clinton golden retriever puppies reviews

She graduated from the University of Glasgow in with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed , times. Labrador retrievers are an adorable and popular dog breed that can make a great addition to your household. Aside from a physical examination, you can do a professional DNA test on the dog to check its genetic makeup. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Does the fur appear short, and have a thick texture? The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Did you know? There are silver labs, but silver is not an acceptable color in the breed standard as this color is believed to have come from a cross with the Weimaraner. However, dogs with this coat color may still be registered with certain kennel clubs. If the dog is a yellow or black lab, check that the puppy has brown eyes. In the case of chocolate labs, check for brown or hazel eyes. Check to see how long its legs are; while a Labrador should have longer legs than a Dachshund, its legs should be shorter than a Husky. Purchase a dog genetics test, which will give you a specialized testing kit. Some DNA tests will look for genetic markers, while cheaper tests focus more on the different breeds. Tip: Try to keep the puppy from sharing food or playing rough with the other dogs, as this might hurt the integrity of the saliva sample. Package the saliva sample according to the instructions given by the company. Seal the envelope or package carefully, so the sample is completely secure while it travels to the lab. Generally, you can find the test results listed by breed, followed by a percentage; however, this might differ, depending on the company. If this is possible, use a cotton swab to collect saliva samples from 1 or both parents. Store these samples carefully, so you can send them to a professional company. Seal the envelope or package carefully to secure the sample, and keep it safe in transit. Go to source Seeing a CH or confirmation champion title on the pedigree certificate means that the dog is close to the ideals in the breed standard and is related to a dog that was able to win over other dogs at a show with at least 15 conformation points. Go to source A dog with this lineage can make a great candidate for showing. If your dog has documented parentage with the American Kennel Club, you can search their database and purchase a certificate that affirms this. You can also register your dog through the American Kennel Club once you have proof of their pedigree. Go to source Fees for pedigrees very depending on the type. Articles Labrador Retrievers currently sit on the top of the list of the most popular dog breeds according to the American Kennel Club. With such high demand for this awesome dog breed, mixed breeds getting passed off as the real deal by shady breeders are somewhat inevitable. The best way to tell a purebred Lab apart from a mixed Lab is through analyzing their appearance and their behavior. Genetic testing should also help out with a more accurate analysis. However, the appearance and behavior analysis are the more easily accessible and more affordable options. Here is more about these features and how they can help you identify a purebred Labrador. Natural Instinct: Retrieval Image from PetMeds Another natural instinct that should help you pick out a purebred Labrador Retriever is their inclination towards activities that include retrieval. They will enjoy games like catch and fetch that allow them to chase and retriever objects. They also have a very gentle bite which you will notice in the durability of their chew toys as well as balls you use for games like fetch. However, this clue may not be very useful if the Labrador is mixed with another retriever like the Golden Retriever. This is due to their history of use as retrievers which includes retrieving prey from large water bodies like rivers and lakes. These purebred Labs will instinctively gravitate towards activities that allow them to relieve the glorious past of their ancestors. This could be the dog sneaking a swim in your pool or having just a bit too much fun splashing about in a puddle of water. Their tasks included retrieving waterfowl in which case their water-resistant coats came in very handy. When mixed with other dog breeds, there is the possibility that the resulting mixed breed Labrador will not have this characteristic water-resistant coat. This makes it very difficult for the mixed lab to enjoy time swimming or playing in larger pools of water as the fur gets wet and heavy. Appearance: Markings Image from Instagram: teamchocolateboys For the most part, purebred Labradors have uniform coats with no markings. If the white markings extend past this point or the Labrador has other markings like black or tan patches, there is a good chance that the Lab is a mixed breed. The tan markings are a common appearance when Labs are mixed with breeds like German Shepherds or Rottweilers. The breed does not vary very much so any Lab that is too small or too large is most likely a mixed breed. These are different between males and females. Purebred males measure between 22 to .Female Labradors are typically smaller with a height range of .Appearance: Weight Range Image from Instagram: goldadorgals The build and weight ranges of the Labrador could also point to whether it is purebred or mixed. Purebred Labradors have a proportional build with a wide chest that narrows towards the back. In terms of weight, the ranges differ between male and female Labs. Male Labradors weight from 65 to 80 lbs while the smaller females can weigh between 55 and 70 lbs. If the Labrador is smaller than this, they may be a miniature version bred from runts. However, they are more often than not a result of mixing with a smaller dog breed. If the Lab is much larger than this range, it is almost definitely a mix. Appearance: Tail Structure Image from Instagram: hukbakchu The tail is often forgotten as a marker for breeding but it is actually one of the best ways to tell purebred Labs apart from mixed doggies. The tail on a pure Labrador Retriever is thick, straight, and of medium length. It is unique in that it tapers with the thickest point at the base and the narrowest at the tip. The tail is covered by a thick coat that should be of the same length as the rest of the coat. Any long fur or feathering is a sign of possible mixed breeding. Appearance: Nose Color Image from Instagram: amandaandfuriends The nose color that a purebred Labrador has depends on their coat color. Typically, black Labradors will have a black nose and chocolate Labradors have dark brown noses. The Yellow Labrador variety is the exception with some having black noses while others have light brown noses. The Labrador may also have a pink nose. These Labradors lack the pigmentation necessary for different nose colors. They are known as Dudley Labrador Retrievers. The rim will be black in yellow Labs and in black Labs. With purebred chocolate Labrador Retrievers, the color of the eye rim will be a shade of chocolate brown similar to the coat and nose. If the Labrador has eye rims without any pigmentation or any other color other than black or chocolate, you may have reason to suspect that it is a mixed Lab. Those on purebred Labs are large but in a proportional way compared to the skull. They are set far apart just slightly above the eyeline. Labradors with excessively large or erect ears are most likely mixed with a dog breed that has those ear characteristics. Appearance: Coat Length Image from Instagram: studlystetson Labrador Retrievers of purebred origin should have a short coat. This coat has 2 layers and is very dense. The fur around the neck may be slightly longer than that on other parts of the coat. The fur itself is typically straight. However, some slight waviness is acceptable according to AKC breed standards. It should also be slightly coarse to the touch. If the Labrador has either long, smooth hair or both, it is likely a mix with other similar breeds like the Golden Retriever. These are the black, chocolate, and yellow Labradors. The intensity and shade of the yellow and the black Labradors may vary with some being darker or lighter than others. Some of the common colors you may get in mixed Labradors include copper brown and white. The best way to know if your Labrador is English or American is by comparing features like head shape and body build to the standards for each of the two variations. English Labs have a stockier build with a wide chest, a wide skull, and a shorter skull. American Labs tend to be leaner and have a narrower chest and skull as well as a long snout. Why Are Labs So Needy? Labradors are social dogs that have a long history of living and working in very close proximity to humans. They are therefore happiest when they are around their human companions. Lack of this contact and proximity will trigger needy tantrums and could even cause separation anxiety for the Labrador Retriever. The smallest breed variation of the Labrador is the Miniature Labrador Retriever. They are bred by pairing runts in Labrador litters for their smaller size. This is why mini-Labs are often very sickly. The sizes vary greatly depending on the parents but they are always below the weight and height ranges of regular Labradors. How do you pick a good Labrador puppy from a litter? Other characteristics include a moderately-sized muzzle, medium-sized and well-spaced eyes, and a thick and water-resistant coat. Physical Appearance And Features Breed standards may vary. As per the American kennel club, A labrador retriever should weigh about pounds. They should be .While dilute colors can be AKC registered, they are unacceptable in the show-ring business. Other physical traits include a dense, short coat, otter-like tail , broad skull, and kind eyes. How To Identify pure breed yellow lab 2. Personality And Temperament Labrador Retriever has a gentle personality. They like to cuddle and are loyal to their owners. These dogs love activities like fetch or swimming and are playful. However, temperament can vary depending on the individual dog. Some Labs may be more laid-back and easygoing, while others can be hyper. An aggressive labrador can be tamed with socialization. One common behavioral trait is their strong sense of wanderlust. If given the opportunity, these dogs run off searching for adventure. A secure fence or leash is needed when taking them outside. Overall, labs make wonderful family pets. They have high energy and make good working dogs and sporting dogs. No wonder they are the most popular breed of dogs. Their love for food can sometimes cause obesity. How To Identify pure bred labrador 3. Health Considerations Labrador Retrievers are generally healthy dogs but can still suffer from breed-specific issues. Some examples include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy PRA. DNA testing can detect genetic abnormalities that might not be visible yet. Another crucial health consideration is its nutrition and exercise requirements. Regular exercise helps burn off excess energy, which keeps them physically fit and mentally stimulated. Opt for high-quality dog food brands recommended by veterinarians. Avoid harmful additives or fillers that could harm its overall wellness. Researching The Breeder Reputable breeders are transparent about their breeding process. Ask for referrals from a fellow dog owner or veterinarian. Look out for red flags such as unresponsiveness or reluctance to let you visit their facilities. You can identify reliable breeders via the AKC directory. Conducting A Physical Examination Conducting a physical examination can help you identify potential red flags. It must have a sleek appearance. Eyes: The eyes of a purebred Labrador should be medium-sized. A chocolate or black lab typically has brown eyes, while yellow Labs may have lighter-colored eyes. Ears: The ears of a purebred Labrador should hang down close to the head and have a slightly rounded tip. Its color will depend on the color of its coat. Teeth: Check that all teeth have erupted properly by age. Body structure: Purebred Labradors should have an athletic build with well-proportioned muscles and limbs. They are suited for work in water or outfields. It is thick and tapers toward the tip. Behavior: Observe how the puppy plays and interacts with other puppies or older dogs. Genetic testing can reveal potential health issues like hip dysplasia early on so that preventative measures can be taken. A CH Conformation Champion on the certificate means the dog is close to the breed standards. However, they indicate potential health problems. Despite their unconventional coloring, some Lab variations, such as the Silver Lab and Fox Red Lab, are still considered purebreds. If the potential dogs look smaller than usual, it might point towards some degree of mixed-breed heritage. Labrador retrievers are the least aggressive dogs. Their behavior matches the cuddling kind. If a lab shows aggressive behavior, it may not be pure. An aggressive labrador is due to inadequate training and socialization. A responsible and reputable breeder should be open and transparent. Breeders must be able to answer whether they conduct genetic testing on their breeding dogs. This allows for better management. Ask for referrals from friends who have purchased a purebred Labrador. Ask for references and testimonials from prospective breeders. Ask if they have been screened for genetic disorders. Observe firsthand how the puppies behave and interact with each other. You can also assess whether they look healthy or not. During your visit, note how clean the breeding grounds are and whether or not they have access to food, water, and bedding materials. Breeders committed to producing healthy purebred Labradors always give OFA certification. Ask your breeder if they have conducted specific veterinary checks on the puppy. This includes checking for parasites like worms or fleas and ensuring the new puppy has received vaccinations. It means using both objective information alongside subjective feelings to make informed decisions. DNA tests or pedigree papers are the best ways to identify a pure labrador retriever. A visual evaluation is also beneficial, but you cannot depend on it entirely. How does a pure Labrador look like? If you see labrador retrievers with coat colors other than yellow, black, or chocolate, they are not purebred. A purebred lab can have a small white mark but nothing other than that. Do purebred Labs have white on them? The current breed standards are clear on what labrador retrievers should look like. However, some labs may not meet the breed standard. A mismark occasionally appears, indicating they are not purebred. A small white spot is acceptable, though. What is the difference between pure Labrador and Labrador? A purebred labrador adheres to the standard breed characteristics in terms of height, weight, coat color, temperament, etc. They may exhibit the same behavior with slight variations. How should a Lab puppy look? A lab puppy must have a strong build, broad skull, high energy, deep chest, etc. Their broad skull usually has a defined stop. They have powerful jaws of medium length. Their cheeks are not fleshy. What color eyes does a purebred Labrador have? Labrador eye colors should be brown yellow and black labs. Chocolate labs can have brown or hazel eyes. Some labrador retrievers can have green or greenish-yellow eyes. Silver labrador retrievers have gray eyes. Research is essential before purchasing a puppy from a litter. Enquire about their appetite, elimination, etc. Consider their health and pet parents before making a decision. About The Author Sarah Sheikh Labradors have an extraordinary capacity for love and companionship, and my mission is to help you unlock their full potential. Hi there! I'm Sarah, a proud contributor to Labradorandyou, the go-to online resource for all Labrador Retriever enthusiasts. As a lifelong owner and avid admirer of these remarkable dogs, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to our readers. One of my strongest beliefs is in the power of positive reinforcement training. I'm truly passionate about helping our readers build strong, positive relationships with their Labradors. Whether you're a first-time owner or a seasoned Labrador enthusiast, I aim to provide you with the resources and guidance to cultivate a bond that will endure a lifetime. So what? That said, some pet owners do prefer purebred Labs for certain personal reasons, and that is completely fine! There are different ways to tell whether a Lab is purebred or not. The first one is by taking a look at your Labrador and assessing them based on their physical appearance. Others rely on pedigree or DNA tests to be sure. What are the qualifications for a dog to considered a Labrador? The breed standard can get pretty strict since they operate on certain rules and regulations. There are different standards for what a Labrador should look like in various aspects. But for the purpose of singular discussion, this article will refer to the standards set by the American Kennel Club. Color There are three commonly acceptable colors for a Labrador : yellow, black, and chocolate. Although there are certain discrepancies or ranges in the colors that are accepted, the standards are quite strict about those three colors. For one, black Labradors have to be all black, while chocolate Labradors can range from light to dark brown colors. On the other hand, there are more accepted colors ranging from fox-red to light cream in yellow Labradors. These colors are all accepted without disqualifying the Labrador. Color patterns or brindles not accepted and will disqualify a Lab from the breed. However, these changes are not to mistaken as disqualifications when they come from the passing of an age. However, according to the AKC, it should give a hard feeling to the touch. The undercoat should be soft and protect the dog from weather and water. Wooly and silky coats not allowed. The weight of the Labrador can range from 55 pounds to about 70 pounds at the highest. Any more than that does not fit into the standards set by the AKC. Labradors also have to have a specific neck, hindquarters, and other requirements to qualify. For a more detailed count on the matter, take a look at the official standards by the AKC here. Are the breed standards enough? The quick answer is no. Visual appearance alone is not enough for you to determine if your Labrador is purebred or not. Of course, there are certain tells, and a Labrador puppy has a distinctive look to it. But generally speaking, the sight alone is not enough of a determiner. The reason for this is that Labradors who are purebred can look quite far-fetched from the traditional Labrador appearance. This is especially true in working lines where the Labs stray away from traditional Labrador looks. How to Identify a Purebred Labrador Puppy: Pedigree Another way to determine whether you have a purebred Labrador within your midst is by looking at their pedigree. A pedigree document is an instrument that proves that your dog is purebred. This document signifies that the lineage of your Labrador is true and pure. In the AKC, the pedigree documents for a certified Labrador can be found online for up to four generations. Ideally, before you purchase a Labrador, you should ask to see the pertinent documents first, so you know you are getting a purebred Lab. However, these documents are not foolproof and only guarantee accuracy up to the honesty of the breeder. There are many cases of these documents being fake documents, so you should still be vigilant and take caution. There are countless cases of fake certifications all over the world. Similarly, people on online forums also had the same problem when they bought a dog, only to find out that the dog was not entirely purebred. To get a more accurate and honest take, make sure that you are buying from a trusted breeder. Fortunately, there are DNA tests already available for Labradors, so you can easily get one if you want to. However, before you get a DNA test, you will have to check if your location is in proximity to a laboratory or if you can ship to one. Of course, not all DNA tests are the same, and some are more accurate than others. In other databases, it could be more, or it could be less. Supposedly, a database that has more dog breeds in its system is more likely to produce accurate results. So, it all depends on the accuracy of the Laboratory or the system you will be using. Make sure to go to a laboratory with an accuracy rate that you are comfortable with. Take note that your veterinarian will be the one to do the process and not you. In the end, there are several ways you can guarantee that your Labrador is purebred. As we have mentioned above, you can visually inspect them, look up their pedigree, or do a DNA test. As of now, DNA testing is the most accurate method that you can use to tell if your Labrador is purebred or not. Your experience with your dog should not change, even if they are not purebred. Labradors are amazing companions and will stay with you for a long time yet, so you should cherish the experience. Post navigation. Purebred dogs can be identified in three possible ways: Can you tell by looking? Purebred dog characteristics are not a certainty when it comes to identification. I have a steady stream of people coming to my forum, posting questions in the comments boxes at the foot of my articles, and writing emails to ask: is my dog purebred? The question is very often accompanied by photographs, or detailed descriptions of the characteristics of the dog. A visual assessment is what most of my readers are hoping I will give them when they send me photographs. So what exactly is a visual assessment of a purebred Labrador? Purebred Dog Characteristics A visual assessment of pedigree involves looking at a dog and comparing his appearance with the breed standard. This involves a detailed knowledge of the breed standard. Purebred Lab Breed Standard Breed standards vary slightly from one country to the next. So, here, we will just be focusing on the AKC breed standard. This standard says that a purebred Labrador Retriever should weigh between 55 and 80 pounds, growing to between .The three recognized colors are yellow, black, and chocolate. But, yellow is accepted in a variety of shades. Dilute colors and mismarks can be AKC registered but are disqualified from the show ring. I want to give you a couple of examples to illustrate the problems involved with this approach. She has a thin, whippy tail with an upwards curve, overlong ears and a long narrow face. These features, combined with her ginger coat mean that very few people recognize her as a Labrador at all. I have been asked if she is a Vizsla cross, a Lab x Greyhound, and other unlikely combinations. In fact this purebred Labrador Retriever has an impeccable pedigree full of noble ancestors with famous names. But if someone made a visual assessment from a photo of her, unless they were familiar with working line Labs, they might well put her down as a crossbreed. The father is a show line lab, and his looks have dominated in this particular dog. A visual assessment would wrongly put him in the purebred category when he is actually no such thing. Mixed breeds like this can inherit any blend of traits from their parents. Are Visual Assessments Any Good? I hope you can see from these examples how worthless visual assessments usually are. While I can point out that your dog may have faults that will eliminate him from the show ring, I cannot possibly tell you whether or not he is purebred by looking at him. Purebred Dog Colors Can you tell if you have a purebred black Lab or a purebred chocolate Lab from their color alone? Unfortunately the answer here is no. So, a mixed breed could easily have a solid coat in one of these colors. Do purebred Labs have white on them? The current Labrador breed standard is very clear on what a purebred Labrador should look like. But not all Labradors meet that standard. But equally a mismark can occur in purebred Labrador Retriever puppies too. Common Lab Mismarkings Big white chest patches are fairly common in mismarked Labs. It is even possible to get a purebred Labrador with tan points like a rottweiler or patches of brindle fur. These types of puppies are genetic accidents and the puppies are usually sold as pets to owners who appreciate their unusual friend. Purebred Dog Pedigree Papers If you buy a purebred dog, the breeder should give you the registration document with the names of both parents. Most breeders will also give you a copy of the pedigree which lists the ancestors of those parents, together with any titles they may have, back through five generations. Pedigree Papers Have Limitations If you have the correct pedigree papers, then your puppy is probably a purebred dog. I say probably because there is room for dishonesty with this system. It is possible for a dishonest stud dog owner to mate his female dog to one stud dog and register the puppies to another. Which brings us to our final method, DNA identification. There are various laboratories offering this service. The laboratory will examine the sample you send in. This greatly reduces the chances of your dog being cross bred. Ask to see the registration documents! Do not accept any excuses, your breeder must have registered the litter in order for you to be able to register your puppy. Meet the mother and make sure that you like the way she looks. There is always another litter. Let someone else who loves unusual markings buy that puppy. It is possible to find a purebred black Lab with white markings, or a purebred chocolate Lab with brindling. After Buying Your Purebred Puppy Once you have purchased your puppy try not to worry about whether or not he is purebred. Remember that many purebred dogs have mismarks or poor conformation, so if you have pedigree papers for him, he is probably purebred no matter what he looks like. Try to ignore any other people that criticize your purebred dog, or try to convince you he is not a purebred. After all, the most important thing is that your dog is happy, healthy, and a great addition to your family. As dog parents, you may have personal reasons for preferring purebred Labs and you want to know as much as you can about your furry family member. In this article, we tell you all you need to know to determine if a Labrador is purebred. The Embark dog DNA kit helps ascertain everything about your pet, so you can provide them with the right mix of nutrition, environment and lifestyle, and help them live a long and healthy life. We can see traits of the different breeds in our pup. It is a wonderful tool to learn about the puppy, what to expect from a breed and how to train. Knowing what our dog is, is a great tool!!! Sarah H Collecting the dog spit was easier than I expected and the results came back pretty soon. Mikayla P Great customer service! I got the results within 17 days. We were kept updated every step of the way. I got a lot more than what I paid for. Buy Now Visual Assessment Firstly, specific visual standards must be met for a dog to be considered a purebred Labrador retriever. The American Kennel Club sets these criteria. Black Labs have to be entirely black, while chocolate Labradors should fall within the range from light to pure dark brown. Yellow Labs have more flexibility because light cream to fox red is still acceptable hues and will not disqualify them. Do purebred Labs have white markings? White markings on the coat are still acceptable, but they should be small. Unfortunately, brindles, color markings, or color panels are causes for disqualification, especially if the Lab is already fully grown. Coat Your Labrador should have a slightly dense, short, and straight waterproof coat to be considered purebred. The exterior coat should be a bit stiff when you touch it, whereas the undercoat should be soft. Silky and wooly undercoats are not acceptable. Weight Range Considered as medium-sized dogs, standard purebred Labrador retrievers are naturally athletic, weighing between 55 to 70 pounds with a height of .Any measurement beyond these dimensions is outside the set standards of the AKC. Tail Structure The traditional tail of a purebred Labrador retriever is thick, and it tapers towards the end. Unlike the other retriever breeds, Labs have minimal to no feathering on their tails. Yellow and black Labradors usually have black noses while chocolate Labradors have brown noses. The only exceptions are Dudley Labradors who retain their pink noses throughout their life. Natural Instincts The Labrador retriever was originally bred to look for waterfowl for hunters. This breed has a powerful instinct to retrieve, run through overgrown terrain, and swim in the water. They also have impressive athletic and physical skills, making them excellent working dogs. Also Read: Types of Labradors Conformation Standards Labrador retrievers have a trademark broad head, naturally floppy ears, and expressive eyes. They have a strong build with a well-balanced conformation that makes them one of the best retrieving gun dogs. One of their most distinctive features is their webbed feet. The skin between their toes, together with their ottered tails, helps them when swimming. Do you want to know how long do purebred Labs live? They have a relatively long lifespan, at an average of 12 years. This is why most owners and breeders opt for a second and even third method for accuracy and documentation. Pedigree Papers Secondly, another way to identify if your Lab is purebred or not is through its pedigree document. Your reputable, AKC-registered breeder should hand this certificate to you on the day you bring your puppy home. There are many dishonest breeders out there, and a certificate is not enough to ensure that your Lab is purebred. DNA Test Lastly, given the reality that even pedigree certifications are not foolproof, there is a final method for identifying a purebred Labrador: DNA testing. You can have your Lab undergo a DNA test through local laboratories offering this service. Also, there are test kits that you can purchase online. DNA testing is the most accurate way to determine if your Labrador is purebred. You can get a sample from your dog in two ways. One is a simple swab on the cheek, and the other is through blood collection. The results will show how closely the parents and ancestors correlate to the set standards of the breed. Labradors are friendly, intelligent, gentle, and even-tempered.

Buying A Boxer Puppy? Finding Your Puppy -- Buying From the Breeder The conscientious breeder plans a breeding to reproduce the best characteristics of an outstanding sire or dam. His guide is the official AKC Standard of the breedthe written "blueprint" that helps keep the breed uniform for generations to come. You can find the breed standard, revised in , at the American Boxer Club website: www. The more common disappointments for pet purchasers come from commercial sources--especially pet shops that often buy puppies from the infamous "puppy mills" that take little notice of the quality or health they are producing. The pet store or dog broker will sell you a puppy with a breeder's name attached to the paperwork--but this puppy may easily have been born in a puppy mill. The reputable breeder, on the other hand, will not only be able to demonstrate the pedigree and registration papers, but will also show you either the sire or dam themselves, or pictures of the parent who may be owned elsewhere. Though the mere presence of "papers" does not guarantee good health, conformation, or temperament, you will most often find these attributes in the puppy who has been raised with loving care in the home or kennel of a conscientious hobby breeder. The serious breeder often strives to produce a potential "champion. Sometimes the distribution of white markings alone may make the difference between the so-called "pet" and show-potential puppy. The pet puppy will have benefited from the same proven bloodlines, nutrition, and medical care as its "champion" littermate. His breeder will have health tested the parents and done the best he can to insure good temperament, soundness, and longevity. Here is your best buy. Boxer magazines publish ads from breeders. The American Boxer Club web site www. Usually any time after weeks. Many states have regulations regarding minimum age. However, your individual circumstances must be considered. Do you have the time to spend with a very young puppy? Will someone be home to housebreak him? Would an exuberant 6-month old puppy overwhelm a tiny child? Or would he be better matched with a 6-year-old youngster? Remember too that the puppy under 3 months needs lots of time to rest. Don't forget that adult dogs, already trained, also make ideal pets. While much can be told at six to eight weeks about the puppy's eventual looks, if you are seeking a show prospect you might be better off waiting until the pup is six to eight months of age. At that time, be prepared to pay a higher price for all the additional time and effort that the breeder has spent raising the show potential Boxer. Male or Female? This choice is a matter of personal preference. Both males and females make admirable pets. Breeding is a serious committment of time, energy, and money, and not to be taken lightly. If breeding is not anticipated, it may be appropriate to spay or neuter your dog. This procedure is best done as your Boxer approaches adolescence. Please be aware that these surgeries should be discussed with your veterinarian as to safety of anesthesia and any long term effects other than sterilization. Spayed and neutered animals are not eligible to compete in the conformation ring but may be shown in performance events. Check this list! Tails should have been docked within a few days of birth. Optional removal of front dewclaws fifth toes is done at the same time. The Boxer has no rear dewclaws. Ear cropping is customary and appropriate but not required--it is a matter of personal preference. Uncropped ears are permitted under the breed standard. If cropped, this procedure is done under general anesthesia, usually between six and nine weeks of age. If the puppy is taken before cropping, the breeder usually makes arrangements. The breeder also advises regarding aftercare and taping if ears are not already standing. Sometimes this is a lengthy process. In the male, both testicles should be descended into the scrotum. They should be in place by two to three months of age. A dog with undescended testicles may still make a fine pet, though he would be ineligible to compete in the conformation show ring. Consult your veterinarian for advice. Avoid the unusually quiet, inactive puppy, or the one that might shy away from you. This might mean a fault in temperament or even ill health. Papers the Seller Should Furnish: a. A three or four generation pedigree signed by the seller. There should be no extra charge for this. The pedigree preferably gives the color of the sire and dam, and the AKC registration numbers of each. The registration from the AKC, which is an official document identifying your puppy's individual registration number, sex, birth date, sire and dam, and name of the breeder s. There are two ways to register puppies for the first time: 1 Limited Registration If the puppy is not to be bred, and is being purchased only as a companion pet, the breeder may check off the Limited Registration option. This does register the puppy with the AKC. However, it does not allow any registration of offspring from the mature dog. The breeder and only the breeder can cancel the limited registration should the puppy at maturity be considered of breeding quality. Records the Breeder Should Furnish: a. Date and type of vaccines given. Depending on the type of vaccination program started, your veterinarian will advise you on following through. Vaccination protocols are evolving even among the medical professionals. Date and agent used for worming, if done. Do not worm your puppy without consulting your veterinarian. Avoid store-bought preparations which can be dangerous. Diet your puppy has been receiving. It is well to maintain the regimen begun by the breeder, especially while the puppy is adjusting to his new home. If changes are to be made. When he is an adult it will be wise to maintain your Boxer on two smaller meals a day. Apart from complete medical records, their Boxer package comes with: Three-year guarantee against genetic defects AKC reunite microchip with prepaid lifetime registration AKC litter birth certificate, day pet health insurance, and AKC limited registration Continental Kennel Club registration and birth certificate Puppy kit including a dog bed, treats, teething bone, and chew toys Blanket their mother has slept on All photos taken from birth given to you on a flash drive Currently, they have three females and one male of breeding age. The order of deposit is followed in choosing from the litter. Convenient, right? They give discounts for military personnel, veterans, law enforcement, emergency workers, and school teachers. All the Boxer breeders included on our list passed our standards. However, if you want to verify their legitimacy, read our ultimate puppy buying guide for some proven tips on how to safely find a breeder online or how to find a puppy for sale while avoiding scams. You can easily see the availability of puppies which can cut down your searching time. There are two ways to find breeders through this organization — you can either contact their Breeder Referral Chairman for recommendations or you can contact or visit their registered members within your state. Good Dog — This is an online community whose mission is to connect dog lovers to reputable breeders. Another awesome thing about this platform is that dog lovers can get tons of tips about canine health and care through the guides they have published. PuppyFinder — This is a puppy search engine with over 1, breeds available for purchase. There are many considerations when it comes to this pricing such as lineage, breeder reputation, appearance, etc. Meanwhile, Boxers for shows are also more expensive than companion pets at home. Even though buying a Boxer puppy from professional breeders comes with a steep cost, this can actually give you peace of mind. How so? These reputable breeders only charge higher due to their AKC credentials, pre-testing for genetic conditions, administered vaccinations, health guarantees, and other add-ons to their service. Unlike backyard breeders and puppy mills that charge less due to the poor quality of their dogs, you are more assured of the quality of expensive Boxers bought from these professionals. When choosing your Boxer breeder, consider transport costs. The average initial cost of owning a Boxer puppy is summarized in the table below: Type of Expense. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article.

Introducing two dogs involves monitoring their reactions and making sure they get along with each other over a period of weeks. During this period of transition, dog owners must be vigilant and consistent in watching the dogs' interactions and meeting their needs. Some puppies and poodles hit it off well and never have any problems, while others require more assistance to ease the transition from a one-dog household to a two-dog household. Meet on neutral ground. Even if your poodle is not normally a territorial or aggressive dog, the introduction of a new puppy could trigger these feelings. Arrange introductions at a neutral meeting place such as the park. Leash the dogs. Leashing allows you to maintain some control over the situation. Walk the dogs toward each other. Maintain slack in the leashes — if either dog feels like they are being held back, feelings of aggression or anxiety could result. Allow the puppy and your black standard poodle to interact. Let them sniff each other. Dogs introduce themselves through visual, olfactory and verbal cues. Don't be surprised if either of the dogs rolls onto its back or stands tall and proud. Sniffing, circling, playing, gentle nipping, soft growling or other vocalizations and urination are all common occurrences when dogs first meet. Watch for signs of tension. Loud or persistent growling, bared teeth, direct and prolonged eye contact between the two dogs, sudden snapping or raised hackles are indicative of tension between the two dogs. Call the dogs apart if signs of tension or aggression occur. Don't pull back on the leash unless it is absolutely necessary — the tension and feeling of restraint could trigger an attack. Instead, wave a treat in front of each dog's face to encourage them to come back and to associate the other dog with rewards. Bring the dogs home together. If the black poodle is brought home first, it may become territorial and try to defend its home against the new puppy. If the new puppy is brought home first, the poodle may perceive it as an intruder and act accordingly. By bringing both dogs home together, you establish a new status quo. Unleash the black poodle first. Leave the new puppy on the leash, but let it explore your home. This allows you to quickly stop the puppy or retrieve the puppy if a squabble occurs. If the black poodle remains calm and reacts without aggressive tendencies, unleash the puppy. Supervise interactions for the first few weeks. Don't leave the black standard poodle and the new puppy alone until this time has passed without incident. Pay special attention to high-tension situations, such as when you arrive or leave home, when guests visit, bathroom breaks for the dogs, walks, mealtimes and playtime. Tips Intervene as little as possible when introducing two dogs. Your new puppy and your black standard poodle need to work out a hierarchy between them. The puppy may try to mount the poodle, or vice versa, regardless of gender. This is a way for dogs to work out who is more dominant and is not indicative of an impending fight. Warnings Don't tolerate fighting, intimidation or any hint of aggressive behavior from either dog during the introductory period. Allowing the dogs to simply "fight it out" on their own sets a standard for the relationship and those habits can be difficult to reverse later on. Items You Will Need. Poodle Puppy House Training Overview While housebreaking a puppy may feel like a huge obstacle that is time-consuming at best and an undertaking that may fail at worst, there are definitely things that you can do to set your Poodle puppy up for success for potty training. There are 2 main elements: Having a clear plan in mind that will encourage a pup to learn quickly Having reasonable expectations based on the age of your Poodle In this section, we will go over all of the important steps for effective and fast training. Age to House Train This is most certainly not something that you will want to put off. Whether you have a brand-new Poodle puppy or an older, adopted dog that needs to learn, it is best to begin right away. Every day that this is not taught, is another day that the dog has wrong information about what to do and this just in and of itself will make housebreaking harder. Keep in mind that new puppies should not be brought outside to public areas or even your yard if there is a chance that other dogs have been there until the full rounds of puppy vaccinations are complete. Each vet schedule is slightly different; however, in general this is done by about the 4 month mark. If you are not sure, check with your vet. Having a Housebreaking Plan It's not uncommon for a puppy to pee or have a bowel movement with very little warning. And without a plan in place, this is when you'll see owners scrambling and picking up the pup while he dribbles urine as he's being carried out the door. While you will not catch every accident, you really will have much better success when you and all members of the family have a clear potty training plan in place. We would suggest reviewing what is needed, obtaining all of the necessities to be properly prepped, and then beginning. What is Needed Before You Begin There are a few things that you will need in order for housebreaking to be successful: 1 A supervision method. This is vital. Puppies or dog that have free rein in the house will be exceptionally hard to train. When you are home and are able to have your Poodle right by your side, use the tethering method. This means that your Poodle will be wearing a harness not a collar, since this can cause neck injury and will be on leash. The leash should be short and it should have a soft-looped handle, so that you can weave this through your belt loop or slip it over your wrist. When you are not home, or if you are home but cannot keep your Poodle near you, you'll need to keep your puppy or dog in a defined, secure area. Crates are not recommended; these are terribly confining and can cause a dog to feel both physically and emotionally stressed. Furthermore, they do not help with housebreaking; a dog will pee and poo when they need to. Gating off an entire room is also not recommended. This is too large of an area to do really do anything, and therefore there will still be pee and poo everywhere. One of the best methods is to use an indoor canine playpen. These are sturdy, open-top pens that allow a Poodle to move around, play, have all his favorite belongings food, water, toys, bed , but also keep messes contained. As a side note, these are great for separation anxiety, as they offer a secure 'den' that keeps all of a Poodle's aids right by them. And, these are perfect for the teething phase to keep a Poodle puppy from chewing apart the house. Recommended playpens to help with house training are below. These can be found with or without doors, and range from 24" ideal for toy and miniature Poodles to 48" better for standards, especially if continued to be used as the puppy grows. If you do not see the images, try a refresh. And on mobile, you may need to turn your screen horizontal to see all 4. Giving a Poodle incentive to do something applies to potty training, perhaps, more than it does with any other single action. Once something is a learned behavior, it become automatic though it is still nice to reinforce good behavior now and again. For housebreaking to happen quickly, you need to 1 give super-happy praise and simultaneously 2 offer the right type of reward. The training treat should be: New - It should not be something that you give to your Poodle for regular snacks. If you've found a great, all-natural and healthy snack that you'd like to keep giving, see if it comes in a different flavor. Small - House training treats need to be small. A puppy needs immediate satisfaction, and you cannot achieve this with something that a dog needs to sit down to chew on. Extra flavorful - It should be appealing to a Poodle sense of smell and sense of taste, offering a burst of flavor that will encourage the desire for more. And 'more' can only happen when the Poodle goes to the bathroom in the right area. Below are our top recommended training treats. And on mobile, you may need to turn the screen horizontal to see all 4. Dogs that are simply brought 'outside' for bathroom needs rarely have a good, clear understanding of what is expected. If they are out there long enough, they may very well go to the bathroom. However, your goal should be going above this and instilling the full concept of having one area for urination and elimination needs. Choose the area wisely; what may seem like a great spot in the summer may not work well in the winter. The bathroom area should be close to the home, not a spot that is used for anything else play area, gardening, etc. Within the chosen area, allow your Poodle to choose the exact spot that he prefers. Dogs that have a choice learn much faster and are more eager to follow the rules. It is best to stand in the middle of the area with your puppy on a 6 to 8 foot leash. Allow him to circle around and, sniff. Some will then need time for the bladder to relax or for the bowel muscles to push out stool. Since young puppies have weak bladder and bowel muscles, they can often pee or poo with very little warning. Whatever you need in order to bring your Poodle outside should be ready at the exit door. This will include a pair of shoes, an appropriate coat or jacket depending on the weather, clothing for your Poodle - should there be a need, an umbrella in case it is raining, a leash and even a book or magazine to thumb though while you wait. For the times that you are home, you will want to bring your Poodle to the designated area at the following times: First thing in the morning Any time right after the puppy wakes up from a nap Every 2 hours for a 2 month old, every 3 hours for a 3 month old, every 4 hours for a 4 month old, etc. It would certainly make things easier if dogs understood what we were saying when we spoke full sentences after they did something that we didn't approve of. However, puppies that are rewarded for good deeds and quietly forgiven for accidents are able to pick up what the owner wishes for without any scolding. Please remember that you want your Poodle to respect you, not fear you. And while it may feel good to release a bit of steam if you find a puddle of pee, yelling or acting frustrated will only confused and stress a puppy that really has no idea why you are upset. Dogs learn best when they can associate a word with an action. So, you'll want everyone in the house to be in agreement as to which word s will be used for housebreaking. It's best to keep it short, and have it be something that you do not feel uncomfortable saying in public. You will use this as you head outside 'Do you need to go potty? While some puppies will instantly pee or poo, others need time. Owners that only give the pup only a few minutes may have trouble with the training. Since 5 minutes can feel like 20 if you are bored, cold or otherwise uncomfortable or antsy, plan ahead. Have an outdoor chair located right in the middle of the bathroom area and plan ahead to check your mail or email during these times. It is recommended to give the puppy a good 15 minutes and if you just know that a bowel movement is due, give it .While on this note, one of the biggest problems that owners encounter is when a puppy won't pee in his spot no matter how long there, but will pee as soon as being brought back inside. A good tip to fix this, should it happen often, is hold him after you come back inside he won't pee on you ; then head back out in about 10 minutes. While young Poodles need to be taken out often see above , if they are kept on that schedule as they mature, they will not have an opportunity to learn to hold their needs and bladder and bowel muscles will not strengthen as they otherwise would. As you puppy grows older, stretch out the periods of time in between taking him out. While the carpet may look clean after you scrub it with dish soap and a sturdy brush, soap does not eliminate enzymes that are in urine. And those lingering enzymes you won't smell these, but your Poodle will essentially scream 'This is the bathroom area! So, all areas that have been pee'd or poo'd on need to be cleaned with an enzyme cleanser. Puppies are terrific at making whining noises and barking in the middle of the night, without letting us know if they need to go to the bathroom or are just bored and wanting some attention. If a puppy pees and poos before bedtime, it is far more likely that he wants your company as opposed to having a real need. However, it is always best to be safe than sorry. The important element is that this be done in a very serious manner without any play or other interaction. Keep lights low, bring your Poodle puppy directly to his spot, wait the allotted time without speaking other than praise if the deed is done and then bring him right back. A puppy will soon learn that barking for attention at night does not bring about any interaction that would seem worthy of making a fuss but that alerting you in regard to bathroom needs does result in praise and a quick treat. It's a common occurrence for owners to bring their Poodle for a walk in the neighborhood and just let the puppy go to the bathroom along the way. However, this is a missed opportunity for a house training lesson. Bring your Poodle to his spot first and then bring him for his exercise. Housebreaking Exact Steps This is exactly how to bring your Poodle out, what to say, and what to do: 1. Head outside with your Poodle on leash and harness, saying your chosen phrase Let's go potty , and with the training treats in a small zipped plastic bag, kept in your pocket. Lead your Poodle directly to the designated bathroom area, repeating the phrase. Stand in the middle of the designated area, allowing your Poodle to roam within the diameter and sniff around. Allow 10 to 15 minutes. If your Poodle pees or poos, without completely distracting your pup, mark the action with your chosen word said in a happy tone, You're going potty. During this time, be reaching for the training treat. As soon as your Poodle is done, bend to his level, give great praise in a super-enthusiastic voice Good potty, oh, you are such a good dog! If your Poodle had a bowel movement, and you believe that there may be a urination need, remain outside for an additional 5 minutes. A Final Word While you will need a bit of patience during this time, with a good plan and lots of enthusiasm from you, your Poodle puppy should be completely house trained with a few months. After you feel that he is fully trained, be sure to still bring him out often enough, and continue to offer praise to reinforce the lessons that have been learned. How to Stop a Poodle From Marking - Both males and females may display territorial marking, and this is a separate issue than housebreaking. Learn why dogs do this, and exactly how to stop it. The Best Type of Toys for a Poodle - If you think of toys as tools, you'll see that certain ones can help with a range of issues. See the top toys for teething, treat-release, chewing, boredom, and as aids when home alone. Giving a Poodle a Bath - Great tips and advice for successful baths that are beneficial to skin and coat. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. Proper care for the Poodle will involve many aspects that will all work in combination to maintain excellent health and promote learning and good behavioral habits. It is important to establish a foundation of proper care during the puppy stage that will carry over throughout the Poodle's life. We will discuss: The items that you should have to care for a Poodle puppy Details on the 5 most important tips for proper care - Feeding, house training, offering the right amount of exercise, grooming and how to offer a healthy environment. Toy Poodles and Mini's will be puppies for the 1st year; standards mature at a somewhat slower rate and are considered to be puppies until the age of 2 years old. During this time, much care is needed for both physical growth and mental development. Bringing your new Poodle home is not as simple as just picking up your new family member from the breeder. Good care involves planning ahead. It helps to have all needed items well in advance so that you can focus on the puppy without having to rush out for a needed supply items. One of the most important elements to be aware of is that no matter what the puppy has been fed since he or she began eating solid food, you should have the exact same brand on hand. Quickly switching foods can cause upset stomach and other issues…and in the case of a puppy it can be the cause of hypoglycemia. A slow change must be made. If you opt to go with a different brand or to home cook, have enough of the 'old' food on hand for several weeks, as well as the 'new' so that that you can make gradual changeover. A quality dog bed — A new puppy will feel stress going to even the best of new homes. This is why making sure that you have a nice, soft, comfortable dog bed is important. You should show your Poodle that this is the area in which he can rest, sleep or just get away from noise when things seem to overwhelming. If you will be leaving your puppy home alone during the day, it is best to have the bed placed in the area where he will be staying. A gated off section of a room or inside a canine playpen works well. The entrance to this can be left open when you are home with your puppy can of course, closed off when you are away. In this way, the puppy will become accustomed to the area. If you will be home with your puppy, place this in the corner of room that is frequently used but not chaotic. Dogs like to have their own quiet spot, but not feel isolated. Walking and ID accessories — Along with a retractable leash and a collar for ID purposes, it is highly recommended to have a harness for your puppy. Toy Poodles no matter what the age and all Mini and Standard puppies should have on a harness and not a collar when they are on a leash. When a leash is connected to a dog collar, this can create too much tension on the neck, which can cause collapsed trachea. The trachea windpipe is protected by rings of cartilage…when this happens, those rings collapse in, causing pain and breathing problems. These can be purchased at a pet supply store and come in many unique and interesting designs so that your Poodle always looks stylish. If you are not sure which harness would be best for your Poodle puppy, you may wish to look to both 'Accessories' and 'Clothing- Harness' in the Poodle Specialty Shoppe. A Car Safety Seat - Long ago cars did not even have seat belts for humans. But now, of course, we all know how many lives they save. The very same is true for dogs. Even if you are a conscientious driver, you cannot be in control of those who are driving near you. Be sure to secure your Poodle into a canine car safety seat. All it takes is 1 second of you having to quickly brake for your Poodle to go sliding off of the seat, completely unprotected. These are also great for dogs that are prone to car sickness. A raised booster seat will assist a puppy in being able to look out of the window which reduces motion sickness. However, choosing high quality toys that can stand up to continual chewing and hold a puppy's interest is better. Puppies are full of energy and filled with curiosity; having a good supply of toys at all times will be very helpful. Puppies that are in the teething phase will be experiencing discomfort and teething toys will help to sooth sore gums and offer a chewing outlet See also: Poodle teething Grooming Supplies - Poodle care certainly involves proper grooming. This includes nails, dewclaws, bathes, drying, wrapping, trimming, clipping and topknots. See also: Bathing a Poodle Clothes - Particularly for tiny toy Poodles, protection against the elements should be implemented as needed. During cold, icy winters the use of canine shoes or paw wax helps protect paw pads from ice melt chemicals and aids with traction. A sweater or cute vest can keep a small Poodle puppy from becoming chilled. During hot months, shoes help protect sensitive paws from hot surfaces. Bowls - Plastic bowls often contain heavy dyes that can cause staining on a Poodle's coat. In addition, tiny scratches that easily develop in plastic bowls can also harbor dangerous bacteria. It is best to use stainless steel or ceramic bowls for both food and water. Dishes should shallow so that a puppy can easily reach both food and water without bumping their heads or straining to reach. Toys and Mini's may like raised bowls. However, Standards - who are prone to bloat- should only eat and drink from bowls that are at floor level. Free feed until 3 months old leaving food out at all times and then give your puppy 3 meals per day plus healthy snacks. Please choose your food wisely; cheaper foods with fillers will not offer the proper nutrition needed to aid with the rapid growth that is associated with the puppy phase. You will find that if you reserve snacks and treats as rewards for training, housebreaking and command training will go smoother. Read more: Feeding a Poodle 2- Start house training right away, keeping in mind that it is your commitment to the process that will bring about success. Generally, housebreaking takes 2 to 3 months. If your Poodle puppy will be expected to use an outdoor area, do not focus too much on indoor training when the pup is home along, since it is difficult for puppies to learn 2 different methods. Do keep in mind that young puppies should not be over-exercised since it can interfere with growth plate development; however a daily 20 to 30 minute per walk is perfect. Walks allow a puppy to release pent up energy, it expands their view of the world and is a good staring point for socialization techniques and learning proper heeling. Poodles are generally very active dogs. Aside from a walk each day, this breed loves to run , jump and show off their agility capabilities. Playing catch, Frisbee or training your Poodle to jump through hoops will keep them in good health, both physically and mentally. See also: Poodle Exercise Requirements 4- Begin a routine of grooming and care. While many puppies will balk at the idea of being brushed or having teeth cleaned, doing these tasks on a regular basis allows a puppy to become accustomed to being touched and taken care of. Taking care of the teeth during the puppy stage is important since dental hygiene will affect the adult teeth that have not yet erupted. Read more: Poodle dental care 5- Limit stress, focus on fun. One of the most important elements of Poodle care is to offer a loving, safe environment. Puppies and dogs are sensitive to their owner's moods and the atmosphere of the house in general. Puppies can become easily stressed in noisy, chaotic homes. Puppies should be given a designated area to retreat and rest if feeling overwhelmed. Often, a gated off area that is secured when a pup is home alone, but the entrance is open when owners are home works best. Speak to your pup in a pleasant voice and remember that positive reinforcement for good behavior works much better than scolding for bad behavior. Take time to puppy proof the home, clearing the floors of any small items and stowing away shoes and other objects to higher ground. This should be done before bringing a puppy home but also on a regular basis. See also: What it means when a Poodle puppy shakes - If a Poodle is suddenly shivering, you'll want to look to these top reasons. Poodle Winter Care - Everything you need to know about caring for your Poodle during the wintertime. Other Articles: Apricot Poodles - This is a super popular coat color. Details and photos. Black Poodles - Another gorgeous color. Poodle tear stains - Putting to rest the old myths on what works. A list of the most effective at-home treatments to remove stubborn stains. Poodle hair tangles - Due to the nature of the curly coat, tangles are not uncommon yet should be removed as soon as possible with a method that does not affect hair growth. Are You a Member Yet? When you sign up to become a Member of the site, this allows you to receive a friendly notice when new pages of information have been added. Always something to help keep your Poodle happy and healthy. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. It was love at first site. Vet appointment — Make an appointment with your veterinarian for a well puppy visit. We strongly suggest you carry your puppy in and do not put it down except to be examined by the veterinary staff. Have fun choosing your poodles new bed, toys, bowls, brush and comb, collar and leash. Purchase some safe chew toys and a crate that will fit your puppies adult size. Look for obedience classes. Puppy proof your house and yard- You have two goals, one is to keep the puppy safe the other is to keep the house safe. Put up household cleaners. You are puppy proofing just like you would baby proof your home, crawl on the floor and look for all the trouble spots, your puppy will be sure to find them. Puppies chew, purchase some chew toys not rawhide, pig ears or greenies that are safe for your puppy. Decide where to place your puppies crate. Gate off a room or stairs if you need to. In the yard — move hoses out of the puppies play space, we have found it to be one of their favorite chew toys. Do not leave anything that will fill with water and possibly drown your puppy this includes buckets. Check for toxic plants and either move them or fence them off. Purchase a bag of puppy food — we will let you know what food your puppy is eating when they are ready to go home and will send a small bag with them. Should you decide you want to use a different food, we suggest that you do not change food until at least a month after you have had your puppy, this helps to keep your puppies stress level low. Pack a puppy bag with towels, paper towels, water and food bowls. Do not leave your puppy in the car unattended. Avoid heatstroke a car becomes hot very quickly. Plan on ways to socialize your puppy. Parvo and distemper are real health risks. Until your puppy is fully vaccinated which is 2 weeks beyond its last shot you should have people come to your home, avoid dog parks, pet stores, groomers, doggie day care and boarding. Should you decide to groom yourself read our Grooming the Standard Poodle page for equipment suggestions. YouTube is a good resource for poodle grooming videos. Basic Training for a Standard Poodle Puppy Poodles are incredibly smart, most of them love to learn new things. Standard poodles will watch and observe you throughout the day. We have one who has learned to open doors by himself. He can easily let himself in and out of the house. The poodle will learn to look into your eyes for direction. This helps to eliminate distractions and teaches them to concentrate on you. The basic commands a puppy should learn are sit, down or lie, off, leave it and stay. We recommend you use an accomplished trainer who does not use harsh methods. Clicker training is highly effective when learning new behaviors. It easily marks the correct behavior and a poodle learns very quickly. Once a behavior has been learned a clicker is no longer necessary. The effectiveness of clicker training is highly dependent on the timing of the trainer. A good trainer will teach you how to effectively train your poodle while strengthening the bond between you. Try to keep commotion to a minimum. Do not take your puppy to show off to neighbors or friends. Friends and family may come to visit but keep the atmosphere calm and quiet. Puppies need to sleep about 16 hours per day. So please make sure your puppy gets enough rest for normal healthy growth. Increase the amount gradually. If puppies are leaving food in their bowl you are overfeeding or they are not feeling well. If a puppy skips a meal all together it is a Red Flag and action should be taken. Nuvet vitamins are recommended for the life of your poodle. Simply call .Order Code .There should be a nice layer of body mass but not too much tomake a fat puppy. Increase or decrease food intake if needed. Never pull your puppy along but let the puppy lead you around. I find it best to carry the puppy away from the house a little ways instead of trying to convince the puppy to walk away from the familiar area. Let the puppy initiate moving, do not force it. This process, done correctly, will be quick and your puppy will be walking on a leash in no time. We start crate familiarization training at 5 weeks. We recommend you follow up with this practice as puppies need their own safe feeling space to rest while they grow. Sit with your puppy and play around the crate. Throw toys in the crate so that your puppy has to go in and out of the crate. Puppies can even eat in their crate so as to not be distracted. Gradually increase the time your puppy spends each day in the crate. Afternoon naps in the crate are good conditioning. Your puppy should sleep in a crate at night. Do not leave a new puppy in a room alone at night. This would be traumatic to a young puppy in a new environment. If your puppy continues and shows panic then remove the puppy from the crate and go outside for a potty break. Then right back to the crate. Puppies should not be in crates at night more than 7 hours. Do not give your puppy food or water after pm unless the weather is too hot and it would be dangerous for the puppy to go without water. Poodles that are trained in such a way are much easier to live with should you need to travel with your poodle or if your poodle needs to stay outside the home when you are away. If you do your job to keep your puppy on a proper schedule and are disciplined in taking your puppy out at the proper times you should not be cleaning up any messes. When leaving your home for more than 3 hours, a young puppy should be placed in a crate. They can get caught on something and cause strangulation. Then only to the end of the block and back, if that. Figure what a child of 2 years and 4 months would be capable of doing. But this is what I have observed myself over the years. They learn about them in books no offence to your vet meant. Pick up training and introductions to new situations in a few days when your puppy is more at home. Remember, you are a stranger to your puppy. No one likes to be bossed around by a stranger. They will be scared and need reassurance. Your puppy will be sent home with a clean toy from Admiration. Do not take this toy and immediately wash it. If you are in an open area and wish to give your puppy a break on the trip home, always put the leash you have been provided by Admiration before opening any doors your puppy might slip through. Never yell at your poodle. Poodles are very smart and understand a displeased tone in your voice as well as body language. They are not deaf and yelling interferes with bonding. Be calm and assertive, your poodle will be a more secure dog if you are a gentle but firm authority figure. Never call the puppy to you and not enforce the command. Provide incentive for them to come to you, treats work best. Keep this in mind when taking your puppy to public places where there are other canines. Do not expose your puppy to strange dogs outside your home until your puppy is at least 4 months of age. Going to training classes and other controlled activities is recommended providing the other dogs are checked for current vaccines. When your puppy is old enough, 6 months or older, I recommend going to high end places where people walk their dogs. I find the poodles do not find Dog Parks enjoyable either, they tend to like more sophisticated activities. Below are some techniques that can be used in order to get past this issue. Dogs see us as most dominant when we approach standing erect with the front of our bodies towards the dog. So, approaching a dog with the proper body language is of utmost importance. These techniques should be done on a daily basis and in a controlled environment: Until the dog gets over the issue, do not approach the dog with your body front and hand extended. The dog will see this as dominant and it will enforce the habit. Always have arms and hands in a relaxed position hanging to the side of the body. When the dog comes to you to get the treat, then use a clicker to imprint this behavior. Let the dog come around the front of you on its own. Give another treat. Click again. Do not bend over and try to touch the dog. Have the dog follow you and give more treats. Talk to the dog in a high pitched happy tone. Let your dog drag a leash so that you can grab the leash and then start walking away from the dog. Have the dog follow you, reinforce with treats. Do not leave the dog unattended with a leash on. When the dog is in the house you can have them wear a diaper with a tail hole cut in it. Get a grooming table and have the dog sit on it in your home environment. Be sure you have the dog secured with a grooming arm or an eye hook in the wall. Never leave a dog unattended, not even for a moment, on a grooming table. Have them sit or lie on the table or up to an hour at a time. This brings the dog to your level. Dogs truly live in the land of the giants with humans and this is intimidating to some dogs. Bringing the dog up to eye level makes them feel secure. This exercise can be done while doing housework or watching TV or other common indoor activities. It can also be done outdoors providing you do not venture too far from the dog on the table. Groom your dog on a grooming table. Lay on your stomach and do the same. Walk your dog on a leash daily for at least 30 minutes. No yelling or hectic activity around the dog until this habit is resolved. Be patient please, your new puppy is in a strange environment and is showing stress with this habit. Never punish a dog for submissive urination. Please call if you have any situation come up that does not resolve easily. Having a new puppy should be a joyous experience. If you feel yourself getting exasperated something needs to be adjusted. I have answers to each situation so please contact me if something comes up. Jacki or

Fortunately, we have not yet had cancer or debilitating hip dysplasia reported back to us.The lighter colors are a popular trend in recent years and breeders must select for the lighter colors to produce them.Our Goldens have light cream to medium golden colored coats. Our puppies can range from very light to dark cream and sometimes into the medium golden shades as their adult coats grow in. There are no genetically pure white Golden Retrievers, nor should there be as it goes against the breed standard. They were originally bred to be a hunter's companion and yellow.Picking Your Puppy: The best way to pick a puppy is to to get to know it! So we give you all the time you need to make your choice. Here, you may visit the litters anytime by appointment and you actually pick your puppy on the day you take it home which is after the pre-purchase veterinary exam has been done. You should have the exam results before you pick your puppy! And vet's want to see the puppies as close to eight weeks as possible. Also, seven to eight weeks of age is when their personalities are starting to blossom, so you simply don't know what personality you're getting if you pick at a younger age. Male or Female? Generally speaking, males are devoted and loyal. Females are sweet and precocious. These tendencies relate to the breeding behaviors of each gender. Both are wonderful! When you visit us, you will see where and how we raise our puppies and you will get to meet both parents of your puppy. Since then, the breed has covered the globe! Since the lines and standards are different, over many decades the breed developed a bit differently in different parts of the world. The English standard allows for extremes of coat color and is the standard used in Europe, thus some European Goldens have lighter coats, a stockier build and sometimes a calmer demeanor. Some have more drive than others, but all Goldens can be taught to be calm start early! Use caution with anyone who advertises pups bred for coat color as there are dozens more important things to consider when choosing matings. Coat colors generally deepen during the first couple years. A light "cream" puppy can end up a light to medium golden color at years old. The off-white puppies will typically stay lighter as adults. There are no pure white Golden Retrievers, nor should there be as it not allowed in the breed standard. However, our veterinarian told us that these days most Goldens live full lives which is really good news! To help dogs live longer like they used to please discuss with your veterinarian about doing as few vaccinations as possible and doing titer testing to see if boosters are necessary. Also, a partial raw diet like chicken RAW skin, meat and bones may also help your pet live healthier and longer. And, for Golden Retrievers, waiting much longer to spay or neuter or not doing it at all can prevent disease and illness according to recent research. A veterinarian with 40 years of experience told us that tight hips determined by Penn Hip is highly heritable and the main factor in healthy hip joints over the life span of the dog. It's also important for breeders to do OFA hip assessments to know the conformation of the hip joint. Owners also need to manage your dog accordingly to avoid joint injuries.Moderation is key during the first two years of growth. Please note: There are various types of health testing available and sometimes a dog's results will vary between tests. And, a dog with an audible heart murmur can pass an echocardiogram test and have a heart with normal structure and flow and be cleared for breeding by the veterinarians. A dog with certain findings on an eye exam can be given a "BO" breeder option designation. Suffice to say, not all anomalies are heritable and ultimately "the proof is in the progeny". If any dog passes along abnormalities such as cardiac, renal or other defects , then it should not continue to be bred. The important thing is for the breeder to know what they have, cull when necessary, and to continually strive to make it all better with each generation. According to the vets, the good news is that nowadays most dogs live long, healthy lives. And we can not emphasize enough about mothering skills, reproductive efficiency, lactation and the weaning process. We let the dams naturally wean their puppies and stay with their litters even beyond eight weeks. Puppies from attentive and caring dams that are weaned gradually and naturally by their dams not abruptly at 6 weeks seem so well adjusted and that carries over to their interaction with humans! Think about it.She teaches the pups "No! This is not to say that the dam does the breeder's job of socializing, but the dam play's a crucial role as the puppy's first teacher.This makes our job of initially teaching the puppy what humans expect of it so much easier and most importantly less confusing and stressful for the pup!!! Just let us know if you would like to do this testing with your puppy and we'll do it together! It requires that a puppy be at least seven weeks old and does not know the tester. It's just a wink in time, but it can give you a clue as to your puppy's future tendencies. Through our years of experience, we find that at just eight weeks of age Golden puppies consistently either tend more toward a people-pleasing disposition.Many more personality traits will blossom in your puppy even after eight weeks and how you raise your puppy will teach it how to act for the rest of its life. Helpful hint: Start as soon as you get that pup in your possession and remain consistent. The more you yourself teach it, the deeper your pup will bond with you. Laura has also bred poultry, rabbit and fish since starting farming. After acquiring our first breeding Goldens, we now typically retain the best females from our own litters as breeding prospects. We own our studs who we obtain from other breeders we know who work constantly to improve the AKC Golden Retrievers from European lineages. Post not marked as liked4 about us About us Hello Friends! We here at Hoekema Homestead Goldens would be honored to invite you into our hearts and home as you await the arrival of your new fur friend! We take great pride in raising happy, healthy, and beautiful AKC English Cream Golden Retriever puppies and placing them in the perfect home. Golden Retrievers are definitely the perfect family dog as they are widely known for being incredibly intelligent, extremely trainable, devoted, loyal, gentle, eager to please and have an endearing love of life. We are thrilled to be able to have the opportunity to share this amazing breed with you and your family. We strive to provide an enriching environment for all our pups at the correct developmental stages of life to be able to enhance your lives once they are ready to go home with you. Great awareness and special attention have been put into early socialization, and we implement the Early Neurological Stimulation process on all our pups. Always hand raised and handled constantly and consistently by our loving family. This has been a key priority for us that we take great pride in as it shines in their personalities by the time they are ready to enter your home. We will do our very best to make sure the right pup is the perfect match for your family. Our puppies are from beautiful European bloodlines with light coats, stockier build, lower cancer rates and generally live longer than the more common American Golden Retriever. They are from the highest quality parents with strong pedigrees, great genetics, excellent temperaments and vet-approved health clearances. Check out the rest of our website to find all up-to-date information regarding our dogs, current and future litters, available puppies, Lots of gorgeous pictures in our gallery, additional info about us, our Puppy Health Guarantee and more. We at Hoekema Homestead Goldens hope you enjoy browsing our website. We are first and foremost about matching high quality English Cream Golden Retriever puppies with families who are looking for a healthy, happy, and beautiful four-legged companion. Let us know how we can be part of your journey in this process! Want to be in the know? Join our mailing list here. Be the 1st to know and recieve blog updates on current pups and notifications on future litters. Subscribe Now. Our Program Personality We understand that each English Cream Golden Retriever puppy has their own unique personality and temperament traits, including assertiveness, motivation, energy level, tenderheartedness, intensity, and focus. Our observation of their socialization and interaction with humans and other animals such as cats, provides important indicators for your puppy's needs and lifestyle. Family Looking for a lifelong companion for your children? Our English Cream Golden Retriever puppies are loving, happy, and easygoing playmates, who not only create great memories but also promote emotional and physical development. From building self-esteem to developing empathy and responsibility, our companion puppies have many positive impacts on children. Socialization At Golden Beaches, we believe in providing our puppies with the essential socialization necessary to become lifelong companions. Our multi-pet household allows our puppies to have early exposure to cats, which promotes respect and understanding for other animals and children. This socialization also benefits cats by overcoming fears and promoting positive behavior. Many of our clients with multi-pet households have found this approach beneficial, and some have even added a kitten to their family after starting out with one of our puppies. Nutrition At Golden Beaches, we prioritize the health and well-being of our Golden Retrievers by providing them with premium, holistically formulated dog food from puppyhood to adulthood. Our food has never been recalled and is packed with nutrients and protein, ensuring that our dogs have shiny coats, bright eyes, and long-term benefits. We believe that good nutrition is key to keeping our dogs healthy and happy, so we take the time to ensure that they receive the best possible care, socialization, and early training. Adventure Experience the great outdoors with your athletic, water-loving Golden Retriever. Our playful companions are the perfect adventure buddies for hiking, swimming, and exploring nature. With our Goldens, you'll make unforgettable memories while staying active and healthy. Join us on our journey and let us help you embrace the beauty of nature with your beloved furry friend. Confidence At Golden Beaches, we prioritize the early development of our puppies by exposing them to different sights, smells, and sounds. We even play various genres of music and sounds to help them adapt to new environments. Our approach includes using evaluation methods like the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test, as well as introducing them to different activities and tests. Through these efforts, we gain a better understanding of your pup's unique level of confidence, ensuring they will be comfortable in any situation.

She posted a photo of a stunning white and vintage-piped cake. The one problem? The front had a gaping hole from apparent bite marks. Next, she posted a photo of Lord Chesterfield, explaining that he took a big bite out of the dessert. Last February, the Morning Show star, who is also dog mom to Clyde and Sophie, shared an adorable video of herself getting in a workout session at her home while being interrupted by Lord Chesterfield and Clyde. The second Instagram Reel began with Aniston doing twisted crunches as her furry friends — who can't seem to get enough of her — got under her legs while playing tug of war with a stuffed animal. Her sizable white dog Chesterfield was later captivated by the kettlebell that the Friends alum was holding in the footage and even started copying her moves as she completed her squat reps. The video then ended with the dog giving a close-up to the camera. Aniston has long been an animal lover. She previously had two other dogs — Dolly, a white German Shepherd, and Norman, a Welsh corgi — who sadly died in and , respectively. But I have to be very sensitive to Clyde and Sophie because it's all about whether they are going to be happy. Related Articles. What am I supposed to do while everyone is singing? Am I supposed to make eye contact with everyone, or should I look at the cake? As it turns out, even dogs feel a bit confused when hearing the infamous birthday song. Especially on a pup's first birthday--it's a whole new experience! It's even more complicated when there's a delicious birthday treat around, too. Rex the Chocolate Labrador just turned one on September 5, and he was such a good boy when he was presented with his special cupcake. Of course, he also heard 'Happy Birthday' for the very first time--and his reaction is too sweet! View the original article to see embedded media. What a good boy! R3xdog is noticeably confused by his family's full attention, but he seems to be enjoying it nonetheless. After all--he is a Labrador Retriever , and his breed is known for friendliness and affection! This sweet dog may only be one year old, but he's already endured a lot in his short life. He was born with a deformity in one of his front legs and then was neglected by his breeder as a puppy. Thank goodness he was rescued and found by a family who loves him for exactly who he is! It's clear that Rex makes his family incredibly happy--just look at this dog's birthday party --but his sad start is exactly the reason why breeding is becoming so unethical. It's hard to know for sure, but his deformity could be a consequence of reckless breeding. But the way his breeder treated him because of his difference is unacceptable. Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video , and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.

In the cute clip , which was shared to TikTok by user Nicole C nicolemc81 on January 15, the puppies can be seen following their mom down the hallway. Some possess grace and poise, while others not so much, with some pups getting easily distracted or falling flat on their face as they run. The video had dog lovers in hysterics, with the adorable family receiving over , likes on the channel. A stock photo of golden retriever puppies chasing their mom around the garden. One TikToker called the cute clip as a "parade of happiness. However, the average is five to six puppies for most breeds. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the largest litter size ever recorded was 24 puppies. In , a mastiff called Tia gave birth to the enormous litter in Cambridgeshire in the U. Born by cesarean section, Tia delivered 15 male puppies and nine females. An Australian dog named Shadow—also a mastiff—came a close second, after giving birth to 21 puppies in , while a Dalmatian gave birth to 16 puppies in —topping Pongo and Perdita from the Disney movie Dalmatians, who only had .Not quite a record-breaker, but a German shepherd named Unity gave birth to 16 potential guide dogs in January .As they are also half-golden retriever, Guide Dogs U. I am planning on buying a baby golden retriever, and I was just wondering what age I should buy it at. I've heard from 6 weeks to 10 weeks. I'm not sure. I want it to be healthy so please give me an accurate age. Also, I was wondering about the price range, so if you could add that in your answer it would be greatly appreciated. Answer by millypeed The minimum age to buy a Golden Retriever puppy is 8 weeks, but it's better to wait until 10 to 12 weeks, pups need to stay with mum and siblings until then, even though they have been weaned and are eating solid food they will learn vital socialization skills in these last few weeks. Answer by TJ First, let's break this down just a bit. Separating a LITTER from their mother is part of the weaning process, and is a completely different thing to when the litter is split up and the pups sent to new homes. With my breed, we separate the litter as a litter from their mother at 5 weeks, obviously way too young to send to new homes. I will not split up a litter before 8 weeks but will split them up before 10 weeks. The reason for 8 weeks is because we have their eyes CERF examined at 8 weeks. The reason for 10 weeks is because fear memory is said to develop during the 11th week. Price ranges from A to Z. I just know that there are only two places that I would get a Golden from. June Atkinson Holway Goldens Answer by Melissa S 8 weeks to ten weeks, any younger is too young, the longer it stays with the mother the better because in those first 8 to 10 weeks the mother gives them the milk, weens them onto food, and also passes down good behavior, she keeps them in their place, and usually, the pups are healthier at this age, and bigger to cope with the separation anxiety. Answer by T weeks. The price I have no idea with this breed. However, I'm sure other people will answer that for you. Do you have your heart set on buying from a privet party? Answer by Amanda H No sooner than 8 weeks, but 10 weeks is better. Some states have laws against selling puppies under 8 weeks. I would say expect to spend at least 1, Know better? Give your own answer to this question! See other posts in dog price , golden retriever , puppy Reader Interactions. It is after birth that you might need to help keep her clean and comfortable. The lactating dog needs to eat a high quality puppy food that is high in protein and calcium. This will allow her to produce substantial amounts of milk. She should eat puppy food until the puppies are weaned. Let her eat as much as she wants, which can often be four times her non-pregnant intake. You cannot overfeed her during this period, as making milk for puppies requires a lot of calories. Be aware that the first hours after giving birth, she is likely not going to eat much of anything at all. Getting too much calcium can set her up for milk fever later on. Milk fever is caused by a significant drop in blood calcium levels and typically occurs weeks into lactation. This can lead to seizures because the calcium levels in the blood are too low. If you suspect milk fever, seek immediate veterinary attention. During the first weeks, the new mom will be very busy keeping track and taking care of the puppies. It will be important for her to have access to them to keep the puppies warm and fed and clean. Take her out for short bathroom breaks for only minutes. While she is outside and away from her puppies is a good time to change her bedding, keep her bed clean from soil at all times. A groomer or your veterinarian can do this procedure if you do not feel comfortable or do not have the equipment. Mammary gland infections mastitis do occur and can get very serious very quickly. If you see mammary glands that are very red or purple , hard, hot or painful, there is a problem. In some cases, mastitis has the potential to kill the nursing mother dog. If you suspect mastitis, take the dog immediately to your veterinarian. Even if you have to take her to an emergency veterinary hospital, it must happen immediately. It is normal for you to see vaginal discharge from the momma dog for a few weeks up to 8 weeks after birth. This discharge can look brownish red and look stringy. Occasionally a mild odor will be noticed. If you see yellow, green or gray material, or notice a foul odor, take your dog to your veterinarian. She may have an infection in her uterus. Unless she is filthy, wait a few weeks to give her a bath with a mild oatmeal shampoo formulated for dogs. Otherwise until then just wipe her down with a clean, warm, damp cloth to remove any blood, placental fluid or fecal matter. They should eat every hours at minimum. Happy puppies are sleeping puppies; if they are crying a lot, they may not be getting enough nutrition. Check for fat little bellies and clean coats to signal that they are well cared for. Try weighing the puppies on a digital scale to make sure that they are gaining weight every day. Puppies should double their weight in the first week. Do not disregard a puppy looking skinnier or less active than the other puppies. Take him to your veterinarian right away. He may require supplemental feeding or other help. If after the first few days, you see the rest of the puppies growing and one that is still small and skinny, this may be a sign of insufficient feeding or another problem. It should be a solid surface without any holes into the sinuses. Consult your veterinarian if there are any concerns. Take the puppy to a vet right away for an exam immediately. Newborn puppies, like newborn humans, can get sick and dehydrated quickly. As the puppies get older and more mobile, the confined area will get messier. Cleaning up after the puppies at least times per day will be needed to keep the whelping box sanitary. Puppies need healthy socialization to their new world, including introductions to people. Hold each puppy several times per day. Get the puppies accustomed to being touched everywhere on their bodies so that it will not seem strange when they are older. Mom might get protective and be a bit aggressive toward humans, this is normal, so prevent children from bothering the puppies. Socialization starts in earnest at two to three weeks of age. It is important to handle the pups several times a day at this age, and start introducing strangers and children so they get used to different voices and appearances. Do this and you are laying a great foundation for their future. If you are selling or giving away the puppies, wait until they are 8 weeks old before handing them over to the new owners. In some states, like California, it is illegal to sell or give away puppies before 8 weeks of age. Puppies should be fully weaned and eating dog food on their own before they leave for a new home. Starting a deworming and vaccination program is often recommended before the pup leaves.

These tips will also help you to advance your dog so that, eventually, you can trust them to be off the leash in a safe area. Don't release your dog until they can demonstrate knowledge and obedience on the long leash and in many different settings. To begin with, walk them in the house and in the yard. Dogs learn 'contextually and by repetition'. These hints will help you to become the pack leader. Be certain that this is only reason that your dog will follow you. Make time to walk your dog Whether you walk your dog in the morning or evening will be influenced by your program. Whenever you exercise your dog, the walk should allow for 'focused time' and 'free time'. Two leashes will facilitate this. If they are under 12 months old, take some water with you. Also take a back-pack and a treat belt available on Ebay. I recommend no more than thirty minutes of walking in total for a dog under 14 months old as their growth plates are not set until this time. Be careful of overly vigorous activity, particularly if you have an older but playful dog. I don't recommend running for more than very short bursts for the same reason. Healthy hips and elbows are critical for a healthy, active and long life. Use two leashes - a long leash approx 7m and a short leash approx 1m Start your walk with the labrador pup on a short leash. The short leash will help you to direct and guide the dog. This allows you to maintain full control over your dog. Set up your walk for success. Start by getting the dog to sit or at the least be stationary and under your control. As you begin, keep your dog behind your body alignment. Be patient and encourage your dog. Do not show aggressive frustration. This will only cause confusion and fear or aggression. If your dog is not complying, stop and reset. You are the master Walking in front of your dog demonstrates that you are the master or the pack leader. You should be first out the door. The dogs should exit the compound only at your command. This is essential whether you are walking 1, 2 or more dogs. If your dog controls the pace and direction of the walk, they are the pack leader. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk. Dogs learn contextually The next two hints are important training essentials. Firstly, labradors learn contextually and their training in not immediately transferable to a new environment. Using the same disciplines and routines, train your dog the same way in different settings. This will entrench your expectations. Correct immediately Secondly, a labrador has about a five second retention of information. After five seconds the dog has lost any association between your assertiveness and their behaviour. If they disobey you, you must correct them within five seconds or not at all. If the dog is disobedient or simply does not understand, reset and start again. The long leash I'm a big fan of the long leash. A long leash will help you to correct bad behaviour at a distance. After a period of training with the short leash, remove it and connect the longer lead. Keep the leash in your hand, releasing it slowly and progressively. As they master this, you can back away while the dog is 'sitting and staying'. Reward your labrador pup with vigorous affection and a treat. After this, you should allow them to wander and sniff around. All this time you will keep your dog on the long leash and under your control. Be sure that the free time is less than their focus time. During the socialisation phase, 8 - 16 weeks, you will need both leashes as you expose your labrador pup to other dogs. As you walk your dog, you will come across small and large dogs that are aggressive. Walking on either leash will give your complete control. And it will ensure safety at all time. You new labrador pup has no innate road sense. Walk them, getting close to roads. Expose them to vehicles so that they do not panic. Reward your dog for good behaviour. Remember that dogs register tones and frequencies, not words. Use higher tones to affirm, reward and encourage. You approval is the greatest reward for a Labrador. Direct eye contact without high vocal affirmation will be interpreted as aggression. Use lower growling tones to reinforce disapproval. Try to avoid 'No' as a command. It is too general and therefore confusing to the dog. Always reward and reinforce obedience to specific commands. Use food treats to begin with, however you must gradually phase them out. Your vocal affirmation and affection should be your longer term goal. As your dog maintains the proper behaviour, reward them with treats. Reward your dog after the walk I recommend that you reward your labrador pup after the walk. Let them have a drink firstly then give them a portion of food that is less than a meal but more than a treat. It will not take long for your dog to anticipate the whole experience. When you appear with the leashes, they will become very enthusiastic. If you adhere to these eight hints and maintain the discipline of your training, you and your dog will value and enjoy the experience. Finally, remember to pick up after your dog. Don't go on a walk without your poop bags on hand! Find a vet you can have confidence in. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Whether young or old, big or small, yellow, black, chocolate, from field lines or show lines, your Labrador needs exercise. It will keep their heart and muscles strong, their mind stimulated and their weight under control. But how much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors Are a High Energy Breed The Labrador Retriever is a high energy working breed, initially bred for very physically demanding work retrieving game for hunters. This would involve all day hiking, running and swimming in sometimes difficult conditions. So Labrador Retrievers were bred to have lots of energy and be very active. And though their main role in life today is as a family pet, they still have those same genetics that made them suited to their original role. Dog Ball Thrower. Yes, you can throw a tennis ball extra far with the Chuckit, but two reasons why I love it: 1. In this state they will often resort to destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing…and will often be very restless, may bark excessively and try to escape your home and garden at every opportunity. Insufficient exercise can also lead to weight problems with Labradors. Excess weight is a problem because it can lead to all sorts of problems such as damage to their joints hips and elbows , heart disease, increased blood pressure and increases the risk of diabetes. So a lack of exercise leads to behavioral problems, hyperactivity and possibly an assortment of health problems. However, as a general rule of thumb, a normally healthy adult Labrador Retriever will need 1 hour of exercise every day. The more relaxed Labs just 45 minutes per day, the more energetic 1. This can be made up of running, swimming, playing fetch , jogging alongside you…anything that goes beyond a gentle walk. But if the first consideration is your Labradors age, how much do puppies and the elderly need? Nice for long runs with your Lab. If you have older dogs or children, the puppy may well try to keep up with them and over-exert themselves, playing to exhaustion and damage their developing joints. So keep an eye on them and interrupt play if need be, to give them plenty of rest. Once they are fully grown, they can go out for much longer. The 5 minute rule should be sufficient to keep your lab puppy fit, burn off excess energy yet not over-exert them and cause possible developmental issues. Continue the 5 minute rule until your puppy is at least one year of age where you can then begin to exercise them more vigorously. This is highly dependent on your labs overall health and can vary wildly from one Labrador to another. Some labs may need to slow down from the 7th year onwards, while others remain extremely active beyond their 10th year. As Labradors get older, many develop arthritis, dysplasia and other health issues that can prevent a Labrador from enjoying or needing exercise as much as they used to when young and healthy. They will likely still try to chase a tennis ball all day and hike mountains just to please you, even if it may be doing them more harm than good. Try not to put them in this position. As your Labrador ages, you need to be more observant , looking for changes in their movement, excessive panting, slowing down, feeling tired. And during grooming sessions and massage, check for any painful spots indicative of sore joints or other problems. We noticed Linus was stiff getting up in the morning and decided to try adding glucosamine to his diet. We saw a noticeable difference a few days later and an added spring in his step. If your Labrador tears around your home like a tornado. If your Lab displays any of the restless and destructive symptoms described above, try increasing their levels of exercise for a few days and see if their behavior problems improve. However, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket you might want to check out PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher. Over-exercising very young and elderly Labradors can do more harm than good. For your adolescent and adult Labrador, exercise them well. As a general rule of thumb, aim for 1hr per day and scale this up or down depending on your Labradors individual needs. This could mean 45 mins for the more sedate and elderly, or 1. And at the end of the day, think of it like this: You have the best exercise machine to rival that of any gym to keep you fit and healthy yourself. And hey, what fun!!! What better motivation and need is there to keep yourself in shape? Do you mostly agree with the above? Please let us know in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. While naturally athletic and full of energy, they need to be well exercised in order to expend their high energy. Labrador needs to be trained and exercised from the time they are puppies, otherwise, they can become destructive and difficult to control. A well-trained and healthy Labrador can also excel as service and guide dogs. In fact, the military and the police consistently use Labradors in search and rescue, hunting and as performance dogs. To realize the full potential of a Labrador they should be exercised regularly and correctly as puppies. In this article, we will show you how you can exercise your Labrador puppy so that it grows into the perfect companion for you. To learn more about this fascinating field, be sure to check out our in-depth article, Labradors as Service and Therapy Dogs. They were ideal for the task as they can run chase and swim in some of the most difficult conditions. This quality, combined with their strong sense of smell and sturdy body structure, makes them ideal for demanding physical work. While currently, they are the most popular choice as indoor family dogs, they are genetically programmed to handle high-energy activities. Their bodies crave lots of physical activity and if they are not given opportunities to expend their high energy they can become destructive. Labradors Gain Weight Easily Labs are strong and sturdy dogs and, consequently, tend to be voracious eaters. A lack of exercise can easily cause them to put on the extra pounds. An overweight Labrador is prone to all sorts of health problems and excessive weight may lead to issues like heart problems, hip, and joint damage, increase blood pressure, etc. An obese Labrador cannot be a helpful member of your family, nor can it achieve its full physical potential. To have your Labrador mature into a good companion and be of service, he must be in good health. Involving your Lab in activities that fit his genetic makeup is the key to keeping him in good health. Hyperactivity and destructive behavior A lack of activity can cause your Labrador to become bored and can result in hyperactive behavior. If they have not been exercised well from the time they are puppies it may lead them to become disobedient and uncontrollable as mature dogs. Their naturally pleasant personalities can turn sour with excessive barking, restlessness, and hyperactivity. Most owners become puzzled when their Labradors exhibit personality problems, unaware that the cause of this is rooted mostly in the lack of proper exercise and properly expending energy as puppies. Loss of Muscle Mass Since Labradors are genetically muscular and well-built, lack of exercise can harm their natural body shape as they lose muscle tone. This can also lead to impaired organ function and can also have an impact on their nervous systems. After their first three months, however, you will need to provide avenues for expending their ever-increasing energy. After 3 months of age, a puppy needs a minimum of at least 45 minutes to 1 hour of exercise per day. As the puppy matures, you can gradually increase his activity levels. At 4 months old, begin with 5 minutes of planned, regular exercise per day. After that, increase his exercise gradually by 5 minutes for each additional month of age. When your Lab hits its first year, you can also consider a well-planned exercise regimen in addition to his daily natural playtime. This dedicated exercise time will become increasingly necessary as your Labrador moves into adulthood. With his increasing levels of energy, it may become increasingly difficult to control him. Walking is a low impact exercise and can easily be done almost anywhere. No equipment is necessary and most owners can engage in this activity along with their puppies. All puppies enjoy running. It may be too early for the puppy to run with you but you can certainly do a few minutes of running a day with the puppy so that he gets used to it. While most dogs are on a leash you will also see that some owners manage to train their dogs to run beside them without a leash. This is achieved by training the dog when it is a puppy. So some early running is advisable but not too much in the initial months. It is an excellent activity and is loaded with lots of adventure for your puppy. Regular hiking trips on a mountain trail or through forested areas can bring great joy to your Labrador puppy as there are a lot of interesting scents and scenes that are exciting for them. Just be aware that may be difficult to keep them on the path at first as they will be eager to chase after anything that moves. Labradors are natural swimmers and their bodies develop excellently if swimming is added into their exercise regimen. Swimming is a full-body exercise and strenuous enough to expend all the energy of the puppy. Initially, you should limit the swim time in order to ensure that the dog does not overtire itself. Swimming also cools down the puppy and they get a lot of pleasure playing in the water. Related: But is it true that all Labradors are naturals when it comes to water? Playing fetch. Lab puppies love to play fetch. All Lab owners inevitably find this out and it is often the most preferred type of play for your dog. Labradors, with their natural retrieving trait, usually take to this game early on. All you need is their favorite toy to throw and a lot of space for the puppy to run and fetch the toy. Usually, owners use toys like balls or sticks but the beauty of the activity is that almost any object can be used for this game. Agility training. This exercise is more for puppies whom the owners would like to prepare for competitions. Agility training involves activities such as the puppy going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. This requires a proper agility training course and the puppy has to be trained to engage in the activity. It is advised that Labrador owners wait until the puppy is at least one year to start agility training activities. It is a common sight to see dogs and owners playing Frisbee, in playgrounds and yards. Frisbees is an exciting activity for your puppy that engages all his muscle groups. It includes jumping, leaping and running, all of which are important and healthy activities for a Labrador. This also involves their favorite pastime, retrieving, which Labrador puppies will enjoy. Ensure that the Frisbee is light and flexible as it can harm the puppy if thrown with force. How to Exercise Your Lab Puppy Indoors While most owners can take their puppies outside for exercise, some may not be able to do this. This could be due to extreme weather conditions like rain, snow or heat, or just the lack of accessibility to open areas, such as if you live in an apartment complex that does not have a pet-friendly facility. It can be difficult in these cases to ensure that the puppy gets the exercise it needs but there are ways to get around this inconvenience. Here are some ways you can exercise your puppy indoors. Use a treadmill. While it may seem surprising for many, a puppy can be trained to use and enjoy a treadmill. While it may not happen immediately, you can get the dog used to the treadmill slowly. Start with getting them used to the sight and sound of the treadmill in action. Briefly put the puppy on the treadmill. Try this for only around 5 minutes at first and then increase the time gradually. Once the puppy gets adjusted to the activity you can increase the pace for an adequate workout session. Play fetch. It can be tricky when you play fetch indoors as space is constrained and there could also be accidents and breakage of valuables. So it is best to prepare a fetch course for the puppy. Clear out parts of the house so that there is a clear path for the puppy to run without breaking or hitting anything. You may not have enough room in your place to create a long running path but that is okay. It may be difficult to do for one hour and may become boring for the puppy. It can be combined with other indoor activities to provide adequate exercise time and fun. Obstacle courses. Since an indoor exercise area can be limited you can maximize your indoor space to do more with it. An ideal way to accomplish this is with an obstacle course. You can create an obstacle course with everyday objects and supplies found around the house. For example, old tubes and cardboard boxes for tunnels, chairs for jumping across, stools for climbing, etc. Plan out your own course in a way that makes the puppy to crawl, jump, run and climb. Initially, the puppy may not get the idea but with effective use of treats and encouragement can help it learn. While not necessarily the best exercise for the puppy, it is certainly good for the overall strength and muscle building. The neck, jaws, legs, and torso get a good workout with some intense tug of war activity. It is also great fun for both the owner and the pup. A good way to start a tug of war is to wait until the puppy is biting or chewing a non-food object — anything that will not encourage the puppy to chew on inappropriate household items. Hold on to one end of the object and start pulling. The puppy usually cannot resist pulling off the object from your hands. This will lead to a tug of war and the more you engage in it the puppy will find it thrilling. Hide the treat. This is another fun activity and will keep your puppy active. You can take any treat that the puppy likes, have them smell it, and then quickly run with it and hid it in hard to get a place like under the rug on a slightly high chair or table or behind a door. When you hide it does ensure that it is not impossible by slightly difficult to reach. If it is impossible to reach the puppy may lose interest in the game. Also, ensure that you do not place in areas that can be potentially risky of the puppy. Other than these you can come up with many fun games to keep your puppy active, like playing with bubbles or playing hide and seek. The two puppies will naturally play and exercise with each other. Depending on the age you can have longer durations but do not engage in any exercise before the first 3 months are completed. In the fourth month, you can start with 5 minutes of playing, throwing the ball, or walking. Walking is easier if the puppy does not yet know how to do fetch. Continue doing this at approximately the same time each day so that the dog is accustomed to and ready for the activity. Choose a schedule that works best for you and that you can keep consistently — such as after you come home from work or early in the morning. In the fifth month, you can increase the time to 10 minutes. Do not worry if the exercise is not continuous in the beginning. Maybe you can get the puppy used to the leash and lightly jog along with it. In the sixth month, you can increase the time to 15 minutes with a greater intensity of activity. By this time you will also notice that the puppy has gained a lot of energy and can do the activities with vigor. Following this pattern, you can increase his exercise time a few minutes each month so that by the fifteenth month the puppy will be getting an intensive 1-hour exercise daily. Choosing Activities for Exercising the Labrador Puppy Most new Lab owners are unsure about which exercises to choose for the puppy. The best course is to initially try out a variety of exercises. Maybe you can switch activities every three days. Try walking a few days, the other days jogging and then throw and fetch. As you progress and the puppy engages in more activities you will find a few that the puppy enjoys the most. When that is identified try to include those more. Always remember that mental stimulation is equally as important as physical activity, so come up with interesting activities and add variety every once in a while. Do not force the puppy to do activities that they dislike. Also, if some days the puppy does not seem energetic or is sick you can skip those days. The activity should be tiring but not exhausting; a good way to gauge this is to check if the puppy is enjoying the activity and is fully involved. If its interest seems waning them maybe it is time to stop or change the activity. Keep It Fun Puppies only want to have fun. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. Also, include an ample amount of both physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will be the result. If the puppy seems ill or in pain, it is best to not exercise that day. You can choose a milder form of activity like a leisurely walk if you are unsure. Slow and steady is a good rule to follow. Have the right equipment for exercise whether it is a toy or a leash and take adequate safety precautions While swimming is an excellent exercise, do not force the puppy into water. Let him get used to the water gradually before making him swim. Initially, if the puppy cannot swim, a life jacket or any floatation device could be used for safety. Do not take the puppy outdoors if the weather conditions are extreme. Avoid exposing the puppy to any extreme weather condition be it rain, heat or snow. Do activities indoors on those days. In warmer seasons, early morning and late in the day are ideal for outdoor activities. Try to take the puppy for outdoor exercise during those times to avoid overheating. Keep plenty of water available if you are engaging in outdoor activities. Take frequent breaks, especially if the activity is too strenuous or is new to your puppy. Check the puppy for scrape and bruise after the activities. In the activities, if the puppy hurts itself take necessary steps for its care. Check with the vet before you start on an exercise regimen and keep the vet updated on your observations If you have the puppy on a leash try to not jerk or pull on the leash suddenly. It can hurt you as well as the puppy. Do not pull on the leash too hard to curb the puppy from going towards any object or animal, instead, you can physically pick up the puppy and move away from the distraction. When running or walking on remember that the paws of the puppy may need time to toughen up and may hurt sometimes. Pavements can be very hot on summer days even after the heat subsides, so be alert to how the puppy reacts. Because puppies are covered in fur, watch signs of excessive panting or wet paw prints sweat glands tend to be near the paws Try to have softer surfaces for walking or running like a lawn or soft sand. Too much of anything is never good — including exercise. There is an active debate going about the optimum amount of exercise for puppies. While everyone agrees that exercise is necessary the limits have not yet been clearly defined. It is better to err on the side of safety. A good 15 minutes to one hour depending on the age of the puppy is recommended. Beyond that, it depends on the fitness and endurance of the particular puppy and the activity itself. It would also be better to split up the time between morning and evening. This will ensure that you do not overtax the puppy. Do remember also that the puppy will be active during the day too so too much activity may tire out the puppy and lead to injuries as well. There is no easy approach or any hard and fast rules. It is better to let common sense influence your decisions in this matter. Also, talk to a vet and get his or her opinions as they will have greater insights into the condition of the puppy. No, if you are feeding a balanced and nutritious diet then the exercise alone does not warrant increasing its food intake. In fact, this may have adverse effects and lead to unnecessary weight gain. It is better to also seek advice from your vet in this matter before changing anything. If a Lab owner is unable to properly exercise their puppy then it would be better to hire someone to do this. While the owner is the best person to exercise with the puppy, life situations and work-related inconveniences can lead to an inability to exercise the puppy. In such cases, someone who will properly care for your puppy, like a relative, a family friend, or an agency that offers such services can be given this responsibility. Exercising your Labrador puppy can be a fun activity but what also matters is the bonding and enjoyment that result from this activity. A good exercise regimen benefits the owner as well as the puppy. So commit today to exercise your Labrador puppy and watch it grow into a good-natured, happy, and healthy dog. Since that seemed unbased in hard science and more on opinion sure, there were a few "science" and research backed studies but nothing convincing: I mean, really, who's actually funding that type of thing, ha ha , I finally shut out the noise and used common sense. Example: My kid slept through the night by three months using no newfangled sleep training techniques! Luckily, he's not emotionally damaged or not attached to me or anything - at least not yet, he's not old enough to blame me for his problems! So, I've been unable to get consistent advice on this whole exercise thing. When did this theory 5-minute rule originate? What formal study was done, using tests and controls to say, "Yes, this is a guideline we saw in XYZ breeds at XYZ ages using XYZ time limits, finding that joint health in senior dogs occurs when this happens? I know, I know, this is my cross to bear as an academically trained researcher and information science person. So, with my 15 week puppy, I've decided to go with common sense. No excessively rough play, no five-mile hikes or jogs, etc. Just good ol' fashioned no-strings-attached fun. Because of my confusion I'm terrified I'm damaging my dog!! Same thing when I was getting my kid to sleep. I draw this parallel because in both instances, the root of each theory was to avoid "damage" in any way. I'm not being inflammatory at all, just it's my response to the conflicting advice I've been hearing. I also know if that's all Mindy got, she'd be miserable! I did read Pippa's book and love the site - this is just my response to it all. I also wonder how many people are truly adhering or even aware of this guideline and still have healthy dogs, or the reverse. Causation can't always be correlation. Any thoughts? Exercise, Growth, and Joints Exercise Labradors not only love exercise, they need exercise. We all look forward to taking our puppy for a walk, however it is important not to over-exercise your puppy. In natural play, puppies will romp until they are tired and then stop to lay down for rest. When walking a puppy on a leash, they cannot stop when they normally would for rest. Too much exercise or walking can severely damage their bone and joint structures irreversibly. This should be taken seriously. THE RULE is: No more than 5 minutes of exercise for every month of age So that means, at 2 months old 8 weeks , your puppy only needs to exercise or walk for 10 minutes per day. At 3 months of age 15 minutes of exercise and so on. If you walk your puppy too far too soon, your puppy may develop hip and elbow dysplasia as they get older. Labradors have been known to develop dysplasia younger than other breeds of dogs. In many of these cases, it is often due to environmental factors such as over-exercise, running on hard or strenuous surfaces such as concrete or sand , continual jumping or agility work. Things to avoid with your puppy: No jumping in or out of car, especially larger cars. Lift the dog or use a ramp. No throwing balls or frisbee great distances for your puppy to chase. The sudden stopping and over reaching with the front legs is dangerous. No agility, jumping or flyball before years old Do not let other dogs knock or push the puppy over continually, includes body-slamming Avoid much stair climbing which can increase the risk of dysplasia No fast turns or roll-overs Good exercise: Swimming is great, since there is no weight-bearing impact on their joints. Remember, labradors love water! Walking on leash, for no longer than the recommended length of time for their age Self-directed play is an overriding rule for any puppy under 18 months old. The majority of exercise should be free play, exploring, and noodling around Hide and seek games are fantastic, as the dog can move at its own pace looking for its toy or treat or you. Size is a factor as large dogs, especially ones that like to play with paw whacks, can inadvertently injury a young puppy. Supervised play is critical. You need to teach the puppy a release command. All these games are forms of exercise for puppies and are a great way to help your puppy learn useful lifelong skills and qualities. Growth plates and bones: Development and injury Growth Plates Growth plates are soft areas that sit at the ends of the long bones in puppies and young dogs. They contain rapidly dividing cells that allow bones to grow longer until the end of puberty. Growth plates gradually thin as the hormonal changes approaching puberty signal the growth plates to close. In puppies, this closure normally completes between 18 to 24 months old in labradors. After sexual maturity, the growth plates calcify and the rapid cell division ends. The growth plates become a stable, inactive part of the bone, now known as an epiphyseal line. Dogs bones are held together with muscles, tendons and ligaments soft tissue. In an adult dog, if a joint experiences a stress such as bending the wrong way or rotating too much, the bones will hold firm and soft tissue will be pulled, resulting in a sprain or tear. Why this matters so much, is that unlike a sprain, injuries to the growth plate may not heal properly or not heal in time for the puppy to grow up straight and strong. Injury to a growth plate can result in a misshapen or shortened limb, which creates an incorrect angle to a joint resulting in yet more future injuries when he grows up, including dysplasia. These xray images show open and closed growth plates in a puppy and adult dog. Bone Strength In addition to having soft growth plates at the end of long bones, puppies bones in general are softer. Spiral fractures of the tibia lower leg bone are very common in puppies. A spiral fracture is where the bottom half of the bone twists in the opposite direction of the top half. Any exercise that puts torque twist on a bone puts the puppy at risk of a fracture. For an example, movements such as twisting and turning suddenly can cause these type of fractures. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This is where we recommend you read our Health and Genetic Testing page, where we talk about hip and elbow dysplasia. It is critical that you, as a puppy owner, understand as much as you can about hip and elbow dysplasia, how you can help prevent it, and what your breeder should be testing for. On the other hand, an underfed or malnourished puppy or dog is also at higher risk of injury. Muscles mass directly influences strength, likewise inadequate calcium and nutrients affect bone density. A body condition score of about is healthy for a young puppy. Once an adult, the ideal body condition score would be about 5 for a healthy, fit labrador. Sterilisation Desexing In larger breeds, sterilising young puppies at a young age has shown to increase the risk of joint disorders and injury. We recommend sterilisation occurs between 24 months old for this reason. This recommendation is outlined in our Health Guarantee. We discuss this more under Desexing or Sterilisation. Tweet on Twitter Puppy exercise requirements vary between different types of dog, and as a puppy grows the exercise they need will increase. It is possible to give a puppy too much exercise so I will give you a puppy exercise chart, as a guide to how far a puppy can walk at different ages. Taking your new puppy for a walk We all look forward to the day we can take our new puppy for a walk. For many people, daily dog walks is a huge part of why they bought a Labrador in the first place. Others already take quite small puppies for quite long walks and are surprised to discover that many experts believe this to be a bad thing. So just how much exercise does a puppy really need? How much exercise does a puppy need? This rule of thumb says that a puppy should have no more than five minutes of walking for every month of his age. So that would be fifteen minutes a day maximum for a three month old puppy, twenty minutes for a four month old and so on. This concern about excessive exercise has arisen because it is widely believed that exercise is a factor in the development of serious joint disorders. Especially in larger breed puppies such as Labradors Breeders are particularly concerned about hip dysplasia, a serious and complex disorder of the hip joints, that is believed to be influenced both by inherited factors passed from dogs to their puppies and by environmental factors In addition to factors influencing growth rates, the stresses and strains placed on the vulnerable growing joint by excessive exercise are believed to be a contributory environmental factor in the development of inadequate hip joints. It seems likely, that a puppy that had inherited a tendency for poor hips, could have its soft and still forming hip joints made a good deal worse through prolonged or hard exercise. It is also possible that a puppy that has inherited excellent hips, will come to no harm whatsoever through hard exercise. On the contrary, a certain amount of free running exercise is a good thing Running off-leash A Norwegian study published and which included labradors, showed that puppies given the opportunity to exercise off leash in a park before the age of three months were less likely to develop hip dysplasia HD , not more. Stair climbing The same study showed that puppies that had to climb stairs on a regular basis during the same period were at increased risk of HD You can read about this study in Science Daily. So what does this study tell us? Well, it is only one study, but it suggests that playing in a natural way, with other pups or simply running about at their own speed is probably going to benefit a small puppy Strenuous exercise Whereas more strenuous activity such as climbing hills and stairs, may not be such a good thing at a very young age. Another study has suggested that running hard for a retrieve, may not be great for joint health either. And some breeders also prevent dogs from jumping for the first twelve months to reduce impact on the shoulder and elbow joints. This may be especially important for some of the heavier breeds of dog, and those that are slow to mature. How far should my puppy walk? But how does that translate to distances walked? If you like to think in distances rather than time, a mile is around steps for an adult human and takes about twenty minutes at a moderate walking speed. So a maximum walk for a four month old Labrador might be about a mile. And of course if you are walking out and back again, that means not taking the dog more than half a mile from your home or car, whichever is your starting point. With young puppies, you need to keep a balance. Think about the overall energy your puppy is expending rather than focusing on walking alone. Walking is only one form of exercise and is no more valuable or important than games or training exercises. If you have been to visit a friend with your five month old pup and their dog has played for half an hour in the garden with yours, your dog does not need a walk as well. It is the total exercise that counts. How much exercise is too much? And you are bound to know of someone whose puppy had far more exercise than this and came to no harm. However taking a puppy for long walks or asking him to negotiate very steep or uneven surfaces when he is little, is probably a bad idea. Beware of letting a puppy play for too long with an older dog that does not want to stop. And keep an eye on children who may inadvertently exhaust a puppy by encouraging him to play when he needs to sleep. Crating your puppy when he is tired or overexcited, will enable you to make sure that your puppy gets some well deserved down time. Summary Young puppies need the time and space to run about freely, and free running exercise is beneficial. You do not need to attempt to prevent puppies playing in the garden, trotting about the house or playing with another young puppy for a while. Provided that the puppy is free to stop and rest whenever he wants. As far as we know at the moment, formal exercise — walking on a lead — for example, is probably best restricted using the five minute rule as an approximate guide. And strenuous exercise such as stair climbing, and chasing balls should be limited or avoided altogether in puppies under three months of age. Remember, an adult dog can become an amazing athlete, but like all athletes, fitness and stamina are best built up in gentle stages if injury is to be avoided. Do talk to your vet about exercise at your first appointment with your puppy. We are still learning about hip dysplasia. Research is ongoing, knowledge increases all the time. Your vet should be up to date with the latest information regarding the optimum amount of exercise for your new puppy. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was originally published in and has been extensively revised and updated for References Slater et al. Diet and exercise as potential risk factors for osteochondritis dissecans in dogs. Am J Vet Res. Sallander et al. American Society for Nutrition. Krontveit et al. Risk factors for hip-related clinical signs in a prospective cohort study of four large dog breeds in Norway. Just like us, Labradors need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Whether you have a young or old dog, they all need to get the blood flowing to stay healthy and live long happy doggie lives. Regular exercise with your Labrador is very beneficial for you both. Exercise stimulates neuron growth in the brain, encourages the production of endorphins with a known mood-boosting effect , helps strengthen your bones and muscles, improves blood pressure, and can significantly help with depression. Are you having a hard time figuring out how much exercise your lab needs? Answers vary drastically from one dog to another. The amount of exercise to give your Labrador depends mostly on the age of the dog. The key to taking your Labrador puppy out for exercise is to be patient. Some labs are athletic, and thus need more exercise than others. Also, certain Labradors are genetically programmed to be energetic and have high metabolism rates, whereas others are more laid-back. Here are some exercise guidelines a new lab owner can follow to make sure their dog gets the right workout. With older dogs or children, a lab puppy may well try to keep up with them and exhaust themselves before they reach their adult size and stamina. Hold off on structured games and other forms of heavy physical activity for the first three months. This will set the stage for long-term, healthy exercise habits. This rule states that you should take your Labrador puppy out for at least five minutes of exercise per month of age up to twice a day until he or she is fully grown. This can be anything from a walk around the block to a run in the dog park. How old your dog is will make a difference in their stamina. To determine how much exercise your dog needs, first take their age into consideration. Labs that are four years old and above need between one and two hours of exercise per day. The truth is Labradors can lead a perfectly healthy life with just an hour of daily active playtime. The Labrador Retriever was bred to retrieve game for hunters. That means they naturally love to play fetch. All you need is a toy for playtime and room for running around. Tug-of-War is less cardio-oriented but helps with muscle mass and body structure in growing dogs. Plus, they love it! It requires that you prepare your puppy with a proper agility training course. Agility training is great for completing a total-body, structured workout, while also providing mental stimulation for your labrador. This involves activities such as going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. You will need to train your lab to engage in the activity and this involves proper instruction. Find one that fits his size and abilities, as well as your own personal comfort level. Either due to space or having a small yard, it may be difficult to get their puppies out every day. The good news is that, with a little creativity, indoor exercise can be just as viable and fun! Here are a few ideas you can try at home. Try Treadmill Training Sessions With Dogs A dog can be trained to use a treadmill and enjoy it, but the experience will take time. Build an Obstacle Course for Your Labrador Use everyday things found around the home or office to create an obstacle course. It also boosts their energy levels and problem-solving skills. For example, you might use old boxes and trash bags to make a tunnel, chairs or stools to jump across, and other furniture for your puppy to climb. At first your puppy may not catch on, but with effective use of the treat and lots of encouragement, you can help it learn as it goes. Hide-and-Seek With a Treat! Hide a treat around the house, and let your puppy work to find it. As you hide treats around the room, remember to make sure they are not hiding somewhere that is unreachable. Tip 2. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. All dog breeds respond positively to lots of physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will flow. Tip 3. Make an Exercise Routine and Schedule for Your Dog Lab owners, take note: maintaining the health of an adult Lab is all about consistency. And this starts with walks at a young age. Take regular walks with your dog, no matter the weather conditions. Walk at the same time each day in order to create an exercise pattern that both you and your dog can stick to. Maybe you can get the puppy used to a leash and casually walk through your neighborhood with it. That way, you can vary the activity occasionally. In six months, increase the amount of time your dogs are running to 15 minutes. This keeps their energy high and stops weight gain as they mature. Conclusion As a dog owner, your foremost responsibility is protecting the health and safety of your pet. Insufficient exercise causes health problems in dogs , like hip dysplasia especially those already prone to hip or joint problems. Share on.

For the most part, you let the puppy decide his own activities at this stage. Your puppy, at this tender age, does not need exercise; he needs activity. Indoor play consists of informal activities in which you educate your German Shepherd to avoid dangerous behavior while satisfying his need to be active. At this stage, it is more about mental activity games and basic training as opposed to physical activity. This nifty little toy is excellent for young pups. Here are some low-impact games that are appropriate for a German Shepherd puppy at 8 weeks of age: Puppy the Explorer Let your GSD explore the indoors while keeping a close eye on him. This also presents an excellent opportunity to teach him to follow you. You must do this organically. Wait for him to get in his explorer mode and start walking beside him. Remember not to exceed a period of 10 minutes of exercise in the second month and stop whenever your pup shows signs of being tired. The minute mark is the maximum duration, not the minimum. Initially, your puppy will get tired after a few minutes of walking around and exploring. In each subsequent week, he will be engaged for a few more minutes. You might need to use jazz hands to get his curiosity. Once your pup starts following your palm with his head, simply tap his nose and hug him. At this point, you might be tempted to start moving your arm out of his reach to prolong the game. Follow the Wiggling Toy This is the ideal transition exercise that I would start around the tenth week of indoor play. For this, I recommend the Pacific Pups Rope Toys Set from Amazon, not just because it is budget-friendly but because you can use toys of different sizes as your German Shepherd puppy continues to grow. Once you have him sitting close to you, introduce the rope toy and place it on the floor with your hand holding onto one end. Your job then is to make sure he takes at least four steps before he catches the rope toy. Again, this is a high-engagement, low-impact exercise that builds up the foundation for medium-impact activities later on. Jaw and Bodyweight Exercises Recommended age: 3 — 4 months Maximum duration: minutes per day, twice a day Risk factor: low Things to avoid: sprints Your German Shepherd puppy is now three months old; he is building on his training according to the standard puppy training methods, and you can start to interact with him more physically. Still, his growth plates remain open, and you still need to avoid exercises that strain the joints, especially ones located around long bones like limbs. At the same time, your German Shepherd has more energy and may want to exercise more than is good for him. As a result, your role has shifted. Here, instead of letting your puppy have the toy once he follows it and grabs hold of it, you play a small tug of war with him. If your GSD is used to getting the toy after following it, he may get too defensive when you tug it. I recommended the toy set for this reason precisely. The final thing worth remembering about this game is that you always lose! You place the rope toy on the ground and let your German Shepherd puppy follow it as you move it around. Once he grabs hold of it, you use your arm strength to keep it in place. Do not try to pull it too hard. It is also essential that you gradually move up the tug of war in time and position. Gradually you can move the tug toy slightly above the ground. Throughout this, make sure your dog is on a leash because you do not want to encourage grabbing and dashing. Ultimately, you have to let your puppy win! As soon as you release the toy, he gets to have it for a while. This is also the best stage to train him to release objects on command. Make sure your GSD is on a long leash before you start this activity. Associating running with playtime is risky. A long loose leash allows you to bring him back to you gently. Be prepared to spend a lot of time negotiating with your GSD. I suggest playing tug before this because it builds trust. When you roll the ball on the floor, your puppy will get it. You cannot expect him to bring the toy to you. You simply tug the leash gently and bring him close to you. Then, you hold the ball in place. You should not pull it away. That will only cause your German Shepherd to bite down on it harder. When you have it firmly in place, your dog will try to wrestle it free but will eventually let the ball go. You can encourage this by just talking to him in a reassuring tone and using training treats. As soon as he lets go of the ball, put it on the ground and roll it. As GSDs take pleasure in high-engagement activities, the activity itself becomes a reward. In my experience, this will always be a mixed bag. Some dogs never stop giving pushback at the retrieval stage, while others let go of the ball the moment you extend your arm toward it. Puppies German Shepherd puppies are incredibly playful. So how do you play with a German Shepherd puppy? This article will examine the best way to play and entertain your German Shepherd puppy, providing example games to play and activities to do. The best way to play with a German Shepherd puppy is through short bursts of low-impact physical activity. This will keep their growing bones and joints safe from injury and malformation. Additionally, play games that sharpen their motors skills and hone their natural abilities. All dogs have a maximum tolerance for exercise, and playtime counts towards that limit. Most will play for as long as you allow them. Thus, you need to pay attention and keep them from overexertion, especially during activities that involve plenty of physical movement. In general, young dogs should have two sessions of exercise per day where each session is about 5 minutes per month of age. So, a German Shepherd puppy of around 2 months old should only get 10 minutes of playtime twice a day while a 6-month-old pup can tolerate two minute sessions. By the time your GSD is a year old, they should be able to tolerate hour-long sessions of play or exercise. Keep in mind, however, that these are general guidelines. You need to keep an eye on your dog and determine their own tolerance to avoid serious consequences like overheating and overexertion. Like children, individual dogs have different preferences. Use play as a means to strengthen their motor skills, nurture their sense of curiosity, and build their confidence. The best toys for young German Shepherds are interactive ones that stimulate their senses. Especially exciting are treat dispensers and squeaky toys while teething toys provide tons of comfort. They also love balls that they can grasp and chase after. They also love playing with people and other animals. Doing this often will help prove each of these commands and ensure they will obey no matter the situation. Have fun with the Obedience Shuffle by randomly asking for each command and rewarding your dog every time they obey. Make it increasingly difficult for them by adding distractions in between. Hide-and-Seek Hide-and-Seek is an excellent game to play with your German Shepherd puppy because it requires some concentration, sniffing, and running. It also primes them to think of you as the best reward. To play this, ask your dog to stay while you hide. Release them from their stay position and respond with excitement and praises when they find you. Hide in easy-to-find spots at first and find more difficult hiding places as your pup picks up on the object of the game. You can start by keeping your pup in a down position as they watch you hide the treats. When they understand the point of the game, you can make it more challenging by keeping them in another room and letting them in only when all the treats are hidden. It also requires very little space and involves more concentration and nose work. To play the shell game, take 3 cups and some treats, and sit across from your dog. Place the cups upside down on the floor and keep a treat under only one. Shuffle the cups before arranging them in a row. Turn over the first one your pup touches. If they get the right one, let them have the treat. If not, re-shuffle the cups and play again. Find-and-Retrieve Find-and-Retrieve is not just a game of obedience and concentration. This game involves teaching your dog the proper names of things, finding those things on command, and handing them over to you. To play this game, start by teaching your dog the name of one toy. Then, make the game more difficult by asking them to retrieve the ball from other places. Here are other things you can do to interact with your puppy, strengthen your bond, and help them to develop physically, mentally, and emotionally: Walking Walking can be a good way for your GSD pup to learn more about the world outside of your home. Allow young pups to walk at their own pace and try not to be too harsh on the lead. Let them stop to sniff and interact with whatever they might find interesting. This will form a huge part of their socialization. German Shepherds typically like water if they are exposed to it and learn how fun it can be. Swimming is also an excellent way to have fun with your growing dog since it is easy on the bones and joints. Being in water will also help strengthen muscles for even better skeletal development. Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys for dogs are not only excellent for mental stimulation but also for independent play. Depending on the toy, it could also help prime your German Shepherd for nose work, combat boredom, and control their impulses. They can compete in these companion sports as early as 6 months old or you can simply join local clubs to engage in these activities for fun. This helps avoid issues like hip and elbow dysplasia in the future. Until your German Shepherd has developed into adulthood, you should generally avoid activities that involve plenty of jumping. Staircases and other steep angles are safe enough for regular use but not as a means to exercise. Additionally, when running or walking, opt for turf and soil rather than concrete. Final Thoughts Discovering the best ways to play with your German Shepherd puppy will help you develop a strong bond and learn to communicate with one another. These games will also help stimulate their intellect and develop a love for learning. Learning how to discipline your GSD puppy correctly will teach them to respect your leadership and stay on their best behavior.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More The transition from a puppy coat to an adult one can come as a bit of a shock to novice owners and newbie pet parents. Some breeders choose not to mention it for fear of putting off prospective buyers. However, here we will let you know exactly what to expect when your Goldendoodle puppy coat transition happens. Types of Goldendoodle Coats All dogs are born with a soft, single-layer puppy coat, whether they later go on to develop a double-layered one or not. Goldendoodles are no exception. This smooth, silky hair then gives way to something that can be altogether trickier to manage. Knots, tangles, mats, and shedding can become real problems with some dogs. As you probably know by now, with a mixed breed, there are no certainties. Especially when the parent animals are so different. One half of the Goldendoodle equation, the Golden Retriever, has a dense, straight, water-resistant double coat. In contrast, the other half, the Poodle, has a curly, coarse, low-shedding single one. Depending on which parent they favor, Goldendoodles can inherit either of these coats or a wavy, fleecy, long one that sits somewhere in between the two. This is generally the most common and the most popular of the three. For more on Goldendoodle coats and the right tools for caring for them, take a look at The Absolute Best Brushes for Goldendoodles. Nature can be a bit of a lottery. We can, however, make a few best guesses based on the parents and what usually happens. One thing we do know for sure is that whichever adult coat your pup is destined to have, it will be altogether stiffer and denser than their puppy one. It could even be a different color, thanks to the Poodle Fading Gene. Breeders, however, do highlight a few telltale traits that could give you an early idea of what to expect: Check The Snout An excess of hair at the top of the snout known as a mustache indicates that your pup is likely to end up with a coat on the curlier end of the spectrum. Straighter, shaggier, beard-like hair suggests a wavier coat. If your dog has short hair here and an overall neat and tidy-looking muzzle, they will probably inherit a straight coat. Pay Attention to the Generation The generation of the dog can also provide a strong indication of what to expect. See Also: Click the image Goldendoodle Puppy Coat Transition Phases When it comes to changing from the puppy to the adult coat, there are no clear-cut transition phases. When and how pups blow their puppy coat varies from dog to dog. With most dogs, it tends to happen at around six months, and it can be either sudden or gradual. Some owners barely even notice — it all depends on the final hair type. However, you may start to notice a little more hair in the brush or a few more tangles around the armpits, tail, and ears. If your Goldie is getting more of a curly coat, you will need to be extra vigilant at this time. Shedding puppy hair can all too easily get caught up in tight curls leading on to painful knots and mats that are all but impossible to remove with a brush. A good rule of thumb with dogs is that with a low-shedding coat, you have to spend more time on brushing; with a high shedding one that time will be spent cleaning hair up off the floor or your clothes. Which Goldendoodles Get Puppy Coats? Pretty much every variety of Goldendoodle from Standard to Mini experiences some sort of coat change as they transition from puppy to adult. The switch from puppy to adult coat is also less noticeable with active dogs and particularly ones that spend a lot of time swimming. The water washes away the old hair as it is replaced with the new. It is not left about the house as it otherwise would be. This change could be pretty dramatic or quite subtle depending on the type of adult coat your pup has inherited. They will shed their puppy coat somewhere between four and eight months, and their stiffer, denser adult one will start to come in at this time. Do Goldendoodle puppies change color? While your pup is unlikely to completely change color on you, many Goldies get lighter as their adult coat comes in. This is known as fading. How do you tell if a Goldendoodle puppy will have furnishings? Furnishings refer to the hair features about the face. The best way to know if your Goldie will have furnishings is to pay attention to their generation. F1 Goldendoodles are most likely to be missing them. F1B dogs are the most likely to have them. If a puppy lacks furnishings, they are unlikely to develop them in adulthood. With or without, though, all Doodles are still undeniably cute. When adopting a puppy, there are many things you need to be prepared for. Many people choose to adopt one of these darling dogs for their hypoallergenic properties. The best way to anticipate precisely what kind of hair your Goldendoodle will have when they are done blowing their coat is to speak to the breeder. Checking out the parent dogs is also recommended for later generations. However, this is no exact science, and you should really be prepared for anything. We are sure, though, that no matter how your Goldie ends up looking as they develop, you will love them just the same. How could you not? Just look at that face! Learn How to Upkeep Your Doodle! Minimal to non-shedding, hypoallergenic for Goldendoodles that are F1b and multi-gen Common in F1b and Multigen Goldendoodles. But exists in all generation types The Wavy Coat Minimal to non-shedding, mostly hypoallergenic Found in all generations of the Goldendoodle. Image source: doodlecreek. It is sometimes called the flat coat and is also common in other dog breeds like the chihuahua and the Golden Retriever. Goldendoodles that inherit the non-curly trait from their parents usually end up with a straight coat type. Since the Golden Retriever is one of the parent breeds responsible for the Goldendoodle, it is clear that a Goldendoodle with a straight coat usually inherits this coat type from the Golden Retriever parent. And it can be found mostly in Goldendoodles of the standard F1 generation. One important characteristic of a Goldendoodle with a straight coat is that they shed a lot more fur than the other 2 Goldendoodle coat types. This means Goldendoodles with straight Goldendoodle coats are not hypoallergenic as they can be bad for people suffering from dog allergies. Cut down on how often you brush your Goldendoodles fur if it is a straight coat. Regular brushing would lead to heavy shedding and more dog fur around the house. They are relatively cheap and could help you take great care of your Goldendoodle straight coat without the risk of excess shedding. Even with that, there are other benefits the curly coat adds to the Goldendoodle. An example would be the level of shedding it offers. Curly coat types are less likely to shed than the straight coat and as such are more hypoallergenic. Curly-coat Goldendoodles can be found in all generations of Goldendoodle, but the possibility of getting a Goldendoodle with a curly coat is almost half, in first-generation breeding. To get a curly coat, a Goldendoodle puppy must inherit one curly gene from each parent of the Goldendoodle. Regular brushing and general grooming are a lot easier as the puppy sheds a lot less. It is in between the curly and the straight coats and has also been classified as low to non-shedding and is therefore hypoallergenic. A Goldendoodle puppy with a wavy or shaggy coat is known to inherit one curly gene and one straight gene from both the Golden Retriever and Poodle parent genes. And this coat type can be found in all generations of the Goldendoodle. Just like the curly coat, you would need to regularly groom and brush the fur of the Goldendoodle with a wavy coat. This is to prevent the hairs from tangling up. It can be a bit difficult trying to predict the exact coat type your Goldendoodle puppy will end up with as genetics can be a little tricky, but how do you tell what coat your Goldendoodle will have? Luckily they are a few methods experienced and reputable breeders use. The more waves or crimps the puppy has, the more curly its hair would be. If the puppy has a rather smooth face with no puppy beard or hair, the chances are that it would end up with a straight or flat coat type. Again, a reputable breeder should know all these, so it is always better to ask them these questions and more before choosing the puppy for you. Goldendoodle Coat Stages From Puppy To Adulthood It is a known fact that Goldendoodles get to change their coats from puppy to adulthood, and as we just learned, there are good methods to help in figuring out what exact coat type your Goldendoodle would end up with while in its adult stage. But when do Goldendoodles lose their puppy coat? Well first off, it is worth noting that the Goldendoodle has two coat stages, the puppy coat stage and the final coat stage. The puppy coat stage lasts from age 0 to 8 months. At this stage, the puppy is born with a very soft coat that is super easy to groom and care for. As the Goldendoodle puppy matures further, it begins to grow into the final coat stage. This adult coat stage starts from 8 months and above. At this stage, the coat of the Goldendoodle becomes a lot more stiff and thick. It can be a little bit difficult to groom and care for and could be either shaggy, straight, or curly. Grooming Your Goldendoodles Caring for its Coat One thing that can be agreed upon from all three coat types of the Goldendoodle is the importance of grooming. Your Goldendoodles coat can only look and feel good when groomed properly. Depending on the exact Goldendoodle coat, how often you groom your Goldendoodle should vary. You can opt to do it yourself or hire a professional with more experience than you have. Here are some basic tips to help you. Wash your Goldendoodle at most once a month with a great quality shampoo. All Goldendoodle coat types aside, the straight coat requires regular brushing. This should be done to get rid of loose hair. The ears should be kept clean. Use an ear cleaner to get rid of the excess moisture that could build up from baths. Which Goldendoodle Coat is The Best? Now that we know all we need to know about each Goldendoodle coat type, which Goldendoodle coat is best for you? It all depends on what works best for you. If you do suffer from dog hair allergies, you can consider getting a Goldendoodle with a curly coat or a wavy coat. Another factor to look out for would be the teddy bear look. Most dog owners love the teddy bear look that Goldendoodles come in. And they are also hypoallergenic. In the end, Goldendoodles are a truly versatile breed. There you have it. All you need to know about the various Goldendoodle coat types alongside various tips on properly grooming your Goldendoodle. Do ensure to check out the website for more engaging and informative content. Above: Mini F1b, Curly. Above: Mini F1, Wavy. Coats can vary in color. A good way to predict adult color is to look at the ears of the puppy. In addition, consider the pedigree when expecting a litter. It is hard to understand the complexity of the gene pool when mating. From my experience, red is considered a dilute gene of black. When red is bred with white, black or brown, black is dominate and pups are black. Two red parents, will make red or apricot. However, to carry the true red gene is very rare. Red can often fade with maturity. Many breeders boast about having red as it is highly sought after, but it can and may fade with time. I make a good effort at trying to produce red, but it is more rare. Brown and black also produce black. Two browns will make brown. Red can be so dark red that it is considered mahogany or rust. My Sangria, F1 mini-goldendoodle female is an example of this beautiful color. I do not claim to be an expert in the study, nor do I make any guarantees on future adult color. In breeds like the cocker spaniel, the red will be apricot as a pup, but can become dark red with maturity. Spots can also widen with maturity or appear to have moved around as they broadened out. In designer breeds, the puppy can look completely different as an adult then how it did as a puppy. You may notice this at the very first haircut. As much as we love color, we need to pay more attention to the temperament of the puppy and make sure the puppy is very socialized and loved, especially during the critical stage of development up to 5 months. See my temperament testing page for more information on this. Loose and wavy: This is the most common type of coat found in a goldendoodle such as an F1. They are considered low to non-shed. They are easy to maintain. You may want to brush in the common friction areas such as behind the ears, hind quarters, and underarms. Bodily brushing about once a week. Straight: These coats are considered flat or sporty like the golden retriever. They are the easiest to maintain and need minimal brushing. They will have some shed. Curly: These coats can be easily identified with the crimping on the forehead as a pup. They are most common in F1bs. Their coats can have "loose curl" or "tight curl. Examples: Above: "Loose and wavy" as a puppy at 5 weeks old. This is an example of an F1. Left: "Curly" as a puppy. Puppy at 5 weeks old. F1b, crimping on forhead visible. Right: "Straight" at 5 months. This coat type typically can be found in F1 litters. No crimping on forehead or ears. Left: tight curl as an adult. Right: "Curly" at 10 weeks old. More squiggles on forehead than "loose and wavy" type. Notice the difference. This is an example of an F1b. This coat type is best for those that have allergies and desire lots of curl. An excellent example of a loose and wavy coat. This dog is an F1 miniature goldendoodle from Ginger and Tamale. Some of Ginger's puppies do throw the sport coat. It can be difficult to predict how the coats will turn out as adults, but we do our best to look for wavy features in the early stages. In the end, unless you have allergies, please understand they are so much more than just how they look. You get what you get and don't throw a fit! I do my best to help you pick out what you desire, but please note, I do not guarantee coat quality. Puppies are not an item I can stock on the shelf. Mother nature is in control. Many F1s will develop their wave after they go through their coat change at 5 months of age. It can take even up to 8 months to see the true coat quality. It occurs in all Goldendoodle generations, including the F1's, F1b's and mulitgens, and is fairly easy to maintain. It requires brushing at least once or twice a week, with more frequent brushing in high friction areas like under the collar or around the ears. Shedding and heavy shedding is common among the F1 and F2 Goldendoodle generations. Note: we do not offer the F1 or the F2 generations. We offer the F1b and the multigen generations, the most non-shedding generations. So if your looking for a specific coat type and minimal to non shedding coats are important to you, be sure that you choose a breeder like us that does the proper DNA coat testing. Curly Goldendoodle Coats: The second most common Goldendoodle coat type is the curly coat, which is more common among F1b or some mulitgen goldendoodles and because of their poodle lineage. The coat can be anything from a relaxed loose curl to a more curly wool coat. Most do not get as curly as a poodle. This Goldendoodle coat type requires more frequent brushing, although it can be shaved down to create a maintenance free coat if the owner prefers. The curly Goldendoodle coat type is minimal to non-shedding and hypoallergenic, when the Goldendoodle is an F1b or in a mulitgen, but to know more the breeder must genetically DNA test their parents. Examples: Goldendoodles with curly coats. Flat, Improper Goldendoodle Coats: The least sought after Goldendoodle coat type is the flat coat, this is also called or known as having an Improper Coat , it is fairly common in F2 Goldendoodle breeding's. Often referred to as the Golden Retriever type coat, it's easy to maintain and requires minimal brushing. However, this Goldendoodle coat type does not produce the desired "teddybear" look that we strive for and that Goldendoodles are renowned for displaying, nor will it produce a "beard" and facial around the muzzle. This Goldendoodle flat coat or Improper Coat type can produce moderate to high shedding coats and are not recommended for those families with allergies. How To Tell The Difference: It is especially difficult to distinguish Goldendoodle coat types especially at the puppy stage, when all coat types can look fairly similar. A reputable, experienced breeder will be able to tell you the each puppies coat type as well as their propensity to shed. However, the face and muzzle area can provide some indication of what the puppy's coat will look like as an adult. Generally, the more crimps or waves a puppy has in it's face and muzzle hair, the curlier his or her coat will likely be. A puppy with a smooth face with no beard that doesn't have any waves or crimps will probably have a flat or Improper Coat. Always ask your breeder for clarification on puppy coat types to assure you get the coat type and the degree of shedding you want with your puppy. Coat Comparisons Post updated I have had many inquires from families wondering what coat type the puppies will have as they mature. When dealing with a Hybrid it is very difficult to predict with certainty what their Adult coat will eventuality end up like. Puppies go through multiple coat changes before their adult coat finally comes in. All newborn goldendoodle puppies look like Golden Retrievers. It is not until around 6 — 7 weeks when we can determine if it will be a Flat Coat goldendoodle — no facial furnishings. We have produced flat coats with both straight hair and with some curls. Below are some of our previous puppies. There are three pictures of each puppy. Notice the progression of the puppy: the first picture is newborn, the next picture is puppy at eight weeks old and the last picture the puppy as an adult. My puppies are lucky to have joined such wonderful, loving families. It makes my day when I get an email from one of our previous puppy families giving me an update and sharing pics of their dog. Thank you! They are fluffy all over including the face. They come in three types — Straight, Wavy, and Curly. Grooming requirements are brushing daily to prevent matting and a trip to the groomers every eight weeks or so.