be letting you know some thing when he retains pacing back and forth or barks excessively. You must be conscious of this stuff simply because this kind of can surely help you cope with your dog whenever he misbehaves or do something unwanted. And when it comes to the leaping on people routine, it may be because he's overexcited about playing games along with you, really happy to see you home or anxious about performing a number of gold retriever training actions. This routine could become very troublesome and dangerous, particularly if your goldie is fond of leaping at random individuals. Knowing what causes this kind of conduct can help you determine the solution. You can even prevent your dog from doing it in advance. Enforce golden retriever training for obedience immediately. Actually, training for behavior training needs to be initiated as soon as your puppy can manage any training routine or lesson. It's best to begin golden retriever instruction while your dog continues to be a puppy as this provides you with more advantage with regards to making him grasp all the behavior training commands he need to comply. The earlier you can begin training your retriever for obedience, the lower chances you have of coping with an unmanageable dog. Order your pet to stop the instant he jumps you or unto other people. Lead him to sit down and stay, and compliment or give him treats if he obeys your instructions. If he doesn't, then automatically turn around and ignore him till he gets tired of getting your interest. Just ensure that you don't hurt your pet by pressing him apart or by yelling at him. Harsh techniques won't make him realize that what he's performing is past appropriate. Get rid of the behavior before it turns into a typical practice. Undeniably, avoidance is always much better than remedy. Why wait for a instant that the dog acquires the habit of smoking of jumping at the individuals he loves or activities if you're able to really teach him the correct way of greeting individuals? Why let your wet and muddy golden retriever plunge at the freshly-cleaned clothes when you are able actually teach him to behave at certain situations? Conduct proper golden retriever instruction as a way to infuse positive traits that would even last for life. This way, you will not have to endure a rowdy pet. Do you see a loyal companion, a playful friend, a furry bundle of joy? Or do you see something more? Something deeper, something richer, something that speaks to your soul? A golden retriever puppy is not just a dog. The warmth of a cuddle, the thrill of a chase, the satisfaction of a treat. The joy of coloring. Coloring is not just a hobby. These are not just ordinary coloring pages. They are carefully designed to capture the essence and beauty of these adorable animals, a popular dog breed. Whether you want to color them alone or with your kids, friends, or family, these coloring pages will bring you hours of fun and relaxation. You can use them to decorate your home, your office, or your personal space. You can share them with a dog lover in your life, or keep them for yourself. You can make them as realistic or as imaginative as you want. Golden retriever puppy coloring pages are more than just a coloring page collection. They are an invitation to unleash your creativity, to explore your emotions, to discover yourself. They are a gift to yourself, and to the world. Order now and get ready to color your way to happiness. Where my puppy illustrations come in is the advertising of said events to benefit said puppies! Cut them out and paste them onto the plain gift bag, which you can find at any dollar store in the gifting section. Glue the tabs onto the toilet paper roll held horizontally , two in front and two in back. Then glue on the tail and the neck and head. Print that out onto cardstock, color it in, and cut it out just the face. Findable Rocks To make findable rocks, you will need a handful of smooth-topped rocks of various sizes and Mod Podge. You can select, copy and paste them all onto one document and print. Color them in and cut them out, then Mod Podge them to the tops of the rocks. Let the Mod Podge dry overnight and place the rocks on trails, at the park, outside of the grocery store, etc. Bookmarks My puppy pictures would make adorable bookmarks for both adults and kids. Cut them out and paste them onto a rectangular piece of construction paper or cardstock, roughly three or four inches by eight or 10 inches. Paper Dolls My puppy pics are so cute, they can and should be played with as paper dolls! Print the puppies you want to use onto cardstock, color them in and cut them out. You can use them as-is, or, for added convenience or for younger hands , you could glue a crafting stick to the back to make more of a puppet. Puppy Headbands You can turn your little cutie into a barking, playful puppy with just a few steps. Print that off, have your kid color it in, and cut it out. Wall Art My puppy illustrations are so cute, they belong on the walls of your home. Color them in, frame them you can find inexpensive frames at Walmart or the dollar store , and hang them up in an artful arrangement. You could also cut a few down to different sizes to add interest and variety to your gallery wall. Cut out the puppy and punch a hole where you want it to hang. Bake per the instructions and then let cool completely. You can add things to the ornament — like a little ribbon bow, hot glued on — and string some ribbon or cording through the hole to hang the ornament with.

How do I get my French Bulldog to stop barking? Do French Bulldogs bark? The short answer is: yes. All dogs naturally bark and dogs have been selectively bred for certain functions such as alerting to strangers near the house, as well. Most French Bulldogs bark at least occasionally. But French Bulldog barking problems are uncommon. How much do French Bulldogs bark? This depends on the dog. However, as a breed, Frenchies are less barky than many other small breeds. In one survey, 85 percent of people said that their French Bulldogs did not bark a lot. Why do French Bulldogs bark? The majority of people surveyed said that their Frenchies barked at people coming to their door, and at people or animals that could be seen outside through windows or fences. These are both very natural canine instincts. Dogs bark to alert the rest of the pack that someone is out there. This can be in a friendly, excited way, a frustrated way, or a scared way, depending on the dog. Barking is also self-rewarding to a lot of dogs — that is, it is fun to do without necessarily any reason. Frenchies are not especially barky dogs, but like all dogs, they may learn to bark in order to relieve stress or boredom. Do French Bulldogs bark when left alone? While most Frenchies are ok to be left alone for short periods, they love the company of their owners and are susceptible to separation anxiety. On occasion, separation anxiety can result in barking, howling, or destructive behavior. In saying that, most Frenchies are happy to sleep it off and wait for their owners to come home. The Furbo is a great option that allows you to talk to your dog and dispense treats using an app on your phone. See our comprehensive Furbo Review. Why do Frenchies bark weird? As I said earlier, the French Bulldog has a higher-pitched bark than some dogs. This depends on the kind of barking that is going on. Most people appreciate that their dogs bark when someone is at the door, or if a stranger is on their property. If they settle down, they get a treat or another reward. Excessive barking caused by boredom, or barking out the window at passing people and animals, requires some management. You may need to invest in a dog walker, spend more time exercising your pup or buy some toys that provide mental stimulation. You might also need to close the blinds sometimes. Produce a treat from behind your back and reward your dog for their silence, even if it is only temporary. Then, start to practice saying it from a few feet away, and eventually, across the room. Start to ask for longer and longer periods of quiet before rewarding. For the majority of people, Frenchies fit into this category. While an individual French Bulldog might occasionally bark a lot , the breed as a whole tends to be on the quieter side. That should give you enough information to know what to expect. Do French Bulldogs bark a lot? Our own Frenchie will very rarely bark. However, our friends Frenchie is a BIG barker. To get a wider spread of opinion, I decided to run a poll survey in one of the largest Frenchie Facebook groups to see what other owners said about barking problems I had 63 responses. The first question I asked was: Does your French Bulldog bark a lot? However, I did expand the question, telling people to only say yes or no if the barking was a problem. Do French Bulldogs bark? They have evolved to be companion dogs for humans, rather than a breed designed to be a guard dog. What does a French Bulldog bark sound like? They have their own language of yodels, screams, chirps, warbles and what can best be described as snorfles. Just like any other breed of dog, French Bulldogs will bark for a wide range of reasons. During my survey of owners a few common barking reasons came up time and again. In the main, barking was reported for the following reasons: Barking to be protective towards their owner: for example, when strangers approached or if the doorbell rang. Barking for attention: for example, wanting to play, wanting to be fed, or wanting to be let out of the house. Barking at other dogs: some owners of Frenchies particular females who had not been spayed yet reported aggressive barking towards other dogs. Barking when left alone: this was very common and would occur when an owner left the house or sometimes even a room. Barking when left in the crate: this is probably an attention thing again. Barking when in pain: it could be your Frenchie trying to tell you that they hurt. What do French Bulldogs bark at most? Of the people who completed my survey and reported barking, I then asked them what their French Bulldog would bark at the most. Here are the most popular responses. Here are the most popular reasons why Frenchies bark according to owners I surveyed. To look into this further, I then asked for specific examples, some of which I have listed below in a question and response format. Do French Bulldogs bark for attention? Yes, French Bulldogs can bark for attention. It can be their way of communicating to the owner that they either want something or there is a problem. Many times, they will simply bark for fun. A Frenchie that constantly barks at everything and everyone could be signalling to you a health problem, anxiety, or a behavioural issue relating to territory or fear. Do French Bulldogs bark loud? According to Cheatsheet. Do French Bulldogs bark when left alone? Some French Bulldogs will bark when left alone. Our friend has a younger Frenchie who has separation anxiety. The puppy will bark as soon as the owner leaves the house, and this has proved to be a problem with their neighbors. If you have a Frenchie who barks when left alone then read this guide to separation anxiety. That has some tips on how to manage the barking problem with dogs who get left in the house for a few hours. French Bulldog barking problems When I first put my survey out there to ask owners whether their French Bulldog barked a lot, I had loads of comments back from some who had a problem. It could help you if you worried about why your French Bulldog is barking a lot. At babies and kids. At cars or in the car. At cats. At everything and everyone… all the time. At guests and house visitors. At horses and other animals. At new people when meeting for the first time. At night when left in the dark to sleep. At other dogs. At the sound of the TV or radio. For attention. When the door knocks or doorbell rings. When left alone and bored. When left in their crate. To be territorial or protective of their owner. To tell you then need to be let outside for the toilet. To tell you that they are in pain or distress. If you believe your Frenchie is barking at you to signal a medical issue, then consult with your vet. However, for any other reasons there are some things you can do to stop a French Bulldog from barking at new people, at everyone, when you leave the house, out of the windows, or for whatever reason it could be. How do I get my French Bulldog to stop barking? You can see how this method work with this infographic from the Dog Training Excellence website. Repetition is key to this training method. Infographic copyright dog-training-excellence. Dogs will react to human behavior and will often mirror us. That means if you shout at them to stop barking, they can then bark even more. When you shout at a dog, they consider this as aggression and will either counter it back with increased barking or will retreat and become scared. A scared animal will be far harder to train to stop. Ignore the barking Many Frenchies will bark for attention. This can work very well with attention-seeking puppies where you only reward them once the barking has stopped completely. This should help them to learn that when they stop barking they get rewarded. Get him used to the triggers You can also stop your French Bulldog from barking by getting them used to the triggers. You can do this by ringing your doorbell, giving the quiet command, and then offering a reward. The key here is repetition, familiarity, and reward. Keep your dog active and exercised Some Frenchies will bark due to boredom and a lack of stimulation. Ask yourself whether you are exercising your Frenchie enough, or whether they have enough toys to keep them mentally active. Get professional help And lastly, if you cannot get your Frenchie to stop barking at everything, it could be time to seek professional help. Your vet will be the first port of call, and they will often recommend you talk to a dog trainer once any health issue has been ruled out. What other owners say As part of my research and survey I trawled social media to find instances of Frenchie owners who had reported problematic barking. Here is some of the best advice I found that people suggested to help train your French Bulldog to stop barking. We took are pup everywhere we could and let people pet her and hold her, we introduced her to other dogs as much as possible. Our Frenchie rarely barks now and only when she wants attention or up on the couch or bed. Not a regular treat but the best treat ever! Call her to you and begin feeding nonstop treats. Literally just keep popping treats into her mouth. As soon as the person is out of view, stop the treats. Strangers will be her best friend. Frenchies are definitely better in pairs. Think about it nobody wants to be alone and two is better than one. But they are not a consistent barking dog, although we did have one! If your Frenchie does have problem barking, try to establish the root cause and work to train the reaction out of them. This breed is relatively easy to train, and in most cases, you should be able to get your French Bulldog to stop barking with patience and a little hard work. You might also like….

Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for West Virginia Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in West Virginia? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in West Virginia? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: Dogs are great stress relievers for children. Imagine the effects on family life when the stress levels of parents go down. Children who have a dog feel more secure about home safety and going to sleep in the dark. One of the greatest stresses on children is night fears. To have this overcome, or lessened, is a great benefit to relieving stress. For children who are having any sort of difficulties at school, but especially thoughts and concerns over being liked or accepted, having a dog as a companion that loves you unconditionally is positive and brings with it a good feeling and alleviates symptoms of depression. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Did you know… Parkersburg was originally named Newport when it was laid out in the late 18th century following the American Revolutionary War. A town section was laid out over land granted to Alexander Parker for his Revolutionary War service, as Virginia, which then controlled the territory, was using land grants in lieu of cash payments to veterans. The town was renamed Parkersburg in .Louis, Missouri. Today the structure is known as the Parkersburg Bridge. Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client!

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. Wish your golden retriever puppy would stop biting so much? Puppy nipping is one of the most frustrating things about raising a new puppy—their teeth are razor-sharp, it hurts when they bite, and they can ruin your clothes! But why do puppies bite so much? Puppies bite to learn acquired bite inhibition, or ABI. What exactly is ABI? He might leap up and bite you because you hurt him and scared him. But the important thing is this: how hard will they bite? This is where ABI comes in. So ABI is really important. Now the question is, how do they learn it? The only way for puppies to learn ABI is to bite, and bite often. The best teachers are other dogs. Next time they bite a little less hard and playtime continues. This is how they learn ABI. Obviously, it takes a lot of repetition of this scenario to happen for a puppy to learn not to bite so hard, but this is essentially how it works out. Yes, you will need to help teach your puppy ABI. You can do this two ways: Set up puppy playdates and take them to puppy kindergarten so other puppies can teach them ABI. You actually want them to bite a little bit and learn to control how hard they bite. That being said, letting them go on a biting rampage is not helping the situation, so here are five tips to help you stop your puppy from biting so much: 1. Socialize your puppy Other dogs are the best teachers of ABI so make sure to get your puppy in kindergarten and set up playdates with dogs that you know are vaccinated. Remove yourself from the situation Puppies can often be over-stimulated or over-tired. One thing we did with our puppy, Oliver, when he got in these moods was to go sit at our high-top table in the kitchen and ignore him until he calmed down or distracted himself with a chew toy. Exercise your puppy A tired puppy is a good puppy. Young puppies have weak jaws, so if they had dull teeth, a bite from them would be no big deal. Most adult golden retrievers bite out of fear and a professional can help you properly handle it. Puppy Biting vs. Chewing Puppy biting or nipping is when a dog purposefully bites you. As we already talked about, they need to do this to learn ABI. Puppy chewing, on the other hand, is when puppies chew on things to relieve the pressure in their mouths from their adult teeth coming in. Since puppies bite and chew for different reasons, you need to handle these problems differently. Mentally wear them by out by training them, going for long walks and letting them sniff around, and giving them puzzle toys or frozen kongs. Remember that a tired puppy is a good puppy. A: It can take up to six weeks or more for your puppy to learn ABI and what is appropriate to bite or not. If it takes longer than six weeks, just remember to be consistent with the steps to stop it and have faith that it will slow down soon. Q: Is puppy biting an act of aggression? A: Most puppy biting is a form of play. It helps them learn ABI. If you think your puppy is biting out of aggression, then you should talk to a professional. Q: Why are puppy teeth so sharp? Q: What is ABI? A: ABI is acquired bite inhibition, or the natural ability for a dog to not bite so hard. Q: Do all puppies bite? A: Yes! Instead, they need to learn to control their bite force, then learn to bite less. Have any questions about puppy biting? Let me know in the comments below! Related articles:. They Are Naturally Mouthy Golden Retrievers are a mouthy breed, to begin with, they are naturally inclined to pick up and hold anything and everything in their mouths. While it may seem like there is something wrong with your puppy to cause him or her to bite so much, rest assured, all puppies bite, not just Golden Retriever puppies. Play Behaviour When you see a litter of pups play together, they often nip and bite at one another. It is their way of socializing and initiating play. Your puppy will bite and nip at you during playtime with you because it is a natural behaviour to them. They Are Teething Many people associate puppy biting with teething, however when a puppy is teething they will resort to chewing and mouthing in order to relieve their pain. They may chew or mouth on your hands and fingers, but teething is not the cause of biting that every puppy owner experiences. Puppy biting is most often just play. To summarize, puppy biting is normal and should be expected as a puppy owner. In general, biting will naturally subside in Golden Retriever puppies around the age of months. This is around the time that their adult teeth have come in. Puppies at this age usually already know how to moderate their bite, and will not bite or nip at you as much as they did when they were younger. While biting anything and everything is normal behaviour to your puppy, it is not something that you want your puppy to continue to do. It is up to you to teach your puppy not to bite humans, especially children. Take a look at the common mistakes puppy owners often make, and learn to avoid them. Puppies who are excited bite more. Children often fall victim to the most puppy bites because they get very excited around puppies and this just gets the puppy going which results in biting. Any attention that you give your puppy after they bite you will seem like a reward to your puppy, and the biting will just continue. Yelling at your puppy, pushing them away, talking to your puppy, or even looking at them is giving them the attention that they want. Bite inhibition is when your puppy learns how to control the strength of his bite. Puppies learn this skill when they are with their littermates, which is why they need to stay with them and their mother until they are 8 weeks old. Playing with their littermates teaches puppies that biting too hard hurts and will end playtime. The puppy then learns to bite softer. When your puppy comes home with you, it is up to you to teach your puppy how to control the force of their bite. Biting down on the thick fur coat of his mother or littermates is a lot different than biting down on human skin. By not teaching your puppy bite inhibition, you will risk your puppy turning into a dangerous adult. Puppy bites are a lot different than adult dog bites. Once your puppy learns how to control the strength of his bite, eventually the bites become gentler, and in time, your puppy will learn to stop biting altogether. This is part of teaching your puppy bite inhibition. This is a way to mimic how puppies play together, when one puppy bites another puppy too hard, that puppy yelps in pain, and will walk away. In some cases, puppies could get even more worked up by the noise and keep on biting. This is when you need to walk away. When your puppy has calmed down, you can resume playing with your puppy. When your puppy bites you again, repeat the steps of yelping and walking away. Eventually, your puppy will learn to soften his bite, because biting too hard ends playtime. The following video discusses why puppies bite, how to teach bite inhibition and how to survive puppy biting. It is a good idea to have a few chew toys on hand to offer up as a distraction from your skin. Check out this list of the best teething toys for puppies. This will get your puppy to stop and focus on being obedient. A great way to solve boredom is by going for a walk with your puppy. How much exercise should you give your Golden Retriever puppy? A good rule of thumb is 5 minutes of exercise for every month that your puppy is alive. So a 3-month-old puppy should get 15 minutes of exercise a day, a 5-month-old puppy should get 25 minutes per day, and so on. This is in addition to and not instead of playtime. Bitter Apple Spray can also be used to prevent your puppy from nipping and biting at you. Before you interact with your puppy, spray it on your arms, legs, pant legs, or sleeves, anywhere that your puppy likes to nip at you. Once your puppy bites at you, he will get a bad taste in his mouth and will stop. Bitter Apple Spray may not work on all puppies, some may actually develop a taste for it. I know that when my Golden Retriever Ellie was a pup this stuff worked amazingly well, but as she got older she developed a taste for bitter things such as crab apples which are extremely sour and she once sucked on a vinegar packet that was lying on the ground! Reward Good Behaviour Every time your puppy stops biting and nipping at you, you need to see this as positive behaviour. Good behaviour should be rewarded so that your puppy learns that he did something good. Rewarding good behaviour with affection and praise is great, you can also use treats, or toys, sometimes the best reward for your puppy is just spending time with them. Be Patient and Consistent Owning a puppy requires a lot of patience! It is so easy to lose your patience at times, but you need to know that your puppy is learning what is right and wrong, and that takes time. It might not happen overnight, but as long as you remain consistent and patient, your pup will learn good behaviour. If your puppy is nipping at your pant legs or sleeves, chances are he is loving the tugging feeling and is actually already playing tug-of-war. Instead of using your clothing, redirect his attention to a rope toy. One thing to be careful of is being too rough with tug-of-war, especially when your puppy is going through his teething phase. A game of fetch offers your pup a distraction from biting, and Golden Retriever puppies naturally love to retrieve things. This is a great way to also teach your puppy to drop it, by offering a treat when your puppy drops the ball or rope toy. A well-socialized puppy will be less likely to exhibit any unwanted behaviours later on. Enrolling your pup in puppy kindergarten or arranging some play dates with other dogs who are friendly and vaccinated is a great way for your pup to learn social skills. Other dogs are sometimes the best teachers for a puppy because they will let your puppy know what is okay for play and what is not okay, in terms of biting and nipping. Always supervise your puppy while playing with other dogs. Yelling at your puppy will only make your puppy scared and confused as well as lose trust and respect for you. Common mistakes people make when their puppy is biting are pushing them away, clamping down on their mouths or spraying them in the face with water. All of these are a bad idea! Your puppy could see this behaviour as a form of play and continue biting and nipping at you even harder. If you remain calm and use a firm voice not yelling , your pup will see you as in charge. Puppies and dogs often exhibit the same behaviour as we do, if you get upset and start yelling, your puppy will just get even more excited. As unpleasant as puppy biting is, it is normal behaviour. Your puppy biting and nipping at you with a mouth full of shark teeth may seem aggressive, but it is most often just out of curiosity and play behaviour. Golden Retrievers are known for their calm and gentle demeanour, but there are rare instances where you may have an aggressive puppy on your hands. Puppies who have been taken away from their litter earlier than weeks, bad breeding, being abused, a chemical imbalance, and not being socialized are all reasons for aggression in puppies. Signs of an aggressive puppy include barking, growling, lunging at you or another dog, a stiff posture, and showing teeth. If you think your puppy is aggressive, it is important to work with a professional dog trainer or behaviourist in order to find out the reasons for aggression and work on correcting the behaviour before it gets worse. It is important to keep your calm and work with your puppy to teach him the important skill of bite inhibition, and to redirect his biting to more appropriate behaviour. Socializing your puppy, as well as rewarding good behaviour will all help to turn your puppy into a well-behaved dog. Have you tried any of the tips mentioned above? Do you have any other tips to stop Golden Retriever puppy biting? Share your thoughts and comments below, as well as any questions you may have. I would love to hear from you. Jenny I am the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ellie. She keeps me busy, and when she is resting, you can find me working on my blog. She is always close by though. I live in Stirling, ON Canada with my husband, and we both enjoy the never a dull moment life with our Ellie. Spread the love. But much like other puppies, a Golden Retriever puppy has a tendency to chew and bite. So, how can you train your Golden Retriever puppy not to bite? Consistency is the key to teaching your Golden Retriever puppy not to bite. However, you have to train your dog to behave, and that includes keeping them from biting. 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! Get up and walk away from the dog. Leave the room if you can. Focus on something else for a bit. And believe me, a Golden Retriever puppy or not always wants your attention! Now, you may not see immediate results with this method, but it will work over time if you remain consistent. Sending your new puppy mixed signals will only confuse him or her. You can pet your dog to reward them for not getting mouthy with your hand or fingers while playing. It can take a while to get to this stage, so be patient. When, your dog gets through an entire play session without biting, that deserves some extra love. Now, you have to be careful not to give too much attention when your dog does bite. If your Golden Retriever reverts to biting out of excitement or nervousness, immediately stop giving them attention. Turn away and ignore your dog like what you did before. Hopefully, they will get the message more quickly, so you can go back to playing without them biting. Use a firm tone rather than a cute tone you might use when praising your dog. When you say no, use physical signals to get your Golden Retriever to stop. Take your hand out of their mouth and move it out of reach. Make sure anyone who trains the dog uses the same firm tone. Tips to stop golden retriever pups from biting. Watch for Patterns Another way you can train your Golden Retriever puppy to stop biting is to watch for patterns. See if your dog tends to bite more at certain times of day, in the same room, or while playing with a particular toy. When your dog does bite, you can use other methods to get them to stop immediately. But after the fact, write down the date, time, and situation. If multiple people are training your dog, you should also log who your dog tends to bite. That way, you can see if there are patterns. Use Bitter Spray When you start training your Golden Retriever puppy, you may want to try using a bitter spray on your hands. Try this bitter spray Amazon , it works on your hands to stop chewing and biting and it also works on other things around the house that a new puppy might want to chew on like houseplants, furniture, etc. This can be an easy way to get your dog not to bite you. Now, this can be difficult if your dog bites other areas of your body, but it can help. You might get quicker results than if you only stuck to ignoring your dog. Have Lots of Toys Another excellent way to train your Golden Retriever to stop biting you is to use toys. You should be careful and use toys when your dog exhibits good behavior. But you can give your dog chew toys so that they have something they can bite. There is even a teething ring for dogs Amazon that you keep in the freezer and it provides something cool to chew on to help ease the pain during this period of your puppies life. Then, your dog will want to behave well when they play with you. 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! You can have a bag of small treats in your pocket that you use when playing with your dog. Whenever they go a long time without biting, you can give them a treat. You can also use the treats to distract your dog. If you know their patterns and when they usually bite, you can preempt that with a treat. Then, your dog can chew on the food rather than your hand. There are tons of treats out there, so go with something small. Try to avoid using treats as a bribe, and focus on making them a reward. That way, your dog can look forward to a treat for their good habits. Start As Soon as Possible Training your Golden Retriever puppy not to bite should start as soon as you bring your puppy home. If you wait until your dog gets into the habit of biting, it will be hard to break. You may still need to use various ways to train your dog, but it should be easier. Starting when your puppy is super young can also help them with other areas of their life. If you can train them not to bite, you will know how they learn best, which will help you train them for other things. It will also be harder if you use one method while your spouse uses another method. Everyone in your household should decide on how and when to train your Golden Retriever puppy. Use the same toys or treats, train your dog simultaneously, or use the same speaking tone. That way, your dog can learn from everyone rather than a single trainer. Then, you all can enjoy your Golden Retriever, and they can develop good habits. Final Thoughts Training a Golden Retriever to stop biting can take some time. You have to figure out when your dog bites and what triggers the biting. Then, you have to determine how your dog learns best and use that method to train your puppy. But once you find the perfect tool, your dog will learn to stop biting. Are you a proud new golden retriever puppy parent or considering getting a furry friend? While puppies are adorable and full of energy, they can also be a handful, especially when it comes to biting. This article will cover practical strategies to manage puppy biting and help you and your pup develop a solid and loving relationship. Thus biting is natural. Their bites will become softer as they practice and learn to manage their bite strength. They will eventually stop biting entirely. While biting is a natural part of the learning process, it is essential to train your puppy not to bite excessively. Here are a few tips to get you started: Providing Chew Toys for Redirecting Biting Behavior Providing chew toys is an excellent approach to help your puppy stop biting. When your puppy begins to bite you, remove your hand or foot and replace it with a chew toy. This teaches them that biting is acceptable, but only when done with toys, not people. It is essential to keep an eye on your puppy when they play with chew toys to ensure they do not consume anything toxic. By exposing your puppy to a variety of people, animals, and environments in a controlled and positive manner, you can help them develop proper social skills and reduce biting tendencies. Socialization helps puppies learn appropriate bite inhibition and establishes boundaries for acceptable behavior during interactions. Through well-planned socialization experiences, you can guide your puppy towards becoming a well-behaved and gentle companion. Employing the Time-Out Strategy for Persistent Biting Use the time-out strategy when other methods fail to stop your puppy from biting. If your puppy continues to bite, place him on a time-out for 30 seconds before allowing him to return to play. This teaches your puppy that biting is unacceptable and will result in a loss of playtime or attention. Again, use a gentle tone and avoid shouting or scolding your puppy. When your puppy plays gently with their toys instead of biting you, shower them with praise and perhaps even a tasty gift! This teaches your puppy that good behavior leads to beautiful things. Instead, concentrate on encouraging appropriate behavior and redirecting any inappropriate biting. Your puppy will learn to control their biting and play in a friendly and safe manner with time, patience, and positive reinforcement. This entails repeating the same commands, techniques, and rewards each time you train. When you do this, your puppy learns what is expected of them and how to get rewarded. On the other hand, if you are inconsistent, your puppy may get confused and unsure of what they need to do to please you. This can make training more difficult and frustrating for you and your puppy. So, strive to be consistent in your training. However, they can get nippy during their fun exploration of the world around them. The good news is that this is a natural habit for pups, and there are ways to deal with it. Puppies prefer to bite to initiate play, learn more about their surroundings, and adjust their bite pressure, especially when they are teething. These actions are part of how they play, interact, and learn about their environment. First, however, puppies must be taught how to control their biting pressure and redirect their biting to appropriate toys and chew objects, which we will discuss later. Puppy bites, for example, can become more painful and even harmful as they increase in size. Additionally, it might lead to destructive chewing if you do not divert their biting habit to appropriate chew items. As a result, it is critical to address this habit early on through regular teaching and positive reinforcement. Understand what motivates them and what makes them more likely to engage in biting. Adjust your training methods: Not all puppies respond to the same training techniques. Some may respond better to positive reinforcement, while others may require more redirection and distraction. Consider their energy levels: Golden Retrievers are known for their energy and enthusiasm. Be patient and consistent: Training takes time, and each puppy learns at their own pace. Be patient with your puppy and provide consistent guidance. Remember, every Golden Retriever puppy is an individual, and what works for one may not work for another. With a customized approach, you can effectively address biting behavior and set your unique puppy on the path to becoming a well-behaved and happy companion. So, most puppies begin to bite and mouth less frequently when they are 8 to 10 months old. However, this varies greatly depending on the individual pup. Some may stop sooner, while others may take a little longer. Golden retrievers, for example, love using their tongues. At the same time, herding dogs such as border collies or corgis may continue to nip at ankles as they age. Just keep working with your pet and providing the guidance they require to create positive habits! Conclusion As you begin the joyful road of raising your Golden Retriever puppy, keep in mind that training and socialization are essential for producing a happy and well-behaved dog. You can teach your puppy what is expected of them and create healthy behaviors that will last a lifetime using consistent and positive reinforcement techniques. Remember that each puppy is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. You will be rewarded with a devoted and well-behaved companion if you are patient and committed to the training process. Remember to give your puppy enough exercise and mental stimulation and to continuously reward positive behavior. You can help your puppy grow into a happy and healthy adult dog who will provide you happiness for many years by doing so. By the time your puppy reaches around three months of age, they should start to develop bite inhibition and learn to control the force of their bites during play. As you continue to interact and train with your puppy, you can gradually increase your sensitivity to the level of bites you find acceptable. By the age of four or five months, their play bites should no longer exert any force. Can I use physical punishment to stop my puppy from biting? Certainly not! To stop a puppy from biting, never use physical punishment. It is not only ineffective, but it can also be harmful and cause long-term behavioral issues. Instead, train your puppy using positive reinforcement techniques, including redirection, time-outs, and excellent rewarding behavior. What can I do? Puppies frequently nip and bite while playing with other dogs, but teaching them to control their bite force is essential. My puppy is teething. What can I do to stop them from biting? Teething is a normal developmental stage for puppies , and they naturally want to chew and bite things. Similar to what we discussed earlier. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. You are bound to want to know when your biting puppy will grow out of this phase and how you can speed that process up. Biting, as you will have discovered is usually accompanied by lots of noise! Why do puppies bite? So why do puppies bite? My puppy is biting hard Puppies do bite hard and it does hurt. But I want to reassure you that even at 8 weeks old, your puppy has learned to moderate his bite in play. Puppies have powerful jaws designed to tear through flesh and crush bones. Those of you who feed your puppy a raw diet will know that even an 8 week old puppy from a medium sized breed can crush bones the size of your little finger. He is deliberately attempting to be gentle. Puppy Biting — Bite inhibition This ability, that your puppy has, to moderate the power of his jaws in play, is called bite inhibition. It is something that his mother started to teach him when he was just a few weeks old. And now it is your turn to take over and complete the training process. Growling and Puppy biting One thing that often worries people who have a new puppy in the family, is the growling that accompanies puppy biting. It sounds horrific. Great snarls and snaps accompany the biting and the puppy can appear quite demonic as he grabs onto your skin, or clothes. Tugging away with all the strength he can muster. Ninety nine times out of a hundred this is completely normal play biting. Is my puppy biting aggressive? You cannot determine whether or not a puppy is biting aggressively by how hard he bites or by the volume of the noise he makes. Play biting puppies bite hard and growl fiercely. Some puppies do occasionally draw blood. But these are not normally savage or crushing bites and the puppy is clearly enjoying himself. Fierce but fun! The play biting puppy will launch himself at the target of his bite. Whether it is your slippers or your fingers, with equal tail-wagging enthusiasm, hanging on grimly and grabbing repeatedly when the item is removed from him. All this, shocking though it may seem, is normal, and is not a sign that your puppy is going to be an aggressive dog! In fact some of the gentlest and most amiable breeds the labrador for example are the worst and fiercest play biters. The puppy that is a cause for concern is the puppy that is frightened. Because although puppies rarely bite through aggression, the nervous puppy may become aggressive as he matures Is my puppy afraid? A scared puppy may bite and scared puppies can grow into scared adult dogs so this is something you need to address quickly. You will know that your puppy is scared because he will try to avoid whatever it is he is scared of. A really frightened puppy will sometimes give off a distinctive musky smell. This hiding, and retreating, and the scared smell are warning signs that you have scared your puppy badly, or purchased a poorly socialised puppy. In this situation you need to get specialist help right away. Your vet should be able to advise you. For the vast majority of puppy owners then, biting is normal puppy behavior. Will my puppy biting stop naturally? To some extent biting is a phase caused by natural puppy playfulness and teething. Some puppies do stop biting with very little input from their family. Which is great. You may feel he should have grown out of it by now. We can physically prevent puppies from biting and we can train puppies not to bite. Both of these are good strategies. Or when children are getting upset, or visitors are winding your puppy up. Prevention usually involves interrupting the biting behavior, then redirecting the puppy into an alternative and more acceptable behavior, such as chewing on a toy. Or, it may involve temporarily separating him from his playmates. Interrupting the puppy biting In mild cases you may simply be able to put a toy in your biting puppy's mouth and get him tugging on that instead of on your fingers. If you are on the floor with the puppy stand up. And if you are standing up, turn and walk away from the puppy. This is where dog gates come in very handy with small puppies. A standard baby gate works fine for most breeds of dog. Managing the puppy You may have to pick up your biting puppy to remove him from the scene if he is biting your children for example, rather than you If he bites your hands and clothes as you try to restrain him, put him on the other side of a barrier or in his crate or puppy playpen for a short while. Although the puppy does learn from them, these are useful management techniques to enable you to control the situation. They help you to keep your puppy calm, and prevent the biting escalating through over excitement. Over-excited puppies Puppy play biting is directly linked to excitement. The more excited your puppy gets, the more and the harder he will bite. And the harder it will be to interrupt and distract him. Rough play excites puppies and noisy play does too. Children tend to squeal when they play and get very physical with puppies. One of the first rules they need to learn when playing with dogs, especially big dogs, is to stand up and stand still when the game gets too much. Limit such play and call a halt to it if your puppy is biting. With medium to large breed dogs, physical rough and tumble play is not a great idea. It can lead to dogs bowling people over or humping them, neither of which is very pleasant. Stopping play when it gets rough is a good management strategy and it is a form of training too. Over time, your puppy learns that biting and rough play loses him his playmates and that people simply leave if he is being mean. When do puppies stop biting? Many puppies have stopped biting completely by six months of age and biting is usually subsiding by the time that the puppy is heading towards five months old. This is if the puppy has been managed appropriately If people have been exciting him, or rewarding him for attention seeking behavior then biting can persist And it can be much more of a problem in bigger stronger puppies than in little ones. Training Puppies Not To Bite The idea of this exercise is to teach a puppy to accept being stroked and handled in any way, without touching us with his teeth. The event marker is a distinctive sound. Even around his mouth, without him making any attempt to bite you. You can also make it easier for him by starting this training when he is calm and not distracted. But for now, keep things simple. It can be a good way of getting the training started so that you have chance to say YES and give the puppy the opportunity to learn what you want him to do. Over the next few sessions, you can work on getting your hand closer and closer to the puppy. Until you are brushing the sides of his face without him making any attempt to mouth or bite at you Progress to touching and holding his collar, stroking his ears, grooming him, examining his paws and so on, all the time rewarding him for the correct behavior. Anytime the mouthing returns, back up to a point where he can succeed and move forward more slowly again Bite Inhibition Training Some experts feel that puppies should be allowed to mouth and even bite gently for a week or two before being prevented from biting altogether. Simply follow the instructions for managing your puppy above when he bites hard. But allow him to mouth you when he bites gently without much pressure. This is a great way to teach a dog excellent control over his mouth. After a couple of weeks of this, you can progress to the training exercise I outlined in the previous section. Older puppies that bite in play have often learned that this gets them a lot of attention. They have discovered that people squeal and shout and get quite cross. Sometimes these people push and shove the dog around which young dogs quite enjoy when they are playing. For these dogs it is important that you stop all physical play, with all family members If a puppy is biting hard at your hands when you try to interrupt his game. Or an older puppy is getting out of hand biting at clothing, you need to put your puppy on a harness and house-line a short trailing leash. This will enable you to control your puppy, and take him to a calming place, without handling him. You can just pick up the end of the line and lead him away. Older biting puppies are often bright and bored. And the best approach to avoiding future episodes of bad behavior is a structured programme of training and interesting activities. A professional dog trainer using modern positive training methods will be able to help you with these. Summary So now you know some tips on how to stop your puppy from biting. The first few weeks can be tough with a determined biter in the house, but you will get through this and come out the other side. A few months from now, this difficult period will be a distant memory In the meantime, focus on keeping your biting puppy calm, avoiding too much rough play, and redirecting his biting onto appropriate toys and activities. Spend some time on the training exercise set out above. Read the full disclosure here. Tasty finger! Your golden retriever puppy is as friendly as can be — great with kids, respectful of other dogs, and not overly attentive to your cat. Yes, golden retrievers are known for their good-natured demeanor, but they are still dogs — not so very far removed from their wild cousins, and they can be unpredictable when faced with stressful, disturbing, or frightening situations. One of our jobs as responsible dog owners, of course, is to keep our dogs safe, but we may not always be able to protect them, and we may not always be able to prevent them from biting through fear or when in pain. What is Bite Inhibition? Puppies begin learning this from their mother and siblings as soon as they start to tumble around with each other in play. If they bite too hard, they are scolded by their mother or alerted with a yelp from their siblings. Eventually, they learn how hard is too hard, and they use their teeth more gently in play. Human Sensitive or Advanced Bite Inhibition By the time your puppy moves into your home, they will have been using their bite inhibition skills for weeks. Your puppy needs to learn that human beings are fragile and should be treated with care. There are many professional trainers who recommend that you simply train your puppy not to bite. This seems like a practical course of action, and it does work — in the short term. Teaching a puppy not to bite will give you quick results, but it may mean they never learn how much force is safe to use on people when they are forced to bite in an emergency. So if they do eventually bite, they will know to hold back the pressure safely and will not cause anywhere near as much pain or damage as they otherwise might. Why is Bite Inhibition Important? Believe it or not, even the most gentle dog that has been trained from a young age never to bite, can react to certain triggers. Those triggers are fear and pain. Consider these situations: Your dog has been suffering from chronic ear infections and hates to have his ears handled. The neighbor stops by with her toddler, who immediately runs to your dog and fondles his sensitive ears roughly. What will he do? You and your dog are walking down the road like you do every morning when out of nowhere comes a huge dog who attacks your dog without thinking twice. You manage to pull your dog away, but in the process, your frightened dog bites your arm. Your sweet golden retriever has gotten themself tangled in some barbed wire while hiking. As you loosen the wire from her skin and fur, she snaps at you, biting your hand. You may never experience any of these situations. By teaching bite inhibition while your puppy is young, you will be far safer and ready for any of these situations should they occur. Teaching Advanced Bite Inhibition Following is a general guide to the bite inhibition skills your puppy learns and when, as well as where you should aim for their skills to be at certain ages. She will start the puppies off by teaching them how rough is too rough during nursing and play. These lessons begin when the puppies start nursing day 1 and continue until the day you pick your puppy up from the breeder. This works for some puppies, but for others, it just seems to arouse the pup and make matters worse. You will have to experiment to find out what works for you and your pup. You should withdraw all of your attention from your puppy for very hard bites. Do not over-correct your puppy so they become afraid of biting. After your puppy has calmed down, use a chew toy as a reward and let them chew it in your lap or lying by your side. This teaches you puppy that there are other ways to keep their mouths and teeth busy. By four or five months, all force behind play bites should be eliminated. Kids tend to play rough with puppies, and puppies will get rough right back. Your puppy needs to know that every human being is sensitive to their bites, not just you. It is a process that sometimes lasts months, depending on your puppy. Be prepared for this, and remember that long-term results in your adult dog are more important than curtailing puppy bites as painful as they may be. Supervise your puppy around children — If you have young children at home, you will have to think carefully about how you will protect them and your puppy. Little puppy teeth can cause a lot of pain, especially when your pup is still learning to control those urges. Young children can also cause a lot of pain to small puppies. Always supervise very carefully when your pup and children are together. A tired puppy is a happy puppy — It will be much easier to teach bite inhibition if your puppy is not bouncing off the walls. Make sure they get enough exercise every day. Not only will this help with training, but it will also help prevent all kinds of other destructive behavior. Conclusion Teaching bite inhibition to your golden retriever puppy is a gift you give to your pup that will last forever.

Shop All Cat Food If your dog's eye is swollen and runny, he may have a condition called conjunctivitis. If that sounds alarming, don't panic. The chances that your pooch has caught dog this condition, also called "pink eye" are actually quite slim. To get the lowdown on conjunctivitis in dogs, including what causes it and what you should do to help your pet, keep reading. What Is Conjunctivitis aka Pink Eye? Conjunctivitis refers to a condition in which the pink tissue inside the eyelid, which is called the conjunctiva, becomes inflamed. There are two types of conjunctivitis in dogs. Infectious conjunctivitis, often referred to as pink eye, is caused by a viral or bacterial infection and is rare, says the veterinary science magazine dvm.More commonly seen in dogs is non-infectious conjunctivitis, which can have a number of possible causes. Typically, these fall along the lines of allergies, an irritating substance getting in the eye, injury or trauma to the eye or a congenital abnormality. Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine adds that conjunctivitis may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as canine distemper. Is It Contagious? Non-infectious conjunctivitis in dogs is not contagious. If a case of dog pink eye is caused by a rare bacterial infection or a virus, however, the ASPCA warns that the condition can be transmitted by your dog to other dogs. If you suspect your dog might have pink eye, it's a good idea to keep your pup separated from other dogs and to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling him to prevent the infection from spreading to other animals. If your pooch normally shares food and water dishes or bedding with other pets, he should have his own dishes and bedding until his conjunctivitis clears up, and they should be washed thoroughly. You should let any additional caregivers, such as dog walkers, dog daycare attendants or pet sitters, know about your dog's condition and the precautions that you're taking to contain it. Breed Predisposition While conjunctivitis can occur in any breed of dog or mutt, certain breeds are prone to conditions that can place them at a higher risk of conjunctivitis, says Tufts. Cocker spaniels, bulldogs and miniature schnauzers, for example, are prone to dry eye, which is a condition that commonly leads to non-infectious conjunctivitis. A condition called entropion, which is when the edge of the eyelid rolls inward, may also cause the conjunctiva to become inflamed. This condition is common to shar-peis and chow chows , among other breeds. Signs of a Problem As a vigilant pet parent, these are the signs you'll want to keep an eye out for to recognize conjunctivitis in dogs: Red or puffy eyes Eyelids sticking together or squinting Swelling of the eyelid lining the conjunctiva Rubbing or pawing at the eye due to itchiness or discomfort Should Your Pup See a Vet? If you notice any of these signs, you should have your pup checked out by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet will determine whether your dog actually has dog pink eye or a non-infectious case of conjunctivitis. While non-infectious conjunctivitis is not a serious condition in and of itself, it won't clear up on its own without treatment, and it may point to a more serious health problem that needs to be addressed. Additionally, if left untreated, your dog could sustain a permanent eye injury or even vision loss. Diagnosing Conjunctivitis in Dogs In addition to performing a thorough examination of your dog's eye and eyelids, your vet will want to perform a general physical to determine his overall condition, says Tufts. Diagnostic tests your vet might run include bacterial cultures, a fluorescein eye stain test to check for corneal ulcers or abrasions, a Schirmer's tear test to check your pup's tear production, and a test for glaucoma. They may also perform several blood tests to screen for underlying illnesses. Treating Conjunctivitis The course of treatment your vet prescribes ultimately depends on what is causing the conjunctivitis. If they determine that your dog does indeed have pink eye, he'll likely be prescribed a bactericidal or fungicidal ointment to be applied to the eye topically. Your dog might also be given anti-inflammatory medication to help with swelling and discomfort. If a foreign object is responsible for the irritation and swelling, your pup may need to be placed under general anesthesia in order for the vet to remove it without risking further eye injury. Of course, if your dog's conjunctivitis turns out to be a sign of a more serious illness, your vet will work with you to take steps to treat the underlying condition. Helping Your Dog at Home Natural and home remedies may be helpful in providing relief to your pet, although they should never be a replacement for veterinary care. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching his eyes and face to avoid causing more irritation. You should always check with your vet before applying any herbal or homeopathic remedies to be sure the ingredients are safe and won't interact harmfully with any of his prescribed medications or interfere with treatment of his underlying conditions. Non-infections conjunctivitis, while uncomfortable for your dog may only be an irritant to your dog, but that doesn't mean the signs should be taken lightly. Now that you're armed with knowledge of what to watch for, you'll be able to take prompt action to get your pup a proper diagnosis and treatment to protect his vision and overall health. Contributor Bio Jean Marie Bauhaus Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of furbabies. As a lifelong pet lover, they are always excited to learn more about animals and help make information and resources more accessible to new and experienced pet owners alike. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Published on May 10, Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, presents similarly in dogs as it does in people. Characterized by red or pink irritated eyes and often accompanied by discharge , this common eye infection is not a pleasant experience for dogs or owners but is luckily treatable in most circumstances. Conjunctivitis in dogs can have many different causes, many of which require specific treatments, so it's a good idea to see your veterinarian if you begin to notice symptoms of pink eye in your pooch. Because of this, it is helpful to know the basics of the disease so you can keep an eye out literally for anything concerning. She says, "They can get it from inhalant allergies, such as pollen or grass, or from a secondary bacterial infection from a topical irritant, like smoke, sand, or wind from hanging their heads out the car window. Pink eye can be a condition on its own, or it can be a symptom of a different eye disease. In addition to physical irritants in the eye, abnormal eyelids or eyelashes, dry eye, and allergies, other possible causes of conjunctivitis in dogs include certain parasites , tumors , and trauma. In most cases, the cause of pink eye will determine the treatment, so it's important to consult your veterinarian before attempting to treat your dog's pink eye on your own. These symptoms are very similar to the symptoms we associate with pink eye in humans, including: Redness Discharge that can appear clear or a mucous texture Inflammation Swelling around the eyes If you notice your dog rubbing or pawing at their eyes, or squinting or blinking more than usual, this can also be a sign that they are experiencing irritation that might not yet be visible to you. These symptoms can appear in both eyes or in just one, and are sometimes accompanied by other symptoms, such as nasal discharge, coughing, or sneezing. Is Conjunctivitis Contagious in Dogs? Pink eye is notoriously contagious in humans, but luckily, Graham says most cases in dogs are not contagious to people or other dogs. However, as always, it's best to consult your veterinarian about your dog's specific case to determine how careful you should be until their conjunctivitis clears up. Graham adds that this is not usually the case for conjunctivitis in cats , which she says is "usually caused by a virus herpesvirus or other infectious agent that can be contagious between cats and can occasionally be spread to humans. Your vet will likely perform a variety of diagnostic tests to determine and develop the treatment plan that is best for your dog. Eye drops are one of the most common treatments for pink eye in both dogs and humans, but the specific drops may differ depending on your dog's case. Your vet can determine what eye drops are best for your dog and show you how to safely apply them. Certain causes of pink eye may require other treatments, such as medications or surgical procedures. While it might be tempting to try home remedies to treat your dog's conjunctivitis at home, this is not a good idea, and it is absolutely worth it to take your dog to a veterinarian to get a diagnosis first. How to Prevent Pink Eye in Dogs While some causes of pink eye in dogs are nearly impossible to prevent, such as dry eye or entropion, many conjunctivitis cases can be prevented. According to Graham, one of the easiest actions you can take to reduce the chances of your dog developing pink eye is to avoid letting your dog hang their head out of a moving car's window. Not only can your dog's eyes be struck by flying debris, but even the wind itself can irritate your dog's eyes. Ensuring your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations can also help reduce the likelihood of viral causes of conjunctivitis. It is also a good idea to supervise your dog while they play to discourage play that might result in eye injuries. However, in terms of preventing pink eye, the absolute best thing you can do for your dog is to take them to the vet as soon as you notice eye symptoms or discomfort. Catching conjunctivitis early can greatly reduce the severity of the condition, making it much easier to treat. Was this page helpful? Schirmer tear test2 Is canine conjunctivitis contagious? Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious among canines as well as humans. If you suspect your dog has pink eye, keep him or her isolated from other animals and people in the house. Be sure to wash your hands well after handling the affected dog to prevent the infection from spreading. While the chances of a human contracting canine conjunctivitis from their dog are minimal, the odds of a dog getting it from their pet parent are much higher. Note that dogs can also get conjunctivitis from humans, so if anyone in the household has pink eye, take precautions to prevent its spread, such as washing hands regularly, avoiding contact with the face, and sterilizing shared spaces within the home. Are certain breeds more at risk? Pink eye can occur in any breed, but some dog breeds are prone to hereditary conditions that may increase their risk of conjunctivitis. For instance, English Bulldogs , Miniature Schnauzers , and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are genetically predisposed to dry eye, which commonly leads to conjunctivitis in dogs. Irish Setters and Norweigan Elkhounds are prone to entropion 3, an abnormality of the eyelids in which the eyelid rolls inward, which can also cause inflammation of the conjunctiva. Alternatively, dogs with protruding eyes like the Pug are at greater risk of infection caused by foreign substances in the bloodstream. How to treat conjunctivitis in dogs You'll need to see a vet for a specific answer on how to treat conjunctivitis in dogs, as every case is unique. The approach they recommend will largely depend on the particular cause of canine conjunctivitis, as well as the dog's individual medical history. For example, vets will likely prescribe antibiotics to dogs with bacterial eye infections. The medication might come in the form of eye droplets, pills, or ointments. Irritants are the primary cause of pink eye in dogs, and treatment typically involves flushing the eyes and alleviating inflammation with ointments and eye drops. In the case of allergic conjunctivitis, your vet might recommend Benadryl for dogs. Other vet-approved treatments for conjunctivitis could include antihistamines, steroid eye drops, NSAID pain relievers, and artificial tears. They'll likely advise you to clean the pup's eye and apply a cold compress to relieve the irritation. Treatment for secondary conjunctivitis must address the underlying dog health issue responsible for the pink eye symptoms. Some triggers, including eye tumors and eyelid deformities, may require surgery. Pro Tip: Compare pet insurance plans to see how much money you could save on diagnsotic testing, prescription drugs, recommended surgeries. How long does conjunctivitis last in dogs? It depends; anywhere from a couple of days for mild irritations to three weeks with viral conjunctivitis. Most dogs with pink eye will make a full recovery, but others may experience secondary symptoms for the rest of their life, leading to a permanent loss of vision in rare cases. Depending on the cause of the condition, your dog may require lifelong therapy. How to prevent conjunctivitis in dogs Viral conjunctivitis may be challenging to prevent. Try boosting your dog's immune system with vitamins and regular physical activity to maintain a strong defense against viruses. Also, ensure your pet stays up-to-date on all the routine vaccinations to protect them from illnesses spread through unvaccinated schedules. Bacterial conjunctivitis can also be tricky to prevent, but keep your pup's area clean and sterile to kill bacteria and keep them from spreading. If your canine companion has allergies, try to ensure the environment is free of mold, dust, and dander. Key Takeaways Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and eyeball. The symptoms of conjunctivitis in dogs can include discharge from the eye, redness, swelling, squinting or blinking more than usual, excessive pawing at the face, and sensitivity to the touch. If you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to take your pet to the veterinarian. Your vet will be able to determine the type of conjunctivitis and how to treat it. Dogs typically make a full recovery, but they can be left with permanent eye damage in rare cases. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Conjunctivitis, also called pink eye, is a common condition in dogs just like it is in humans. The term conjunctivitis means inflammation swelling of the conjunctiva, which is the tissue covering the eyeball and eyelids. This tissue is a mucous membrane, which is a layer of cells that make mucus. Dogs have a nictitating membrane often called a third eyelid , which is located at the inner corner of each eye and is made of conjunctiva. Normal, healthy conjunctiva is usually pink in color, though it can be pigmented in some dog breeds. When inflammation of this tissue conjunctivitis occurs, the mucous membranes swell, become itchy, and turn brighter pink or red. This occurs most often in young adults, but it can occur at any age. Frequent contributors include environmental allergens, such as dust, pollen, molds, mites, perfumes, and shampoos; food allergens usually certain proteins ; and atopy a genetic tendency to develop allergies. Viral Conjunctivitis Any breed of dog may develop viral conjunctivitis if they encounter viruses that cause inflammation in the eye membranes. These viruses are usually quite contagious and can take 3 to 4 weeks to fully resolve. Examples of viruses that can cause these signs in dogs include canine distemper virus and canine herpesvirus. Bacterial Conjunctivitis Primary bacterial conjunctivitis is uncommon in dogs, and there are no known age, gender, or breed predispositions for it. More commonly, secondary bacterial infections occur in the eyes because of underlying medical issues. These medical conditions include chronic dry eye, eyelid abnormalities, and corneal ulceration scrapes to the outer layer. The most common types of bacteria that cause conjunctivitis are Staphylococcus or Streptococcus, which are both very contagious for dogs. Other medical conditions that can make a dog more prone to conjunctivitis include: Immune-mediated conditions Tumors of the eyelid or conjunctiva Keratoconjunctivitis sicca dry eye Eyelid abnormalities such as entropion rolling in of the lower eyelid , ectropion rolling out of the lower eyelid , or abnormal eyelash growth Blocked tear ducts Trauma to the eye from smoke, foreign objects, or pollutants Glaucoma high pressure in the eye Uveitis low pressure in the eye from inflammation Breed-associated conditions such as nodular episcleritis in Collies Parasites uncommon Symptoms of Conjunctivitis in Dogs When your dog has pink eye, the membranes of the eye become red and swollen. Often, they are itching, burning, or painful, causing dogs to rub their faces on rugs or with their paws. Squinting or excessive blinking is often noted because of discomfort in the eye. Normally, there is a cloudy white, yellow, or green tinged mucus-like discharge from the affected eye s. Usually both eyes are affected or will become affected unless the inflammation is secondary to trauma, eyelid abnormalities, blocked tear ducts, or tumors. Other clinical signs such as generalized itching, hair loss around the eyes, nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, and lethargy may also occur. Often, the same clinical signs are the same no matter what the underlying cause. Usually, the cause requires investigation with your veterinarian through a routine exam. How Veterinarians Diagnose Conjunctivitis in Dogs Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination as well as a thorough ophthalmic eye examination to look for any medical problems that may be causing the conjunctivitis. The ophthalmic examination consists of: A full examination of the surrounding eye structures, including the eyelids, fur around the eye, eyelashes, third eyelid, and tear ducts. Tear production testing called Schirmer tear testing , which is a non-invasive test that checks the amount of tears produced by both eyes. Corneal stain testing called Fluorescein stain testing , which is a non-invasive test used to check the outer layer of the eye, called the cornea, for any damage such as scrapes and cuts. A yellowish stain is put in the eye, and a special light in a dark room is used to show any underlying damage. Intraocular pressure testing measures the pressure in both eyes, which is helpful in diagnosing glaucoma and uveitis. Additional testing—such as bacterial culture and sensitivity, conjunctival scraping or biopsy, allergy testing, viral testing, and ultrasound of the eyeball—and procedures like tear duct flushing are performed when needed. Treatment of Conjunctivitis in Dogs Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis is most commonly treated with eye drops or ointments containing steroids. Sometimes oral steroids and antihistamines are also recommended if there is systemic inflammation. Prevention is most important with allergic conjunctivitis, so you must avoid the underlying allergens affecting your dog. Allergic skin testing, flea preventatives, environmental changes, and food trials may be recommended by your veterinarian. Bacterial conjunctivitis is often treated with topical antibiotics, though sometimes oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications may also be used depending on the severity of infection. Viral conjunctivitis is often treated with time and oral antioxidants to boost the immune system, and sometimes with either oral or topical anti-viral medications. Dogs diagnosed with eyelid or eyelash abnormalities will require surgical correction to avoid chronic issues. Dogs diagnosed with chronic dry eye will require lifelong medications to stimulate tear production. Dogs with immune-mediated medical issues will require immunomodulatory medications those that affect the immune system both orally and topically, often for their lifetime. Prevention of Conjunctivitis in Dogs In general, preventing further damage to the eye while treating the underlying issue is most important for healing. An Elizabethan collar or pet cone is helpful to avoid your dog rubbing their face or scratching their eyes, which can cause abrasions scrapes or even perforations holes in the cornea. Frequent veterinary rechecks are often recommended to check healing and to change treatment if necessary. Your veterinarian may recommend a referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist eye doctor or dermatologist if clinical signs do not improve, quickly worsen, or recur and become chronic issues. Dogs diagnosed with chronic dry eye will require medications such as cyclosporine or tacrolimus to encourage tear production. Terramycin is an over-the-counter antibacterial ophthalmic ointment that may be recommended, although it is not always the recommended or correct therapy for conjunctivitis in dogs. This is found to be helpful in many cases of feline conjunctivitis, including viral and bacterial, but it is not used as frequently for canine conjunctivitis. Home Remedies for Conjunctivitis in Dogs Home remedies can be used to help with discomfort and to keep the eye clean but will usually not treat the underlying medical issue. Do not perform an eye flush at home without first consulting your veterinary team to ensure no further injury is made to the eye. There are some holistic products that can be administered topically around the eye or orally to avoid tear duct blockage, which can cause conjunctivitis in some dogs. Recovery and Management of Conjunctivitis in Dogs Most dogs have an excellent prognosis when recovering from conjunctivitis. Chronic, recurrent, or severe cases may have a guarded uncertain prognosis depending on the cause. Many chronic or recurrent cases require lifelong therapy by controlling underlying allergies, stimulating tear production, or treating systemic or ophthalmic immune-mediated diseases. Frequent veterinary visits may be necessary to determine the best course of action and to assess response to therapy. Conjunctivitis in dogs is often very contagious if viral or bacterial. If your dog is fully vaccinated, then viral transmission is less likely. Viral conjunctivitis is not contagious to humans. Always check with your veterinary to discuss what vaccines are recommended for your pet. Though primary bacterial conjunctivitis is rare in dogs, it is possible to spread to humans by direct contact. It is important to wash your hands before and after touching your dog if bacterial conjunctivitis is diagnosed. Allergic, cancerous, immune-mediated, and chronic dry eye conditions are not directly contagious to other dogs but can be if bacteria invade the eye. Will conjunctivitis in dogs go away by itself? Some forms of canine conjunctivitis can resolve on their own in dogs with otherwise healthy immune systems, but dogs usually require therapy to avoid chronic changes to the eyes and full resolution of the squinting, redness, pain, and discharge. What happens if conjunctivitis in dogs is left untreated? Besides being painful, this can set up your dog for lifelong chronic infections. How long does conjunctivitis in dogs last? The duration of clinical signs depends on the underlying cause. With appropriate treatment, bacterial conjunctivitis is usually fully resolved within 5 to 7 days. Viral conjunctivitis can take up to 3 to 4 weeks for full resolution. Allergic conjunctivitis will persist until the underlying allergen is discovered and eliminated. Chronic dry eye and immune-mediated conditions are often lifelong and require continued therapy. Featured Image: iStock. She continued her clinical training at.Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? Today our Charlotte vets share some of the causes, symptoms and treatments for this relatively common condition in dogs. What is conjunctivitis in dogs? This mucous membrane is very similar to the lining of the nose or mouth and the purpose of the conjunctiva is to act as the eye's protective barrier against infections and foreign objects. When this membrane becomes infected or inflamed the condition is called conjunctivitis, or more commonly known as 'pink eye'. What causes conjunctivitis in dogs? This condition in dogs can be caused by a number of issues including: allergies, irritation from foreign bodies, viral infections, tumors in the eye region, breed specific conditions such as nodular episcleritis in Collies, tear film deficiency, abnormalities of the eye, obstructed tear ducts, parasitic infections, injury to the eye, or an underlying eye condition such as glaucoma, ulcerative keratitis, or anterior uveitis. What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis in dogs? Conjunctivitis is an uncomfortable condition that may cause your dog to paw at their eye, blink or squint. You may also notice clear or green discharge from the eye or that the white of the eyes, eyelids or area surrounding your dogs eye are red and swollen. Often conjunctivitis will start in one eye then quickly spread to the other through contamination, although in cases where allergies or or viral infection are the cause both eyes can be affected right from the start. If your dog is showing signs of conjunctivitis, even if symptoms seem very mild, contact your vet as soon as possible. Left untreated conjunctivitis can lead to permanent eye damage. What is the treatment for conjunctivitis in dogs? The best treatment for your dog's conjunctivitis will depend upon the underlying cause of the condition. Following a thorough eye examination your vet will determine the cause and the best treatment for your dog. In cases where bacterial infection is causing your dog's conjunctivitis, antibiotics and eyedrops are typically prescribed. If allergies are the suspected cause your vet may prescribe an antihistamine to help make your dog's eyes more comfortable, or if there is a foreign body irritating your dog's eye your vet will remove it while your dog is under sedation or local anesthetic. Some dog's suffer from conjunctivitis caused by a blocked tear duct in which case surgery followed by eye drops and antibiotics will be required. If your dog is persistently pawing at their eyes while being treated it may be necessary to have them wear a cone or Elizabethan collar to prevent rubbing and allow the eye to heal. Can I get conjunctivitis from my dog? While it's unlikely that you will catch conjunctivitis from your canine companion it is possible if the cause of your dog's eye condition is a parasite such as roundworms. Will my dog completely recover from conjunctivitis? Most dogs will make a full recovery from conjunctivitis however it's important to note that early treatment is essential for avoiding complications due to conjunctivitis. If your dog is showing signs of conjunctivitis contact your primary vet to make an appointment for an examination as soon as possible. If your dog is experiencing an emergency eye issue, contact Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Charlotte. Our board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist specializes in treating eye diseases and disorders in pets. Happy Tails from Clients "Can't say enough good things about this practice. Between my two dogs, they have undergone three surgeries, with the most recent being a pretty risky liver lobectomy. Every time, my dogs have recovered flawlessly. The doctors are phenomenal. The staff is terribly accommodating, and obviously care immensely about the animals. Our specialty services accepts new clients by referral only. The Ultimate Labradoodle Guide As an owner of 2 Labradoodles myself, I know how tough it can be to find good information. You will save you time, money, and loads of frustration…take my word for it! Get Your Copy Today! Eye discharge is usually more in a liquid form almost like tears. Boogers are usually eyes crusts. There are various types of discharge, and different things often cause them. A Little Crust or Goop — Tears are an important part of good eye care for your dog. Tears provide nourishment and oxygen to the cornea and help get rid of debris and dust that can be become trapped in the eye. Sometimes the tears that naturally flow tend to become crusted around the eyes particularly in the morning or after a long daytime nap. It should be easily removed. This happens because these tears have a pigment that turns dark when exposed to air for any length of time. This can also be caused by a yeast infection on the face. Wiping the eyes and surrounding area with a warm damp cloth or eye cleaner should take care of the stains. If not, or the eyes become painful, see a vet. Watery and clear — Various conditions can cause excessive eye-watering, including blocked tear ducts, irritants, allergies, corneal wounds, anatomical abnormalities or glaucoma. The dog should be seen by a vet to prevent eventual blindness. What starts as a small eye infection can develop into something more serious, so have a vet examine your dog. They have to just deal with allergens, dirt, dust or what have you and hope that we keep their eyes clean. As much of an effort as they make to clean themselves, their eyes are one part of their bodies they cannot clean themselves. Here are a few ways you can prevent eye discharge and boogers in your Labradoodle puppy. Observe your dog and his surroundings to see if there are things that are bothering his eyes on a regular basis. If so, try to avoid these things. Make sure the dog is eating a healthy diet in clean non-plastic dishes and receives fresh water daily. As an owner, you should make it a regular routine to give them a good once-over. Check their mouth for sore or abnormalities, check their body for lumps or pests like ticks, look in their eyes, and examine their paws for cuts or abrasions. Many things can cause eye staining. As mentioned above, the type or color of discharge can often be a good indication of the cause or what can be developing. Eye staining is usually caused by excessive tear production, but it can also be an indication of a serious eye problem. Certain dogs are more prone to tear staining, and poodles are one of those dog breeds. Unsanitary conditions can also cause eye staining as can eating out of plastic bowls. Here are some medical causes of tear staining. Unusually large tear glands Unusually small tear duct openings Stress Glaucoma or another eye disease Inverted eyelid. Could it be pink eye? This common childhood condition, also known as red eye or conjunctivitis, affects people, cats, and our canine companions. If caused by bacteria or viruses, it can be infectious. Noninfectious conjunctivitis can be caused by allergic reactions, irritants, or trauma injuries. While contagious conjunctivitis is common among cats and schoolchildren, most canine cases involve seasonal allergies or pollen exposure, injuries like cuts or scratches, or the presence of a small foreign object — anything from a grain of sand to a sliver of bark, piece of grass, tiny leaf, or small insect. In those cases, secondary bacterial infections may develop. According to veterinary ophthalmologist David T. In contrast to canine conjunctivitis, feline conjunctivitis is almost always primary and attributable to infectious pathogens viral, chlamydial, or bacterial. Bacterial conjunctivitis in dogs almost always occurs secondary to an underlying disease that alters normal resident conjunctival flora and favors bacterial proliferation. If you think your dog might have conjunctivitis, see your veterinarian. An eye exam can rule out corneal diseases, disorders of the tear ducts or tear production, eyelid abnormalities, or parasites of the conjunctiva or eyelids. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis because what works for simple conjunctivitis will not treat these more serious underlying problems. Your veterinarian may perform certain tests, such as fluorescein staining to detect corneal ulcers or superficial abrasions, the Schirmer tear test to determine whether your dog is producing sufficient tears, and a thorough exam of the external eyelids, third eyelid, and conjunctiva. If needed, additional tests can check for specific bacteria, the distemper virus, glaucoma, and other illnesses. Treatment may include thorough rinsing or irrigation to remove foreign objects or irritating substances, medication to correct insufficient tear production or eyelid infections, antibacterial eye ointments for secondary bacterial infections, or anti-inflammatory eye medications to help reduce swelling. Types of conjunctivis include: -Serous conjunctivitis, which is a mild not serious condition, causes membranes to look pink and swollen, with a clear, watery discharge. This condition is usually caused by irritants such as dust, allergens, and cold or windy weather. Household chemicals, lawn and garden sprays, and smoke from cigarettes or wood-burning stoves or fireplaces are potential causes of serous conjunctivitis. While foreign objects tend to affect a single eye, environmental factors that cause allergic conjunctivitis often affect both eyes. The conjunctiva is usually red and inflamed, and symptoms may include squinting; a thick, ropey, mucous-like discharge; and corneal scarring. The resulting discharge resembles mucus, and if the problem persists, the rough surface can be a chronic irritant. Puppies and young dogs are typical follicular conjunctivitis patients, and the illness usually subsides with age. Thick secretions of pus and mucus may form a crust on the eyelids. During or shortly after birth, bacteria may move behind the eyelid. Prompt veterinary treatment is important because untreated neonatal conjunctivitis can result in corneal damage and blindness. Eyeworms, as they are commonly called, are transmitted to dogs by insects. Both adult and larval eyeworms can produce symptoms ranging from mild tearing or discharge to conjunctivitis, keratitis inflammation of the cornea , or corneal ulcers. Other causes In addition to injurious conditions like corneal ulcers and keratitis, blepharitis inflammation of the eyelids and skin diseases that affect the eyelids can all contribute to conjunctivitis. Some upper respiratory diseases, including kennel cough, involve viruses and bacteria that can produce conjunctivitis in one or both eyes along with coughing, sneezing, lethargy, decreased appetite, fever, and nasal discharge. In some dogs, conjunctivitis is caused by anatomical irregularities, such as loose or drooping eyelids that cannot close completely, or eyelids that roll inward, or lashes that grow in the wrong direction, any of which can cause lashes to rub against the cornea. An irritating foreign object can create serious eye problems if left untreated, especially if the dog is doing her best to dislodge it. Underlying problems that result in conjunctivitis should always be treated. For example, artificial tears and lubricants help dogs with keraconjunctivitis sicca, or dry eye, along with topical antibiotics to resolve bacterial infections or concurrent corneal ulcers. Abnormal eyelids or eyelashes can be treated surgically. Conjunctivitis accompanying upper respiratory infections is typically treated with topical antibacterial medication and supportive care. Allergic reactions can be challenging because dogs, like people, can be allergic to all kinds of things. Change furnace and air-conditioner filters frequently, and experiment with air purifiers or humidifiers to see if they help prevent symptoms. Parasitic conjunctivitis requires the physical removal of eyeworms or larvae, which can be accomplished by flushing the conjunctival sac with sterilized saline or by removing them with a fine forceps or cotton swab while the dog is sedated. Treatment with a parasiticide such as moxidectin is reported to be even more effective than mechanical removal, especially where eyeworms are endemic. Home First Aid Sterile saline solutions are widely available, and the same products can be used to rinse foreign objects or irritants from the eyes of both canine and human patients. For general first aid, keep a sterile eye rinse on hand. Most natural food markets and some pharmacies sell eye washes for pets. This solution should be freshly made and stored in the refrigerator for no more than a day or two before use. To be sure the solution is completely clear, strain it through a paper coffee filter before applying. To make your own, simply saturate cotton balls or a cotton pad and dab around the eye. Solution released from the cotton will rinse the eye. A sterile spray bottle can also be used as well. Simply spray a fine mist of solution over the eye area. Treating Conjunctivitis at Home The easiest form of this disease to treat at home is serous conjunctivitis. Infection-fighting ophthalmic gels and rinses, such as Vetericyn products, are sold through veterinary clinics and pet supply stores. Some come with a cone-shaped applicator that helps control delivery. Herbal eye drops, which can be made at home or purchased at most pet supply or natural food stores, can help in many cases. Halo Cloud Nine Herbal Eye Wash contains eyebright extract, goldenseal extract, boric acid, and sea salt. NHV Ey-Eas eye drops contain chamomile, eyebright, goldenseal, and rosemary in a base of purified water and glycerine. Several eye-friendly herbs are effective, gentle, and well tolerated by most canine patients. To brew any of these herbs as a tea called an infusion , add 1 teaspoon dried herb to 1 cup boiling water, cover, and let stand until cool. Add 1 teaspoon unrefined sea salt, if available, or any table salt. Alternatively, dilute the tea with any over-the-counter saline solution labeled for eye use. You want the result to be slightly salty, like tears. Strain the mixture through paper coffee filter to remove any plant parts or undissolved salt. Apply with an eye dropper, cotton balls, or spray bottle every two to three hours as needed. A broad array of medicinal compounds in the flowers of the plant, including various essential oils, flavonoids, saponins, triterpene alcohols, and carotenes, combine to help speed cell reproduction and inhibit bacteria and fungi at the site of injury. Cool calendula tea works well as an eye wash for conjunctivitis, where its mild but predictable astringency combines with bacteria-fighting properties to reduce irritation and infection. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile is often recommended as an eye wash ingredient. Follow the tea-brewing instructions above and apply when cool. Best known as a uterine relaxant and whelping aid, red raspberry leaf is an astringent herb containing polypeptides, flavonoids, and tannins. Its tea works well as a first-aid rinse for cuts and abrasions. This makes it especially appropriate for conjunctivitis that is secondary to bacterial or fungal infections. Goldenseal quickly reduces inflammation and redness. Because the plant part used is the root rather than leaves, goldenseal tea should be brewed as a decoction rather than an infusion. Combine 1 cup water with 1 teaspoon chopped dried root, cover, bring to a boil, and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, then remove from heat with cover in place and let cool to room temperature. Prepare as a decoction, like goldenseal. Because the berberine in this solution can irritate the eyes, dilute this tea with an equal or greater part of chamomile or raspberry leaf tea, some other soothing infusion, or a saline solution. Its mild astringent and antiseptic qualities make it effective in the treatment of conjunctivitis and inflammation. In addition, eyebright is considered an at-risk herb because of over-harvesting. Most herbalists agree that eyebright can safely be eliminated from herbal eye formulas. Another widely recommended product that has not been shown to be effective against conjunctivitis is colloidal silver. This solution, in which minute particles of silver are suspended in water, has been marketed for decades as a natural infection-fighter and as a treatment for conjunctivitis. In , the Journal of Wound Care published a study in which three different colloidal silver solutions had no effect on the growth of test organisms. Support Therapies In addition to treatments that address conjunctivitis directly, consider some with a less obvious healing connection. When Chloe, my eight-year-old Labrador Retriever, developed a bright red left eye with an oozing white discharge, her veterinarian, Tia Nelson, DVM, diagnosed conjunctivitis. Because Dr. Acupuncture is another supportive therapy. Keratitis, chronic conjunctivitis, and all sorts of eye irritations typically respond favorably to acupuncture, and cataracts or even blindness may respond. Acupuncture needles positioned to bring the liver back into balance would then restore the body to a state of harmony. Various energy healing therapies, such as Reiki and Jin Shin Jyutsu, are also used to restore balance and health to the body. Freelance writer CJ Puotinen lives in Montana.

These Multigen Goldendoodles have parents that are Goldendoodles. You would have to go back to their grandparents or great grandparents to find the Poodles and Golden Retrievers. Most experienced Goldendoodle breeders prefer Multigen Goldendoodles, as opposed to F1 and F1B, due to the benefits of genetic diversity, while their families simply adore them for other obvious reasons. Dogs with hair, on the other hand, have a coat that grows continuously longer and longer, much like human hair. The resulting coat is more consistent and easier to maintain. Bernadine D. What makes hypoallergenic dogs better for people with allergies? You can even further reduce dander by having your pet groomed regularly. These adorable Multigen Goldendoodles are the ultimate combination of good looks, smart wits, and playfulness. Coat Types Because of the genetics at play in multigens, all three coat types are possible, each with its own unique set of qualities. Wavy Coats The soft, wavy coat can occur in all generations of Goldendoodles and is fairly common in multigens. Also known as a teddy bear coat, the wavy coat has an irresistible shaggy appearance and hair-like texture. Curly Coat The curly coat is also fairly common and can consist of loose curls, tight curls, or curls somewhere in between. Many owners choose to clip the coat to make grooming more manageable. Straight Coat The smooth straight coat resembles that of a Golden Retriever but is quite fluffy. This is the easiest coat type to care for as it only requires minimal brushing. The qualities that have made the Golden Retriever so incredibly popular really come through in these multigens. With a charming personality and a goofy, fun-loving nature, owners are quick to list off the positive traits of this popular family pet. In the end, all Goldendoodles tend to be quite friendly, highly affectionate, intelligent, playful and we believe Multigen Goldendoodles truly are the perfect addition to the family. See Also: Click the image As we can see, there are plenty of different Goldendoodle varieties. But generations can help us a great deal in understanding the genetic side of things. Essentially, Goldendoodle generations explain how a puppy was bred and how much of their genetics are inherited from either of their lineage. This also means that breeders can use various types of Goldendoodles to achieve a certain outcome. What Is A Multigenerational Goldendoodle? So, what is a Multigen Goldendoodle? But, different breeders do interpret it differently. For instance, some breeders consider F2b Goldendoodles as Multigenerational Goldendoodles. By the way, F2b Goldendoodles can also be achieved through various routes. One of them has to be an F1b Goldendoodle or multigen. By that definition, F2b and F2bb Goldendoodles can also be considered as Multigenerational Goldendoodles. As you can see, there are various ways how breeders can create Multigenerational Goldendoodles. They could use either two F2 Goldendoodles, cross F1b Goldendoodles back to F1 Goldendoodles, or come up with a completely different combination instead. The possibilities are almost endless! At the end of the day, it ultimately depends on your preference and needs. You may also have to take into account that not all breeders specialize in all of the different generations. In fact, breeders usually specialize in one or two Goldendoodle generations. But going back to the topic, all Goldendoodle generations have their pros and cons that you should consider beforehand. In comparison, F1 Goldendoodles with a mix of both purebred parental breeds may lean on either side of the lineage. This comes with an added uncertainty, making it much more difficult to predict the outcome. Goldendoodles can be best described as friendly, affectionate, outgoing, and extremely smart. In addition to that, they tend to make friends everywhere they go, making them excellent pets for almost anyone. Coat Types Multigenerational Goldendoodles can inherit one of the three coat types seen in Goldendoodles — straight, wavy, and curly. Curly coats are often considered the best choice amongst the three, as these pups are usually very low to non-shedding, making them an excellent choice for people with allergies. Although they barely shed, they are also the most prone to matting. Doodle with a curly coat. On the other end of the spectrum we have straight coats that take most after the Golden Retriever parent. But even though straight-coated Goldendoodles generally come with a shedding undercoat, they tend to shed much less compared to their purebred Retriever parent. Doodle with a straight coat. And finally, Multigen Goldendoodles can also inherit a wavy coat that sits somewhere between the straight and curly. Doodle with wavy coat. Size There are three, even four size categories for Multigenerational Goldendoodles. Standard Goldendoodles are the largest of them all, whereas Toy Goldendoodles are the smallest of the bunch. Also, be sure to check with our Complete Goldendoodle Grooming Guide for other recommended supplies and a step-by-step lesson on properly grooming a Doodle. Many multi-generational Goldendoodles have a higher prevalence of Golden Retriever in their bloodline and can, therefore, more closely resemble a Retriever than a Poodle in terms of temperament. This is an advantage for people who are more concerned with personality than with appearance. You see, Poodles tend to be rather high strung and excitable, while Golden Retrievers are famous for their laid-back yet eager-to-please dispositions. So people searching for an easy-going, relaxed Goldendoodle generation usually gravitate toward a multigen. Often, breeders report that their multi-generational Goldendoodles are quite low shedding and are allergy friendly. Hybrid vigor refers to the overall good health enjoyed by crossbred dogs. For example, certain forms of cancer that often show up in Golden Retrievers are not typically seen in multi-generational Goldendoodles. However, hybrid vigor does not mean that the dog will never experience any health concerns at all. In this article , we go over a few conditions that are sometimes seen within this breed. Some low-quality breeders resort to intense inbreeding in order to produce multiple generations without having to keep different bloodlines and many dogs on their premises. Multigen Coat Types Because of the genetics at play in multigens, all three coat types are possible, each with its own unique set of qualities. Wavy Coat The soft, wavy coat can occur in all generations of Goldendoodles and is fairly common in multigens. Also called a teddy bear coat, the wavy coat has an irresistible shaggy appearance, hair-like texture, and is usually low shedding. Regular brushing is required to keep this coat tangle-free. Curly Coat The curly coat is also fairly common and can consist of loose curls, tight curls, or curls somewhere in between. Many owners choose to clip the coat to make grooming more manageable. Straight Coat The smooth straight coat resembles that of a Golden Retriever but is quite fluffy. This is the easiest coat type to care for as it only requires minimal brushing. Goldendoodles with a straight coat usually shed more than those with a wavy or curly coat and are therefore not as allergy friendly. Beware of this Coat Type Though no longer very common thanks to DNA testing, there is one other coat possibility with multigens — the improper, or flat, coat. Dogs with this coat type closely resemble a Golden Retriever, will shed rather heavily, and lack the long facial hair on the mustache, eyebrows, and beard. This undesirable coat can largely be avoided through testing for the IC gene in breeder dogs. What Is the Best Generation of Goldendoodle? The answer to this question depends on what you are looking for. Are you concerned with allergies and shedding? Consider an F1b or F2b. Want the healthiest cross with the most hybrid vigor? Want a low-maintenance coat? An F2 or F2b is your best bet. Looking for a Goldendoodle with a Retriever-like temperament? Consider a multigen F3 and beyond. Want more of the feist you find in Poodles? An F1b or F2b will probably be best. As you can probably tell now, with Goldendoodles, there really is something for everyone! So, Are Multigens Truly Better? Well, multigen owners certainly think so. The higher concentration of Golden Retriever genes usually produces Goldendoodles with extremely good temperaments. The qualities that have made the Golden Retriever so incredibly popular really come through in these multigens. All Goldendoodles tend to be quite friendly, highly affectionate, intelligent, and playful — the perfect addition to the family. This is really just the tip of the iceberg here. There is so much more to love about Goldendoodles! You can find them all right here. Related Questions: Do Goldendoodles need to be groomed? To prevent tangles and mats from forming in the coat and to remove loose hairs, Goldendoodles should be brushed daily. Pay extra attention to areas of high friction, such as beneath the collar. Ear cleaning, toenail clipping, haircuts, and an occasional bath are important as well. How much does a multigen Goldendoodle cost? Prices can vary quite a bit depending on location, demand, quality, coat type, and DNA testing. Find out what impacts their price here. We first fell in love with Goldendoodles when we purchased our first Goldendoodle after a year of dating. Indy Rose was the reason we fell in love with Goldendoodles. Only a few months later Jagger Reid would join our family. And so, Rose and Reid Doodles was born. We began this journey to bring families the same joy of a Goldendoodle as Indy and Jagger have brought us. We are a small in-home breeder of multi-generational Goldendoodles! We are located 45 minutes east of the Appalachian mountains and an hour north west of Charlotte, NC. Our goal is to raise top quality Goldendoodles so that families can experience this amazing dog as we have. All of our dogs are family members and are treated as such! We do not believe in kenneling our dogs and all our dogs live beside us in our home or with a guardian family. You will not find someone else who is more educated on breeding, who prepares better behaved puppies , and so much more. I have never seen someone care more for her sweet puppies and who is genuinely in love with what they are doing which is so evident when getting a puppy from bailey. From her constant updating on the puppies , to the methods she incorporates into helping the puppies thrive since the moment they are born , it is truly an incredible talent and gift that she has to be able witness. I am so lucky to have gotten our sweet baby birdie from Bailey, and hope down the line to get my next baby from her too. We are honestly in shock by how sweet, smart and patient our puppy is. Bailey went above and beyond for us with weekly email updates, pictures, bi-weekly zoom calls, genetic testing and temperament testing. On go home day she gave us the cutest bag full of supplies to ensure a smooth transition. Every time I reached out to Bailey with a question she was quick to respond. I promise you will not regret going with Rose and Reid Doodles, they are worth every penny! Adriana Gurdian - Saint, previously St. Bailey is one the kindest and most professional women I have ever worked with. She was always quick to respond when I had questions and even told me one of her pups might not be a good fit if I was determined to not have a dog over 40 lbs. She advocates for her puppies first over her own profits. We are so in love with our pup, Charlotte previously Palmer from the Ski Town Litter and thank Bailey and her husband, Matt for taking such good care of her and raising her to be such an assertive and confident pup. Since day 1, they kept us updated on the puppies and the way they are raised. They take the time to help the puppies develop and the quality showed when we took home our furry best friends! Bailey and her husband Matt are very professional and straightforward, which is something my wife and I definitely appreciate. At the same time, they take the time and effort to develop a personal relationship with each family, which is more than we can ask for. Here you can get updates on your puppy and see what we do with them on a day-to-day basis! This means all our breeding dogs trace back to AKC registered purebred dogs or they have been DNA tested to ensure no other breeds are present in their ancestry. Each and every dog in our breeding program has been tested and certified clear of issues of the heart, eyes, hips, elbows, and patellas. Furthermore, every dog has a complete DNA panel completed to determine if they are carriers of any of the issues that plague our breed. Fox Creek Farm is the proud founder of this non-profit organization created to guide the development of the Goldendoodle and to track the lineage of every Goldendoodle. Their mission is to improve canine health and to ensure puppy buyers are working with reputable breeders that meet their requirements for endorsement. They concentrate on breeding practices, physical health of breeding dogs and their puppies, mental health of breeding dogs and puppies, environment, and buyer education and policies. All heart, eyes, hips, elbows, and patella certifications are completed by the OFA. Vets complete x-rays and physical exams and submit the results to the OFA for certification. Fox Creek Farm has these 5 certifications on every breeding dog in our program. They verify the identity of breeders and screen the information against a recognized puppy mill database. They provide resources to breeders to learn about health and nutrition, pregnancy and whelping, and puppy care. Puppies learn to climb objects, problem solve, and manding. We use methods to prevent aggression and we teach our puppies to sit on command by 8 weeks of age. Sign Up for our Newsletter First Name. The Differences Between Goldendoodle Generations? Not all Goldendoodles are the same! While most have the cuddly, teddy bear, fluffy Doodle look, their genetics can vary greatly depending on their generation and what parents they have. So, what is a multigenerational goldendoodle? There can be significant differences between what breeders refer to as F1, F1B, F2, and multigenerational called multigens Goldendoodles. Knowing the distinction between the 4 types of Goldendoodles within this breed can help choose the breeder and desired traits you hope to find in your new Goldendoodle. What is GANA? This organization sets the standards and affirms that these generations are acceptable and contribute to the diversity of the Goldendoodle gene pool. The grading scheme definitions of each generation per the Goldendoodle Association of North America can be found here. Before diving into their differences, what does F mean? The number following the F signifies the generation of the Goldendoodle. For example, a first-generation Goldendoodle is bred from two non-Goldendoodle parents a Golden Retriever and a Poodle while a second-generation Goldendoodle is bred from two F1 Goldendoodle parents. Knowing these distinctions helps identify what traits can be expected in Goldendoodle litters. What are Goldendoodle Furnishings? A key element to discuss is the role that furnishing genes play in the looks and shedding factor of the different generations of Goldendoodles. The Golden Retriever carries zero furnishing genes and the Poodle carries two furnishing genes. Furnishing genes are responsible for the presence of hair that continues to grow in length most noticeable on the face and muzzle. Golden Retrievers have short, smooth hair on their face due to their lack of furnishing genes. Poodles, unless shaven, will have long hair covering the face and muzzle as a result of carrying two furnishing genes. Because furnishing genes are dominant, it takes just one copy of this gene to present in long hair on the face. However, two furnishing genes are necessary to facilitate a non-shedding coat. The curl genes involved in each generation will dictate the type of coat each puppy inherits. Golden Retrievers carry zero curl genes whereas Poodles carry two curl genes. All F1s will inherit a total of one copy of the curl gene allowing their coats to be wavy in general. For those puppies who inherit no curl genes, their coats will be straight to slightly wavy. More information and photos showing the different coat types can be found here. Perhaps a decade ago, testing for the number of furnishings and curl genes became accessible to breeders. Until that point, the only way to know if a breeder was producing high-shedding or flat-coated Goldendoodles was via trial and error. We now know that the curl and furnishing genes are unrelated and that the curl genes have no impact on the shedding factor. They are known for their friendliness, being the perfect family pet, and being great for first-time dog owners. They were bred with this very purpose in mind. Of course, their precious appearance helps too! The coats are typically wavy due to inheriting one curl gene from the Poodle and no curl genes from the Golden Retriever. F1 Goldendoodles benefit from hybrid vigor making them healthier than their purebred parents. F1 Goldendoodles have proven to have better longevity than their pure breed ancestors. This hybrid vigor comes from crossing two unrelated dog breeds. F1 Goldendoodles cannot be guaranteed to be non-shedding. F1 Goldendoodles can also come in smaller sizes. This allows smaller genes to affect the outcome of the size of the offspring. There is no way of knowing ahead of time how these two inherited traits will match up in any individual puppy. In the other F1B option of crossing an F1 Goldendoodle with a Golden Retriever, no puppies will inherit two curl genes and no puppies will inherit two furnishing genes. This pairing will likely produce higher shedding coats that will be straight or wavy. Additionally, the F1B Goldendoodle can also benefit from hybrid vigor. Under the healthiest and most cognizant of circumstances, these Goldendoodles can be healthier than their purebred parents. These benefits will only be fortuitous should your breeder be careful about choosing their breeding pairs utilizing health screening protocols. The hybrid vigor will not diminish if the breeder is thorough in health testing and ensures that the parent breed lines are uncrossed, meaning that the parents are unrelated. Like the other generations of Goldendoodles, the F1B generation is highly intelligent, easily trainable, and beautiful. They are created by crossing two F1 Goldendoodles. This generation requires careful selection of parents based on the traits desired in the offspring. Each puppy has equal chances of inheriting zero, one, or two furnishing genes as well as zero, one, or two curl genes. These genes can be inherited in any combination in a single puppy. Puppies inheriting two furnishing genes will likely be non-shedding. Puppies inheriting one furnishing gene will have reduced shedding most likely equal to an F1 Goldendoodle. Those inheriting no furnishing genes will have coats very similar to a Golden Retriever including a smooth face and moderate to heavy shedding. All three coat types are possible in the F2 generation as well — straight, wavy, or curly. Type means traits that all puppies in the same litter inherit eliminating the variety of possibilities within a single litter. Just as in the F2 generation, without careful selection of breeding pairs, a variation of furnishings and coat types can be created. In the multigen, breeders can begin to be more consistent as they can select breeding prospects using DNA to ensure two furnishing genes are present in both parents. This ensures all puppies will inherit two furnishing genes giving them a higher chance of being non-shedding and allergy friendly. The number following refers to how many generations of that breed have been produced from that specific line. These differences are important to understand to know what characteristics are possible in specific pairings. As you can see, not all Goldendoodles are the same! Each generation has its characteristics that are different based on their parents. Knowing the differences can help you choose which Goldendoodle is right for you and your family. It is important to know the breeder you have selected is knowledgeable about the genetics of each parent dog to be able to predict the traits that will be produced by crossing specific dogs together. You may not understand the genetic reports on each parent dog, but the breeder should be able to confidently explain them to you. Breeders that have not done DNA profiles on their breeding dogs before breeding them cannot begin to provide you with accurate predictions of the traits your future puppy may possess. These traits do not only include information on furnishings and coat types, but also diseases each parent may carry as well as the colors they are capable of producing. This certification includes the assurance that your Goldendoodle was produced ethically and is from healthy parents. Goldendoodles are well known for their amazing personalities and for being the perfect family dog. They are typically great with kids, extremely smart, and above all, endearing. No matter what their color or coat type may be, they are very hard to not love! The Miniature Goldendoodle A miniature goldendoodle is quite an amazing creature that has been bred for its unique yet impressive qualities. Starting with the standard goldendoodle breeding of a standard poodle and golden retriever cross, the intelligence, common sense, friendliness, and trainability of a goldendoodle has made this breed a favorite of many dog owners and dog lovers. On top of this the cross retains a good portion of the non-shedding quality of the poodle, while also keeping part of the attractive look of a golden retriever. Combining all these traits into one dog seems quite appealing, but we have one more trait to add to this list. A standard goldendoodle will range anywhere from pounds, which is quite large for a house pet. To achieve the goldendoodle attributes in a more compact package, a miniature poodle is crossed with a golden retriever. Our Miniature Goldendoodles Sandy Ridge miniature goldendoodles are being raised to be the best pets for a dog owner. We have had consistent breeding of the mini golden doodle having a low to non-shedding coat and wonderful temperament suitable for just about any type of family. We have also found our minis to range on average from 30 to 45 pounds at maturity. There is a little variety in Sandy Ridge minis. We get coat types from slightly wavy to moderately curly and coloring from completely blonde to golden red. We cannot guarantee a puppy will be in the expected size range due to the differing genetic sizes to the parents, but our average generally holds true. With all health concerns addressed and responsible breeding practices performed, there still is the possibility a health problem could arise. We offer a two year genetic guarantee against any genetic defect or health issue that hopefully will not, but possibly could arise. If you have any questions, please contact us. A happy customer is our priority. Our multigen miniature goldendoodles are 3rd or 4th generation miniature goldendoodles that have very low to non-shedding coats and are normally lbs as adults. Our multigen miniature goldendoodles look and have coats very similar to our F1b miniature goldendoodles and will be a little smaller on average. Our multigen miniature goldendoodles range in color from medium golden to dark red. Please email, text, or call to reserve your puppy.

Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Females continue to fill out until about the 2-year mark, while males take a bit longer by putting on weight until the 2. But can you tell how big a German Shepherd will get before then? What other developmental milestones should you keep an eye on with your pup? We answer both those questions and more here. While there are tons of backyard tricks to help you determine how big your German Shepherd will get, the truth is that none of them really work. The best way that you can make a guess is to take a look at their parents. If you want a small German Shepherd, try to find one from two small parents, and if you want a large one, try to find large parents. The average size of a German Shepherd largely comes down to genetics, but if you have a purebred GSD, then they should fit into these parameters. Fully grown male German Shepherds typically stand about 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh between 66 and 88 pounds. Females tend to be a bit smaller, standing between 22 and 24 inches tall and weighing between 49 and 71 pounds. This large discrepancy in size generally comes down to genetics. But how much does a German Shepherd typically grow in the first year, and how much can you expect over the next year? By the 1-year mark, most German Shepherds are near their full height. Males typically have another 25 pounds to add over the next year, while females typically have about another 20 pounds to pack on. Teeth Did you know that your German Shepherd goes through two sets of teeth throughout their life? Around 12 weeks, they start to get their adult teeth, which means their baby teeth only stick around for about 3 months! Image Credit: aleksandra85foto, Pixabay Sexual Maturity If you have pups of different sexes in the same home, you need to be aware of when your German Shepherds can reach sexual maturity. Most male German Shepherds will reach some level of sexual maturity by the 6-month mark. This is a big deal if you have an unspayed female pup in the house. On the other hand, females can experience their first heat anywhere from the 6-month to the month mark. If you have unneutered males in the house, this is a pretty big deal. Image Credit: lancegfx, Pixabay Final Thoughts When you have a growing German Shepherd , it can seem like they get bigger every day and like the growth will never stop. While growth might happen for longer than you were expecting , what we can promise is that it will slow down. But did you really get a German Shepherd expecting them to be a small dog? Your German Shepherd is going to grow, and you knew this when you got them. Related Reads:. Every puppy will grow at a different rate, and these figures are average guidelines. A 6-month-old German Shepherd should weigh between lbs for males and lbs for females. Similar to most large breeds, GSDs have their most intense growth spurt between 2 to 6 months of age. At 7 months, their growth rate slows down considerably until they reach full adulthood at 3 years. This growth is nominal from the two-year point to the three-year point an inch or less. On average, fully grown German Shepherds are 24 to 26 inches tall for males and 22 to 24 inches for females. Males will weigh between lbs, and their female counterparts will weigh lbs. Most GSDs are assumed to be fully grown by the end of the second year. Whether a GSD is expected to grow beyond the second year can depend on how big the dog already is. Not all German Shepherds are built alike because not all of them are bred alike. You can also refer to a GSD growth chart and check for consistent lag or lead. Additionally, paw size can be an indication of future size, although this is unreliable. This also applies to the weight category as well. If your dog is a few lbs over the standard weight, he might weigh as much more by the third year. Weight fluctuates even past the complete development, though. And that brings us to the alternative scenario: what if your dog is not consistently smaller or bigger than the projected growth chart? If you notice that your dog is an inch smaller at one stage and half an inch smaller at the next, chances are, your dog is experiencing regular growth spurts as any other German Shepherd except that he is shorter by a set percentage. In that case, you should refer to the percentage of full weight or height in the German Shepherd growth chart. I had a pretty good idea of how big my German Shepherd would be from seeing her parents when I initially visited the breeder. However, there can be a convenience concern. A dog who is too big might be impractical to keep for some. This allows you to decide with more room to maneuver later on. You should lean more heavily on the diet adjustment for a dog younger than six months and exercise adjustment for an older one. If your dog is younger than 18 months and is overweight compared to the growth chart, two factors could contribute to this mismatch. These factors are mutually exclusive, and usually, only one is true. The second is that he needs better consumption to energy use ratio to come to the ideal weight. But how do you tell if your GSD is overweight because of health or due to his genetic predisposition? If both size and weight are greater than what the growth chart indicates as the standard, then your dog is simply the bigger kind, and you can chalk up the additional weight to natural body size. The key is to discover this sooner than later. Discovering early that your German Shepherd needs more exercise and better diet management means you have to go easy on him during physical training. German Shepherds have growth plates made of soft tissue that leaves room for limb bone growth. And if your dog runs or even goes on enthusiastic long walks outdoors, his growth plates might be at risk. I have a post covering exercises for younger GSDs in detail but below are some principles that will help you decide your own exercises for German Shepherds whose growth plates are open. Avoid high places — The growth plates section makes it self-evident that you should keep your dog from jumping. So definitely no skipping rope for your chubby best friend. Interestingly, such games also decrease running speed as dogs are more deliberate in processing where the hidden prize is. The dog will move, and he will move a lot. This means your furniture should be ready for a heavy dog; you should have a place wide enough to accommodate a crate and a crate large enough to have headspace well above the full-grown height of your GSD read my post on best crates for German Shepherds. German Shepherds have a lot of momentum. A pile of muscles zipping around the house can cause a lot of damage, so training early is crucial. Your German Shepherd might look like he can take on anything, but he belongs to a breed prone to diseases. You must be willing to put in the required extra care when raising and living with a German Shepherd. Remember, German Shepherds are smart, which makes them easily bored. Having a companion means the two dogs can engage each other, provided that you have trained them well. An average German Shepherd will be fully grown around 18 months old, although some will continue to grow until 24 months, eventually reaching full adulthood at 3 years of age. German Shepherds grow the most between 2 and 3 months. This is when they have a huge growth spurt. It can also lead to an increased risk of developmental orthopedic diseases. Proper nutrition, exercise, and monitoring can help reduce these risks. A German Shepherd is generally considered a large dog breed. To know if your German Shepherd is too skinny, you should not easily see the ribs or effortlessly feel them underneath the skin due to no fat. You should also be unable to feel the hips, shoulders, spinal cord, or tail base. You can also check the growth chart for any huge differences. To know if your German Shepherd is overweight, you will have difficulty feeling the ribs through the layers of fat. It will also be hard to feel the hip bones, shoulders, and spine, and you should be able to locate the tail bones where the tail joins the back. Check the GSD growth chart as a guide. Neutering a German Shepherd puppy will not stunt growth. Once a belief but now disproven by studies , early-age neutering of dogs does not affect growth, and German Shepherds still grow after neutering. Recovery is also faster in puppies than in adult dogs. German Shepherds do not gain weight after being spayed, nor do they become obese. They will also still grow after spaying. Your German Shepherd might be small due to genetics. Other causes are a poor diet with insufficient nutrients or small portions with not enough calories. Illnesses, a sensitive stomach, or anxiety can be a factor, along with extreme exercise, such as working dogs who need extra calories. Your German Shepherd might be so tall if its ancestors and lineage were also tall. Larger dogs will take longer to develop until they reach adulthood. Final Thoughts German Shepherds grow big and grow in stages with the rates of size and weight increase varying. Finally, make sure to help your dog lose weight if he is over the expected weight but is not over the expected height, as this indicates unhealthy weight. Related Posts You May Like:. Conclusion Kennel Club Breed Standards The Kennel Club standards state that the average height and weight of a German Shepherd is slightly different for males and females. A male German Shepherd is on average between 24 and 26 inches tall while weighing 71 to 84 pounds. A female German Shepherd dog is usually smaller and between 22 and 24 inches tall, weighing between 62 and 68 pounds. Two German Shepherds lying on the grass after a training. The biggest difference between the two generally is how much they fill out. While there are a few inches between them, males tend to be stockier and thicker in the shoulders than their female counterparts. German Shepherds tend to have two different lines, the show standard dogs and then the working dogs. Show standard dogs are a little leaner and tend to have a sloped back end that angles towards the ground. Working lines of German Shepherds are more straight-backed and tend to be quite a bit stockier so they have more muscle. They can grow a little larger and can weigh significantly more. Puppy Developmental Stages The puppy stage can last anywhere between five and six months but for larger breeds like the German Shepherds, it usually lasts six months. Larger breeds of dogs need longer to develop and mature than smaller dogs. Smaller breeds will reach their full size often within the first year while German Shephards take longer to stop growing. A German Shepherd puppy photoshoot. They only have the ability to taste and touch so they can find milk but rely entirely on their mother. A newborn puppy will be between 3 and 6 inches and still have plenty of growing to do until they are fully developed. Between then and 2 months of age, a puppy will double in size and their senses will continue to develop. Their eyes will open and their motor skills will get increasingly better so they can explore their environment more. This is the period where they will start to develop their personalities. At this time, there is usually a size difference between the litter mates that becomes more apparent as they grow. The bigger ones at birth will often be able to muscle in and get more milk so they develop to be a little larger and stronger than the rest of the litter, while the opposite is true for the smaller puppies. When puppies leave their mother at 2 months old, their next month is filled with a lot of changes as they usually go into their new homes. This is when a litter may be given different food , and different routines and environmental changes may have an impact on their growth rates. This puppy stage will last until 6 months of age when your puppy will learn to develop and bond with your while growing. At this age, they may seem to get taller practically overnight as they can grow quite rapidly. By the time they reach 6 months they can be between 15 and 18 inches tall. Adolescent Developmental Stages When a German Shepherd puppy reaches 6 months of age, they become an adolescent. This can be a particularly challenging period for both owner and dog. You may notice they start to test boundaries more and you may have spent the last few months perfecting their recall only to have it go right out the window and have to start from scratch. German Shepherd approaching his owner. Sometimes dogs even have growth spurts that leave them with their rear taller than their shoulders but over time, this should balance out. A good diet and not overdoing exercise are vital during this period to make sure their bones and joints are growing well and not being overly stressed during their bouts of zoomies. Adulthood Smaller breeds of dogs will reach adulthood between 1 and 2 years of age but larger breeds need more time to develop and will continue to grow until around 18 months of age. German Shepherd hyper actively plays with a ball. As they mature into adulthood, they will gain weight and muscle which means they may finish up taller and significantly heavier because of that muscle. At 18 months your German Shepherd could be 60 pounds but by two years they can easily be up to 80 pounds. Environmental Factors While genetics plays the most important role in predicting how big or small your puppy will grow, there are some external factors that can help your dog grow up fit and strong as they develop. Choosing the best food for a German Shepherd can be tricky — they eat a lot! Some people make food for their German Retrievers at home. Nutrition plays a vital role in the development of young dogs and getting that balance right is going can play a role in bone and joint health as well as how they grow. Dogs with a poor diet can have a lot of issues later in life. A puppy will need a diet specially developed for their age as younger, growing dogs will need a higher protein content than an adult dog diet that is no longer growing. Conclusion Understanding how big your dog is going to grow and when they stop growing is key to balancing their diet, exercise, and maintenance needs. While your dog is growing they need extra care, extra protein in their diet and their exercise should be managed. If a young dog does too much strenuous exercise there is a chance it will impact their still developing joints. Knowing the age your dog becomes fully developed will help to protect them against injuries. All in all, your German Shepherd will reach their full height and weight by the time they are 2 and a half years old at the latest. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. The German Shepherd is a breed that has been maintained through very specific standards. Based on these standards, meeting a specific length-to-height ratio is more important than meeting the typical height and weight milestones. Generally, GSDs are expected to have a length-to-height ratio of .Here is a basic guide to German Shepherd growth stages. At this stage of their lives, the puppies are deaf and blind. They are dependent on their mother to survive. Puppies steadily grow at a rate of grams a day, depending on their size and the size of their mother. Transitional Stage The transitional stage is the second German Shepherd growth stage. It starts when they are 2 weeks old and ends when they turn 4 weeks old. During this stage, their first milk teeth start to come in. They can also see and hear during this period. They will start to wag their tails and walk around, even though it may seem wobbly and unsteady at first. They will also start to eliminate on their own. During the transitional stage, puppies become more independent and begin to explore their surrounding area on their own. Socialization Stage At this stage, socialization is critical for puppies. The socialization period takes place between 3 weeks and 12 weeks. During this stage, it is important to introduce them to as many loving, friendly humans and animals as possible so they learn how to socialize properly. The socialization aspect is crucial at this stage, as German Shepherds are social animals. Juvenile Stage The juvenile stage lasts from 3 months to 6 months of age. This is the time when your German Shepherd will become even more independent. They will like to explore their surroundings and wander around. They start to lose their puppy teeth during this stage and grow adult teeth. The stage usually ends when the dogs start to reach sexual maturity. Adolescent Stage The adolescent age starts when the German Shepherd is about 6 months old. This is when certain hormonal changes that are associated with sexual maturity begin to occur in the dog. This stage lasts for a longer period since it usually ends when the dog is 2 years old or around that time. Females usually go into heat between months of age. Males will begin roaming, mounting, and marking during this time. Typically, your GSD will have their adult teeth around 6 months of age. Adult Stage German shepherds take some time to reach full adult maturity Females do mature a little faster than males as mentioned above. At the end of this stage, your German shepherd is fully grown. Do keep in mind that every individual dog can be different from the average. They may develop differently at each stage. Conclusion Being mindful of the growth stage your German Shepherd is in is helpful when dealing with a young pup. Similarly, during the socialization period, they may need different care since they should be exposed to more things. Additionally, German Shepherds seem to grow overnight as puppies. So if you have ever wondered when does a German Shepherd stop growing, I hope this article provided you with some insight. Discover the truth behind German Shepherd growth stages. What I have learned from my own experience. The German Shepherd is a large breed dog, and they will continue to mature up until they reach 36 months. However, they can start to mature at the age of months and continue up to three years before they are fully mature. This is for both females and males. Fully mature. Your puppy will spend its first year growing up and its second year growing out. Your puppy will be as tall as it is going to be by the time it is about 12 months old. Once your dog has reached its maximum height, it will still have some growing to do. How much should German Shepherd puppies weigh? With my experience of breathing multiple litters of German Shepherds over the years. I like to take this question a little bit further, so you can have a better understanding about puppy weight. The bigger question should be… It depends on how the Breeder feeds the puppies. They will always keep a good eye on how the pups are developing so they keep them healthy. Here are a few pictures of puppies. This was a great litter of puppies. Everyone puppy he sold the people were so happy with their puppy. All the pups had a super loving temperament and training comes easy when you breed good blood-line puppies. This is a black sable collar. Roughly weight would be, 9-week old puppies weigh. I have had male puppies that weight up to 50 lbs. How long do German shepherds live? My personal experience with my own dogs. They have lived up to 15 years of age. Just like in humans. Now, I will share with you what will play a big part in keeping your German Shepherd healthy, is how you feed them and exercise them. Always use good food and plenty of vet checkups when needed. You should always get your dog check once a year. With my own experience after breeding multiple German Shepherd litters. The bloodlines have a great part and playing with their ears standing up. I have seen German Shepherds with floppy ears, known form as a lazy ear, which terms English grammar terms that you probably heard people saying. This can varies from dog to dog but generally between 16 weeks and 20 weeks of age. I tell my customers. Take a look at the pictures above these puppies are 5 weeks old. I like you to remember this too. German Shepherd puppies are born with floppy ears. Anywhere from 10 weeks to 14 weeks of age, the ears start to stand on their own. But sometimes things can happen like-Occasionally, pets are born with deformed ears that normally should stand erect but do not. The answer is no. I would never cut a GSD dog ear and less there was a danger to their life. I had never heard of any German Shepherd ears being cute before. This is something you should discuss with a licensed veterinarian. Now, this a popular question for new German Shepherd owners. First, you need to understand. Do you have a high-energy dog or low energy dog? This is the same for a puppy or older dog. If you have a high-energy- GSD-dog you will need physical and mental stimulation on a daily basis. My friend Tonny just got a new German Shepherd and call me to ask, when will she calm down? She always brings me her ball to play. I told him to put her on a leash and teach her to lay down. This can be done when your eating dinner, and watching TV. This is done with training when you can supervise her. Meet- Nora. My friend Tonny, made the mistake of playing ball in the house with his new GSD puppy when she was weeks-old. And now she is 6 months old. Playtime is for outside the house. This why his dog brings him the toy all the time to play inside the house. This is what he taught her. Now the house became a big backyard for his puppy, and this is why she will not calm down inside the house. There are a lot of German Shepherd owners that do this with their puppies. If you always playing with your puppy- inside the house how will they ever learn to calm down? This behavior is not hard to break. He just needs to be consistent with his training. German Shepherd Growth Stages. True is, all puppies go through growth stages. My German shepherd princess is nine years old and she is still a super high-level energy dog. That comes from her breeding and blood-lines. This what working dogs do, is work. You may have heard some say, your dog needs a job. Now remember every German Shepherd has a different temperament, and temperament in dogs is energy level. I was out training my German Shepherd princess last week, and this man was watching me why I was working with her, and stop to talk with me and said he had a dog just like mine and it was a good thing that he owned 15 teen acres land at the time because he could not imagine living the city with a high-energy dog. Anyway, short post today but I just wanted to put the information out there. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks, Dennis. The German shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds — and for good reason. Originated in Germany, this is a working dog breed that is extremely loyal, friendly, and approachable. These medium to large-sized dogs may come off reserved at first, but as they get to spend time with their owner, they become exceedingly attached to them and protect them from threats with all their might. Because they are strong and courageous, they make for excellent watchdogs. German shepherd dogs are quite energetic and easy to train. They like to exercise a lot and play outdoors with children and other pets. This dog breed grows up to 25 inches tall, weighs up to 90 pounds, and typically lives up to years. At this point, you may wonder, when do German shepherds stop growing? Find out that and more information about these faithful companions in this blog post. Love German Shepherd? They also tend to be more emotionally stable and stronger than their female counterparts. However, female German shepherds are more affectionate, obedient, and easier to train. They are the perfect candidate for family protection, while male GSDs are best for personal protection. German Shepherd Development Stages 1. Newborn Period The neonatal stage lasts about 14 days. When the puppy is two weeks old, its eyes and ears start to open fully, and the central front tooth on the lower jaw develops. The puppy also learns to crawl and take its first baby steps. Socialization Period Generally, the socialization period lasts from two weeks to two months. In this stage, puppies learn to explore the world around them and interact with their littermates. It is during this period that they begin to develop various social and emotional abilities. A few skills that puppies learn are — identifying their species, how to play, fight, and communicate with their friends, biting and chewing soft foods, etc. Juvenile Period This stage usually lasts from 3 to 6 months, and during this time period, the puppy goes through many development changes. It becomes slightly larger and more active, but still has a short attention span; therefore, you have to be cautious of bringing strangers or new pets around your puppy. You should also keep the training sessions short and precise because small puppies may easily get bored and distracted. Sexual Maturity and Reproductive Period In this stage, German shepherds reach the period of sexual maturity. This lasts from the 7th month to until they are about 2 years old. Females typically become sexually mature when they have their first estrus heat period, which happens in the sixth month. However, males reach their sexual maturity when they are 7 months old. In this period, the body of German shepherds becomes large, especially that of the male GSDs. While they are close to reaching full growth, the dog breed is still developing mentally and emotionally. In their adolescent age, German shepherds are full of energy and love to run and play around. Maturity Stage At this point, German shepherds enter adulthood. They are fully formed and are ready to perform activities that they are expected to. German shepherds usually grow in stages, depending on their age. Male German shepherds stop growing in height when they turn 9 months old, while female GDs reach their maximum height when they are 8 months old. Males typically reach a total height of 5 — 5. The average weight of German shepherds varies by gender. Males usually end up weighing 66 — 88 pounds while females 48 to 70 pounds. This is the ideal weight that adult German shepherds should have. In case a German shepherd is not gaining weight, they may show signs, such as loss of appetite, lethargy, dull fur, loss of muscle mass, etc. Do German Shepherds Shed a Lot? This is true. German shepherds shed in every season, but more so in spring when they get rid of their winter coat for 14 to 20 days. GSDs with long, coarse hair tend to shed less than those with a short coat. They also need bathing once a month to keep their coat clean and healthy. An average healthy German shepherd enjoys a long life of up to 9 — 13 years. That being said, some may surprise by outliving their standard life expectancy. German Shepherds have a slow growth rate that starts to decline when they reach their adulthood. As they grow older, their height increases, but once they are fully mature physically and mentally , they stop growing altogether. May 10, Dogs , Pets John When you adopt a German Shepherd as a puppy, you bring home this tiny, cute, cuddly, bundle of fur that fits in your hands. Fast-forward by a year and you probably wonder if your dog decided to grow at the 98th percentile. The five-pound puppy you brought home will become a full-grown dog of about 90 pounds. Essentially, she or he will grow to the size of a teenager in weight, but about 26 inches in length. You chose one of the largest dog breeds in the world. While these dogs reach physical maturity at three years of age, they typically have a median life expectancy of about ten years. Many German Shepherds live longer than that. Your puppy might grow up to live until the age of 12 or 13 , which equates to 77 to 82 years old. You will get many years of love from this breed of dog. While every dog differs, in general, female German Shepherds reach the age of full maturity before the males do. A female German Shepherd typically grows to two inches shorter than the male and a weight of about 70 pounds. All in all, German Shepherd growth is divided into seven stages. The Stages of Growth: Newborn to Adulthood Perhaps you got to visit with the puppies when they were firstborn. Enjoy it while you can. They gain weight quickly in their early days. Each day, your puppy will gain between 2. As a newborn, your German Shepherd probably weighs around four pounds. That means that in its first year of life, the dog goes through childhood, pre-teen or tween years, and half of its teen years. They gain weight and height accordingly. At the end of one year, the dog typically weighs about 49 to 50 pounds. The German Shepherd will nearly reach its full height by this time, too. Transitional Stage Veterinarians refer to every few weeks, then months as a different growth phase of early development. They call the two weeks to four weeks period transitional stage. T four weeks the typical female weighs between 4. The males may weigh between 5. When it comes to maturity stage for training, you can start even at the transitional stage, especially when you use positive reinforcement. Socialization Stage The socialization stage lasts through their third month. In the middle of this phase, the German Shepherd puppy usually experiences a growth spurt. By the end of the three months, your GSD puppy will measure about 10 to 11 inches in height. Females will weigh between 11 and 17 pounds, males will weigh between 22 and 30 pounds. Juvenile Stage Try not to think of your German Shepherd pup as a juvenile delinquent as they pass through this period from three to six months. At four months, your furry friend reaches the halfway point of height and weight. At the end of their fourth month, your puppy becomes a man or woman-dog. At this point of German Shepherd development, it reaches sexual maturity. At six months, the German Shepherd exits the juvenile stage. Your male German Shepherd exits this phase weighing between 49 and 57 pounds and at a height of 16 to 18 inches, but your female puppy will weigh between 44 and 49 pounds and attain a height of 15 to 17 inches. Adolescent Stage The adolescent stage ranges from six months to two years. At the end of one year though, your puppy becomes a dog. At one year of age, he or she enters adulthood. At this point, the female German Shepherd weighs between 60 to 64 pounds and has a height of 20 to 22 inches. The male German Shepherds weighs between 71 and 71 pounds and has a height of 22 to 24 inches. Some German Shepherds reach physical maturity at the age of two years, but most continue to grow until they reach the end of their third year. Female German Shepherds typically reach a height of 22 to 24 inches and weigh between 66 to 70 pounds. As long as their diet is stable, the adult German Shepherd dog should relatively stay the same weight for the rest of their lives. Genetics Plays a Large Part Like a human, your dog will grow to a smaller or larger size based on its genetics. To get an idea of how large your dog will grow, meet the parents. Tracing the genealogy can also help determine what are the potential German Shepherd health issues even German Shepherd skin issues to know your pup might have down the road. Regardless on the stage of growth, always make sure your German Shepherd pup is healthy. At Vetericyn , we have wellness products that can help keep your pup healthy and happy. Reviewed by Dan Richardson, Veterinarian Dan Richardson has been a practicing veterinarian for over 10 years. He specializes in surgery and orthopedics. Dan is originally from rural western Nevada and attended the University of Idaho for undergraduate study and Oregon State University for Veterinary School. The Richardson Family enjoys camping and spending time on the water fishing, paddle boarding, or digging their feet in the sand somewhere warm. Sources: All Shepherds. When do German Shepherds stop growing. Large dog breeds. GSD Growth Chart.