choosing a german shepherd puppy

Much of this book is about training the German Shepherd, though it is full of theoretical information as well. This book can completely change how you view dogs and raising a puppy. The authors have managed to pack quite a bit of knowledge into this hardback book. It is about more than just training your dog. Chapters include information on playing with your puppy, crate training, raising dogs in an urban area, and the latest developments in canine health. It includes a chapter that talks about just that! If you have to get just one book on training your dog, we recommend this one. It is truly the best overall book for training your German Shepherd. Pros Practical tips and theoretical information Discusses adopting adults and puppies Includes information particularly for urban dwellers Information on canine health and canine behavioral theory Written by authorities in the canine training Cons Too many specific examples and stories for some readers 2. This book goes over how to raise a puppy into a well-adjusted and happy adult dog. It goes over everything you need to know to raise your puppy. It discusses a wide range of topics, including crate training and potty training. For instance, it discusses in length what to ask a breeder before adopting a puppy and vaccination schedules. Socialization is discussed in-depth, which is vital for any book on German Shepherds. It outlines how to teach basic commands, including sit, stay, and come. Leash training is discussed. There are significant sections on exercising and feeding your German Shepherd. Grooming topics like bathing schedules are covered, and there is a section on when to take your dog to the vet and when not to worry about it. Pros Includes discussions on crate training, leash training, and basic commands Discusses what to do before you adopt your puppy Exercise and nutrition information included Grooming and vet topics included Cons May lack the specific information some readers are after 3. The authors are some of the foremost German Shepherd Dog trainers out there and are also the authors of our number one pick , and much of their information pertains specifically to the breed. However, their tips are written in a way that pertains to all dog breeds. This book will help you train your German Shepherd by building a better relationship with them. It is a refined and unique approach to dog training that many reviewers find to be very effective. You can apply the information in this book to both adults and puppies. Some essential topics are covered on top of the usual training information. They discuss choosing a dog for your needs, as well as where to adopt your dog from. Pros Helps you build a relationship with your canine Versatile for a wide variety of dogs Lots of topics covered May be a bit too theoretical for some readers 4. It is pretty straightforward, making it a good option for those who have never trained dogs before. It includes advice specifically about a wide variety of different training topics, including housetraining, verbal commands, and leash training. Step-by-step pictures and instructions are included with each command and training tip. This inclusion may be a bit overkill for some owners, but it can be constructive for those that have never trained a dog before. Pros Provides basic information on most training topics Step-by-step instructions included. Digital Marketing Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you decided to make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. It can even be a bit challenging when it comes to an intelligent and high-energy dog breed like the German Shepherd Dog. This is where good dog books come in handy. There are literally hundreds if not thousands of dog books on the market today, and I want to make this list specific to new owners but not limited to the GSD breed. My goal is to give you the best ideas at your disposal. And hopefully, you can pull out any one book from the list to get the answers you may need along the way as your dog grows. This volume is highly recommended for owners and breeders alike. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. Yet you can own this volume in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author. Written by the father of the German Shepherd Dog himself, almost years ago, this book could arguably be the Holy Bible of German Shepherd. Hands down. This book works as an instruction manual for any GSD owner. It is a must for any first-time or even veteran GSD owners. It does exactly what the title suggests — give you everything you need to know about owning a German Shepherd for the first 12 months of puppyhood. The first 12 months of their lives could be the most critical part of all GSD life. They grow so rapidly and there is so much to care for. As every month is a little different, knowing what to expect will make you a much better GSD owner. From puppy-proofing your home, feeding and nutrition, crate training, leash training, housetraining, socialization, adolescence behavior, to vaccination, this book has got you covered. This book is very easy to follow, and it guides you through every step of the way month by month. The author clearly defines the characteristics and temperament of this breed as well as guides you through the stages of puppyhood. This book is packed full of useful information for every German Shepherd owner. Why do we like this book? This book guides you through the stages of puppyhood feeding, potty training, crate training, socializing, etc. If you are out in the market to look for your perfect GSD, this book will give you some handy tips on how and where to find a reputable breeder. This book could be perfect for the first-time dog owner, or someone raising a puppy for the first time. The Monks are the advocates of creating a happy, well-behaved dog. They put a lot of time into their dogs themselves, and they expect their dogs to integrate into their lives in a way like a family member. From the decision to adopt a puppy through the practical steps of choosing the right breed, preparing your home, caring for your new charge, and practicing basic obedience exercises. This is a must-have guide for raising a puppy. This book covers every aspect of puppyhood and how to be a good pet parent to your puppy. If you are looking for free and effective ways to training your GSD, check out our training guide: 6. This book will guide you towards a loving, satisfying life-long relationship with your best friend. This is a good entry-level book to learn from the master. His insight is very helpful the makes this book enjoyable to read. And before he made himself famous by training dogs from celebrities, he had been training wild animals including big cats, bears, primates, wolves, birds of prey, elephants and many more. Next, McMillan provides solutions to common canine behavior problems, including house training issues, door dashing, chewing, barking, and common mealtime misbehaviors. Throughout the book, McMillan explains the importance of building trust, establishing focus and control, and mastering training techniques. The 7 Common Commands could be the best basic training you could give to your perfect pup. Lucky Dog Lessons includes easy-to-follow steps, illustrative examples, tried-and-true tips and tricks, and photographs to demonstrate each technique. How To Speak Dog: Mastering the Art of Dog-Human Communication By Stanley Coren Drawing on substantial research in animal behavior, evolutionary biology, and years of personal experience, Coren demonstrates that the average house dog can understand our language at about the level of a two-year-old human. While the actual conversation of the sort Lassie seemed capable of in Hollywood myth-making remains forever out of reach, Coren shows us that a great deal of real communication is possible beyond the giving and obeying of commands. German Shepherd is one of the most vocal dogs. And this book will let you better understand the cues from their howling, whining and barking. With easy-to-follow tips on how humans can mimic the language dogs use to talk with one another, you will be amazed that it is not that hard to speak dog at all. Sound fictional? Maybe not. How Stella Learned to Talk is part memoir and part how-to guide. It also reveals the techniques Christina used to teach Stella, broken down into simple stages and actionable steps any dog owner can use to start communicating with their pets. If you want to learn more about training working dogs, this is a good place to start. This book gives you clear step-by-step instructions on not only how to train but also detailed information about why the particular training works so well. It is a must for any serious dog owner or trainer alike. Hopefully, with this list of resources can help you along the way from the puppyhood to the adulthood of your beloved GSD. Bon is a dog lover and a blogger. He loves spending time with dogs more than with humans. You will find him training himself for the next marathon when he is not writing. A well-detailed book, complete with full-sized color pictures that deal with the different methodologies of German shepherd training as well as digs deep into the different psychological theories behind the methods. Loaded with very specific information on different theories and throws in some great ideas about positive reinforcement techniques. Furthermore, It has an additional bonus in the form of information on the breeding history of German shepherd dogs to help you know where they come from. This makes him more likely to look up to you and follow instructions. All in all, this book is a brilliant opportunity for novice German shepherd enthusiasts to understand the nuances of the deal. Check price at Amazon 2. Your German shepherd puppy month by month As the name suggests, the book takes into account each and every month of the German shepherd growth period, which dates back to the moment it comes out in the litter. It has more information than you will need to understand the best way to raise and train your dog and it is a highly comprehensive book. Since German shepherd pups grow in leaps and bounds, it will answer all the questions you may have in your mind ranging from whether its height and weight are appropriate to its age bracket as well as what and what not to feed him. The book even discusses the behavioral issues of the GSD pup as it hits adolescence and the best way to handle its tantrums. If there is something you want to know about your pup, the book has it and that too categorized month-wise. Check price at Amazon 3. The book goes through the various developmental stages of the German shepherd growth period and brilliantly guides the users through the various ways to initiate socialization, crate training, and behavioral adaptations in the German shepherd dogs. It also talks about the updated behavioral modification techniques in the breed. This is much needed now that more and more German Shepherds are being raised in urban settings. It is a good buy for both first-time and experienced dog owners, as it covers the basics as well as touches on the advanced themes that are currently circulating in the academic circles regarding the German shepherd training requirements. Check price at Amazon 4. German Shepherds for Dummies An easy-to-read book especially for absolute beginners to help them boost their confidence as they embark on a mission to train their newly adopted German shepherd pups. It is written in plain English and concepts have been simplified to help owners who are looking for a quick yet effective dose of information to help them break out of the initial nervousness of nurturing a newly acquired pup. It explains the basics of German shepherd training steps in a lucid manner with a humorous touch. However, it might not be very useful for trainers having a fair amount of knowledge on training German shepherds already. Check price at Amazon 5. The German shepherd dog Terra Nova The German shepherd dog Terra Nova is a complete guide to a degree view of German shepherds that will be a step-by-step guide for you and your entire family in raising the dog. Equipped with extensive chapters on feeding, grooming, and training the dog into a well-behaved adult canine. It also has a detailed chapter on canine health that is reviewed by experienced veterinarians, which suggests dietary plans for the canines as well as discusses the parameters for ensuring their health. The main emphasis of this book is on behavioral problems and how to correct them. Things like separation anxiety , disobedience, and chewing are addressed in great detail. This one is a little longer than most of the others, and so some people might find it harder to read. The language used is mostly common and non-technical, but it will require your full attention. The best thing about this book is the fact that it provides virtually all the information that a German Shepherd owner needs to know. It may not emphasize all subjects equally, but all the important subjects are covered. The author has no verifiable credentials, and only claims to have about five years of experience with German Shepherds. Still, this book seems to have resonated with a lot of people. That suggests that Mr. Daigneault learned quickly and that much of his information is correct. In some ways, this lack of professional candor makes the book more appealing. Everything is written in simple and common speech, making it feel more like a talk with your neighbor. At the very least, the author has produced a book that covers all the most important information in a way that many people enjoy. FAQ Here are a few of the most common questions that we receive on this subject. The simple answer to this question is no. A single book or even a whole shelf of them will not be helpful unless you learn how to apply their lessons in a practical way. At the same time, books can provide you with a lot of helpful information to aid in your practical learning. Dog-related experience is often not as well-documented as other kinds of experience, so you will have to judge by the content alone. You want to make sure that your chosen book covers all the relevant subjects. If there is a lot of generalized statements without any specific info, that is a red flag. A good dog training book should cover as wide a variety of situations as possible, and that is how you can tell that the author has experience. You should also be on the lookout for statements that you know to be false. Some people prefer to zip through a book like this, coming back later to review its lessons. Some others prefer to take their time and fully absorb the lessons of each chapter before moving to the next. In most cases, this is just a matter of personal preference. The only advice we can offer here is to read and learn at a pace that feels natural to you. Unfortunately, these sorts of books are not always written by qualified experts. For this purpose, we want to give you some general information about German Shepherds. This is meant to serve as a comparison point so that you can tell a well-informed author from a poser. As such, we will be limiting ourselves to those facts upon which most experts agree. We can see that a dog of this kind should stand about inches tall if male and inches if female. Other kennel clubs might have slightly different standards, but an expert should at least be within the ballpark. When it comes to weight, the story is very similar. Males should be between pounds while females range from pounds. It is also worth noting that a purebred German Shepherd must have a black nose. Any other color will be disqualified. All-white coloration, cropped ears, floppy ears, and docked tails are also considered to be non-German Shepherd traits. Behavior This factor is a little bit harder to evaluate because it will vary among individuals quite a bit. Still, all German Shepherds tend to exhibit common behavior patterns , and an expert will surely know these patterns. The most common of these is a mixture of fearlessness and calm. This breed is not normally known for aggression, but they are not the kind of dog to slink away in fear when you yell at them, either. The German Shepherd also tends to be a little bit more aloof. It can take a little longer to create a bond of friendship with a German Shepherd , but the effort is well worth making. That brings us to another essential behavioral quality of the German Shepherd: A firm determination to protect their master and pack. The AKC breed standards that we looked at earlier should be helpful again. On the subject of temperament, this breed is supposed to be outgoing and energetic. Timidity or nervousness are not considered to be typical of the breed, and can even cause disqualification at a dog show. Of course, excessive aggression is also a disqualifier. Breed History According to most sources, the German Shepherd dog has existed in Germany for many centuries. By crossing the different breeds of working dogs that were common in the northern and central parts of the country, Von Stephanitz and his peers may have achieved this goal. Technically, the first German Shepherd was a dog named Horand. Stephanitz found this remarkable animal at a dog show and found him to be the perfect example. Horand, then known as Hektor, had the exact mix of intelligence, loyalty , strength, and tenacity that Stephanitz wanted. As such, he was bred to the finest stock including several wolf mixes and produced the breed that we know today. Grooming Grooming helps to make any dog a little happier. The German Shepherd has a double coat, which means that they have two layers of fur. Thankfully, they are still somewhat easy to brush. About 30 minutes to an hour per week is enough to do the job. These dogs tend to shed a lot, and that will make frequent grooming less necessary. One bath every months is sufficient. One task that is very important is nail trimming. Any expert on the breed should mention this task, as it has to be done often. This breed will tend to grow extremely long nails without regular trimming, and that is very uncomfortable for the dog. Ear cleaning is also more important for this breed due to the fact that their ears stand erect. It is easier for dirt and debris to get into those canals, so give them a gentle swab with a Q-tip at grooming time. Best German Shepherd Dog Training Books: Parting Words We hope that this article has given you a better idea about how you can choose the best book for your needs. Still, a little bit of homework can make the choice an easy one. So, which one of these books is the best? We cannot really say. The needs of every reader are different, and everyone has different levels of reading proficiency. As such, we urge you to look carefully and consider what you need from that book. Apart from that, we hope that you will return soon to read more of our work.

Print Raising a retriever puppy like the pros Your Labrador puppy can seem small and fragile during those first few weeks home from the breeder. Labrador puppies will learn quickly about acceptable and unacceptable behavior those first few weeks, if you, the owner, are willing to set and enforce boundaries. Here is the training you should be working on with your week-old Labrador puppy. About this series of posts This is post three of a step-by-step training and socialization program for Labrador puppies. If you read our first post , you know that this series follows our training of Bubba, a female chocolate lab puppy. Bubba is already sold as one of our Custom Trained Retrievers, so it is our responsibility to raise and train her until she has progressed to the level of training the owner has requested. In this case, Bubba will be with us for almost a year and a half. Training and socialization for week-old Labrador puppy — week three home Your week-old puppy has been with your family for approximately 3 weeks now. This week you should start noticing some bigger changes with your puppy. Here are some of the changes I notice with Bubba. First, she is growing fast! Bubba is almost ready for a new collar already. I have loosened her current collar twice, and there is no more room to expand it. She is also learning a lot. Bubba is also becoming more personable. She likes and has more interest in people now and wants to be petted and scratched more often. Training equipment for Lab puppy We added a couple new training tools this week. But a thicker check cord will also work. We use this check cord for longer outside marks and assistant-marks which I will discuss more in a bit. Puppy sized canvas or light-weight plastic bumpers In week two, we introduced formal retrieving in a hallway in the house. In week three, we move outside with retrieving and introduce assistant throws, so it is helpful to have a few more bumpers. Puppy training that will continue Much of the training I have been working on for the past two weeks with Bubba will continue into this week and beyond. Dog training is not something that has a definitive end-date. For instance, you teach your puppy to SIT and then you must work and practice that command daily or weekly, often for months before the response to the command is solid. But even once the response is solid, you cannot completely stop training. If you stop training, even an older dog, the dog can lose the previous training. So, realize that you are never done working with your dog, especially on obedience training. Some areas that we will continue training Bubba on are: Crate training Bubba is doing great at crate training. She rarely makes any noise while in her crate and settles down quickly after being put into her crate. In the upcoming weeks, we will work towards getting Bubba to enter her crate on command. Looking for more information on crate training? Housebreaking Housebreaking Bubba is going well. We have caught her in a few accidents, but she already seems to understand that she is not supposed to go potty inside. This does not mean that she is done housebreaking. We still expect accidents and will for a few months, so we watch her carefully while she is running around in the house. We also praise her for behaviors like going to the door and tapping the door or whining at the door. These behaviors are rewarded with us taking her outside to go potty. When she goes potty outside, we praise her and then take her right back in. We want her to start understanding that these cue behaviors will get her out to go potty and that is all. Looking for more information on housebreaking? But we will also add a few new ones. We will use this while teaching our puppy the SIT command. It also will be used going forward, anytime we are done working on structured obedience work. We will release the dog from formal work with the OKAY command. But we also use it to mean go to a certain place, such as on a mat or stand. Or, when we want her to go into her crate or kennel. This is an associative command, meaning the puppy will learn the command through our repetition of the word as we tie it to a behavior. But over time, she will make the association and will perform it on her own. This is very important especially if you ever plan on doing more advanced training with your retriever. You will use whatever your dogs name is. A few commands that we will continue to work on this week We will continue to work on obedience commands this week and in the weeks to come. Each week we will expect a little more and better compliance and performance to the command. She is sitting when I put the leash and chain collar on her and when I am taking it off. This week we also added SIT before eating. We only make her SIT for a few seconds; we are working on control. She does not SIT on her own yet, but she will be doing that within a week or so I would guess. Right now, I grab her collar and say SIT. In week three, I have a slightly higher expectation. On walks, I make her walk right beside me for a minute or two using the HEEL command before releasing her and letting her run back and forth a bit. This tells me that she understands the command. Then release her. If every time your puppy comes to you, you put her away or take something away from her, soon your puppy will not want to come to you. You must work hard to make coming to you a good experience for your puppy. So, call her, praise her when she comes and release. Remember: Never use a HERE command if you are not in the position of being able to enforce the command. Make every effort to socialize your puppy You should continue to take steps to socialize your week-old puppy. Anything you can think of. The more things and situations you expose your puppy to, the better your puppy will be equipped to adjust and learn in the future. Learn more about socialization. Hand throws with a puppy bumper you are throwing out a bumper done outside will carry a lot more distraction than retrieves in a hallway. Just pick up the bumper and try again tomorrow. When retrieving outside, make sure you have a long foot rope attached to your puppy. Never try to do retrieves outside without a rope. You will have problems and encourage bad behaviors. You must have a way to get the puppy to come back to you, otherwise you should not be doing retrieves outside. Once your puppy is doing well retrieving outside, you are ready to introduce assistant marks. Introduction to assistant marks The most important thing we worked on with Bubba this week is assistant marks. Assistant marks are retrieves where someone else is throwing the bumper, not you. This teaches your puppy to watch out in the field for a mark. It is very rare that a duck will come from behind you, fly over your head and you shoot it. The ducks and pheasants will be falling in front of you, so the dog must learn to look out and watch for the mark. We start assistant marks on very short grass with white plugs so that the puppy can clearly see the item on the ground. We hold the puppy in a SIT position facing a thrower who is about 20 feet from you. When your puppy picks up the bumper, immediately start calling her back to you. Remember, you should have the foot check cord on her so you can pull the puppy in if needed. Then, take the bumper from her, throw it behind you, make your puppy sit facing the thrower again and repeat. Only do retrieves and then call it a day. Soon your puppy will learn this game and love it. They will start facing the thrower on their own and sitting and waiting for a mark. Final thoughts on training for your week-old Labrador puppy week-old puppies are so eager to learn, so be sure and take advantage of this enthusiasm to teach new concepts and enforce previous ones. Continue to teach your puppy to handle more and more pressure and correction while maintaining a good attitude. Lastly, assistant marks are a big deal. Once a dog learns this part of the game, you can work to increase the distance and complexity of the marks. If you are struggling or need additional help with your new puppy, you can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time, happy retrieving. Check Price on Amazon 6. Make Commands Only Once When it comes to training, what you give is what you get. This is known as command nagging. Teach your pup to heed a command at its first mention. If an order is not executed the first time, show your Lab what you want them to do and make the command again. Repeat that until they learn to obey the first time the command is made. Discipline at the Precise Moment of the Unwanted Behavior Timing is crucial when disciplining your 8-week-old Labrador pup. Dogs will typically forget an experience in 2 minutes. However, they can recall your training commands through associative memory. Once your pup has corrected his unwanted behavior with the desired behavior, reward him with a tasty treat and lots of praise. To learn more about how to discipline your dog, check out my top article, How to Discipline a Labrador: What Not to Do! It can also cause aggression in dogs , as found in this year-long study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania. Using physical punishment such as hitting, kicking, or grabbing the jowls and shaking, is simply animal abuse. Other unacceptable methods are physically forcing the dog down onto its side or back, growling at your dog, withdrawing food, using a shock collar, or tying it for hours. Wean Your Puppy off Training Treats Your Labrador needs to learn that skills and commands are not learned or obeyed for the sole motive of a treat. For this reason, it is important to wean your puppy off treats when he has repeatedly performed the behavior and completely mastered it in different locations and with various distractions. Nonetheless, your Labrador puppy is still a dog in training, and you still need to tell him that he has done the right thing. The rule of thumb is that they are trained young when it comes to dog training. You should train Labrador puppies as soon as you bring them home, typically around 8 weeks of age. The American Kennel Club AKC indicates that the first key milestone when training a Lab pup is 8 weeks, as soon as they have left their mother. It is a crucial time to lay the foundation for your Labrador puppy to integrate into the family. When you bring your Labrador Retriever puppy home at two months, it has most likely interacted with a few situations and is eager enough to learn and follow the rules of a new home. A recent study scientifically proved that 8-week-old puppies are quite capable of learning at this young age as they quickly learned to open a puzzle box baited with food and remembered the skill an hour later. Interestingly, these puppies learned the skill better from a human rather than their mother. Other studies have also proven that it is effective for future behavior to teach puppies socialization and other skills rather than adults. In this study, puppies who attended a command and socialization training class for one hour a day for six months responded better to strangers than adult dogs who attended the same classes. Are Lab Puppies Easy to Train? Lab puppies are easy to train. They are a working breed that enjoys physical and mental stimulation and have many positive traits. They are intelligent, devoted, friendly, highly social, and love to please. They are often used as guide dogs, therapy dogs, or search and rescue due to their easy trainability. Apart from the age factor, other breed-specific reasons make training a Labrador puppy easy. Here are three examples: Labradors are among the most intelligent dog breeds. In his book, The Intelligence of Dogs, canine psychologist Stanley Coren lists Labradors in the top tier of the smartest dogs. So, even at just two months, your puppy has it in his blood to learn and carry out commands. To perform their original working job of retrieving fish that came off the trawl, Labradors had to be watchful and enthusiastic. These are essential learning characteristics. As game and waterfowl retrievers for hunters, Labradors have to be obedient. Another core training requirement makes your Lab puppy easy to train. With these ten principles on exactly how to train an 8-week-old Labrador, you can now apply them to the key areas your young puppy needs to be trained in. Labrador Puppy Training: Key Areas There are five critical areas in which you must appropriately train your 8-week-old Lab puppy. In the next section, I will tell you what the training entails. How to Socialize a Labrador They say humans are social beings, but that is also true about dogs. Socialization begins with the breeder and continues with you. To socialize a Labrador, expose him to many different places and situations. Include sounds, smells, other adults, children, animals, cars, objects, etc. Dogs who are well socialized in the first 12 weeks will be set up for life. Socializing and training your puppy young plays a significant role in the development of adult dogs, as evidenced in this important study. Here are two key findings: Dogs that are well socialized as pups will behave more positively with humans and are less likely to display unwanted behavioral problems such as fear and aggression. Socialized dogs are more likely to engage in positive social behaviors with humans. They also learn better how to play games with humans, helping them establish a true bond with their owners. As a puppy, you can teach your Labrador social skills and confidence through intentional training moments in the family. Once he has completed his vaccinations, take him to public places such as parks or puppy socialization classes. Put him outside hourly and learn to anticipate when he needs to go. Reward and praise him when he does go outside. Usually, puppies will need to relieve themselves early in the morning and after meals. Use their natural rhythm for daily pee or poop walks. Dogs hate messing in the area they sleep in and usually hold it. Nonetheless, very young puppies might be unable to do so. Walk your Labrador after his morning meal and hang around for 15 minutes or so to allow him to do his thing. Repeat the same in the evening. Puppies will need to be allowed to relieve themselves every hour, and for vaccinated dogs, a short walk every hours is an ideal routine to prevent them from peeing around the house. If you crate your puppy because you need to go out, get someone to help you stick to the routine. Repeating this routine for the first few days will give your new furry friend a good idea of his expectations. Check out my guide to Labrador potty training here. To crate train an 8-week-old Labrador puppy, start as soon as you bring him home. Slowly introduce him to the crate by throwing a treat inside and let him explore the crate voluntarily. When you first leave him with the door closed, make sure he is tired as he will sleep and not be afraid. Check out my Best Dog Crates for Labradors and Playpens recommendations, including soft crates, travel crates, and furniture styles. Here are six key things you should practice when crate-training your Labrador: Keep your puppy in the crate at night. Initiate crate training from the very first day you bring your puppy home. It will be harder to succeed in crate training if your puppy gets used to other sleeping arrangements. My puppy cried during the first night, but she was just fine after that. Lab puppies can be left alone in a crate for 1 hour for each month of age for up to 4 hours. Keep your dog in the crate when you are out of the house. This is also for his safety, such as when you are cooking. Do not let your Lab out of the cage when barking or giving you those puppy eyes. Instead, reward good behavior in the crate, i. He will quickly learn that being quiet leads to nice things. He will quickly learn that this special place is just for him. Various toys and bedding will offer some comfort for your Labrador. When purchasing a crate for your puppy, the best ones will give your Lab enough room to stand, sit, turn, and lie down comfortably on his side with paws outstretched. Instead, buy a crate with an adjustable divider that allows him to grow into and choose a standard metal model with either a single or double door. Travel kennels like this Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel , also from Amazon, are also hardy when you are on the move with your dog. This one is even airline adaptable and meets most airline cargo specifications. Older dogs may refrain from biting because they have been trained not to hurt as they have learned their bite inhibition. This simply means that the dog has learned to control the strength of his bite. This sends the message that the bite hurts. Persist by leaving your hand in his mouth until he lets go, then use lots of praise. All puppies need to master this technique that they initially learned from their mother and littermates. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Training your Lab puppy to soft bite must be done in puppyhood as an adolescent dog will not know how to adjust the force of his jaws when he has adult teeth and adult jaw muscles. This can be devastating for you both, should your Labrador go on to bite someone! Have realistic expectations — as it can take your puppy weeks to learn his soft bite. How to Train a Labrador Puppy to Walk on a Leash Walking on a leash is not a natural skill in dogs — they need to learn it! Teach a leash cue, then introduce the pup to very short walks. If the dog pulls, stand fast and wait for him to return to you before continuing. Do this by letting him wear them for short periods inside the house and yard. I find the best no-pull harness to be those that are not rear-attached, such as the Walk Your Dog With Love harness. They give you more control and are ideal for medium-large breeds. Give a treat when the command is obeyed. Introduce your Lab to short walks outside on a leash. When it appears he is about to lunge toward another dog or object, quickly distract him with a treat. Timing is crucial. Reward him every time commands are obeyed and gradually reduce the rewards as the art of leash walking is perfected. You can start steps 1 and 2 when the puppy is young, but you can only commence step 3 once the dog has been vaccinated. Final Thoughts Eight weeks old is the perfect time to train a Labrador puppy in key areas such as socialization, crate training, potty training, not biting, and leash training. To successfully train your Lab puppy in these areas, you must follow good training principles such as using reward-based training, being consistent in your commands, and disciplining at the precise moment of poor behavior. Begin with basic commands before introducing more complex or trick commands. Related Posts You May Like:. Training through play 10 week old puppies have a lot of things in common with each other. Your 10 week old puppy schedule This is our usual 10 week old puppy schedule, which should make a nice basis for your own. And these can feel like a really big deal in the early days. When puppy blues sets in… No matter how much you prepare for the arrival of a new puppy, the reality can come as something of a shock. Potty training accidents happen despite our best efforts. Night times are interrupted, and apparently over for good by 6am. Over-excited puppies launch themselves relentlessly at clothes and skin with razor sharp teeth. And all the nice things you used to be able to do outside the home suddenly seem far, far out of reach. Every puppy is different, some are simply harder than others. What if it was all a massive mistake? The good news is these feelings of puppy blues are completely normal. How To Cope Many puppy owners go through exactly the same emotions when they bring home a new puppy, and survive to reassure others about it from the other side. Or, visit our forum where you can read dozens of stories from happy dog owners who also experienced that period of overwhelming doubt. And importantly for you and your pup, make sure you look for safe ways to get out of the house together. Socializing a 10 week old puppy At 10 weeks old, your puppy is right in the middle of the all-important socialization window. The socialization window is an important period of puppy development. It opens at three or four weeks old. It again closes between 12 and 20 weeks old, but on average by about 16 weeks old. Quality Over Quantity Ten week old puppies still get tired quickly, especially after taking in lots of new sensory information. And to be honest, a 10 week old Lab is already getting a bit heavy to carry for long periods. So these socialization outings are only going to be short and sweet. The trick is to make sure your puppy has a wonderful time seeing something new. Leave on a high! Then feed them their meal, one piece at time while they sit on your lap or by your side in the trunk of the car and watch the world go by. This builds up positive associations for your puppy. And also lays the groundwork of looking to you for cues about what to do next. Socializing your 10 week old puppy to accept these experiences confidently is something you can work on in the safety of your own home. Start by putting the nail clippers in a work surface in sight of him and feed a small handful of treats. The next day, hold the clippers in one hand whilst treating from the other. Day two done! On day three, have someone else dispense the treats while you hold the clippers in one hand and gently lift one paw with the other. Research shows that puppies socialized to different places and physical examinations during puppyhood are less likely to be given up by their owners. Most of the things you can do take less than half an hour. Sometimes it needs to be about spending time by themselves too. Spending time alone! This could be a playpen , or a whole room, with a comfy bed in it. Now is the time to make sure this space is always a happy and comforting place to be. You should find that by 9 to 10 weeks old they regularly take themselves back there to rest and nap. The good news is that most puppies settle comfortably into a routine of being left for short periods from this age. And in the absence of anyone to play with, they usually just take the opportunity to have a nap! And their appetite for fun and games is insatiable! Playing with your puppy is a wonderful way to start forging a bond which places you at the center of their world. And playing with them the right way means you can already start teaching good manners, without them even realising it was a lesson! This article about how to play with your puppy will set you off on the right foot. Potty training problems Potty training starts from the moment you arrive home with your puppy. But finishing it can take several weeks! They might be going a little longer between toilet trips too. When accidents do happen, clean them up thoroughly with a little dilute biological detergent, or a specialized enzyme cleaner. In the next couple of weeks, your puppy will be ready to go for walks outdoors. Just hang in there, share your progress, and ask any questions you have over on our forum. But those first weeks of puppy development are very similar whatever the breed, and these landmarks are good general rules for any dog. Puppy development week by week, changes quickly. Newborn Puppies Newborn puppies are born at the end of nine weeks of pregnancy, with their eyes and ears tightly closed. They already have a fur coat but they cannot yet control their own body temperature. They are dependent on their mother or another heat source to keep them warm. Newborn puppies may cry if cold. But they do not have the strength to cry for long. Newborn Labrador puppies snuggle together to keep warm when their mother is away How Helpless are Newborn Pups? Although they rely on mom for a lot at this stage, newborn puppies are not completely helpless. They can use their front feet to drag themselves towards a heat source or their milk supply. This means their mom, not milk alternatives like cow or goat milk. Newborn pups have no teeth yet. But they can move their heads about to search for a nipple, and they can latch on and suck strongly. Their mother leaves them only to eat, drink and for bathroom purposes. While she is away, the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat, as you can see in the photo above. They may also crawl under a heat lamp source to keep warm. In every other respect newborn puppies are completely dependent on the care of their mother. Newborn pups have little control over the rear end of their bodies. The mother dog washes them and licks their bottoms to encourage elimination, licking up and swallowing anything they produce to keep her babies and their nest scrupulously clean. In fact, he may even double his birth weight! One week later and the puppies have doubled their birth weight. Changes are taking place under his eyelids to prepare them for opening. And usually begins during the second week of life. Ears open at this point too, so your puppy will begin to hear. The Labrador puppies in this picture are two weeks olds. Two weeks old and the puppies eyes are now open! You can see that their eyes are now open and the puppies are beginning to look a little more dog-like. The breeder will be handling the puppies more now. And most puppies are wormed for the first time at two weeks old. Most 3 week old puppies can stand and sit, and are beginning to totter about. They are also starting to develop their individuality. No longer are they just a row of identical little fat furry sausages! This little three week old puppy :- Can easily be distinguished from his brother: Teething and Further Development At 3 weeks old, this is also the point at which puppies start teething — cutting their first deciduous baby teeth. Obviously the teeth are appearing for a reason! Some breeders will start to offer the first tastes of solid food at this point. Especially if the litter is a large one and putting a strain on the mother dog. It is lovely to watch a litter of 3 week old puppies beginning to interact with their brothers and sisters. They are running, playing enthusiastically, and have started to wag their little tails. The puppies will start to show bowel control as they move away from the other puppies to defecate. And solid food is becoming a major part of their diet. These little pups are tucking into some puppy food. Four week old puppies having their dinner in the fresh air If the weather is warm enough, puppies will be spending some time outdoors now. Mealtimes are a messy process, so feeding puppies out in the yard can be a good idea. Breeder Involvement Some mother dogs will lose interest in cleaning up after their pups at this point or soon afterwards. And many puppies will be wormed again this week. Vocalizations are becoming stronger at this puppy development stage. The litter will greet their mother noisily when she returns to them, and try hard to follow her out of the whelping box whenever she leaves. The puppies themselves are now eating solid food several times a day and gradually being weaned of their dependency on her milk. Puppies will still suckle ravenously when their mother returns and she will now often feed them standing up and only for a short time. She will also be teaching the puppies not to bite too hard. So, they should be increasingly spending time with humans and learning to be familiar with the sounds and sights of a human family environment. Puppies being raised in kennels must be brought into a home environment regularly from now on to ensure they develop into confident, friendly dogs. Six weeks old and full of mischief Puppies Still Have a Lot to Learn at 6 Weeks In some countries, puppies are taken to their new homes at this age. But this is not a good idea, and can result in a puppy that has poor bite inhibition and is challenging to manage. The puppies are learning not to bite too hard from the reactions of their mother and siblings. Growth is not quite so fast now. But the puppies will still grow strongly for the next few months. Many puppies will be wormed again this week. All that remains is for plenty of great socialization experiences to be packed into this week, with final checks on health. Many breeders will arrange for each seven week old puppy to have a vet check this week. And though some vets advise against it, some puppies are also given their first vaccinations before they leave for their new homes. Some breeders will now have the puppies trained to pee and poop on puppy pads or newspaper. And some will have been whistling to the puppies at meal times to get them used to coming to a human signal. Potty training is now underway and puppy socialization plans are being made. At this point, many of you will be thinking about training your puppy too. The next four weeks are vital in puppy development stages. Your main job is socializing your puppy. This means taking him to lots of new places and exposing him to lots of new experiences. So, life will be starting to get back to normal. Most puppies in the U. In the U. So, not all puppies will get their vaccinations at the exact same age. Socializing your puppy is still the most important job for you at this age. But, you cannot put your puppy on the ground outside until they have received their final vaccination. So, make sure you know exactly when their final jab is. And carry on introducing them to as many new people, things, and experiences as possible throughout this puppy development stage. Some people can suffer from the puppy blues at this stage too, as your life has completely changed! But, that does not mean socialization can stop. Puppies who are isolated at this point will soon lose that friendly fearlessness. You have an important job now, building on what has been achieved so far, and introducing your puppy to the world at ground level. This part of his education can begin once his vaccination cover is complete. He should be fully immunised at around this point. But check with your vet for confirmation of the actual date. Three months also marks the point at which many puppies will drop down from four daily meals, to three. This can cause problems for some puppies because the portions are larger If your puppy gets an upset tummy when you make this change, just go back up to four meals again for a few days, and give smaller portions for a few days when you try again. But, many will need another month before they can cope without frequent bathroom breaks and the occasional accident. Your puppy will begin to lose his baby teeth. This can also be a time at which biting can be most challenging. And try not to worry, this stage will soon be over! A few will need another month or two to complete the process. Remember, no two puppies are the same. That puppy fluffiness will have gone. For many puppies, five months is an awkward, gangly time. A five month old puppy may have shed the last of his soft puppy lines and be looking quite skinny. By the end of this month most puppies will have finished teething but an urge to chew may continue for another few months in some breeds, Labradors included. Some female dogs will have their first season during this month. But, for many, it will be another three or four months before this happens. This is a major milestone for your puppy. He is now looking very much like an adult Labrador. Still a Puppy Because he looks quite grown up, people expect a lot of their 6 month old puppy. But inside, he is still very much a puppy. The beginnings of adolescence and with it an increasing independence of spirit can bring its challenges, but also a whole lot of fun.

For the complete list please see our Boxer Reference Links page. In the case of boxers from a reputable breeder, you will usually pay more than what an owner is charging since these breeders usually have to pay higher licensing and insurance fees as well as build kennels and other facilities that would be suitable for breeding dogs. In addition, reputable breeders will allow you to take the boxer home with a signed contract that prevents them from breeding their dog or selling it to other people. However, there are usually people who breed boxers as a side hobby and will be quite willing to make a deal with you. Although it is not recommended that you buy from these people, they usually give the dog away for free or for a very low price because they are trying to get rid of their dogs. In addition, buying from someone who breeds boxers as a side hobby may be cheaper. How to Find A Responsible Boxer Breeder in Wisconsin To find a responsible boxers breeder in Wisconsin, the best thing to do is consult your veterinarian. Since there are many reputable breeders in this state, asking people who live nearby would be advisable as well. If you cannot ask anyone locally for help, then using the Internet will also allow you to look up lists of accredited dog breeders which may give you some leads on finding reputable breeders. Another important factor to consider if you want to buy a boxer puppy in Wisconsin is where the dog will live. Although Wisconsin does not have any requirements for the living conditions of dogs, it is always best to find out how big the kennel or barn will be and what the weather conditions are like in order to make sure that your boxer puppy can adapt to its new environment. Visit Your Wisconsin Boxer Breeder in Person In order to find boxers for sale in Wisconsin from a reputable breeder, it is important that you visit their kennel or farm. Although there are many breeders who advertise through the Internet and will ship a boxer puppy to your home, it is always best to buy a dog from a local breeder since they can ensure you good customer service. Visiting your Boxer breeder in person will also give you a chance to see the kind of environment your boxer is living in. This will allow you to determine if their breeding practices help promote good health and temperament as well as how they treat the dogs. It also allows you to connect with the breeder and makes it easier for you both to establish a strong relationship. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your Boxer Breeder in Wisconsin When you are searching for a Wisconsin boxer breeder, making sure that the boxing breeders in your area are trustworthy is just one of the most important factors to consider. You must know that not all reputable boxer breeders would be aware of how to raise their puppies correctly. References will be of great help in making sure that you will only be dealing with the most reliable boxer breeders in Wisconsin. For these reasons, asking for references is one of the best ways to ensure that they are professional Wisconsin boxer breeders. Ask Your Wisconsin Boxer Breeder if You Can Meet Past Customers Asking your Wisconsin boxer breeder to introduce you to their past clients is one of the most effective ways in order to determine if they are professional or not. If possible, you can also ask for referrals at this time. If these references and referrals are promising, then it basically means that they are reliable boxing breeders in Wisconsin. However, always keep in mind that not all reputable boxing breeders would provide these things right away especially when it comes to the safety of their puppies. Take note that responsible and trustworthy boxers breeders would look out for the welfare of their pets before anything else. This is why you must always make it a point to trust the boxer breeder in Wisconsin only when they are willing to hand over these things. Does the boxer breeder in Wisconsin that you are considering working with have a good relationship with their veterinarian? This basically means that they are responsible when it comes to taking care of their pets and not just looking at them as a source of income. You just need to remember that not all reputable boxer dog breeders would be easy to work with. In fact, you should already know this when looking for boxers in Wisconsin since not everyone has the same standards and expectations. They ask for payment during the process of the transaction: Before getting to work with Wisconsin boxer breeders, they must first know what kind of payment they are looking forward to accepting. If they immediately ask for payment even before doing anything, then this is one discouraging sign that points out that you might be dealing with an unethical boxer breeder at this present time. To them, money comes first and not the welfare of their pets. There are a lot of people who would prefer written contracts since these things hold both sides accountable. This is the kind of question which you should ask your breeder even before anything else. If they keep on telling you that nothing is wrong with them, this is yet another discouraging sign which points out that there might be something wrong with their facilities right now. So make sure to ask this question before agreeing to any contract. Remember that this is not just another pet since they are known to be quite destructive. So if you want them to do this somewhere else, make sure that you give them something which they could use for this purpose like chew toys and bones. But at the same time, it will also depend upon their age. If they are still young, then it might take some time before they would chew on things other than their own toys and bones. Just keep in mind that these pets would eventually grow up one day, and they will start exploring your house. This is the only way for them to learn what kinds of things are appropriate or not. You must never forget about this since this would have a long-term effect on their behavior later on in life. Just be patient when it comes to training them so everything would go according to plan. If these pets go to the bathroom inside your house, then this can lead to a lot of serious problems for both you and them. Remember that training your pet is essential because it helps strengthen your relationship with each other over time. They need enclosure crate training. Crate training works hand-in-hand with potty training which is why you should not forget about this one thing above all else. They would give you some good advice which will help improve the overall relationship that you have with your pet. Remember, patience is a virtue. Just have patience with them since they will eventually learn what you want them to do regardless of how long it may take. Enjoy your brand new Boxer puppy. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Boxer Photo Album About Chippewa Valley Boxers At Chippewa Valley Boxers, we consider ourselves to be family breeders who raise puppies for the joy it brings and as a wonderful experience for our families. Our boxers are part of our family; they live in our homes. When raising puppies we focus on lots of early handling and socialization. We carefully select the dogs we breed for temperament and confirmation. Our goal in breeding is to produce healthy, vibrant boxer puppies and to match them with loving families who will appreciate and love the breed as much as we do! Deborah Deborah has a passion for raising loving boxer puppies. Her husband and her 40 piano students and their families socialize them from four days of age after their first vet check until the new owners pick up their puppies. Deborah's love for the boxer breed began as a young child as one was always part of her family. She and her boxer's trainer who eventually achieved her life goal of showing our line at Westminster showed Dempsey in England for two years. See dedication picture of Dempsey in front of his ribbons. Once Deborah's four daughters were old enough to help, she raised her first litter. Thus, Deborah's passion for making new friends and raising dogs just like Dempsey began. Holly My husband and I have owned boxers since and have found them to be fantastic family dogs. We have three young children, and an even-tempered dog is essential! When looking for the perfect boxer, I met Deborah and bought my first puppy from her. Over time, I have come to know Deborah very well and appreciate her very much as a person. I learned so much from her. As a mentor, Deborah helped me raise my first litter of boxer puppies. My relationship with her has allowed me to learn more about responsibly raising boxer puppies and striving to better the breed. Contact Us. Fast forward 6 years. Although I never did get to have "Tiger Lily," that puppy was never far from my mind. Opportunity struck when I met a new friend, Lorie Boodry, who shared the same passion for boxers I strived to. This wonderful woman gave me my very first boxer at 16 years old, and that boxer was by my side until bloat took her from me at almost 14 years old. I had to give her back to the Lord and the wonderful woman who gifted her to me. That boxer is Raynen On Your Parade. And the name Raynen Boxers was born. I'm a boxer lover to the core with an interest in obedience training and 3 little boys who keep me too busy to do much with it. My boxers make our house a home and it's my wish for you to have a boxer to love too! We're not an ordinary pet breeder. We're also not show breeders, or working dog breeders. Our boxers are pets, they're farm dogs. They live in our house, sleep on our couch, and get hand fed by our toddlers. But we do strive to make good citizens of them. Our dogs have been to obedience classes and have earned some titles along the way. I owned a 13 year old boxer, my first boxer, and it's my goal that your next boxer lives just as long. I have done pedigree research and bought my dogs from breeders who know their dogs for generations. My dogs are health tested so I can do my very best to assure your next dog is as healthy as a breeder can make them. Hip evaluations, Holter reports, DNA testing, and echocardiograms are done on all of our dogs. I bred 4 litters of boxers in .I bought my own male in , a perfect flashy fawn with plans to breed boxers for generations. He was my Wreckless Intentions! Years later all of my girls were spayed and Wrecker was just a couch potato. Wrecker has unfortunately passed away, but I bought Sunshine from Lorie Boodry's last litter. She is a great great granddaughter of Wrecker's and a great niece to Rayne, generations of breeding by my dear friend Lorie Boodry. But wait, this all keeps wrapping around to my past, to my best friend Lorie, to Lorie's original boxer and her daughter who is my original boxer. Our stud at Raynen Boxers is Bo, a grandson of Rayne! His dad was from my very first litter of boxer puppies. Rayne was bred to an outside stud in and produced an entire litter of male puppies. One of those boys sired Bo years later, and now here Bo is, standing next to his grandma with perfect health test results, ready to sire your next boxer. Along the way I've added a couple of outcross bloodlines from breeders I trusted and kept a puppy from Bo and Sunshine. My big boy Sailor is sired by a Croatian import, but all of my other Boxers are American. When I bred boxers years ago, I knew nothing about health testing. It's my goal to do better for my family and yours. After laying low and raising my own babies for a few years, I'm extremely excited to be raising puppies again, for you! All Rights Reserved. Created and maintained by Serenity Anderson.

Last Updated: July 28, We all love our dogs, but the cost of taking care of them can add up fast. Free dog stuff can offset these costs and allow us to show our good girls and boys our love without emptying our pockets. Don't Miss These Freebies.Try Products - What's better than one giant box of free stuff? TWO giant boxes of free stuff. Join Try Products to get even more free samples shipped right to you. Survey Junkie - Test new products, keep them, and get paid for your feedback. Sign up for free to get started. Here is a list of freebies for your dog to get you started. Free Dog Food Samples Dog food is not cheap, and each dog has its own unique preferences when it comes to food. Zignature — Free samples of this hypoallergenic meat-first dog food are available at their retail partners. Enter a few details about your dog as well. Sundays Food for Dogs — If you wish to try fancy air-dried kibble, Sundays for Dogs is giving away a free box of boutique dog food for anyone who wishes to try the product. The Pet Pantry — They offer holistic, all-natural pet food. Free samples are only available for North Carolina residents, and free shipping is only available in Triad and Triangle areas. Sign up for their newsletter and be updated with the latest dog food freebies and promos. New sign-ups can get coupons or discounts to Nutrish goodies. To request a free sample of one of their blends, you should fill out the contact form and subscribe to their mailing list. It never hurts to ask. Low-Cost Dog Food Samples Technically, these brands do not give away free dog food samples, but charge for them at discounted prices, so your dogs could try out new flavors without you paying full price. Considering these products are grain-free, savory, and healthy, those prices are cheap. Shipping is free for samples. There are more than 35 flavors of high-quality, all-natural dog food available, so you can explore which one your dog likes best without spending too much. The difference with this brand is that there is no limit to how many bags of dog food samples you can buy. Pawjourr — From the Woof Agency how adorable is that name?! There are even cat treat freebies here. Flush Doggy — Flushable dog poop bags are good for your dog and good for the environment! Request a free sample bag by liking their Facebook page and filling out a form. Answer the survey to get a free collar in the mail. Samples are valid for US addresses only. Chick-fil-A and Culvers offer free milk bone for dogs with a purchase of pawrents food. Pet-Friendly Hotels Where Dogs Stay Free Note that hotels in some locations may have to follow local laws prohibiting pets from staying in hotels or similar establishments. Kimpton Hotels — Probably one of the most pet-friendly hotels in the country, Kimpton welcomes pets no matter their size, weight, or breed, all at no extra charge. Motel 6 — Motel 6 was actually the first pet-friendly national hotel chain. They allow one dog per room without additional fees, and weight requirements vary depending on the location. Plus, some dogs are intense chewers and others are not , so dog toys and chew toys are really not ideal as dog treat samples. Download the Blue Buffalo app , buy discounted products for your cats or dogs, and receive rewards for using Blue Buffalo. However, you can always go directly to the source and write to pet food manufacturers and request samples. Pet food and vitamin companies usually send sample packs to vets around the country to spread the word about their products. Except for dog freebies you receive while you and your pet are outdoors, most of these free dog stuff is sent via mail. While a few of these companies pay for shipping too, expect to be asked to pay for shipping and handling. Claim your free box of goodies now! It's a giant box of free samples and it comes right to your door at no cost. Click here and get yours. But getting them allows you to try plenty of stuff that your dog will like. Like humans, dogs can get bored of their ordinary kibble, too! If you know where to look, you can save a LOT of money by hunting for free dog stuff. Last Updated: July 28, We all love our dogs, but the cost of taking care of them can add up fast. Free dog stuff can offset these costs and allow us to show our good girls and boys our love without emptying our pockets. Don't Miss These Freebies.Try Products - What's better than one giant box of free stuff? TWO giant boxes of free stuff. Join Try Products to get even more free samples shipped right to you. Survey Junkie - Test new products, keep them, and get paid for your feedback. Sign up for free to get started. Here is a list of freebies for your dog to get you started. Free Dog Food Samples Dog food is not cheap, and each dog has its own unique preferences when it comes to food. Zignature — Free samples of this hypoallergenic meat-first dog food are available at their retail partners. Enter a few details about your dog as well. Sundays Food for Dogs — If you wish to try fancy air-dried kibble, Sundays for Dogs is giving away a free box of boutique dog food for anyone who wishes to try the product. The Pet Pantry — They offer holistic, all-natural pet food. Free samples are only available for North Carolina residents, and free shipping is only available in Triad and Triangle areas. Sign up for their newsletter and be updated with the latest dog food freebies and promos. New sign-ups can get coupons or discounts to Nutrish goodies. To request a free sample of one of their blends, you should fill out the contact form and subscribe to their mailing list. It never hurts to ask. Low-Cost Dog Food Samples Technically, these brands do not give away free dog food samples, but charge for them at discounted prices, so your dogs could try out new flavors without you paying full price. Considering these products are grain-free, savory, and healthy, those prices are cheap. Shipping is free for samples. There are more than 35 flavors of high-quality, all-natural dog food available, so you can explore which one your dog likes best without spending too much. The difference with this brand is that there is no limit to how many bags of dog food samples you can buy. Pawjourr — From the Woof Agency how adorable is that name?! There are even cat treat freebies here. Flush Doggy — Flushable dog poop bags are good for your dog and good for the environment! Request a free sample bag by liking their Facebook page and filling out a form. Answer the survey to get a free collar in the mail. Samples are valid for US addresses only. Chick-fil-A and Culvers offer free milk bone for dogs with a purchase of pawrents food. Pet-Friendly Hotels Where Dogs Stay Free Note that hotels in some locations may have to follow local laws prohibiting pets from staying in hotels or similar establishments. Kimpton Hotels — Probably one of the most pet-friendly hotels in the country, Kimpton welcomes pets no matter their size, weight, or breed, all at no extra charge. Motel 6 — Motel 6 was actually the first pet-friendly national hotel chain. They allow one dog per room without additional fees, and weight requirements vary depending on the location. Plus, some dogs are intense chewers and others are not , so dog toys and chew toys are really not ideal as dog treat samples. Download the Blue Buffalo app , buy discounted products for your cats or dogs, and receive rewards for using Blue Buffalo. However, you can always go directly to the source and write to pet food manufacturers and request samples. Pet food and vitamin companies usually send sample packs to vets around the country to spread the word about their products. Except for dog freebies you receive while you and your pet are outdoors, most of these free dog stuff is sent via mail. While a few of these companies pay for shipping too, expect to be asked to pay for shipping and handling. Claim your free box of goodies now! It's a giant box of free samples and it comes right to your door at no cost. Click here and get yours. But getting them allows you to try plenty of stuff that your dog will like. Like humans, dogs can get bored of their ordinary kibble, too! If you know where to look, you can save a LOT of money by hunting for free dog stuff.

Sep 13, Share Halloween is one of the most enjoyed holidays of the year. It is also a family occasion, which may inspire you to bring your beloved golden retriever along, and of course, your pet must get into the spirit of the season too. Figuring out your own costume is difficult enough, but choosing one for your furry friend can be overwhelming. Well, we have made it more of a simple and fun occasion for you. Check out our list of unique, hilarious, spooky, and traditional costume ideas we have racked up for your golden retriever. The Pumpkin Dog Image Credit: akc. This costume features a body suit resembling a pumpkin with a green collar. The top of the pumpkin is included with a sweet cap that attaches with an adjustable toggle. You can get creative with your crafting or sewing skills on this project. Superman If superheroes are your thing, then Superman is often a solid favorite. This costume will be sure to earn you a jack o lantern full of candy or steal the show at any party. Cereal Bowl You can fashion this cereal bowl costume by making a giant cardboard spoon and wrapping it up in foil for a steel look. Harry Pawter The Harry Potter franchise took the world by storm and earned it massive popularity. You will see several Harry Potter characters walking the streets during Halloween, and your furry companion will love to be part of the magical group. Your pup will turn heads and lift spirits when they walk alongside you dressed as a hotdog. If you are unable to find this unique costume, try your hand at DIY with felt and easily create your own unique hotdog costume. Pineapple Pineapples have somehow become a trendy print in current fashion and can make a cute and quirky costume for your golden retriever. All you need is a body jacket that resembles the texture of a pineapple and a headband with the green top part of a pineapple. This costume can be an easy DIY project if you have basic sewing skills. If you can get your hands on one of these costumes, your dog will look adorable and most likely cause many giggles and smiles. What makes this costume so effective is that from the front, it looks just like a short minion walking on its own, but with the face of your beloved golden retriever. Canine Cowboy What a great idea to turn your sidekick into a cowboy for Halloween, especially if you enjoy western movies. This costume is an easy one to create on your own. Those two elements will easily transform your pet into a cowboy, but you can add a cow print bodysuit to take it up a level. A lion is usually the king of the jungle, but your pup will be the king of Halloween with this costume. Hunter Golden Retrievers were originally bred as hunting dogs, and dressing them like a hunter is a fitting costume! All you need is a camo cap and one of your plaid shirts to create the hunter aesthetic. It is a costume that requires extra planning and effort, but it will surely steal the show. You can also follow this method of using stuffed toys to turn your dog into a spooky three-headed golden retriever. Wonder Woman As an owner of a Golden Retriever, you may believe your pet is a superhero. Females can be strong heroes too, and Wonder Woman is a great example. Find a stuffed teddy bear the same height and color as your pet. Use a piece of Velcro or soft ribbon to fasten it. This costume will be lightweight and comfortable as well as super cute. Simply find some fairy wings and a tutu or construct them yourself for a creative project. This costume is also a nice change from the classic spooky-themed costumes, and your sweet pup will look adorable. Batman Batman was a hero for most boys growing up and is still a heroic icon today. If you are a DC comics fan, this is a great costume choice for your canine. You can trick or treat by its side dressed as Robin or the Joker to complete this costume as a DC Halloween duo. Lobster If you are looking for a costume that is unique and out of the box, then this lobster costume will do the trick. It is not something you would typically see at Halloween, but it is a fun and silly idea that will amuse everyone at the party. Pirate Pooch If your golden retriever likes to steal your things, then a pirate is a fitting theme for a mischievous friend. You can also purchase a plastic sword and a jack o lantern of chocolate gold coins to add an element of Halloween. Garden Gnome A garden gnome is a symbol of good luck and is sometimes used in gardens for protection. So why not dress your protector as a cute and naughty garden gnome this Halloween? It is a unique idea that will impress your friends, and your Golden Retriever will look adorable. Select a red pointy hat and fake beard, and hunt down some fake ears to achieve this comical and fun look. Viking This is a costume idea you can share and hit the streets trick or treating as a pair of strong and brave Vikings. All you need to find is a soft Viking hat for your golden retriever and wool to make Viking braids. Trick or Treating Ghost A ghost is a classic element of Halloween, and dressing your Golden Retriever as one is easy and effective. Then add a jack o lantern bucket to collect treats. This quick and easy DIY costume is ideal if need a costume fast. Roman Centurion If you have a keen interest in history, specifically Roman history, then you will enjoy this costume idea. All you need is a robe, which is easy to find or make yourself, and a pileus that you can find at your local costume or party store. Your regal pet will attract attention with this unique costume idea. Witch There are usually several witches around on Halloween, but this costume is a classic favorite. Beauty and the Beast Beauty and the Beast is a childhood favorite, and you can pair up with your dog by dressing him up as the beastly prince while you get into the character of Belle. Flower Power Your Golden Retriever will brighten up the party and add some smiles with this happy sunflower costume. All you need is felt and basic sewing skills to pull this one off. Tiger King If you need last-minute inspiration, your golden retriever has the perfect coat to pull this costume off quickly and easily. You need cat ears and non-toxic spray paint to add tiger stripes. You can also make your own paint with cornstarch and food coloring for a safer option. Final Thoughts There are several costume ideas you can choose for your pet for the Halloween festivities. It comes in different sizes. No matter the size or breed of your dog, you will indeed find a perfect fit. The costume is a one-piece design that features a fuzzy hook-and-loop strap at the neck and belly for a more comfortable and easy fit. It is super easy to put on and take off. There is every tendency that a picture of your pet in this costume will break the internet. Pros: Super cute with a half avocado design Guarantees comfort Comes with fuzzy hook-and-loop straps at the neck and belly for a secure fit Cons: The bright-colored part may get stained quickly. Guidelines to follow when dressing up your dog for Halloween Dressing up your pet can be exciting, whether casually or for festivities like Halloween. No doubt, a couple of pups do not like being dressed up, but some can tolerate it. It depends on how comfortable they are in the clothing, or how much they like the attention. Learning all you can about their body language can be beneficial. However, these are few guidelines to keep in mind when dressing them up for Halloween; The costume should allow for easy mobility We are sure you would not want to wear a costume that prevents you from sitting down, moving around, or even going to the toilet. The same goes for your dog. Mobility should be the first factor you should consider when choosing a Halloween costume for your canine companion. They should freely stand, walk, sit, lay, or run around in it. The costume should not have small parts. Golden retrievers are generally stubborn dogs. The fact that they are smart and intelligent makes them adventurous. They like to explore. So, when you get them a costume with small parts, they would not waste time destroying the piece of clothing. This scenario is where their fun kicks off. The best golden retriever Halloween costume should have no small parts like buttons, excessive fabric, and cut-outs, among others. The costume should be lightweight. The golden retriever is not like other breeds of dogs. They do not shed their puppy fur. With this thick undercoat, your dog does not need a Halloween costume that is too heavy. It can make them uncomfortable, limit their movement, or cause them to overheat. Whatever costume you are buying should be lightweight. It would help if you weighed your dog first before purchasing the piece of clothing. And if you notice that your dog is panting after wearing the costume for 20 minutes, take it off. As humans, we all know how frustrating it is to wear masks that obstruct our vision or breathing. Dogs are no exception, as they also feel this same way. Besides, Halloween is already a stressful festival. When your dog appears wearing a costume that limits their sense, they will become anxious, distressed, or even dangerous in some cases. They will end up ruining the event for you. The costume should be easy to put on and take off. Fighting or squeezing your dog into an outfit is not fair and safe. Think about it for a second — how do you feel when a piece of clothing is not your size, and you have to squeeze into it? Your dog will experience the same discomfort you feel. It can even infuriate them, and an angry dog is a dangerous one. The possibility of taking off the outfit quickly in that scenario would guarantee the safety of everyone involved. Enough supervision is needed. Please do not dress up your golden retriever for Halloween and allow them to wander around without supervision. Of course, there are friends to attend to, but part of your attention should also be on your dog. It is the best way to ensure that he is safe and comfortable in the costume. Practice before the big night. Endeavor to buy your golden retriever Halloween costume before the holiday. This strategy will help you determine whether he is comfortable in the costume. If you have a human best friend, would you leave them out whenever something worth celebrating comes up? That is the same with dogs. The fact that they are animals that cannot speak in intelligible language should not be a hindrance. To define their personality Dressing up your dog for Halloween is another way to allow their personality to pop out. Find an appropriate dress that will suit the character. Protect them from cold Many times, Halloween falls during the cold season. Situations like that leave your dog prone to cold and can affect their overall health and wellbeing. Providing Halloween costumes will protect them from the onslaught of the cold months to come. For attention Some dogs are naturally attention seekers. If you notice that your four-legged companion has such a trait, getting a Halloween costume is a perfect idea. That is the best way to calm them down. The ensemble will attract lots of attention, and that is what your dog wants. For memorable photos In the era of social media, everyone is clamoring to stay relevant online with beautiful photos. Getting your pet dressed up for Halloween will help you take cool pictures of them. Even if you do not like dressing them up, consider doing that for the sake of breathtaking photos. Conclusion Halloween is indeed a good time to dress up and have fun. Taking your pet along with you is also a form of exercise. And for golden retrievers, routine physical activity is crucial. Failure to do so could drive them crazy. No wonder the dog Halloween costumes industry is expanding, as it is gradually becoming a norm to include dress-up pets for Halloween festivities. The review above will help you pick the right Halloween costume for your golden retriever. Have a fun and safe Halloween! You May Also Like.

Pug puppies can be quite expensive, and there are several reasons for it. Some of the biggest among them are discussed below. Pugs are a brachycephalic breed and have short, flat faces. This physical characteristic can make breeding them more difficult and costly. Furthermore, breeding pugs require a lot of knowledge, experience, and resources. Therefore, you may have to spend much more to get these pups than other breeds. Rarity Being an exotic breed, Pugs are not as common as other breeds. This is because they are prone to many health issues and breeders have to spend a lot of money to keep them healthy. Likewise, Pugs need a safe environment and providing that comes at a cost. This allows the breeders to charge more for them and dog enthusiasts are willing to pay. Reputable Breeder Reputable breeders are more likely to take care of the health and well-being of the puppies. Reputed breeders also provide a lot of extras, like microchips, vaccinations, and health guarantees. Are Pugs in Constant Pain? Click here to find out. What Papers are Needed for Getting Pugs? When getting a pug, several papers are typically needed. The most important ones are discussed below. Registration Papers They prove that the pug is purebred and has a known pedigree. They will also include the unique registration number of the dog. Can Pugs Eat Strawberries? Click here to learn more. Health Certificate This is another important paper that is issued by a veterinarian. It states that the pug has been examined and is in good health. Bill This document carries all the information about the terms of the sale between the breeder and the new owner. It includes the purchase price, the date of sale, and any guarantees or warranties that are included. Can Pugs Eat Watermelon? Importance of Paperwork While Getting Pugs Paperwork is an important aspect to consider when getting a pug. Registration papers are essential when showing a pug in competitions or breeding them. They are also useful to maintain the integrity of the breed. Similarly, a health certificate is also important to ensure that the pug is in good health. It will allow the owner to plan for any future vaccinations or treatments that may be necessary. The bill of sale is also an important document because it shows the terms of the sale. It has all the necessary information about the deal, including price, date of sale, and any warranties. Can a Pug Be a Service Dog? However, the cost can vary in some cases because it depends on several factors. For example, your location, the reputation of the breeder, and the overall health of the pug. In most cases, purebred pugs with papers cost much more than pups without proper documentation. It is important to thoroughly research breeders and their reputations before making a purchase. This is because buying from a reputable breeder can ensure the health and well-being of the pug. How Much is the Cheapest Pug? The cost of a pug can vary greatly depending on the location, breeder, and supply and demand. However, prices can be lower or higher depending on the circumstances. Some of the cheapest pugs may come from backyard breeders or pet stores. These breeders have lower standards of breeding and care. Hence, your chances of adopting an unhealthy pug increase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. No Why is the Pug so expensive? Pugs are often considered expensive due to a combination of factors, including their popularity, demand, and the costs associated with breeding and raising them. Here are some reasons why pugs may have a higher price tag: Breeding challenges: Pugs have a unique physical structure with a short snout, which can lead to health issues. Breeding pugs requires careful selection to minimize these problems, which can increase the cost of obtaining healthy and well-bred puppies. Health concerns: Pugs are prone to several health conditions, such as respiratory problems, eye issues, and skin allergies. Responsible breeders undertake health testing and provide necessary veterinary care, which contributes to the overall cost. Limited availability: While Pugs are a popular breed, finding a reputable breeder can be challenging. Responsible breeders may have a limited number of litters each year, which increases demand and drives up prices. Popularity: Pugs have gained significant popularity over the years due to their charming appearance and friendly temperament. Increased demand for Pugs can drive prices up, as breeders can charge more when there is high demand for a particular breed. Breeding expenses: Responsible breeders invest a considerable amount of time, effort, and money into breeding and raising their puppies. This includes expenses such as health checks, vaccinations, proper nutrition, and socialization. These costs are passed on to potential buyers. So just be ready for more than the price of a puppy — unexpected vet bills, food , treats, toys, etc. This is pretty much the same price as a Pug from any reputable breeder, as you would expect to get a purebred Pug from a reputable breeder. What is the cheapest price of a Pug puppy? Adopting is also a great way to provide a home to a pet in need while also saving yourself some money in the process. What is the price of a Male Pug Puppy? However, prices are high for those with superior lineages and pure breeds. How Much Is a Pug in the Philippines? In the Philippines, different Pug breeders from different parts of the country have varying prices. However, the average price is slightly consistent compared to in the US. Below are some of the Pug prices and descriptions. A purebred 1. A purely black female Pug without papers aged between 6- and months costs PHP8, Plus, you can also negotiate the price with some breeders. In California, the cost of Pugs constantly fluctuates due to market demands. The cost of a typical puppy Pug in India lies between 5,Rs and 20,Rs. However, the average price ranges from 10,Rs and 12,Rs. Keep in mind that these prices also fluctuate from time to time. Posted on. A few toys should do the trick, but make sure to provide them with at least a few puzzle toys to get their brains working. Pugs thrive on attention and most are happy with an hour or so of playtime in the yard, two walks per day, and an occasional trip to the park to socialize with other dogs. Training your Pug beyond basic obedience training is a great way to bond with them and provide mental stimulation. Pugs are eager to please and attentive to their owners, so teaching them tricks or training them in agility are excellent ways to occupy their minds and enhance your relationship. Pugs only eat about pounds of food per year and are mostly healthy, although setting aside extra cash to deal with emergencies is a good idea. Food, medication, and pet insurance—if you purchase it—will be the highest regular costs, but occasional vet visits and extra medication for potential eye problems could become significant outlays as well. Additional Costs to Factor In Most Pug owners have success training their dogs themselves, but some people still opt for professional training. Dog sitting is another additional cost that only applies to some people. Before you purchase your new buddy, make sure you can budget enough money per month to cover food and medication costs. It is also a good idea to have money set aside to cover unexpected medical expenses. Training games, obedience training, and makeshift agility courses are excellent inexpensive ways to keep your Pug happy and make for some great owner-dog bonding time. Your upfront costs could be significantly reduced if you adopt a dog from a local shelter. The main drivers are food, medications like heartworm and flea and tick prevention, and pet insurance. You might also like:. The following information regards prices in the United States. So, how much are pugs? The cost of a pug depends on: There are three factors that go into the pug price: Location — prices can vary from state to state. How much do pugs cost if… I rescue my pug from a reputable rescue? I buy a pug from a reputable breeder? I want a specific color pug? How much do pugs cost if I rescue my pug from a reputable rescue? How much do pugs cost if I buy a pug from a reputable breeder? If your pug comes from a champion line and is show quality, they can cost even more. Can you pay less for a pug from a reputable breeder? Actually, yes. These retired pugs are usually spayed or neutered and cared for as beloved pets. In many cases, they are still only a few years old and get placed for free or for a small fee. Some breeders may list these dogs on their website, while others may just keep them as pets until the right home comes along. If you have a breeder in mind, but sure to ask them. Why are pugs so expensive? Pugs are expensive because they have small litters, often need a C-section to give birth, and because they are a popular breed in high demand. The average size of a pug litter is 4 to 6 puppies. Pugs are prone to health issues, and can have complications during and after pregnancy. Expensive vet bills, and excellent care, are not cheap, meaning that puppies will cost more. How much do pugs cost if I want a specific pug color? According to the American Kennel Club, pugs come in three colors: Silver. Apricot-fawn, with a black face mask. Learn more about pug colors here. Your eyes may bulge with excitement. It sounds too good to be true! These puppies are sold by backyard breeders. Backyard breeders are amateur breeders who breed dogs in substandard and unethical ways. So skip the cheap puppy ads and Craigslist posts and focus on finding a reputable breeder. Need help weeding out the bad guys? The extra cost of getting a pug: The price you pay to own a pug is just the beginning. After that comes other expenses , like vaccines, check-ups, food, supplies, pet insurance, training and more. How much did your pug cost? Click here to learn more pug stuff. Pin for later! Pin it to remember the Price of Pugs Why are Pugs so expensive? So just why are Pugs so expensive? One reason is because Pugs, like most other Brachycephalic dogs with flat faces and large heads , are most often born via cesarean section. Pugs are also susceptible to numerous orthopedic and hereditary diseases—so reputable breeders will conduct testing on both parents to help ensure a healthy litter. This test screens for Hip Dysplasia and Patellar Luxation. Breeders also have the option to test for Elbow Dysplasia with this screening. This important test screens for Necrotizing meningoencephalitis NME , a fatal brain disorder that can kill Pug puppies. This metabolic disease breaks down the red blood cells of a young Pug. The price will depend on several factors: The location of the breeder. The rules of supply and demand pertain to dogs as well so larger metropolitan areas are often more expensive. The pedigree of the parent Pugs. Pugs that have participated in sanctioned competitions have more expensive litters. Whether the Pug is a show quality dog or a pet quality dog. Show quality puppies with a future in competitive dog shows and breeding are more expensive. The age of the Pug. Puppies are definitely more expensive; you may occasionally find a breeder selling a retired breeding Pug or a Pug that originated at the breeder but has been returned. The color of the Pug. AKC recognized two colors : black and fawn. The Canadian Kennel Club recognizes fawn, silver fawn and black. The Federation Cynologique Internationale and the Kennel Club of the UK both recognize silver sometimes called silver-fawn , apricot often called apricot-fawn , fawn and black. The less common the color, the more expensive the dog. Attend a sanctioned dog show and talk with Pug breeders and competitors for recommendations. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding reputable breeders. Do an online search for complaints. Check the Facebook page of the breeder and read through comments. Remember, however, comments can be deleted by the page owner. When you find a breeder and want to determine if they are reputable: Ask for references. The breeder should be happy to share the name and contact information for customers. Ask questions. Lots of questions. The breeder should be glad to share the test results from the health tests and screenings. Ask how often the dogs are bred. Ask to tour the kennels. Are they well maintained? Do the dogs look healthy? Beware of operations that will not let you tour the kennels and breeders that want to meet you in a parking lot to hand over the puppy. Be prepared for questions. The breeder should ask YOU questions as well; be suspicious if the breeder has no questions about your past history with pets, your living situation, etc. Ask if the breeder will take the Pug back if necessary. Ask for a contract. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund. Pug breeders may adopt out of the area but, nonetheless, you will want to go to the breeder to meet the parents, view the kennels and bring home your puppy in person. This will add to your expenses—but breeders that transport a puppy by air are putting the dog at risk. If you want to buy a Pug online, please think again. There are numerous scams; people spend thousands of dollars for a dog and never receive a puppy. AKC warns potential pet parents to be wary of any seller asking for payment by Venmo, in gift cards or as a wire transfer. Dogs purchased from puppy mills can mean years of heartache and expensive veterinary care. The pros of purchasing from a Pug breeder: You may be able to select a puppy—including a choice of color and gender. A reputable breeder will be passionate about Pugs and will a resource for years to come. The cons of purchasing from a Pug breeder You will pay more for a Pug from a breeder than a rescue or shelter. If you find a breeder who has Pug puppies for sale at prices far lower than you are seeing from other breeders, you must suspect you are dealing with a backyard breeder who has not done health screening, with an online seller who is operating a puppy mill or is running a scam. You will need to wait until puppies are available. You will need to do your own due diligence to select a reputable breeder. Pugs in rescues are far less expensive that those at a breeder. Pugs under a year old will be the most costly. The dogs that are up for adoption at Pug rescues may be there for a variety of reasons: Death of an owner. Lost Pugs that the rescue had seen on shelter websites. Pugs a breeder no longer wanted. Whatever the reason, the Pugs in rescue may or may not come with papers, depending on whether or not the dog was surrendered with papers. You may also find Pug rescues at pet expos and special events in your area. Rescues will often have a booth with information on the rescue and a few adoptable dogs. Most dogs at purebred rescues are pulled from shelters, often open-intake shelters that may not be no-kill shelters. You will be able to adopt a Pug for far less money than purchasing a Pug from a breeder. You will be able to talk with people who are passionate about Pugs about the individual Pug you are interested in adopting. Our most recent search brought up a healthy, 7-month-old Pug puppy so you never know. Your dog may or may not be a purebred Pug and may or may not have papers. The least expensive option when it comes to Pug prices is the shelter, either a municipal shelter or a privately-operated shelter. Are you a senior? A member of the military or law enforcement? Many shelters offer special discounts. To locate a Pug at a shelter, call your local shelter or start your search online. Click on the link of adoptable Pugs in the top left corner; you can then enter your zip code to see Pugs near you. The listings will include both rescues and shelters. Unlike adopting from a Pug rescue, dogs at a shelter will generally be housed at the shelter although an increasing number utilize foster homes whenever they can, especially for puppies. If the dog is housed at the shelter, you may not know a lot about his or her personality. Talk with the shelter staff and ask if the dog has been temperament tested and if they can tell you if the dog is skittish, shy, outgoing, has any prior training, etc. And while you may see dogs listed as a Pug at a shelter, that may or may not mean they are Pugs, purebred or mixed. Shelters use their best judgement, often while intaking many dogs, so sometimes the accuracy of the breed is questionable. Since Pugs do have such a distinctive look, however, you can use your judgement to see if the dog displays usual Pug characteristics and markings. Ask the shelter if they have any background on the dogs; you may be surprised to find a puppy whose purebred mother came in as a pregnant lost dog and gave birth at the shelter. It definitely happens. The Pros of Adopting a Pug from a Shelter You are saving a life, not only of the dog you adopt but of the next dog who will be rescued due to the kennel that is now clear. Your new dog will have received a long list of veterinary services. You will have the love of a dog whose price was far less than that of a dog from a breeder. You may not know the history of the dog. FAQ What is the cheapest price for a Pug? If you find low-cost purebred Pugs listed online, please consider that you may be supporting a puppy mill. What is the Teacup Pug price? These dogs are the result of breeding the smallest runt dog of one litter to the smallest dog of another litter, producing smaller than usual Pugs—and selling them for sometimes twice as much as a traditional Pug. As you might expect, this can mean additional health problems for the puppies. Are Pugs expensive to own? While their small size means Pugs are not as expensive to own as larger breeds, due to the potential health issues discussed above they can be expensive in terms of veterinary care. Pet insurance is a good investment to help cover vet issues as they arise. Pin it to remember the Price of Pugs Posted on Last updated:. Less - Square-proportioned, compact and of a cobby build, the pug is a large dog in a little space. Its gait is strong and jaunty, but with a slight roll of the hindquarters. Its distinctive expression is soft and solicitous. Its forehead has large, deep wrinkles. Its coat is fine, smooth and short. The Pug breed is often described by the Latin phrase multum in parvo, or "much in little" or "a lot of dog in a small space", alluding to the Pug's remarkable and charming personality, despite its small size. Pugs are strong willed but rarely aggressive, and are suitable for families with children. The majority of the breed is very fond of children and sturdy enough to properly play with them. Depending on their owner's mood, they can be quiet and docile but also vivacious and teasing. Pugs tend to be intuitive and sensitive to the moods of their owners and are usually eager to please them. Pugs tend to have a somewhat lazy nature and spend a lot of time napping. They are often called "shadows" because they follow their owners around and like to stay close to the action, craving attention and affection from their owners. History There are various theories regarding the origin of the Pug breed, but the most generally accepted is that they originated in the Orient, and are a smooth-coated, longer-legged type of Pekingese. They have been well known in Europe since at least the 16th Century. After gaining favor with Royalty, the breed became very popular and even more well known. The AKC recognized the Pug in .In Canada it is CAD to .So, when purchasing from a different state, you also must consider travel fees when buying a Pug from a different country. Why Are Pugs So Expensive? Pugs are a popular dog breed currently taking 28th spot on the list of the most popular dogs in America. Lots of people want a Pug so this demand tends to increase their price. Popularity alone does not control the price of a Pug. There are many other factors that make Pugs expensive. A major one is breeding fees. It is not easy to breed a healthy Pug. Professional breeders do not just want to sell you any kind of dog. They want to show you a puppy that is cute, adheres to the breed standard and is in good health. To breed a puppy like this takes lots of money that will be reflected in the final sale price. Most of the fees that are involved within the pregnancy and birthing of Pugs are because they are brachycephalic. As a brachycephalic breed it is difficult for mothers to give birth to their pups. Going into labor is body intensive and difficulty breathing only makes the process more strenuous. Not only that but Pugs tend to have narrow hips. The heads of puppies tend to be large in proportion to their body and sometimes they cannot easily pass through the birth canal. For these two reasons Pug breeders often elect to do C-sections. Finally, before the mother can give birth, breeders must ensure that she and the father are in good health. In Pugs it is common to see brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye conditions. The Pug Dog Club of America recommends that all Pugs are screened for hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and necrotizing meningoencephalitis. Pugs from these breeders are usually more expensive because breeders go to great lengths to breed healthy and high quality dogs. Not only that, but they also tend to give you a dog with all of its vaccines and registration papers. The price of a Pug can really go up when you consider genetic health testing, vet visits, membership documentations and registration fees. No documentation with the sale. No available health care records or genetic testing results of the parents. Breeders that advertise their dogs on websites like Craigslist at a cheaper price. They often breed dogs other than just Pugs. To be a part of these clubs breeders must be certified and approved to have met breeding requirements. As you search for a Pug keep in mind the type of puppy you want. Do you want a specific color? Most often breeders sell fawn or black Pugs. If you want a rare color you are going to have to do some extra searching. What kind of temperament do you want? Pugs are very social. In general they tend to be friendly, affectionate, playful and mischievous. However some may be more timid than others. Will it be healthy? Puppies should have a brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome score of zero. Sometimes you might fall in love with a Pug in a picture but later find out it is missing its health papers. In most cases you should avoid this type of puppy. Reputable breeders should be able to provide you with health papers and registration papers. They will always be clear about the kind of Pug you are buying and their pedigree. They will give you straightforward answers on anything you ask and will show you any paperwork that you ask for. They will also allow you to see the puppy and the mother. Buying from a breeder might not be the cheapest option, but it does ensure you that you are getting a healthy Pug. Cost Of Keeping A Pug Pugs live for between 12 and 15 years so adopting one is a long-term commitment. Out of all the years, the first one will generally be the most expensive. Where does this money go? We will breakdown their typical ownership costs below… Healthcare and Insurance There is no way around it. If you do get a Pug, it is highly recommended that you get insurance. Pugs often have unforeseen medical expenses because they are a brachycephalic breed. You have to be careful when exercising your Pug, especially if you live in hot areas and during the summer months. Overexertion and heat can cause make it harder for them to breathe, and if you do not recognize the signs of heat stress, your dog could end up at the vet ER. You could also find yourself paying for treatment for some of the common health issues within Pugs. Some of these include: Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, Fold Dermatitis, obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, and patellar luxation. Dog Food Pugs need a well-balanced diet. It is not a good idea to just give your dog whatever is left over from your last meal. They need high quality kibble that is specifically made for their breed. Pugs are small dogs so they should be eating food that is specifically made for small dogs. Puppies will eat at most 80 pounds of dry food every year, while adults eat about pounds. Some brands will cost you more. The following are some examples of kibble that you can buy for your Pug. Food Brands.

When you bring a new puppy home, it's important to keep feeding it the same food that it has been eating at its previous home. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Talk to the person or organization that you are adopting your puppy from to see what food they are feeding it. They should willingly provide that info and they may even send you home with some if you can't find any to buy. If you can't find the right food in your local pet supply store, consider ordering it online. However, you would need to order it ahead of time so that you have it on hand when the puppy comes home. If you want to feed your puppy a different food from what it has been eating, you will need to switch its food over the course of several days. Feed that mix for several days. Finally, you can give the puppy all new food. If you are content to give your puppy the food it was originally eating, it's fine to do that. Every puppy will have different nutritional needs. Because of this, it's a good idea to discuss proper nutrition with your vet. They can suggest great foods to give your puppy and how much it should be eating. Go to source The right portion size depends on the size of your puppy and its metabolism. Ask your vet to teach you how to body score your puppy. This will allow you to do a quick visual check to see whether your puppy is losing or gaining weight. Tip: If your vet suggests a specific food but doesn't tell you how much to give your puppy, follow the instructions on the packaging. Doing 3 or 4 feedings per day allows your puppy to get enough nutrients without overwhelming its digestive system with a huge amount of food at once. This is especially important when your puppy is under 6 months old, as they have delicate systems. Go to source Don't just leave the food out all day. Take the food away after the puppy eats for about 10 or 15 minutes. Lab puppies should always have access to fresh water so that they can stay adequately hydrated. Put out a dish of water and dump it out, clean the dish, and refill it daily. Some puppies are really messy with their water dishes. To prevent a mess, try putting the water dish on a tray, so that spilled water won't go right onto the floor. How does it feel to be a new puppy parent? You must be chuffed. Take a look at these first few articles. All the ingredients you need for a happy home. But for now, beside your bed is the best place for your puppy to sleep — it will help them feel safe. Puppies like their crates rather cave-like; we suggest covering it with a blanket to block out light, but keep the front open so that they can see outwards. Make sure to make it snug inside with something like a vet bed or a blanket, or why not take it up a notch with a heat pad or hot water bottle to recreate the feeling of their mother. Nothing feels more comforting than that. Before you head to bed, take your puppy out for one last round of loo-going. Set your bedtime at a later time too — midnight sounds about right. Come back calmly, and place your puppy in the crate and turn out the light. Stuff you should know about Sleep Training your Labrador Your puppy will wake up several times in the night and will need the bathroom at least once! Be prepared for not-so-deep sleeps and tired mornings — just for the first few weeks. Having them sleep next to you is only temporary. Consistency is key! As for you, full nights of sleep will start getting closer and closer. Alone Training How can I teach my Labrador puppy to be ok on their own? Start by feeding your puppy in their crate during meal times. If they seem worried by you leaving, stay in view, and just pop right outside their confinement area. Keep it short and sweet: No need to stay away for long, 60 seconds tops will do for now. Repeat: Do this at least once a day to make progress go steady and smoothly. Socialization Exercises To Do this week Letting your Labrador puppy explore the yard Besides the gnomes and questionable yard furniture you may have, letting your puppy explore your own yard is a great and safe way to start showing them the sounds, lights and wonders of the outside world. Exploring different surfaces exercise Make sure that the surfaces you use are safe — nothing too crazy just yet. Gather surfaces such as An oven tray with a small layer of water A piece of astro turf A carpet tile A large piece of tin foil, cardboard or something crinkly PRO TIP: Set up for this exercise in the room your puppy spends most of their time in — it will help them to feel safe and confident. Pop the surfaces out safely on the floor and allow your puppy to investigate them. Nobody has ever enjoyed walking on those. Remember to be patient! Lucky for you — teaching them their name is easy peasy. Say their name in a happy jolly tone and reward with a treat. Repeat five times, 5 and take a break. Practice this 2 or 3 times a day so they get the hang of it. Teach your puppy to sit Teaching your puppy how to sit is a popular one. The first two are far more common though. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow it up with a food reward. In puppy logic, stinky means yummy. How to do it Start at home; where there are no distractions. Just make sure to shut off Gogglebox in the background. Recall — How to teach our Labrador puppy to come back when called Your puppy already knows their name at this point, so this should be a walk in the park. How to do it Treats and a cheerful voice will be what works here. Do these exercises before meal times so your puppy is more motivated. Practice this 5 times a day and in 3 different places in your house and yard to get them used to coming to you in all settings. How to do it Show your puppy that you have their favorite toy, and start to get them excited about it. When they show interest, throw it a little bit away from you. They will likely follow it and pick it up. If they do, encourage them back to you with your voice, so remember to sound happy! Swap the toy for a treat or another toy and do the process again. Repeat this about 5 times. Instead create more distance and excitement sounds to get them to come to you — spaniels like to show off, so they will likely want to parade what they have! Always swap the toy for something when they have it, this could be a treat or another toy. Resource guarding occurs when we force puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. For breeds like Labradors who are designed to want to hold things in their mouths, this is pretty important! Resource guarding is when a dog protects a resource from being taken by someone else — dog or human. For some reason, there is a solid list of things puppies find irresistible: Socks. Fact checked by Emily Estep Emily Estep is a biologist and fact checker focused on environmental sciences. Emily has been a proofreader and editor at a variety of online media outlets over the past decade and has reviewed more than articles for The Spruce Pets for factual accuracy. These smart, social dogs are known for their amiable temperaments and their patience. Traditionally bred as hunting dogs, Labs also are among the most popular service dogs, acting as guide dogs for blind people and as therapy dogs. By socializing these dogs early, you can tap into their natural instincts as protectors and companions. Socialize Puppies Labs are natural born people pleasers. Introduce your Lab puppy to as many new people and places as possible during the early months of its life. Keep each new meeting and experience positive and upbeat. Doing this will reinforce your Lab's natural tendency to be friendly and accepting of everyone. If you have young children in the home, be sure to socialize them to the animal as well as the reverse. Although Labs are patient and tolerant, they may still nip at a child who teases or hurts them during play. Make sure everyone knows the boundaries and rules. Exercise Every Day Labrador retrievers are high energy dogs, which is part of the reason they are such great pets for active families. But if Labs aren't given sufficient exercise, they can quickly become bored. This often leads to destructive behavior and other common behavior problems , such as barking, chewing, and digging. It's also why Labs are not well-suited for apartment living; they're too big and too active. Plan on giving your Lab an hour or more of exercise each day. Most Labs love long walks or a game of fetch. These are the perfect way to burn off your Lab's energy. Take advantage of their innate trainability by starting an obedience program as soon as you bring your Labrador retriever home. You can work on basic obedience commands on your own, or sign up for a dog obedience class with a local dog trainer. Classes are a great way to train your Lab while socializing at the same time. Since Labs get to be fairly large and have a tendency to pull on the leash, make walking on a loose leash your first priority. You should also teach your Lab to "come," "drop it," and "fetch," so you can take advantage of its natural tendency for retrieving. Use Positive Reinforcement Training Their eagerness to learn, playfulness, affectionate natures, and their love of treats make Labrador retrievers fantastic candidates for positive reinforcement dog training. Reward their good behaviors with a small treat, a game, or some cuddle time with you. You'll find your Lab is soon offering you the behaviors you like with little prompting. If you decide to use treats in your training, remember that Labs have a tendency to become overweight. Plan on a Long Adolescence One of the most endearing qualities of Labrador retrievers is that they remain very puppy-like long after they've reached adulthood. The downside is that their energy level and tendency to get into mischief continues well into adulthood as well. Therefore, it pays to have behavior management tools handy. The training to become a service animal will vary depending on what the dog will be doing; some are trained to be animal companions to sick children and adults in the hospital, while others are trained to serve as seeing-eye dogs. Others may provide assistance to people with mental illnesses, or behavioral problems. Check the requirements for licensing and training where you live; some places have more strict rules and requirements for service dogs than others. Problems and Proofing Behavior Many Labrador retrievers are happiest and the most well-behaved when they have a job to do. Consider getting involved with a dog sport or training your Lab as a service animal or pet therapy dog. Crate train your Labrador so it doesn't have the run of the house when you're not there to supervise Provide your Lab with a variety of interesting toys and chews to keep it from getting bored. Continue practicing basic obedience commands; it reinforces your Lab's training and provides mental stimulation. No matter what training you decide on, keeping your Lab busy and active is sure to keep one of those famous Lab smiles on its face. Article Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. McGreevy, Paul D et al. Labrador retrievers under primary veterinary care in the UK: demography, mortality and disorders. Canine genetics and epidemiology vol. Learning to be alone Happiness is a Balancing Act Your job is a bit of a balancing act. Keeping your little one happy, while ensuring that he is educated in the ways of our curious human world, and that he learns to behave himself Here are a few tips to help you along the way. This is natural and normal. It makes them feel safe. Puppies also feel safe if they have a den, a place of safety, like the whelping box or nest where they were born, to rest in when they are on their own. But you can hurry that process up by leaving the door open all day and leaving food and nice toys in there for your puppy to find. If you or your children are very excited, your puppy will get excited too. He may get very overexcited, which is when biting can get very out of hand. Of course, there are bound to be times when, despite your best efforts, your puppy gets a little too over-excited. But, learning how to deal with this can help calm things back down. Outdoor Time To Potty I get a lot of questions from people that are struggling with potty training because they are expecting a new puppy to go too long without a wee during the day. Sometimes two or three hours. Some eight week old puppies will empty their bladder in the garden, come indoors and wee again just 15 or 20 minutes later! This is very annoying, but it is a short-lived phase. Restricted Access Many people find it hard to cope with their puppy simply because they are giving him access to too large an area of the family home. He has no chance of learning to be clean if he cannot be watched constantly by a family member and is far more likely to have accidents on carpets, than on hard floors. He will also be constantly in trouble for chewing things he should never have been able to reach. Baby gates are a brilliant way of restricting very small puppies to a fairly small designated part of your home with washable floors. The puppy can then be gradually introduced to more rooms as they mature. The Right Feeding Routines Puppies often have sensitive tummies. Especially in the first few days and weeks in their new home. Most Labrador puppies are greedy and will eat large meals. The quantities on food packet are daily rations and should be divided into at least four portions to begin with. And the result is can be a nasty attack of diarrhea, although of course there are other causes of upset stomaches too! Puppies need to be out and about. There is a small period of time during which puppies can easily accept new experiences. And after which they become fearful of strangers, strange objects, and strange experiences. This unique time slot is called the window for socialization, and it is all but closed before the puppy is 14 weeks old. So you need to get your puppy out and about, meeting all kinds of people, vehicles, shops, machinery, and so on. Positive Reinforcement Leads To Happiness! Nowadays we train dogs using positive reinforcement. Essentially this means with rewards. These rewards can be anything he enjoys, from toys, to food, to simply running around. But puppies need to be shown how to earn rewards the right way. So that we get the right responses from them. It is all too easy to reward your puppy for doing the wrong things. Lots of puppies learn to bark to get attention for example or to jump up to get a stroke. There are lots of games you can play with puppies to help them learn how to earn rewards. Let the puppy know what you like them doing with a marker word like YES and follow it up with a treat. You can start rewarding your puppy like this, for making eye contact with you, right from the very first day. Learn To Be Happy Alone? All companion dogs need to be alone at times. And the best time to learn this skill is when he is small. As soon as your puppy has settled in to his new den, after the first few days it is time to start leaving him alone for short periods of time. Pull up a chair and start by getting the puppy used to being shut in the crate with you next to him. When he is happy to be crated while you are there, you can start leaving him for very short periods of time. Just a few seconds to begin with. Time Off The Leash! Small puppies have a powerful following response — I call this the safety response because they do it to feel safe. If you put and eight week old puppy on the ground and walk away, he will follow you. If you keep your puppy on a leash for the first six months of his life, when you let him off he will no longer have this following reflex, and you will have wasted a great opportunity to establish this good behavior. Check out below for a demonstration, on teaching the puppy recall. So that he can learn to follow in your footsteps as you lead the way in exploring the great wide world. Obviously this needs to be done in a very safe space. Later on when you take your puppy into a more distracting environment, you should attach a trailing line to their harness for safety. If your little one is allowed on the sofa today, he may think he is allowed on the sofa tomorrow. Decide what your rules are, and work out how to achieve them. Find out everything you can about how puppies learn so that you can teach your puppy how to live in our world, with love and kindness. However, a healthy six-month-old labrador will grow significantly in size. Some of them can weigh up to 50 pounds. For a more balanced diet at six months, you can shift from feeding your puppy three smaller meals per day to two meals a day. To counteract this, you can drop the amount of food and gradually increase it. Setting Your Lab Puppy Up for Successful Potty Training Training an animal to control their bladders until you get outside is no different than potty-training for toddlers. In other words, crate training speeds up the potty-training process for your pet. Effective crate training depends on two things: Praising and rewarding your puppy for relieving itself outside. They come to understand this as a desirable behavior. Preventing your puppy from going to the toilet within the home. So, why is using a crate to train your puppy to go outside so effective? Initially, this should be every hour or so. As labs grow older, you can reduce the frequency as they learn to hold and release independently. Step 2: House Training a Lab Puppy Housetraining or potty-training small labs can be, well, frustrating. As a pet owner, there are simple ways to train your puppy to understand ideal behavior quickly. Instead, they simply forget that they should control it. This helps avoid any issues early on. Keep small labrador puppies off the carpet. How to Feed Your Dog for Optimal Growth Feeding your labrador puppy a balanced diet could be an entire guide all on its own. It can feel overwhelming because you do have many options when it comes to feeding your dog. For example, if you work from home, it would be easy to feed your dog homemade dog food. Similarly, you might work a and yet want to reap the health-related benefits of a raw diet. Make sure to speak to your vet first. You do have choices for what to feed your puppy and you can mix and match these. Popular feeding options for any animal include kibble, wet food, raw food, and home-cooked food. Remember, a puppy is still growing, and they need a complete profile of nutrients and minerals to support their development. There are many commercial brands of dry food or kibble to choose from and you can adjust what you buy based on the ingredients. Do your research and find a brand you trust, with as much bioavailable nutritional content as is helpful. These can harm your puppy. In order to maintain good health and prevent simple ailments, your puppy can also benefit from taking a supplement. Some families choose to mix scraps or raw food with kibble to provide moisture and decrease the amount of food versus the calories consumed. Any veterinarian will tell you that a hard and fast rule is not necessarily the type of food but the amount. Obesity is a condition that can lead to many health issues for this breed. Over-exertion, especially for a puppy, is possible. This includes activities like playing fetch or tug and release. However, breeds that worked as a hunting companion for humans love to be active. Again, this goes back to the strengths of the breed. Keeping up with your puppy could be a task-and-a-half, so in the first months of life, you should be keeping them in your backyard or playing with them at home. As they become house trained and get all their vaccinations, you can turn walks into light jogs or runs if you want. In the long-term, exercise will help keep dogs healthy and disease-free. However, early dog training can eliminate common problems with puppy temperament and help make sure that your fur friend is always as friendly and happy as possible through the years. Puppy socialization simply means making your puppy open to and familiar with new experiences. You want to provide stimulation and encounters with experiences that they will probably face as adults. The window of opportunity to make sure your puppy is always a happy and friendly pooch closes around 14 weeks. Pre-Vaccination Lab Puppy Socialization Any veterinarian will tell you that a puppy is all done with their vaccinations after 12 weeks of age. The main point is to keep your puppy away from other dogs who may not yet be vaccinated or the excrement and markings of other animals that could carry data diseases. You can head to an off-leash dog park to allow them to explore and meet other fur friends. You can also take them beyond your backyard to the countryside to enable them to swim or set up obstacle courses and play with them. Another thing that people forget about is spaying or neutering their dogs. Spaying or neutering your dog could help with behavioral issues and can also reduce the onset of certain health conditions. At the same time, spaying or neutering a puppy too early may also lead to health issues. For many people, this is a worthwhile and even enjoyable trade-off. A happy, sociable dog is always the result of consistent training. Training your dog is a significant aspect of their early years. The different stages include: Get it — Using positive reinforcement, trainers will help your dog carry out actions without commands. Teach it — This stage harnesses the progress you made in the previous stages. Your dog now knows the word and the action that goes with it. Proof it — Proofing is where many people get stuck. Your dog will learn to listen and obey commands at this stage even when they are engaged in other things. Maintain it — Consistently using the techniques you learned to keep your dog following the same desirable behavior. All breeds of dogs respond best when you train them. Every labrador retriever relies on their human taking control and showing them how to respond in any situation. You can be sure that if you follow these tips that you will be taking proper care of your new puppy and will be able to make sure that your puppy will live a long and healthy life. Share on. Labrador Retriever pups are working dogs. This means they live to please you for a treat. The more you engage them with different puppy training behaviors the happier they will be. Of course, Labs will be Labs, and this means that dogs do dog things unless they are trained to follow your expectations. Potty training your puppy is just the beginning of you making clear expectations for your Lab. Puppy training from long leash training to potty training, to not nipping is discussed in greater detail along with clear, easy to follow videos at www. But we will give you an expert training tip summary below. For this reason, you need to become an expert on puppy training. Contact us for a discount on the Puppy Trained Right positive reinforcement training program. Expose your puppy to as many different people and situations possible. Teach dog to dog manners when required. Use Positive Reinforcement. Allow for Play with Other Puppies. Play with other Lab Puppies not only allows your pup to get some exercise it is a form of puppy socialization. Bond with your Puppy. Once a strong bond is formed your Lab Puppy will want to please you even more. Potty Train Right Away. Learn how Dogs Learn. Training a Lab puppy is easy if you understand how to go about it. Give your Lab Puppy Play time to Explore. Labs need this as part of their natural development. Spend more time with your puppy when young. This is the time when your expectations should be clearly outlined and can decrease as she gets older. Begin Training day 1. This happens weather or not you intend it to. Every action and reaction is something your puppy uses to form new habits. So ignoring them jumping up as an 8 week old puppy is training them to jump up and will be much more difficult to un-train once they are 70 lbs. Relax and make learning fun. Your pup needs you happy and enjoying yourself! Use Positive Training Methods because they work. This means reward what you desire. Ensure most Experiences are Positive. Imagine a training session of No, No, No, No! Expose them to as Many Human Situations possible. One cause is that there was not adequate socialization with different men. Be Patient. You are building an amazing K9 personality. The window is between 8 and 20 weeks old. Make the most of it. The better your Lab is socialized the happier they will be. Anxiety in dogs comes from many things. The more things your dog is comfortable with the less chance for anxiety and therefore the happier they are. Prepare yourself, your family and your home before your puppy comes home. It is too late once you meet your puppy as simply interacting with her is training. Allow for Safe Experiences both in the home and outside. Seek professional trainers to help guide you when faced with a problem. Be consistent. Clear expectations are easiest to learn. Focus on Guiding not controlling. Best Start Training or Training Classes are beneficial for both you and your puppy. Expect Success. We tend to move in the direction we believe we will travel. Reward the Behaviors you want to see even something as simple as 4 paws on the ground if you are trying to train your Lab not to jump up on you. Become Well informed. You are teaching a skill like reading that takes clear expectations and builds upon last session. Lab Puppies need constant supervision either human, a crate, a fenced area or a baby gate across a doorway. Encourage a soft mouth. Keep your training up or it will be forgotten. Begin Walking on a Loose Leash Right away. This is always easier for your Lab when they are 12 lbs not 70lbs. Change direction before the leash tightens so they are followers not leaders. This is much easier to train before it happens than correct. Allow alone time for your Lab. Know when to end a training session. End training before your puppy quits. Make time for a few shorter training Sessions. Three fifteen minute sessions are better than one 45 min one. Teach your Lab to respond to their name. Teach your Labrador basic obedience before tricks-come, sit, stay, down, leave it. Have all humans learn the commands and be consistent. Ignore undesirable behaviors. Ignoring includes not saying no, bad dog, touching your dog or making eye contact. Find rewards that your Retriever loves and use them when you have breakthrough training moments. Adjust your expectations as your Lab puppy matures, the older more experienced the higher the expectation. Set Realistic Expectations. Minimize distractions when you begin training. Be aware of your Body Language, Labradors pick up cues from you. Be aware of your leash tension. A tight leash says anxiety from the handler. Know when to get Help .Have fun! Understand that Labs do Lab things. Make them work for food and treats. Exercise your Retriever properly for both intensity and duration. Learn some exercise games Labs love. Give lots of repetition. Stop before they get bored. Establish a Pattern by Praising. Redirect undesired behavior. Accept partial actions at first and gradually increase your expectations. When treats end Verbal treats and chin scratches rule. They will know. Enjoy your well balanced purebred Lab puppy for many years. Purebred Lab Retrievers, are they easier to train? The answer to that is definitely maybe! Not all purebreds are bred for intelligence. For example, if a Labrador Retriever breeder chooses to breed their dogs for a certain look then they may overlook intelligence as one of the important characteristics in order to get a specific Lab look. We however breed for intelligence, health and temperament. So in our case, yes, our Purebred Lab Puppies are easier to train than many because we choose the parents and their puppies specifically for their smarts!

However, both dog breeds have short coats, so the odds are the puppies will have inherited that feature. Unless the breeder introduced a black Pug parent to the Staffy, the coat would almost certainly be black. Both breeds have small ears folded slightly, so expect something similar. The Staffy is renowned for its broad head, and the Pug is brachycephalic. What will tend to happen here is some puppies will inherit the very short muzzle of the Pug. Still, others will have a more elongated muzzle from the Staffy genes. Puppies will certainly be taller than a Pug but not as tall as a Staffy. Both dogs are incredibly human-oriented and like nothing better than cuddling with their humans. The Pug is a bit of a clown and a show-off, whereas the Staffy is bold and fearless. So the combination of personalities here should throw up some exciting puppies. A post shared by Ruckus ruckustherascal Neither parent breed is challenging to train, although they can be stubborn. Positive reinforcement training is the way forward for the Staffy X Pug. Brad Davenport Brad has spent his entire life surrounded by dogs and has owned all sorts of breeds, including Dachshunds, Great Danes, French Bulldogs and he currently has a little Hasanese called Biscuit. Brad is an experienced dog writer who is obsessed by canine health, care and psychology and has completed several courses on dog care and training. They are crossed with other dog breeds of different sizes, body structures, facial features, and temperaments. This variety makes for an exciting discovery of each of these Pug mixes. We hope that as you go through this list, you will be able to decide on what particular Pug mix will fit you best! It is a small-sized dog that stands between 9 and 16 inches and weighs only about 7 to 18 pounds. Affenpinscher Pug mixes have a long lifespan, between 12 and 15 years, similar to their Pug parent. The common colors of the Affenpug are black, sable, fawn, red, and cream. It has a funny-looking appearance, taking after the brachycephalic features of the Pug while having the bearded look of the Affenpinscher. The coat of this hybrid is rough and wiry and would require brushing several times a week. The mustache of the Affenpug should also be cleaned daily after eating. The Affenpug is charming, alert, and moderately energetic. They can also be spunky, stubborn, and territorial, especially when it comes to food. Early socialization training is important to address this behavior. Depending on the more dominant parent breed, it may grow between 10 and 28 inches and weigh 13 and pounds. It can also live between 10 and 15 years. Many existing Akita Pug mixes carry the snout of the Akita, avoiding health issues associated with short muzzles. Both parent breeds also have straight and double coats, with the Akita often sporting longer coats. That said, you can expect the same coat quality from their offspring. Meanwhile, if they take after the Pug, they will be very affectionate and would enjoy the attention of their human companions. It is smaller than its American Bulldog parent, standing between 12 and 20 inches and weighing about 25 to 70 pounds. Like other mixes, the American Bulldog Pug mix was originally bred to create healthier offspring. They have a long lifespan, which is around 12 to 14 years. The most common color of this mix is fawn with black markings. They can also come in other colors depending on the markings of their parent breeds. Due to their short coat, though, they do not thrive well in extreme weather. The American Pugabull is very intelligent, playful, and protective. They make great watchdogs but tend to bark a lot. They are also quite stubborn and dominant, so they need a firm leader to recognize as the pack leader. This hybrid stands between 12 and 18 inches and weighs 18 to 35 pounds. Its life expectancy is around 10 to 13 years. They generally have a muscular body build and squishy facial features. Their coat is medium to long that is either smooth or wavy. Cocker Spaniel Pug mixes are great family dogs. They are sweet and gentle with children. With the right socialization, they work very well with other dogs. They have a happy and friendly character and are always eager to please their owners. This mix has a low energy level, and 45 minutes of daily walk or activity should be enough for them to meet their daily exercise needs. They have an average height of between 10 and 18 inches and weigh around 15 to 25 pounds. They have a healthy disposition, with a lifespan of 12 to 16 years. The Pug-A-Mo is a relatively small dog, but the males are a little bigger than the females, just like their Pug parent. Most Pug-A-Mos inherit the short muzzle of their Pug parent. This makes them prone to respiratory issues and flatulence. Providing the right care, diet, and feeding method for your dog should take care of this issue. Pug-A-Mos are affectionate, loving, and like to snuggle. They are very energetic dogs, needing at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. They can also be very protective of both their territories and their families. They are 14 to 20 inches tall on average and weigh between 20 and 50 pounds. Their lifespan is between 10 and 13 years. The physical features of a Pug Pit resemble the fusion of both parent breeds. They mostly have brown, almond-shaped eyes, short to medium muzzles, short silky coats, stocky bodies, and curled tails. They can be found in a variety of colors from their Pitbull parent , but some of the common ones would be blue, tan, black, brown, red, gray, black and white, and tan. Pitbull Pug mixes do not shed a lot, so weekly brushing is already sufficient. The Pitbull Pug mix also carries with it some common behaviors of both parent breeds. They are affectionate, loyal, gentle, and alert. They can also be very stubborn, which can easily be corrected through positive reinforcement training. Based on which parent breed is more dominant, we expect the Australian Kelpie Pug mix to stand between 10 and 22 inches and weigh between 13 and 60 pounds. The coat is short and straight. The common colors for this mix are black, black and white, fawn, and black and tan. Given the very high energy level of the Australian Kelpie, expect more time for daily exercise to tire them out. This hybrid would fit owners with active lifestyles. Depending on the dominant parent breed, they stand between 10 and 23 inches and weigh around 13 to 65 pounds. This is a relatively healthy breed, with an average lifespan of between 12 and 15 years. The Aussie Pug may look like a smaller version of the Australian Shepherd with a shorter muzzle or a larger and stockier version of the Pug. The coat of the Australian Shepherd Pug mix may also vary from short to medium and wavy or straight. The possible colors of this hybrid are fawn, black, blue merle, red, or red merle. The Aussie Pug is a very intelligent, affectionate, and loving mixed breed. The Australian Shepherd side of this mix also means that they have a very high energy level that may be attributed to them being herding dogs. Depending on which parent breed the Pugenji takes after, they can stand between 10 and 18 inches and can weigh around 13 to 24 pounds. The life expectancy of this mix can range between 10 and 15 years. The facial feature of the Pugenji reflects the combination of both parent breeds with varying muzzle lengths. Most Pugenjis also carry the slim and straight body of the Basenji, giving them a more athletic look. Basenji Pug mixes are easy to groom since they have the short and straight coats of both parents. They also have more color varieties coming from the Basenji, compared to the fawn and black that may be inherited from the Pug. Their average height is between 10 and 14 inches, while they weigh around 12 to 30 pounds. They also live between 12 and 15 years. Some Basset Hound Pug mixes adapt the facial structure of the Basset Hound, which is flat on top, while some carry the rounded head of the Pug. The muzzle has varying lengths, but the eyes are generally dark brown. The ears of the Bassugg are long but shorter than that of the Basset Hound. Their bodies are mostly long and close to the ground due to their short legs. They have short and silky coats that are usually fawn, black, and tricolor. The Basset Hound Pug mix is an adorable lap dog that is great for children due to its laid-back, friendly, and gentle temperament. They do love attention as well, so they get lonely when left alone for a long time. They were first bred as companion dogs in the US in the s, and their numbers grew in the s. The Puggle stands at 8 to 15 inches at the shoulder and weighs around 14 to 30 pounds. They have a healthy disposition, living up to about 12 to 15 years. They are usually taller than the Pug due to the long legs of their Beagle parent. Puggles have long and floppy ears, short to medium muzzles, and long and tapered tails. They also have short and smooth double coats. Their common coat colors would be fawn, black, red, tan, or any of these combinations. Beagle Pug mixes are very sweet, affectionate, and very friendly. However, they have very high energy. It is best to have a fenced yard where they can run around and burn all those energies. They are small dogs, standing only between 9 and 13 inches and weighing about 20 to 30 pounds. Pushons have well-proportioned bodies and limbs, longer snouts than the Pug, and high-set ears. They also usually take after the fluffy coat and shedding tendencies of the Bichon Frise, so daily brushing is recommended. They are very affectionate, sweet, loyal, and friendly. They love companionship which makes them prone to separation anxiety. It is best not to leave them alone for a long time and to always keep them physically and mentally active. They are a healthy hybrid, living up to about 12 to 15 years. Common health issues for the Bichon Frise Pug mix are corneal ulcers and dry eyes. This small to medium-sized designer dog may stand between 10 and 22 inches at the shoulder and may weigh around 13 to 45 pounds. This is a relatively healthy hybrid, given its lifespan of 12 to 15 years. There is no standard look for the Border Collie Pug mix. Some of them have the facial structure of the Border Collie, while some have the rounded face of the Pug. Their muzzles have varying lengths from short to medium. The coat of this hybrid can either be short and straight like the Pug or medium and silky like the Border Collie. Common coat colors are black, fawn, and black and white. They are very affectionate and loving but can also be very stubborn due to their intelligence. Positive reinforcement training should be effective in addressing this. It is usually between 10 and 18 inches tall, weighs around 10 to 25 pounds, and can live up to about 10 to 15 years. The Bugg would usually be bug-eyed, have large, droopy ears, and sport a curled tail. The Boston Terrier Pug mix is a great dog for first-time dog owners due to its affectionate, loving, and friendly nature. However, they are also very territorial and easily get jealous. This makes them prone to resource guarding. Early training is necessary to prevent this behavior from being carried on to adulthood. The result is a small to medium-sized dog with usually curly tails and medium-sized muzzles. The average height of the Box-A-Pug is between 14 and 21 inches, while they weigh much lighter than the boxer, at around 18 to 27 pounds. They also enjoy a healthy lifespan of 10 to 15 years. They have short but dense coats that need brushing about two to three times a week to keep them healthy. The usual colors of the Box-A-Pug are brown, fawn, silver, black, and brindle. Boxer Pug mixes are very loyal, goofy, and gentle. Their curious, intelligent, and protective nature also makes them excellent watchdogs. Though energetic, they may tend to be lazy and just be comfortable lying down on the couch. This small dog is just about 8 to 15 inches tall and weighs around 8 to 13 pounds. They have a long life expectancy, though, living up to 10 to 15 years. Griffon Pug mixes may look small and fragile, but they are healthy and sturdy. They usually have round heads, large round eyes, and floppy ears. Some Brugs have smooth short coats, while some have rough, dense, and wiry coats. The usual coat colors of this mix are cream, white, brown, and black. Brushing at least once or twice a week would be enough to keep their coat healthy and tangle-free. Their size makes them very adorable lapdogs and would be the ideal apartment or indoor dogs. However, taking them out for a brisk walk daily would be good to address their energy requirements and their playful nature. The height of the Bull Terrier Pug mix may be between 10 and 21 inches, and their weight may be around 13 to 65 pounds, depending on the size of the parent breed they take after. Their life expectancy is around 9 to 15 years. Like any other mixed breed, there is no standard look for this hybrid. Many of the Bull Terrier Pug mixes, though, inherit the elongated facial structure of the Bull Terrier but carry the facial folds of the Pug. There are also a lot of similarities between the Bull Terrier and the Pug in terms of temperament. Both are affectionate and enjoy the companionship of the people around them. They also tend to be jealous and stubborn. This can be addressed through early socialization and positive reinforcement training. This small dog is about 8 to 10 inches in height and weighs only 10 to 18 pounds. They can live up to about 11 to 15 years. This designer dog carries a fair share of physical traits from both parent breeds. Its size, sparse hair on its ears, long body, and medium rough coat are taken from the Cairn Terrier parent. On the other hand, its large round eyes, floppy ears, and shorter muzzle are inherited from the Pug parent. The color possibilities for this crossbreed are gray, brown, white, and brindle. The Cairn Terrier Pug mix is a loving, bold, and curious breed. Although they would be a candidate for the perfect lap dog due to their size, they are also active, sociable, and loves the outdoors. They will enjoy walking and playing outside. This hybrid has increasingly gained popularity over the last ten years. This mix was primarily bred to improve the genetic disposition of the Pug by maintaining its basic features but increasing its muzzle to avoid the issues associated with brachycephalic breeds. The result is a small-sized dog standing at 10 to 14 inches, weighing between 10 and 20 pounds, with a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. The Cavalier Pug mix closely resembles the look of the Pug, but with a slightly longer snout and ears. They may either take after the short, double-coated Pug or the long, silky coat of the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel. Either way, the Pugalier sheds heavily, so brushing two to three times a week would be good to control it. It may sometimes be called the Pughuahua. They are only about 6 to 14 inches tall, weigh around 10 to 20 pounds, and live for about 10 to 13 years. Though one of the smallest designer dogs on the list, they are still relatively bigger than their Chihuahua parent. They can have a wide variety of looks depending on the dominant parent breed. They may have apple-shaped or rounded heads, short or medium-sized muzzles, upright or folded ears, and short or long coats. Their coats may be of different colors and patterns, taking after the diverse colors of the Chihuahua. The Chihuahua Pug mix is incredibly loyal, charming, affectionate, and intelligent. However, they tend to bark a lot, which is a common characteristic of the Chihuahua. This designer dog is a product of mixing a Chinese Crested and a Pug. The Pugese has a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. It only stands between 10 and 14 inches at shoulder height and weighs between 6 and 15 pounds. The looks of the Chinese Crested Pug mix have a wide variety. Their coat can be short and smooth, medium and puffy, or hairless with strands of hair on the ears, forehead, and legs. Pugese love the companionship and attention of their owners. Due to this, they tend to develop separation anxiety and be jealous of strangers. They are also intolerant of rough play or behavior. This makes it necessary to monitor them around children during playtime to avoid them from being triggered. Depending on the more dominant parent breed, a Chow Chow Pug mix can stand between 10 and 20 inches tall and weigh around 13 to 75 pounds. It has a very healthy lifespan of 12 to 15 years. The Chugapug may look like an oversized Pug or a miniature Chow Chow. They may sport a flat or short snout, large ears that bend forward, and tails that are straight or curled. Maintenance would depend on the coat you get. If they inherit the long to medium double coat of the Chow Chow, then be prepared for daily brushing to keep the fur healthy and tangle-free. Chugapugs are very affectionate but can also be very stubborn. This can be addressed through positive reinforcement. It usually takes after the long and lowered body of the Corgi, standing between 10 and 13 inches and weighing around 18 to 30 pounds. Porgis are a healthy breed. They can live for about 12 to 14 years with the proper care and environment. The Corgi Pug mix usually has flat to short muzzles, floppy ears, curly tails, and short and dense coats. The coat colors would normally be fawn, red, black, sable, and tan. It may also come with white markings or black masks. Porgis are heavy shedders, though. Daily bruising with slicker brushes and de-shedders would be best for removing loose hair and keeping their coat and scalps healthy. They are very sweet and entertaining. If they take after their Corgi parent, expect a very hardworking dog with herding tendencies. This mix between the Coton de Tulear and the Pug was named the mixed breed with the longest lifespan in , reaching up to 19 years. The Pug-Coton is a small dog that stands only between 8 and 10 inches and weighs around 10 to 14 pounds. Its facial features resemble that of the Pug, with its round face, flat muzzle, and folded down ears. The eyes are normally hazel or brown. Its coat may either be long and silky or short and straight. This Coton de Tulear Pug mix does not shed a lot. However, the long hair variant of this cross needs brushing three to four times a week. The Pug-Coton is a wonderful lap dog due to its laid-back disposition. They are friendly, loyal, and cheerful, and get along well with children and other dogs. They usually inherit the sausage-type body of their Dachshund parent. They are only 11 to 13 inches tall but can weigh about 15 to 25 pounds. The life expectancy of the Daug is between 12 and 15 years. This hybrid is prone to obesity and tooth loss. A healthy diet and regular brushing of their teeth should prevent these conditions from occurring. The Daug has a stocky and muscular body, with short and stubby legs. Their face would usually inherit the bulging eyes, floppy ears, short muzzle, and wrinkly features of the Pug parent. Meanwhile, they may come in a wide variety of colors , thanks to their Dachshund heritage. Daugs are very friendly and laid back. They are good companions for individuals who just love staying at home. They tend to bark a lot, though. It is usually smaller than the Dalmatian, averaging between 12 and 15 inches tall and weighing around 20 to 25 pounds. The lifespan of this breed is between 10 and 13 years. The high energy level of the Dalmatian is balanced by the idle nature of the Pug in this mix. A daily walk or playtime for about 30 to 45 minutes should be good enough for them. The Pugmatian would usually have brown eyes that are widely set, a flat muzzle with a black or brown nose, and large floppy ears that fold forward. Their short coats come in a variety of colors and may carry Dalmatian spots. Pugmatians are very loyal, sweet, and loving dogs. However, they tend to be very clingy with their owners. This makes them prone to separation anxiety. The combination of these two produces a medium-sized dog that grows to about 10 to 14 inches and weighs as much as 20 to 45 pounds. The average lifespan of the Bull Pug is anywhere between 9 and 13 years. Both parent breeds are snub-nosed, so one needs to monitor the Bull Pug from having brachycephaly airway obstructive syndrome. The bodies are muscular and stocky, with short and smooth coats. The common colors of this mix are white, fawn, red, silver, and black. They may also sport pied and brindle patterns. The Bull Pug is a great family dog. They are dependable, loyal, playful, and sensitive. The Frug is produced by crossing the French Bulldog with the Pug. Frugs are small dogs. They only stand between 10 and 15 inches at the shoulder and weigh around 14 to 30 pounds. Their average lifespan is between 9 and 15 years. Frenchie Pug mixes have wrinkly faces, protruded eyes, and curled tails in a compact, short-coated body. Like other brachycephalic mixed breeds, the Frug may also be prone to having brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome BAOS. Other health issues to watch out for are atopic dermatitis , entropion , dry eye, and obesity. Frugs will follow you wherever you go. They are also very adaptable and alert. They are good with children, the elderly, strangers, and even other pets. It is a medium-sized breed dog that is in between the size of both parent breeds. Its average height is 10 to 16 inches, while its weight is around 10 to 50 pounds. The life expectancy of the Shug is about 12 to 15 years. Most Shugs have short and straight coats , stocky and sturdy builds, slightly longer muzzles than the Pug, and deep and broad chests. The exercise needs of the Shug are a bit tricky since it is a combination of the highly energetic German Shepherd and the couch potato Pug. On average, though, 45 minutes of daily exercise should be good. The Shug is a happy, active, and playful breed. They love being with their owners so much to the point of being prone to separation anxiety. It stands between 10 and 24 inches at the shoulder, weighs around 13 to 80 pounds, and can live anywhere from 10 to 15 years. The Golden Pug may have a wide variety of looks based on the parent breed they take after. Most Golden Pugs, though, would be medium-sized with short and smooth coats, have short to medium muzzles, and have wrinkled faces. Balance the amount of exercise needed based on the energy needs of the more dominant parent. This is one of the friendliest, most loving, and most affectionate mixed breeds you can have. They are great family dogs that work well with all members of the family and other pets too. This mix between the Havanese and the Pug is a small dog, standing between 7 and 11 inches tall and weighing only 9 to 11 pounds. The Puganese is a healthy breed, living for about 12 to 15 years. Both parents, though, are prone to hip dysplasia , Legg-Calve-Perthes disease , and patellar luxation. Like other mixes, the Puganese may take after a more dominant parent breed. They may have wrinkly faces, dark brown and bulging eyes, brachycephalic features, and double coats. The Puganese may also take after the independent nature of the Havanese. This makes them go their way, exerting dominance in the household. They need a strong figure in the family who can keep them in check. This is an interesting cross due to the disparity of both breeds in terms of looks and behavior. This mix results in a small dog, 11 to 14 inches tall and weighing about 10 to 18 pounds. The breed is healthy, lasting 12 to 15 years. The Puggit would usually have round brown eyes and floppy ears, folding to the sides. Their coats would normally be short and straight. Their common colors are black, chocolate, and light brown or golden. The Puggit is good for families who want a quiet environment. They are laid-back and get along well with children and other dogs. Given the hunting instincts of the Italian Greyhound, early socialization training is important for the Puggit not to be aggressive towards other smaller pets. It stands between 9 and 15 inches and weighs around 13 to 18 pounds. It can live up to 16 years at optimum health. The Jack Russell Pug mix usually has a compact body, a round head, a short to medium-sized muzzle, forward folding ears, curly tails, short, stocky legs, and short coats that come in a wide variety of colors. Jugs are very intelligent dogs. This makes them very stubborn as well. Early positive reinforcement training is necessary to address this behavior before adulthood. They may also inherit the strong prey drive of their Jack Russell Terrier parent. If untrained, they can go after small critters during their walks. Early socialization training should be effective in handling this behavior. This designer dog is a combination of the Japanese Chin and the Pug. Their average height is 8 to 13 inches, and their average weight is between 7 and 20 pounds. This Japanese Chin Pug mix can live for an average of 10 to 15 years. One major health issue of this breed is keratoconjunctivitis sicca KCS. Consult your veterinarian on the best eye drop to use to prevent this condition. The Japug is a small brachycephalic dog. They also normally have short bodies, bulging dark brown eyes, curly tails, and short and coarse coats. Their usual coat colors are black, white, fawn, and silver. Japugs are laid-back, lazy, and silent dogs. They love to sleep. They are ideal family dogs who love to snuggle with their human companions. Depending on the more dominant breed, the size of the Pug Spitz may be between 10 and 15 inches at the shoulder. It may weigh around 10 to 20 pounds. It also has a relatively long lifespan, which is between 10 and 16 years old. They can have short to medium-length coats, round or elongated faces, and short to medium muzzles. Their more common coat colors are black, fawn, and white. This breed is affectionate, loving, and likes to snuggle. They also enjoy the affection of their human companions and do not like to be left alone. Separation anxiety is something to watch out for in this hybrid. Despite the huge popularity of its parent breeds , this mix is yet to be known worldwide. The size of this Labrador Retriever Pug mix falls in between its parent breeds. It is about 15 to 18 inches tall and weighs around 24 to 45 pounds. Their life expectancy is about 10 to 14 years. They usually have sturdy bodies, facial folds, and large floppy ears. Their eyes may bulge and shaded hazel, brown, or amber. Their nose is either black or brown. This hybrid is affectionate, intelligent, loving, and friendly. They love spending time with their human companions and pleasing them at the same time. This makes them excellent family dogs that are easy to train. It is a small dog standing only between 9 and 10 inches and weighing only 11 to 20 pounds. The Pughasa can live up to 12 to 14 years. Their coat colors are normally white, fawn, and black. If your Pughasa inherits the long and wiry coat of the Lhasa Apso, daily brushing would be necessary to maintain the beautiful hair of your dog. The Pughasa is a playful and affectionate dog. However, they tend to be very stubborn. They also display a huge attachment to their owners and demand attention. They are aloof and do not take kindly to strangers. This small dog is just about 9 to 14 inches tall and weighs only around 10 to 20 pounds. They can live up to about 10 to 15 years. The Malti-Pug has a compact body, deep chest, and broad head. It has a more pronounced muzzle compared to the Pug. It also has dark, round eyes, high-set folded ears, and curled or curved tail. This mix usually carries a medium-length coat that could either be fawn, black, or white. The Malti-Pug tends to be very protective of its owner, especially if given the attention it seeks. They tend to bark a lot at strangers. They are great family dogs. Due to their delicate size, though, they need to be monitored when playing with small children who may indulge in rough play. The resulting offspring is very difficult to predict. Many of the existing Pugstiffs tend to be smaller than the Mastiff and larger than the Pug. They may stand between 14 and 27 inches and may weigh between 20 and pounds. With the proper diet, exercise, and regular veterinarian visits, we can aim to optimize the life expectancy of the Pugstiff. The Pugstiff looks like a huge Pug or a smaller Mastiff with a short muzzle. They have short, dense coats that are usually brown or black. This mix may tend to be boisterous but are very loyal and protective of its owners. This small dog is just 10 to 14 inches tall and weighs only about 12 to 35 pounds. They enjoy a long life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. The appearance of this mix depends on which parent breed they take after. They may have short to medium muzzles, curled or straight tails, small erect ears, or floppy ones. They usually have short coats that come in a variety of colors. The most common ones are cream, black, brown, and white. The Muggin sheds a lot, so be prepared for heavy brushing. Muggins also tend to form a close bond with their owners, making them prone to separation anxiety. They also bark a lot, so positive reinforcement training is needed to turn this behavior around. They are small dogs with a height of 12 to 14 inches and an average weight of 9 to 20 pounds. They have a long life, reaching up to 12 to 16 years. The Pugwich is another mixed breed with a diverse appearance depending on which parent has the more dominant genes. They may have a wrinkly face or skin, flat to short or medium muzzles, erect or folded ears, and a curled tail. They usually have medium-length double coats that are of varied colors, namely red, brown, fawn, sable, and black. The Pugwich is a wonderful family dog. They are lively, happy, adaptable, playful, and friendly. They love to play with children. Be prepared to give them your attention, and they will follow you wherever you go. This small dog only stands between 7 and 10 inches and weighs between 7 and 17 pounds. Their life expectancy is 12 to 15 years. They may have bulging eyes, wrinkled faces, short muzzles, curled tails, and wide chests. This designer breed is very sociable and protective with kids, given their herding instincts. You would also usually find them eager to please you, making them very obedient dogs. Pugillons are very loving and affectionate. They are a good fit for an apartment or indoor living and would be happy to snuggle with you most of the time. They are also very intelligent dogs that are easy to train. It is a small dog, standing only between 6 and 14 inches and weighing around 7 to 18 pounds. Their life expectancy is quite long, at 11 to 14 years. Make sure to watch out for obesity and diabetes in this breed, being a low-energy dog. They also do not require a lot of exercise so monitoring their food intake is a must. Pugineses have short, muscular bodies, flat faces, round eyes, floppy ears, curled tails, and either smooth and glossy or long double coats. Their most common colors are black, brown, sable, fawn, white, and brindle. This hybrid loves a calm environment as they can easily be rattled by noises and a busy environment. They also do not like rough play and do not blend well with other pets unless given early socialization training. It is a small-sized dog, with a height of 8 to 13 inches, and weighs 7 to 18 pounds. The Pomeranian Pug mix has a long lifespan of 12 to 16 years. Most of them have short muzzles, slender bodies, either erect or floppy ears, round brown eyes, and curly tails. The coat of the Pom-A-Pug can either be short or long, depending on the dominant parent genes. The common coat colors for this mix are black, fawn, and brown. This mix is alert, loving, loyal, and friendly. On the other hand, they can be very protective and would keep barking at strangers to keep them away. They are also very intelligent and would require constant mental stimulation activities. This small-sized dog is only 8 to 15 inches at shoulder height and weighs 10 to 30 pounds. Their lifespan of 12 to 14 years is a long period to enjoy their companionship, which this breed thrives on. The Pugapoo may take the smooth coat of the Pug or the curly coat of the Poodle. The common colors for this mix include black, white, brown, gray, white, and cream. This mix has a short to medium muzzle, floppy ears, and a slender body. Being very intelligent, mental stimulation is necessary to keep this breed satisfied. They are eager to please their owners, but they tend to bark a lot, so positive reinforcement training is needed to curb this habit. They stand 11 to 16 inches tall and weigh around 10 to 25 pounds. They have an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years. The looks of the Puggat may take after either parent breed. Some have the broad head, wrinkly face, flat snout, and large bulging eyes of the Pug, while some have the wedge-shaped, erect ears and tail of the Rat Terrier. Puggats are good lapdogs. They are playful, affectionate, and loving. The Puggat, on the other hand, may tend to be mischievous, taking after its Rat Terrier parent. That said, housebreak training is a must for this mix. Due to the hunting instincts of the Rat Terrier, the Puggat may chase after cats or smaller pets. It would be best that they also undergo early socialization training to avoid this behavior. Due to the difficulty of mating the Pug male with the Rottweiler female, the majority of the offspring of this mix is produced via artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization. The result of this breeding is smaller versions of the Rottweiler carrying a combination of looks and characters of both parents. They stand about 11 to 12 inches and weigh around 18 to 20 pounds. The Pugweiler has a short and straight coat, a medium-length muzzle, and a broad and black body with rust markings on the legs, chest, and muzzle. This mix is very protective but not aggressive. They do love being outdoors, so they are a good fit for owners with active lifestyles. The result is a small dog with an average height of 10 to 12 inches and weighing around 15 to 25 pounds. They have a long lifespan of 12 to 15 years. This mix will capture your attention with its big brown or amber eyes, short muzzle, semi-erect triangular ears, round heads, and curly tails. They usually have medium-length straight coats. Their usual coat colors are black, brown, red, cream, and fawn. Brushing every other day with a bristle brush will keep their coats healthy and tangle-free. Schnugs are your perfect companion for entertainment. They can be funny, curious, bold, cute, and intelligent. They easily lose their focus, though, due to their curiosity and their hunting instincts. Socialization and positive reinforcement training help to curb this behavior. It is a small-sized dog with an average height of 12 to 15 inches and weighs around 13 to 25 pounds. They enjoy a long lifespan of 11 to 15 years. The Pugottie is usually short and stout. They usually have rounded heads, round brown eyes, and flat to short muzzles. They also normally have medium-length coats with a wide variety of colors. This friendly and lovable mixed breed loves the attention of its human companions, adults and children alike. They are also alert against strangers, making them good watchdogs. The Ori Pei originated in California in the s by Aaron Silver with the hopes of producing a smaller and healthier version of the Shar-Pei. This resulted in cute puppies that were playful, friendly, and laid-back. The average height of the Ori Pei is between 10 and 15 inches at the shoulder. Its average weight is around 10 to 30 pounds. They live up to about 10 to 15 years. The Shar-Pei Pug mix usually has short hair, wrinkly bodies and faces, stocky built, short muzzles, and curled tails. Their usual coat colors are white, tan, gray, brown, and black. The Ori Pei is an energetic, hardworking, intelligent, and well-mannered mixed breed. They love the indoors, making them excellent apartment dogs. The result is a small to medium-sized dog that stands about 12 to 18 inches tall, weighs around 15 to 30 pounds, and can live up to about 12 to 15 years. This beautiful mix has round blue or brown eyes, a short muzzle, triangular ears, and long legs. They may sport short to medium-length coats of varying colors. These mixesa re prone to shedding, so daily brushing is needed to manage it. The Sheltie Pug mix has a high energy requirement and needs about 60 to 90 minutes of exercise daily. If your mix carries after the brachycephalic features of the Pug, be careful of over-exerting them. Sheltie Pugs would be perfect play buddies with your children and other pets. Given the herding instincts of the Sheltie, this mix will also tend to herd family members too. This adorable Pug mix stands at an average of 11 to 15 inches and weighs around 14 to 18 pounds. It has a long lifespan of 12 to 15 years. The result of this hybrid is a small to medium-sized dog with rounded snouts, ears that are either erect or folded, a broad and deep chest, and shorter legs than the Shiba Inu. Their short coats are usually shaded brown, fawn, or pied. They may also carry the black markings of the Pug on their nose, eyes, and mouth. The Pug Shiba is an active and playful dog. They are also very intelligent and alert around strangers or anything that they feel is wrong with their surroundings, making them excellent watchdogs. This designer dog is just about 8 to 12 inches tall, weighs around 8 to 22 pounds, and has an average lifespan of about 9 to 14 years. The Shih Tzu Pug mix is a small dog. They usually have brown eyes, short muzzles, wide-set floppy ears, and a curled tail. Their medium to long coats may be smooth or fluffy. The usual colors of their coats are black, brown, white, fawn, and brindle. The long coat variety of this mix will need daily brushing to avoid tangles. The Pug Zu has very adorable behavior. They are a happy, loving, loyal, curious, sweet, and affectionate breed. This makes them an ideal family dog and a good choice for families with kids like their Shih Tzu parent. This designer dog is a mix between the Siberian Husky and the Pug. It is about 10 to 23 inches tall and weighs around 14 to 60 pounds. The Siberian Husky Pug mix has a long lifespan of about 12 to 15 years. They have medium to high energy levels, so a daily exercise of at least an hour would be good for them. Siberian Husky Pug mixes are usually small to medium-sized dogs with stocky and muscular bodies, medium to long muzzles, and brown or blue eyes. They can even inherit the bi-colored eye feature of their Husky parent. Hugs are also very stubborn and would need a lot of socialization and obedience training. They are very protective of their owners, though, and are effective watchdogs. She is a dark chocolate brown colour with faint brindle markings on her legs. She is a lovely little girl who came into our care when her elderly owner became too ill to take care of her. She is fostered with 4 dogs and cats. As Sally was an only dog for most of her life she can occasionally try to be a little bit bossy with other dogs in the home. She has NO food issues, but will do anything for a tasty treat. She knows sit, wait and paw. She is fabulous on and off lead. She will trott ahead to explore but is always on the look out for her human. She enjoys her walks, but 2 x 30 minute walks a day is enough for her. She has bonded very quickly with her foster mum, and really deserves a family of her own, to share all her love with. She loves to give kisses and have her tummy rubbed. She meets other dogs politely, but would rather be made a fuss of by humans. She could be re-homed with older children and cats who are used to dogs. Sally could be an only dog or be re-homed with another, if introductions went well. Sally is neutered, flea and worm treated, and up to date with her vaccinations. If you would like to offer Sally a home please complete the homing questionnaire, found on our website. She is fostered in CR6. Please note our dogs are cared for in various foster homes. We are a small rescue run entirely by volunteers. All dogs are fostered in a home environment where they are assessed. We neuter unless too young , vaccinate and microchip all our dogs prior to homing. It is a cross between the Pug and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross. It is possible you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generational crosses. Please review individual breeds for potential health issues. Pug Breed Description - Cross 1 The pug is a toy dog with a wrinkly, short-muzzled face and curled tail. The breed has a fine, glossy coat that comes in a variety of colors, although often black or fawn, and a compact square body with well-developed muscles. Pugs were brought from China to Europe in the seventeenth century and were popularized in Western Europe. Pugs remain popular into the twenty-first century, with some famous celebrity owners. Behavior Affectionate, intelligent, and gentle, this little lap dog is a good-natured pet but can be exclusive and touchy. He does not tolerate children well. The rambunctious Pug puppy becomes a calm, poised adult. He seldom barks and is not a watchdog, despite being reserved toward strangers. He needs firm, very early training. Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed Description - Cross 2 The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, stocky, and very muscular dog, with a similar appearance to the much larger American Staffordshire terrier and American pit bull terrier. It has a broad head male considerably more so than female , defined occipital muscles, a relatively short fore-face, dark round eyes and a wide mouth with a clean scissor-like bite the top incisors slightly overlap the bottom incisors. The ears are small. The cheek muscles are very pronounced. The lips show no looseness. From above, the head loosely resembles a triangle. The head tapers down to a strong well-muscled neck and shoulders placed on squarely spaced forelimbs. They are tucked up in their loins and the last ribs of the rib-cage are usually visible. The tail resembles an old fashioned pump handle. The hind quarters are well-muscled and are what give the Stafford drive when baiting. They are colored brindle, black, red, fawn, blue, white, or any blending of these colors with white. White with any other color broken up over the body is known as pied. Liver-colored, black and tan dogs can occur but are rare and it is advised not to breed from either as well as those with light eyes. The exception to the light eye rule are Blue staffies; all others should have dark brown eyes even if fawn coat. The coat is smooth and clings tightly to the body giving the dog a streamlined appearance. Behavior This vigorous, courageous, highly tenacious , bold, strong-willed dog is, in fact, calm and stable. If trained properly, he is gentle and affectionate with his owners, though is a formidable, aggressive guard dog as required. Adored and adoring within its family circle. It is usually good with other pets in the household if raised together. When well cared for and properly trained they can make brilliant companions. Don't forget these great sites.Updated November 29, What do you think when you see a dog like this? And more and more dog lovers are also seeing the rough diamond in these dogs. Despite their size they love nothing more than to be near or on their favourite person for as much of the day as possible. Most of them would rather walk through the gates of hell than knowingly disobey their owners. Maybe the Jack Russell Terrier owner in me just wants a rest. Not that I get to see them much. I reckon along with working dogs they must be among the healthiest and least prone to the common illnesses of purebred dogs. Most of them just seem to visit me once a year for their annual checkup. Of course these are terrible generalisations, and you can be unlucky. Some dogs get atopic dermatitis, and others have behaviour problems like any breed. Inter-dog aggression is probably higher than average for example. There are two problems with this: Breed of origin is a very poor predictor of aggression. The breeds we think they are probably wrong anyway. Just like life! Are They Pitbulls? Have a look at these dogs commonly confused with crossbreeds. Bull Terrier These are fine dogs, but nothing like Staffie crosses. Whenever they want to talk about Pit Bulls they seem to use a photo of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier or a Staffie cross. Which only adds to the prejudice. The photo shows what Pit Bulls generally look like, though you will see another picture of an American Pit Bull Terrier here. They resemble taller, long-legged and skinny Staffordshire Bull Terriers with a remarkably smooth coat. Of course this one has had something unspeakable done to the ears. The thick-headed dogs, mainly. Are we just giving in to a very human tendency to have to put a label on everything? The breed that exists under the radar, taken for granted, but always there being awesome. Just like moggies are in the cat world. Maybe trying to fit them to any breed is the problem. Since the only thing they all have in common is a boofhead, perhaps we should call them the Australian Boofhead. Why These Dogs Need Homes I think that a lot of the behavioural issues can be blamed on the terrible raw deal they often get. These are the dogs most likely to be surrendered to a shelter, the most likely to get parvovirus in our clinic, and generally the ones less likely to get what they need in terms of care and socialisation. Aggie And the ones most likely to be on the other side of the wire in dog rescues and shelters. This means many come away disappointed. But I suspect more people would take them if they knew what they were really like. Check with the shelter about the history and known problems with that dog. If you take that dog, a good dog training class is essential. These dogs are hard to walk if untrained, but then all dogs and owners benefit from training. Start with a checkup with your vet and follow their recommendations on where your dog would do best. Meet his team here.

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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento? 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 Sacramento? 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. We are a northern California breeder near Sacramento that prides itself on choosing our breeding dogs for top health, temperament, and beauty that conforms to the breed standard. Our dogs are selected from champion lines with health clearances. We will only breed dogs that pass all of these tests, so we can continue reaching to improve the breed through imposing high standards for our dogs. We breed dogs from these lines to continue a heritage of excellence in the breed. This standard is different from the AKC standard for golden retrievers, but both are accepted and licensed. The English type should have a blockier and fuller head, shorter muzzle, lower ear set, rounder eyes, stouter body structure, as well as a lighter color than the American type see comparison figure below. As an adult, it has been a pleasure to now show and selectively breed these beautiful English Golden Retrievers. Raising our English Golden Retrievers is a family endeavor that includes everyone from the youngest to the oldest. It is wonderful to make family memories with our dogs and children together. Our English Goldens are first and foremost pets who live and play among our family. Our children are involved from showing our dogs to whelping the puppies. Our puppies go home to their new families very loved and well socialized. In Northern California, we are located in Newcastle which is at the base of the Sierra Mountain foothills; close to Sacramento, and about miles from San Francisco or about miles from San Jose other cities near us are Roseville, Loomis, Folsom, Orangevale, Auburn, Lake Tahoe about an hour , and Reno about 2 hours. We can deliver our puppies to you if you are out of state, and personally travel with the puppy to bring your puppy to you. We cordially invite you to visit us and meet our beloved puppies and amazing dogs. We're located in the California Gold County just 25 miles east of Sacramento. Surrounded by golden foothills, we offer the perfect place to meet and enjoy the dogs. Expect to be greeted with wagging tails and wet noses during your visit, as our dogs are always excited to meet new people. Please let us know when you would like to visit by booking an appointment. The care and love you, Heather, and all at Classic Heritage devote to these pups is remarkable. The efforts taken to ensure pups are matched with their new happy forever home are excellent. Everyone I met was equally professional, educated, loving, kind, and a lot of fun. All of the dogs are beautiful and happy.We have had the best experience and have the most loving pup so anything we can do to help Classic Heritage we would. We have recommended you to everyone who has asked.