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By Whitney on August 1, This page may include affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More Whether you have a puppy or a 10 year old pup, Goldendoodle grooming in the comfort of your own home is a valuable skill. Lucky for you, we have a video tutorial series on DIY full-body grooming that will guide you through the entire process of Doodle grooming. You can find those videos and some brief step-by-step instructions below, as well as on our YouTube channel. By the way, all these videos were shot in first person perspective, so you can see what the groom looks like from your point of view! Gradually pull small portions of hair down with the brush. See Also: Click the image Brushing and removing mats is especially important before going on to the next step, because water will make mats bigger and tighter. For instance, since blades by themselves take off most of the hair and cut closer to the skin than clipper combs, it may not make much sense to spend all that time bathing and blow drying your Doodle, only to clip all their hair off in the end. However, if you will be using clipper combs a. Whether you will be using bare blades or clipper combs, be aware that clipping a dirty coat will cause your blades to accumulate oil and dirt, causing them to become dull and ineffective quicker. Related Content. This article has been viewed , times. A goldendoodle is a wonderful dog breed that is a crossbreed of a poodle and a golden retriever. It has a coat that is a unique mix of the two breeds, with loose curls and a slightly shaggy look. To care for this coat, you need to groom the dog regularly. To groom it properly you should clean the entire dog, cut its coat, trim its nails, and clean its ears and teeth. This will keep the dog looking good and will ensure that it is a clean and healthy member of your family. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. To begin cleaning your goldendoodle you should give its coat a good brushing. This will untangle its fur and remove any debris that may be embedded in its coat. Goldendoodles should be brushed on a regular basis. Try to brush it every day to keep its coat mat free. Use a slicker brush to brush your goldendoodle. These brushes work well with a goldendoodle's coat and are available at most pet supply stores. Start clipping the goldendoodle's coat by moving the clipper out to areas that could not be combed through. In addition to eliminating unsightly areas on the coat, removing mats and tangles will allow you to comb through the coat as you clip it. Get a pair of clippers that are designed for grooming dogs as well as a grooming comb that clips onto the end of the clippers. They will cut through the dog's fur quickly and effectively. Grooming clippers are generally sold at large pet stores and from online retailers. Scissors can accidentally cut and injure the dog. Only professionals should use scissors on dogs. Prepare a warm bath and put your dog in it. Scrub its coat clean with dog shampoo and then rinse it out thoroughly. This will allow you to really determine the state of the dog's coat and to handle a clean dog while you are cutting its fur. Dog shampoo is available at pet stores and from online retailers. Don't use shampoo that is made for humans. Dog shampoo is formulated specifically for dogs and will not strip the natural oils from their fur and skin. Once the dog is clean you should dry its coat before trimming it. Having a dry coat while trimming the coat is important so that you can assess the length of fur you want while you are doing the trimming. A wet coat tends to shrink and will not allow you to judge what the final product will look like while you are trimming. Rub the dog with a towel to get most of the moisture out of its coat. Then allow the dog to shake itself off and let the coat air dry. When drying your dog you should also be sure to dry the dog's ears. Goldendoodles tend to get ear infections easily, so drying their ears is important. In order to be precise with your cuts and to deal with the flexibility of the ear, you should find some grooming clippers to use on your dog's ears. The fur on the outside of the ear should be trimmed to a uniform length. Typically this is around 1 inch 2. Trim the fur around the entrance to the ears to a short length. It should be short enough so that the dog's fur doesn't cover the entrance to its ears. Trimming this fur short can help your dog's hearing and will increase air circulation in the ear, which can cut down on the chance of ear infections. In order for your goldendoodle to see, you should keep the fur in front of its eyes trimmed. Use clippers to trim around the eyes. You may also want to thin the fur between the eyes with thinning shears so that the fur in this area does not get very thick. Make sure your dog is calm and not moving before attempting to use clippers around that area of fur so that you don't accidentally injure its eyes. The top of a goldendoodle's muzzle can get thick and puffy, so it should be trimmed down. However, keep the sides of the muzzle longer than the top and bottom. The length of the top and sides of the muzzle are up to you but make sure that the fur on the side of the muzzle is short enough so that it doesn't get in the dog's mouth. Begin trimming the fur on the back of the dog's head with dog grooming clippers. As you move the clippers down the dog's neck, transition the length to the length you want on the rest of the dog's body. The length of fur on the dog's head and body may be the same length or the fur on the head might be slightly longer. This is purely based on personal preference. Using dog clippers with a 1 inch 2. Be sure to thoroughly clip the large areas, such as the back, by going over them several times. With the clipper guard on you should be able to keep the length of the coat uniform as long as the dog stays still. The fur on a goldendoodle's feet is typically cut shorter than the rest of the dog's body. This will allow you to keep its paws cleaner and will give them a tidy look. It's important not to forget to trim the fur between your goldendoodle's toes. This area can be easily overlooked but it is important for your dog's comfort that this fur be removed. If your dog is anxious, you may need to restrain it a bit to successfully trim this fur without hurting the dog. After you have cleaned up the fur on your goldendoodle's feet, you should take the time to trim its nails as well. A dog's nails need to be trimmed regularly, especially if it mostly walks around on a soft surface that doesn't wear its nails down. They are available at all pet supply stores. You will want to hold the dog still while you are trimming its nails. When trimming the nail, don't cut off very much. You want to avoid cutting into the quick, which is the blood vessel inside the nail. When grooming your dog you should also clean the inside of its mouth. Purchase dog toothpaste and a dog toothbrush and use them to brush the dog's teeth. Dog toothpaste is typically available at every pet store and from online retailers. It can take some time to get a dog used to tooth brushing, so don't expect your dog to love this process right away. Be sure to use toothpaste that is made specifically for dogs. Toothpaste for humans can be toxic to dogs, so don't use it on their teeth. Part of grooming your dog is making sure that its ears are clean and healthy. Look in the dog's ears and use a veterinary ear cleaner to remove any dirt and debris. Be careful when you are cleaning your dog's ears. It's important not to press any debris down into the animal's ear canal while you are trying to clean it. If you think there is some debris in the animal's ear canal, you should have it removed by a veterinarian. Ear cleaner made for dogs is typically available at pet stores or through your veterinarian. Once your grooming routine is totally done you should give your dog one more brush. This will remove any remaining fur and will allow you to make sure that your have trimmed its coat evenly. If you find any uneven areas give them a quick trim to even out the coat. Nail clippers Dog hair dryer If you intend to groom your doodle at home regularly, a dog grooming table is a handy piece of equipment to add to your kit. This is done by brushing one line of hair away at a time. Using a metal or stainless steel comb with wide gaps is best for getting rid of mats, tangles, and loose hair in doodles with thick and curly fur. A dematting rake is better for removing mats in wavier coats. Removing tangles and knots is vital before bathing your dog. Brushing and combing your doodle should take place once to twice a week for a healthy, shiny coat. Bathing your dog before clipping their hair gives a better finish to the haircut. Some owners choose to shower with their doodles, while others use a bathtub. Work with the grain of the coat to prevent tangles or knots. Avoid using harsh ruffling movements, as this will encourage matting. Depending on how skilled you are, you can choose to use grooming scissors or dog clippers. Thoroughly clip the entire body, including the back, sides, and hind legs, including the base. The clipper guard ensures you get a uniform cut over the whole body. Trim the hair around the ear canal entrance to a slightly shorter length. Using round-tipped thinning shears , trim the fur around the eyes so your dog can see properly. Make sure your dog is calm and still when trimming around the eyes to prevent a nasty accident from happening! Using professional dog nail trimmers with a safety stop feature helps get the job done neatly, quickly, and free of injuries! Dog dental care is vital to prevent tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other oral health conditions. Using a finger brush dog toothbrush can also make it easier to get to the hard-to-reach parts of the mouth while making the experience less intimidating for your doodle. A quick tip! Feed your doodle the best dog food for dental health for proper oral care. How often you groom your doodle depends on how long or short you want their coat to be. For shorter coats, grooming should take place every six to eight weeks. Goldendoodles are a combination of poodle and golden retriever breeds. This means they have thick, curly, or wavy coats. Occasionally, you may come across a doodle with straight fur similar to that of the golden retriever. What is a teddy bear cut on a goldendoodle? There are numerous haircuts that can be used on a goldendoodle. However, the most popular and adorable style is the teddy bear cut. This style resembles our childhood teddy bears with a round face, button eyes, bear-like paws, and a soft, fluffy body. When should I brush my goldendoodle puppy teeth? This way, your pup can get used to having their teeth brushed every day when they get older. Final Thoughts On Goldendoodle Grooming Knowing how to groom a goldendoodle at home saves you time and money, and it builds a great relationship between you and your doodle! Having the right dog grooming kit is vital for a successful groom and happy goldendoodle. Grooming keeps your dog comfortable while ensuring their overall wellness, and it includes: Brushing and combing regularly to keep messy mats at bay Trimming the fur on the whole body and face Keeping the nails short and brushing teeth daily Following my eight steps on how to groom a goldendoodle face and body will have you mastering the techniques used by professional dog groomers! Tell us about your experiences grooming your goldendoodle in the comment section below. You May Also Like. Puppy Grooming: First Haircut When should a goldendoodle puppy go to the groomer? What do you do? The first trip to the groomer Your puppy has hopefully! She should have already had her initial introduction to her lifetime of being groomed. Your goldendoodle puppy should visit a professional groomer for the first time after her week immunizations. Since she will need regular grooming throughout her life, both she and her groomer will benefit if she is accustomed to being groomed from a young age. The first big girl or big boy haircut The wavy, curly adult coat will start replacing the soft, fluffy puppy coat around months of age. Waiting to cut the hair until the adult coat makes its debut beneath the layers of puppy fur helps ensure that the adult coat remains soft. Poodle groomers and poodle fanciers claim that shaving a poodle or goldendoodle down before her adult coat starts coming in could damage the adult coat, affecting the texture. Take your goldendoodle puppy for her first full big girl haircut at months of age, once her adult coat has started coming in. As aforementioned, take her to the groomer for a puppy clip after her week immunizations. Before your first big trip to the groomer for that full haircut, spend time looking through pictures of goldendoodle haircuts. You can also read about what to expect when you take her to the groomer and how to avoid a poodle-style haircut. You should regularly groom your puppy: brushing her hair, cleaning her ears, brushing her teeth, clipping her toenails , and checking her for any anomalies i. You want your puppy to become accustomed to being brushed from a young age. Do the brief bonding exercise with your puppy each night before bed to ensure she is used to being touched and handled. Your groomer with thank you. Trust me. Still have questions about goldendoodle puppy grooming? Learn more about what shampoos and brushes to purchase for grooming your goldendoodle from a professional goldendoodle groomer. Share this:. Towels A Leash or other means for keeping your dog still If you plan to groom your doodle regularly, consider purchasing a grooming table with an arm. What looks good on one goldendoodle won't necessarily look good on the next. For instance, Maple looks good with long ears but Abria can't pull off long ears. She looks much better with short ears. Also keep in mind that coat type impacts appearance. It will likely take a few trips to the groomer to figure out exactly what you like for your special pup. Here are a few examples of clips we like. Again, keep in mind that every doodle is different. How To Brush A Goldenoodle Brushing is the key to having a cute doodle haircut, especially if you like the look of a longer coat and especially if your doodle has a curly coat. There are two main tools for brushing a doodle: the slicker brush and the steel comb. A metal comb works best for curly coated doodles while a grooming rake may work well for wavier coated doodles. If you encounter a mat, use a pair of thinning shears or blunt tipped scissors to help remove it. You may also want to try a detangler. It's easiest to untangle mats when they're small. A doodle covered in mats means a shaved down puppy, regardless of whether you prefer the shorn look or not. Sometimes people wonder whether a groomer actually could get all of the mats out of their doodle and is simply taking the lazy route by shaving her. Truly, the groomer may be looking out for your doodle's best interest. If your child's hair was laden with tangles, would you really want a stranger pulling and tugging at them for hours? You likely wouldn't put your child through such a hair-pulling experience, and you honestly don't want your dog to go through that either. Remember, you want your doodle to like going to the groomer. Rather than blaming the groomer if you doodle requires a shave down, resolve to brush your dog regularly so your doodle can have a cuter clip for her next haircut. Trimming A Goldendoodle Face Who doesn't love that quintessential hair in the eyes? It's almost a trademark characteristic of goldendoodles. But it doesn't take long that one cute curl to become an entire tuft of hair, hiding her eyes and blocking her vision! My favorite tool for trimming the hair around doodle's eyes is a pair of thinning shears because they help cut away unwanted hairs without leaving a distinct line. You'll also want a pair of small blunt tipped scissors. The Sanitary Clip You've likely noticed that your doodle gets a little unkempt in certain areas faster than other areas. Hair starts blocking her vision. She's begins getting little cling-ons on her rear end. But you love her shaggier look, and she doesn't seem quite ready for a full haircut. There are a few extra grooming steps you can take at home to help keep her clean and tidy in between grooming appointments. Expect to perform this maintenance every weeks. A pair of sturdy dog clippers with a detachable blade is a worthwhile investment. Use you dog clippers and a 10 blade to trim your dog's belly, behind, and under the ears. Doing a maintenance trim will help decrease the frequency of your doodle's grooming appointments, so the dog clippers will quickly pay for themselves. Your doodle has a thick coat and will benefit from clippers designed specifically for grooming dogs. The clippers you use on your own head will overheat and wear out quickly trimming your doodle's coat. You might also enjoy:. If you have any tips that we could share with our Rainfield Goldendoodle family, please contacct us through Rainfield Facebook page or at my email at laurie rainfieldgoldendoodles. Goldendoodle Puppies at weeks old. Their coats are fluffy and getting thicker. The pup in the middle will be the first to need the hair around his eyes trimmed. We are not being paid or compensated to advertise these. These are just items we have research and added to our grooming set up. Here at Rainfield, we have puppies whose coats range from quite curly our F1bb or some F1b puppies to shaggy wavy coats our F1s and some F1bs. Goldendoodles take a couple years to get their full and final coats, so their coats will change and transition during those first two years. They usually start off pretty fluffy with baby fuzz underneath. Gradually the curlier doodles get more of a curly, poodle-like coat, although usually with looser curls that a poodle. The shaggy wavy coated doodles, get a longer, fuller, straighter coat, often with a little curl in it. In our experience, curlier goldendoodles need their first actual grooming experience a little earlier monhs old than the shaggy wavy doodles months. Two different coat types. Marcus the Great is an F1 doodle and has a shaggy, wavy coat. Princess Neely is an F1b Mini Goldendoodle puppy. She has a beautiful curly coat. Get Your Puppy Started with Weekly Grooming Maintenance Regardless of the coat type, before you start full-on grooming a goldendoodle puppy,they need to get used to regular brushings and the sounds of the grooming table blowers, clippers, etc. Go ahead and blow dry them a little bit after each bath. If you have clippers or beard trimmers, turn on the clippers and let your goldendoodle get used to the sound. Bring the clippers close to their fur in different places, their head, legs, feet. Give your doodles dog treats while the blower or clippers are going so your doodle develops a positive association with those sounds. Brushing your goldendoodle puppy at least once a week is very important. The earliest grooming a goldendoodle puppy needs is often an eye, ear and sanitary trim. When their hair starts getting in their eyes, or fuzzing out their ears, and when poop residue starts clinging to their fur near their butt, your doodle is ready for their first light grooming. Amber is a 5 month old F1 Goldendoodle Puppy. With our puppies that often happens at about weeks of age. You can either take them to the groomer to get this done, or, if you are more of a DIYer like we are, you can do this at home. A little trim around the eyes, a light buzz on the inside of the ears with a small trimmer like this one and some scissor clipping around their potty areas might be enough to tide you over until their coat is thick enough for their first official grooming. Just be careful because doodles can be bouncy. We use safety tip grooming scissors that have rounded ends for the areas around their face. A scissor clip will even her coat out a bit. With that nice coat, we want her to be used to regular grooming and the grooming table as well. Our doodles seem to need their first grooming at about 5 months old, but puppies with an especially thick, full coat, may need it sooner. Puppies with thinner coats, may be able to go longer than that. We do most of our own grooming, when possible. We prefer the longer, shaggier look on our goldendoodles, so we prefer to start with scissor clipping when grooming a goldendoodle puppy. Scissor clipping is all Amber needs for now. A grooming table makes all the difference. We use the large Flying Pig Brand. Grooming a goldendoodle puppy takes skill, but Violet 16 has learned her grooming techniques by watching Youtube videos. Amber feels good and looks so much cleaner and neater after getting all that puppy fuzz off. Dogs with long ears can have more ear trouble as the hair grows and gets trapped in their ears. Once this happens, moisture is retained and yeast and other bacteria can become a problem. Part of your weekly grooming maintenance should be checking their ears and using an ear wash. We use Zymox Otic and use that for 3 or 4 days. Brownie has those long, floppy doodle ears that need regular cleanings to keep yeast growth at bay. 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Chews can help to stop this. Some are tough enough to give hours of fun and many have health benefits, in particular for their teeth. They also have a soothing effect on your dogs. If you have anxious or hyperactive dogs chews can help to relax them. What are English Bulldogs? English Bulldogs are medium sized muscular dogs with wrinkled faces and short legs. Their heads and necks are enormous and their jaws are massive, broad and square. Their upper lips hang down and they have pushed-in noses. Their coats are short and smooth. A distinctive feature of these dogs is that they drool and slobber, which makes them even cuter. Although they look intimidating, they are in fact very affectionate, playful and perfect as family dogs. However they are also protective and make good guard dogs. What Types of Chews Are There? Basically they can be divided into 2 different categories, those that are edible and those that are toys. Both are good for the dental health of your dogs. In addition they can get food poisoning from viruses and parasites which can cause big problems in the gastrointestinal system. You need to avoid this despite their pleading looks. Edible chews include bones, sticks and treats. Dogs find that they smell and taste delicious, although we may find the smell unpleasant. The downside to edible chews is that they can make a mess. They can also become costly if your dogs have a couple a day. Synthetic chews are often made of rope or nylon and are much cleaner than edible chews. Like edible chews, they help with dental health. All have an appealing scent so are not as smelly as edible chews. English Bulldogs have strong jaws so need a tougher chew. Soft ones will be gone in five minutes if not less. It is also a good idea to supplement the edible chews with toy chews as they will keep your dogs occupied while you are out. Elk Antlers Elk antlers are a good choice for English bulldogs. Not only are they tough, but they have health benefits. They contain calcium which is good for the bones and teeth. There is collagen which improves skin health, helps with joint pain and boosts muscle mass. In addition elk antlers contain phosphorus which is good for the kidneys, muscles, bones and blood vessels. In fact they are as strong as bones. They massage the gums and increase jaw strength, as well as looking after general dental health. A lot of them are shed naturally by elks so you will be doing something for animal welfare. Rawhide Rawhide is another tough chew, but it is controversial. On the other hand there are some rawhide chews that are promoted by vets. They are safe and are easily digestible. It may be a good idea to get advice from your vet. You could buy your English Bulldogs bully sticks. They are made of pizzle, and for dogs they are very tasty. They are dense so last a long time so will keep your English Bulldogs occupied. Unfortunately, on the downside, they do smell horrible. Beef Tracheas Beef tracheas are also a good choice as they are made of cartilage and are tough. They contain glucosamine and chondroitin. These both help your English Bulldogs to build cartilage and help to ease any joint pain they may have. They are made from cow and yak milk which is turned into cheese. It is mixed with salt and lime juice and then left to dry for a few weeks. This makes it very hard which is good for your English Bulldogs. They also come from cattle and yaks which are not treated with antibiotics or hormones. Other Options Finally there are dog chew toys which also give hours of enjoyment. Yes, your English Bulldogs may prefer an edible chew, but they will still have fun with a toy especially if they are left alone for a while. The best materials to go for are rubber or nylon as they are more durable. With too soft a material your dogs may be able to tear the chew apart and may swallow pieces and even the stuffing. There are also chew toys which can be filled with treats which gives your pups an extra incentive to play. They are totally natural and organic and are made from yak and cow milk from which the lactose is taken out. There is also no gluten in them, another thing that can irritate and cause allergies. They are 6 — 8 inches in length and 1 — 2 inches in width which will give your English Bulldogs hours of enjoyment. In fact they are dense and last up to 5 times longer than rawhide chews. They are the largest elk antlers on Amazon and they are 6 — 12 inches long and weigh between 9. They are dense which will suit your English Bulldogs and last longer than bully sticks, rawhides or pigs ears. They can last up to 14 hours which will provide hours of fun for your pups. In addition they are healthy and are a fantastic source of calcium, phosphorus, manganese and zinc. They are also good for dental health. There are no antibiotics, hormones or additives in these antlers. They also come from free-ranging elk that shed their antlers naturally. They are picked in the forest and hand sorted by Jim Hodges Dog Training. Beef Tracheas are made from cartilage and are very healthy. They are jam-packed full of vitamins and minerals, are high in protein and low in fat. They have glucosamine and chondroitin which helps with joint pain and arthritis. They will help your English bulldogs increase their movability and flexibility. They are made by intertwining 3 sticks and have excellent health benefits. They are high in protein which helps to build muscle mass. They are also low in fat which contributes to a lean dog. English Bulldogs are greedy dogs so these treats will help to keep their weight down. Another benefit of these chews is that they are excellent for dental health and help to remove plaque and tartar. They are made from grass-fed, free-range cattle and contain no hormones or chemicals. If your English Bulldogs are prone to allergies, these bully sticks are a good choice as they are free from corn, soy and grain, all of which can cause allergies. In addition to there being no chemicals, there are no artificial preservatives or colors either. They are made from free-range and grass-fed cattle, with no added hormones. They are great for dental health as well and clean the teeth, so reducing plaque and tartar. They are also odorless which is a great bonus. They are the perfect chews for an aggressive chewer. It will take a lot for your English Bulldogs to destroy these toys. They are a great design. Flat chews can be difficult for your dogs to hold, but this chew is wishbone shaped which is much easier. It also has deep grooves, which makes it even simpler for your dogs to grip. The information in the above list is provided courtesy of dogtime. Can Bulldogs Have Rawhide Bones? No cooked bones and now bones bought from the store. Maybe you can give your dog rawhide bones then? Unfortunately, the answer is, again, no. Dogs have been known to contract and suffer from Salmonella and E. Coli after chewing on rawhide bones. In addition, rawhide bones often contain gelatin, artificial sweeteners, and other additives and preservatives. These ingredients can be toxic to your dog. Rawhide bones have led to digestion problems, blockages, and cancer. All of this being said, your dog will in all likelihood not die if you give them a store bought bone or a rawhide bone to chew on. Although there are more dangers in presenting these bones to your dog versus presenting them with a raw bone, the dog bones that you can find in the store have to go through screening processes to make sure that they are safe. The best option, however, is still a raw bone or a raw recreational bone. Health Benefits of Chewing on Bones Chewing on bones is instinctual for dogs. They are a historically predatory species, and it is in their nature to gnaw on bones. Setting aside any physical health gains, a dog chewing on a bone is a happy dog. Bones are great sources of calcium and phosphorous, as well as a plenitude of other beneficial minerals that your dog needs in order to remain healthy and active. Chewing on bones strengthens stomach muscles, prevents bloating, and helps with bowel movements. Dangers to Watch Out for When Chewing Bones The biggest danger in letting your dog chew on a bone is the potential for the bone splintering and your dog ingesting a piece of the bone. While bigger dogs may be able to swallow a small piece of bone without batting an eye, smaller dogs can choke. However, even if your dog is quite large, swallowing a piece of bone can cause digestive issues. This is why small bones and cooked bones are such a problem because they have a higher likely hood of splintering when your dog chews on it. Make sure that your dog is chewing a bone that is proportional to their size. A large dog chewing a small bone can end up swallowing the bone and choking. Likewise, a small dog chewing a big bone can injure their teeth or jaw. A dog, especially a smaller breed of dog, can break one or more of its teeth chewing on a hard bone. Their teeth will be tender and more vulnerable to cracking or breaking. Do not give your dog a bone if they suffer from pancreatitis. The marrow in bones is high in fat, which can lead to diarrhea or a flare up in your dog. Watch to make sure that the bone does not splinter or that your dog does not swallow the bone whole. Give your dog a bone after they have already eaten their meal, as they are less likely to chew too vigorously when they are full. Once the bone becomes worn down, throw it out. Once a bone has become weak, it is more likely to splinter and cause damage. You need to know your dog and know how they eat. If you know that your dog is a particularly violent eater, then perhaps it is not the best idea to give them a bone that might break under pressure. Give your dog a bone that is longer than the length of their muzzle, as that makes it impossible for them to swallow the bone and choke. When the bone is cut, it becomes weaker and will break more easily. Bully Sticks are made out of one ingredient: beef muscle, meaning they are digestible and tasty. They are much easier to digest than rawhide and carry the additional benefit of not being full of chemicals, gelatin, or additives. If your dog is a particularly violent chewer, then you can even buy a braided Bully Stick that will last longer. There are also Bully Sticks made in fun patterns to stimulate your dog mentally while they chew. The only downside to using Bully Sticks in place of bones is that you lose the calcium and phosphorous that you get from bones. However, Bully Sticks are a very good alternative to bones if you are looking for one. You can buy them on Amazon here. Additional Questions Can dogs eat chicken bones? Dogs can eat chicken read Can Bulldogs Eat Chicken? Raw vs. Cooked and chicken bones, as long as they are raw and the bone is not too small for your dog breed. Cooked chicken bones will splinter and can injure your dog, and big dogs can end up swallowing small chicken bones. However, chicken bones can be quite beneficial to the health of your dog. Post Views: 1, These include Pig ears, Rawhide sticks and hooves. Rawhide is an extremely dangerous chewy for a Bulldog; while they love them their life is always at risk when you give them Rawhide, yes even under your supervision! Bulldogs have a tendency to Chew the Rawhide making it soft and slimy they then will inhale the whole piece causing obstruction, foaming at the mouth then this will cause them to collapse from lack of oxygen into their lungs weather you are or not experience with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, or CPR on a dog it is not worth the risk giving your Bulldren Rawhide. Although they are said to be percent digestible they are NOT many do not realize that Canine digestion is very different than human digestion; they do not have the digestive chemical breakdown like humans do. The veterinary journal now shows compressed vegetable chew treats, of which Greenies is the most popular sold, are now the third biggest cause of esophageal obstruction in dogs behind bones, rawhide and fish hooks. In my opinion they should be pulled from the shelves! To many precious dogs have lost their life chewing these now. The Nylabone Durachews are a good one and they last a long time. They make excellent dog chews because they are made of a bony material and so are hard, long-lasting, interesting to the dog and not smelly or staining. They are similar in hardness to a Nylabone, but tastier and healthier. Not all Bulldogs will appreciate chewing antlers the most are young puppies and Bulldogs that just love to chew! Antler chews are also full of nutrients such as calcium. Here are a few tips to help your Bully to enjoy the antler chew and keep him or her safe. The come in a variety of shapes and sizes. If there are any, it is easy to remove them by rubbing the sharp edge with sandpaper or I have done this with a nail file. If he is bearing down hard on the antler, it is best to take it away since chewing any hard chew this way could damage the teeth. They sell a huge selection of very Durable toys that are long lasting! They have some out now called Rip-apart's and our guys will spend hours playing with these trying to take the shells off of them. TJ has had this shark for over 6 months now and plays with it everyday and looks as good as the day it was purchased and he claimed it as his : These are fantastic and our Bullies love them! You can pick these up now in just about any pet shops! We highly recommend these even our puppies love them but even though these are rawhide free never leave your Bulldog untended with any type of chewy. But also, they have a tendency to be destructive. Namely — to their toys. Like shoes, purses, baseball caps, remote controls, end tables… In addition, bulldogs can also show a softer side to their favorite toys. Have you ever heard of English Bulldogs suckling their toys? And believe me, it is CUTE. Below I roundup and review toys that are recommended specifically for bulldogs. I go over durability, safety, enjoyment, and overall quality. They deserve the best of the best, and top quality toys. And in case you have no idea what that means, think about how a baby sucks on a pacifier. Or a young toddler who sucks their thumb. Bulldogs do this type of thing as well. But they do it with their stuffed toys, or their blankets or beds. Not sure why there would be a difference, but that was the case. I believe it makes them feel safe and comforted. Because whenever my bulldogs start to suckle, they go into almost a trance-like state, and basically fall asleep while doing it. Oh, and one other thing — it is sooo adorable to watch!! We have gone through so many Snoopy plush toys over the years. The hands and feet have squeakers in them, but no one tends to play with those parts of the monkey. For some reason, this specific monkey is a sought after suckle toy for my dogs. How many people actually recall who Lamb Chop is? Anyone born prior to millennial age will probably have a good recollection. Lamb Chop was created by entertainer and puppeteer Shari Lewis, who spent over 30 years performing for children on educational TV shows. But for some reason, my big guy loves to suckle on this one. Best English Bulldog Chew Toys For English Bulldogs who love to chew, you need to find a durable, quality product to stand up to their powerful jaws. But I do really like the quality of Nylabone brand chew toys. There are four different areas to hold onto, for them to get the best gnawing grip. Plus there is an English Bulldog on the actual packaging! The blue rubber part in the middle makes a crinkling or crackly sound as it bends. There are different versions, but the one we have contains animal sounds. We have the largest one, which is really about the size of a baseball. My smaller dog cannot fit it into her mouth, but my big guy can. Just be careful if you have a chewer, since the plastic is pretty solid. Wekin Anti-Burst Exercise Ball This is a really fun one, especially if you have a bullie who likes to herd. Have you heard about a competitive sport for dogs called Treibball? If you are in an actual competition, your dog will push 8 balls into a goal. But this inflatable exercise ball has provided hours of outdoor activity for my dogs. The question, however, is should they eat them? The problem is that some treats are loaded with salt, fat, fillers, artificial ingredients, coloring, and, sadly, even more. If, however, you feed them low-quality treats all the time, they will start to suffer from various health problems, including obesity, joint problems, tummy problems, diabetes, and several more. Below are a few ingredients you should avoid when choosing a treat for your English Bulldog. Do your best to avoid treats with these ingredients. Salt Like sugar, salt often goes by other names on the ingredient list, like sodium chloride, iodized salt, and sea salt. Yes, some salt is needed, but not much. Like humans, too much salt can cause various health problems in dogs. Dairy Dairy products, while generally healthy, are also a common cause of food sensitivity. If your English Bully has problems with sensitivity, avoid treats with any dairy in them like cheese and milk. Corn Unfortunately, corn is a cheap meat replacement found in many dogs treat recipes. First, grains can provide some needed nutrients. Also, peas are often used in place of grains, and peas have been linked to diet-associated canine heart disease DCM. Calories Calories are great when your English Bulldog needs some quick energy. Long-term chews usually have the highest calorie count, so give them sparingly to your English Bulldog. What To Look for in Dog Treats for Your English Bulldog Just as there are ingredients you should avoid, there are several you should look for in a good dog treat for your English Bulldog. They include:.

If not, here is the form! Get a bite of what is happening at WCBR, our dogs, our amazing adopters and all the incredible people that keep this rescue going! Email Address Woot Woo! We will never keep you chained or leashed to our list. You can run free at anytime, unsubscribe at the bottom of any emails you receive. We are so excited to have you in the fun! His love and compassion for Boxers was felt by those who had the pleasure of spending time with him. Ken loved sports and spending time with friends. He also collected sports memorabilia and other collectibles like Hot Wheels. He truly loved Milo, featured in the the photo with him. Every time we received a message from him he included a picture of him and Milo. He never gave up hope that some treatment would be the ultimate cure. He worked as long as he could and made his journey to the light in late June. His weakened system just couldn't fight any longer. He will be deeply missed by WCBR, and we wish his family peace with his loss. Thank you to so many who have donated to WCBR in his memory. Ken will forever be in our hearts. We need your help. The number of Boxers being surrendered by families and in the shelters is overwhelming. We continue to receive owner surrenders a week, along with multiple pleas from surrounding shelters for Boxers in need. So many Boxer are coming from families that are no longer able to financially care for them, just don't want them, many are dealing with illness or the Boxer's pet parent has passed away, and many just are moving. Without the funding or foster homes, sadly we have to turn away these surrenders. Please Foster, Fund or be a Forever Home. Watch Us In Action! About BRLA Boxer Rescue Los Angeles, a c 3 non-profit founded in , is funded by donations, driven by volunteers and committed to helping Boxers in need find loving homes and to help people looking to provide homes, find the Boxer that fits them best. Our mission for every adoption is a responsible lifetime match. All Boxers available for adoption are cared for in one location. Adoptions are scheduled by appointment. When you see a candidate posted on our Available Dogs page that has profile information that matches you, an adoption application should then be submitted. If your profile is a potential match to the Boxer candidate we then set up a virtual face to face interview to discuss in more detail. If we have a good pre-match an appointment will be made to come to BRLA and meet your candidate. Our adoption team will do introductions and test for compatibility to hopefully make a responsible lifetime match. You can adopt to save a life. You can donate to help us save lives. We are funded solely by private donations which are desperately need to house, feed, take care of routine medical and to be able to take on any medical needed to give a Boxer the second chance they deserve. You can save a life. All visits to our kennel for adoption or volunteering are by appointment only. A Few of our Featured Boxers.

Things to do with your English Bulldog Maryland is a great place to live with an English bulldog. The state has a diverse landscape, plenty of outdoor activities, and dog-friendly businesses. Hike the Trails Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking trails in Maryland that are perfect for English bulldogs. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, and take breaks often. Visit a Campground Camping is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many campgrounds in Maryland that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in Maryland, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to get a fishing license and follow all the rules and regulations. Go Boating Boating is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many places to boat in Maryland, both on rivers and lakes. Be sure to bring a life jacket for your dog and follow all the safety rules. There are many places to swim in Maryland, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to supervise your dog at all times and follow all the safety rules. Visit a Dog Park Dog parks are a great place for English bulldogs to run and play off-leash. There are many dog parks in Maryland, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Pet-Friendly Businesses Maryland has a number of pet-friendly businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and stores. These are just a few of the many things you can do with your English bulldog in Maryland. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Maryland is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in Maryland? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. The ones available in the state are far and few if they are from ethical breeders. You may have to travel or have one of the breeders responsibly ship your pup to you. If you find a breeder outside the list, ensure they follow the AKC-approved breeding standards. You could also try messaging the reviewers. If you want the dog to be shipped, also ask about how safe and humane their shipping practices are. Look for a breeder who is passionate about the breed and is committed to improving it. Puppies introduced to people and other animals are prone to be better tempered than those bred and raised in mills. Ask many questions about health testing practices. A responsible breeder will test their breeding dogs for common health issues and will provide you with the paperwork. Here are some fun facts about the breed: English Bulldogs are one of the oldest dog breeds, first bred in England in the s. Sadly, they were originally bred for the cruel bull-baiting sport, which was soon outlawed. Although they have a tough exterior, English Bulldogs are big softies! They are affectionate and gentle dogs. Other than their wrinkly face and short nose, they are also known for their distinctive underbite. English Bulldogs have a strong sense of loyalty and are known for their stubbornness. Sometimes, this means more work for training! English Bulldogs are often used as mascots! In fact, they are the mascot of the British Bulldog Breed Council. Because of their short snouts, they have breathing difficulties. Thus, they do not do well in hot climates and can often suffer from heatstroke. If you plan to take them to hot weather, keep them cool and well-hydrated. English Bulldogs are notorious for being couch potatoes. They just love napping! This is why you must ensure they exercise regularly to maintain their weight and health. Despite their sometimes comical appearance, English Bulldogs have a history of bravery and were used as war dogs during World War I. They were even used as mascots for military regiments. Frequently Asked Questions Are English bulldogs easy to potty train? English Bulldogs do well with patient, continuous training. They may not pick up on potty training as quickly as other breeds. How long can an English Bulldog hold its pee? Not very long. After six hours, they usually need to go. No, this does not work as well as positive reinforcement. But even though they are not many, you must be particular about picking a breeder with the best practice. English Bulldogs make a loveable companion, so give them a good shot at a fulfilling life. Make an informed choice and pick your future pup from an ethical breeder like the ones mentioned above.

Gentle, fiercely loyal, friendly, and incredibly sweet — nothing can go wrong when you have a Goldie in your life. A mom in China recently captured the most adorable video of a Golden Retriever protecting her two-year-old from a scolding. According to Ms. She yelled at the girl who began to cry loudly as the Golden, Harry, named after the bespectacled wizard of Hogwarts, stepped in front of her protectively. Sun said to Daily Mail. The dog probably thought the mom was taking it too far and gnarled his teeth ferociously. Mom continued yelling and it was a super-adorable moment when Harry protective wrapped his paw around YouYou to shield her from the angry woman. Sun said. Dogs would find ways to express their love if you treat them properly. Whenever we speak to [You You] in a harsh tone, he would come over and try to shield her with his paws. He would protect the child with his life. However, her anger immediately melted away and she was just taken aback by the display of love. She had to record the touching scene and post it to her followers on Douyin , the Chinese equivalent of TikTok for short videos. While thousands of people immediately fell in love with the Goldie and the little girl, some viewers were concerned that the mom had staged the act. The mother taught the dog to hug the baby. Most pets would have a hard time adjusting to babies, but Harry immediately took to YouYou and literally belongs to her now. Every family wants a pet that would protect, love, and be friends with their growing children. With dogs, certain breeds are wonderful for families with young children, such as Goldens and Labradors, while others are to be avoided at all costs, such as Pitbulls and Rottweilers. Parents need to consider the temperament of the breed, the size of the dog, its patience level, and friendliness. You need a loyal, reliable, and confident dog that enjoys being around people. The dog must also be obedient, easy to train, playful, and not cause or trigger allergies. Julia Banim. Retrieved October 19, .DMCA Policy Disclaimer This site is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice, legal advice, or professional services. If you feel that you have a medical problem, you should seek the advice of your physician or health care practitioner. For additional information please see our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Archie, Oakley, and Winston can be seen barking at someone in the living room, but when the camera zooms in, the terrifying intruder is revealed to be a plush toy dog, sitting there, "menacingly. Having four dogs under one roof is the perfect guarantee for constant joy and entertainment. There is never a dull moment in our house, nor is it ever spotless! However, the amount of love they provide makes me not care about the fur balls and muddy paw prints. We visit hospitals, schools, nursing homes, corporate offices, and a variety of other venues. It is truly amazing to see how many lives they touch on a daily basis. All four of them get along great with each other. They spend about 90 percent of the day snuggling with each other and the other 10 percent of the time they are either chasing squirrels out in the backyard or wrestling over a toy in the living room. They truly are best friends! Even though they are similar in many ways, they each have their distinct personalities, as described below. His 6th birthday [was on Saturday]. He is the most protective one in the house and is always right by my side. He is also an opportunist when it comes to food. Watch out when you eat pizza around Archie, as he has been known to steal a piece from guests who aren't paying attention. As soon as someone walks in the door, he will start singing or crying very prominently due to his excitement. Winston is 18 months old and is definitely the goofball of the trio. He is obsessed with squirrels, sticks, and stuffies. A trio of golden retrievers protecting their owners from a "terrifying intruder" has melted hearts online. So, golden retrievers typically do not make great guard dogs, but they can be good watchdogs. Watchdogs simply alert their humans of possible intruders and suspicious activities, while guard dogs do more than just that. The video quickly gained popularity on social media, attracting animal lovers from across the platform. It has so far received over , views and more than 67, likes. Many will bark, show teeth, and put themselves at risk to save you. But what about the friendly Golden retriever? Are Golden retrievers protective of their owners? Golden retrievers are not known as aggressive or intimidating dogs, but they will protect their owners in certain situations. Even though Golden retrievers are generally very friendly, they will protect their owners and families by bearing their teeth, barking, and putting themselves between you and a threat. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! Being loving and friendly is an excellent trait for a family dog and a Golden Retriever has these qualities in spades! While Goldens are more likely to rush an intruder for pets than to attack, they instinctively know when something or someone presents a danger, and they use the following traits in order to protect you or deter a possible threat. When walking alone at night, having a Golden retriever by your side will keep you safer than walking alone. Similarly, having a big dog in your house can help to prevent break-ins, just by their presence alone. Burglars or intruders look for easy pickings, and a person or household with a large dog tends to make the bad guys nervous, so they look elsewhere. Goldens Have a Large Powerful Bark Goldens retrievers are not the most vocal of dogs under normal circumstances. In most situations involving a would-be burglar or intruder, a big, booming bark can make a criminal change their minds quickly. For example, if someone were to break into your home at night and hear the sound of a large breed dog barking, chances are they would move on for fear of being attacked. This can be effective if you feel threatened and need your dog to show their strength without actually behaving aggressively. This will be their way of alerting you to the danger, as well as making their stand against it. If you have a Golden retriever, then you know that it takes a lot for them to growl. Growling is a sure sign that something is amiss. Golden Retrievers Will Put Themselves in Harms Way Goldens were bred as hunting dogs and are usually quite fearless, especially when the danger comes in the form of another animal. They do this to create a barrier between you and the threat, and it is very instinctive. Todd, a six-month-old Golden Retriever saved his owner from a rattlesnake. The top protective traits for a good guard dog are: Large Size — The bigger the dog, the scarier they are to the bad guys. Intelligence — They need to be smart in order to function as a guard dog. Obedient — They need to be well trained and obedient. Loyalty — A loyal dog will be more inclined to protect you. Aggressiveness — A true guard dog will need to be aggressive when called for. Typical Characteristics of Golden Retrievers Goldens are one of the most popular domestic pets in the world. Loyal, friendly, and kind-hearted, they make excellent companions and family dogs. Being gentle and eager to please, they quickly pick up on training and love to make their owners happy. Knowing all of this, here are the primary traits of a Golden retriever. Are golden retrievers protective? Golden Retrievers excel in hunting game for hunters, tracking, sniffing contraband for law enforcement, and as care and service dogs. They are also natural athletes and perform well in dog sports such as agility and competitive obedience. These dogs are pretty easy to train and get along in just about every home or family. If you want a trustworthy, caring, and smart companion, consider taking one of these pups into your pack. Find out here! The Golden is slow to mature and maintains the dumb, playful personality of a puppy until three to four years of age, which can be delightful and irritating. Some retain their puppy traits in their old age. Originally designed for the physically challenging job of retrieving ducks and other birds for hunters, Golden needs regular exercise: walking or jogging, free time in the yard, a beach or lake run Goldens love water , or a game of fetch. And like most intelligent dogs that have been bred to work, they need to have a job to do, such as retrieving the paper, waking up family members, or engaging in dog sports. A weary Golden is a well-behaved Golden. As well as offering your Golden Retriever physical and mental exercise, you should also be prepared to include it in your family activities. Highlights Golden Retrievers have shed abundantly, particularly in spring and fall. Regular brushing will get some loose hair out of the suit, preventing it from lying on your clothes and all over your place. Golden Retrievers are active dogs who require minutes of hard exercise every day. They excel in obedience training, agility lessons, and other canine sports that are a perfect way to give your dog physical and mental exercise. While they are gentle and trustworthy with children, the Golden Retrievers are wild, big dogs who can unintentionally reach a small child. Since the Golden Retriever is so common, many people are breeding Goldens who care more about making money out of the market for puppies than about breeding happy, healthy dogs. Never buy a puppy from an unethical breeder, a puppy mill, or a pet store to get a healthy dog. Look for a reliable breeder who checks her breeding dogs to make sure they are free from genetic diseases that could be passed on to the puppies and have sound temperaments. History For several years, there was a legend that the Golden Retrievers had come from Russian sheepdogs purchased from a circus. In reality, the breed originated in Scotland in the highland estate of Sir Dudley Majoribanks, later known as Lord Tweedmouth. Like many gentries of his day, Tweedmouth had bred animals of all sorts, seeking to perfect various breeds. He also wanted the dog to be obedient and even-tempered at home. Tweedmouth mainly kept the yellow puppies to continue his breeding program and gave some to friends and relatives. Not unexpectedly, the Tweedmouth breed first drew attention to their hunting skills. The American Kennel Club had recognized the breed in .Today, the Golden Retriever is the second most common breed in the United States. Personality A nice, quiet temperament is the hallmark of the breed. The Golden was brought up to work with people and is happy to please its owner. Though hard-wired and well-disposed, like all dogs, the Golden must be well-raised and well-trained to make the most of his heritage. Like any dog, Golden needs early socialization — exposure to several different people, sights, sounds, and experiences — when they are young. Socialization helps ensure that your Golden puppy develops into a well-rounded dog. Before you decide to train your golden retriever for protection, get to know the breed better. That is why their caring nature causes them to fall hard and easily in love with their owners. Goldens are loyal friends and strongly committed to their masters. This quality makes them instinctive protectors. You may have heard them contradict their existence to defend the owner in times of danger. In the 19th century, Scotland was used for breeding them for obedience. When the masters were out for hunting, the retrievers offered protection. These dogs were known to recover the birds that had dropped after being shot down. Retrievers are happy to please their owners, and they appear to follow orders happily. Popular for their calm nature and obedience, they easily learn new commands compared to other races. Beauty With A Brain Have you found that retrievers can easily win obedience training contests? You will also commonly find a retriever to be a top choice as a service dog. Retriever dogs are incredibly smart. They also see-eye guides for the blind. They help their people maneuver through complex physical situations involving vehicles, crowds, and corridors. Fast to feel trouble, golden retrievers are also common as support dogs for people with epilepsy who have seizures. Their instinct allows them to realize when a seizure is going to happen. In such cases, they should get support for them. Their knowledge is not limited to recognizing when danger is present. They strive to shield their owner from being harmed by lessening the risk. While coping with risk usually requires an artificial source. You may also teach them to detect intruders. Their high intelligence will help them take action and protect their owners from human beings that pose a threat. They are highly loyal, super protective, willing to follow orders. They seem to be a good match for guard dogs on paper. So much so, we can almost think of golden retrievers as doctors. Your golden doodle does not want to hurt another person, even if it poses a threat to you. You should teach them to strike. There is no question that there are dog owners who buy Golden Retrievers to multitask them as pet companions and guard dogs. So, what characteristics of the Golden Retriever do these owners invest in? Find out the Golden characteristics that mark them as potentially successful guard dogs. Despite common belief, the Golden Retrievers are not especially huge. Compared to the biggest mentioned breed, the Great Dane, which can stand as 32 inches for the male and 30 inches for the female, the Golden Retriever falls short by 6 to 8. Being a medium-sized dog is good enough to match the size requirements of a guard dog. In fact, the Golden Retriever is about the same size as the Rottweiler! Although any dog is supposed to be loyal to its owner, the Golden Retriever is especially suited for its ability to develop a deep and warm relationship with its owner. In other words, all these dogs are trustworthy. Goldens is going to stick with you through thick and thin, which is excellent quality for a guard dog to have. Loyal dogs naturally provide their owners with protection and safety. Even though the Goldens are not excessive barkers, they can spontaneously bark when they feel a threat. Be aware of the signals since growling can convey more than a threat. It may be a call for attention or an expression of pain. Often, Goldens can hop impulsively between the owner and the source of risk. Known to be human-pleasers, the Golden Retrievers are extremely obedient, making them ideal for training all sorts of service dogs, including guard dogs. Did you know that the Golden Retrievers were the first three dogs to earn the title of American Kennel Club Obedience Champion because of their obedience? Tonka set the high standard for the rest to follow. Golden Retrievers have consistently been recorded in canine history as the strongest breeds in agility and obedience rings. No other breed has more championships in obedience. In reality, from to , Goldens won the AKC obedience championship 6 out of 10 times! Premiere guard dogs require high energy to be successful in their work. If your dog is still lying on the sofa with you, how do you expect the dog to catch an intruder? That being said, Golden Retrievers need at least an hour of regular exercise to be stimulated both mentally and physically. Given the exercise requirements and the reason they were bred, there is little surprise that they are classified on the AKC list of 15 most successful dog breeds. As such, our favorite games for these dogs are catching and swimming. Golden Retrievers Are Smart Dogs. Intelligent dogs are very easy to train. This is a wonderful business to be with! Thanks to their high adaptive intelligence, Golden Retrievers are capable of knowing for themselves from previous experience. In other words, they are outstanding at discriminating between a well-intentioned tourist and an ill-intentioned attacker. However, you need to keep in mind a few other Golden attributes that could make you think again. Final Words Golden retrievers can be defensive. Their obedience, intellect, integrity, size, loud bark, and drive to the prey can help defend their human beings.

This is one of the most common health complications among Golden Retrievers. Symptoms of canine atopic dermatitis include: Red, dry, or oily skin Hair loss around the muzzles and eyes Mild to severe itching Causes of canine atopic dermatitis include: Flea bites Intolerance to some foods Rolling on Smelly Substances or Water Your dog may become smelly if it rolls on smelly substances. Consider taking steps to ensure your dog does not roll on smelly objects, including grass and dirt. Dogs that have been in water also smell bad. If your Golden has been playing in rain or pool water, its fur may produce a distinct, unpleasant smell. If your dog has been playing on dirty water, consider washing it before the water sticks to its coat. In addition, avoid letting it inside your house after washing it. Infections Common infections that may cause your Golden to smell include yeast and skin infections. Yeast is one of the most common health complications in Golden Retrievers. A bad smell usually accompanies yeast infection. Common signs of yeast infection include smelly paws and ears. Golden Retrievers with yeast infection usually scratch their ears and paws regularly. Take your dog to the vet if you suspect a yeast infection. Skin infections can also cause your dog to smell. Signs of skin infection include regularly scratching, thinning of hair, and flaking of skin. If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, check out our article on Golden Retriever Ear Infections for more information. Bad Diet A poor diet may also cause your dog to smell. Bad diet may cause flatulence and bad breath, both of which can cause your Golden to smell. If your dog starts smelling bad after a diet change, the diet could be the likely cause of the bad smell. Fortunately, you can use some tips to improve the smell of your dog. Below we list some of the most common ways you can get them back to smelling clean and fresh. Wet dog coats may also cause infections. Diet and Hygiene Consult a vet to determine the best diet for your Golden Retriever. A bad diet can cause your dog to smell. Wash and groom your dog regularly. Be sure to check out our articles on how to give your golden a bath and the best shampoos for goldens. Regular cleaning of your dog also removes loose fur on its coat, which may increase bad odor. Remember, Golden Retrievers may be a bit smelly after cleaning, but the smell should go away once the coat dries. This will prevent your dog from playing or rolling on the smelly objects. Regular Grooming Take some time to groom your dog regularly through bathing, drying, and brushing. Regular grooming prevents infection-causing bacteria from accumulating on the coat of your dog. Brushing loose hair helps to stimulate the skin to secrete oils, which prevents bacterial infection and yeast growth. An essential part of grooming is dental care. Read our article about Golden Retriever Teeth Care for more information. Your vet should also help you treat gum and teeth infections, if any are found. Talk to a Vet Consult a vet if you cannot determine the exact cause of the bad smell. This is a great option, especially if your dog has had the smell for a long time. Visit a vet if you suspect a medical cause of the bad smell. The vet should provide you with expert advice tailored to your Golden Retriever. Your vet might ask you a few questions to help with the diagnosis, including: When did the bad smell start? When does the dog tend to smell bad? Just remember to bring as much information as you can to the appointment. It helps to get an accurate diagnosis. Conclusion So, like any creature, Golden Retrievers can smell bad. Fortunately the smell can be greatly improved if you can determine the causes. Using our tips above is the first step to keeping your dog clean and smelling great! Golden Retrievers are beautiful dogs, and they can smell wonderful as well. It just takes a little time, effort, and love! A great shampoo with very helpful with smell. Check out our picks for the Best Shampoo for Golden Retrievers to see what we use for our dogs. He and his wife have three children who are always keeping Brady entertained. They love spending time together, traveling, and meeting other dog families. Recent Posts. However, these furry friends can develop an unpleasant fishy smell that is difficult to ignore. While some of the causes of this odor are minor and can be easily fixed, others can indicate more severe health issues. Understanding these causes is essential for effectively addressing the issue. Here are the top 7 causes: Skin Infections: Skin infections, such as bacterial or yeast infections, can lead to an unpleasant odor. Anal Gland Problems: Golden Retrievers have anal glands that produce a scent. When these glands become impacted or infected, they can emit a fishy smell. Expressing the anal glands regularly can help prevent odor-related issues. Dietary Factors: Certain foods, especially those high in fish-based proteins, can contribute to fishy-smelling breath or body odor in Golden Retrievers. The digestion of these proteins can result in a lingering smell. This can lead to an increase in oil production, resulting in an odor. Ear Infections: Golden Retrievers are prone to ear infections, which can produce a distinct odor. Bacteria or yeast overgrowth in the ears can cause discomfort and emit a fishy smell. Dental Problems: Poor dental hygiene and oral health issues, such as gum disease or tooth decay, can contribute to bad breath and an overall fishy smell in Golden Retrievers. Understanding these causes will help you pinpoint the source of the fishy smell in Golden Retrievers and take appropriate measures to address them effectively. Continue reading as we give you tips on how to prevent the fishy smell in Golden Retrievers. This includes brushing their coat to remove loose hair and prevent matting, which can trap odors. Use a high-quality, breed-appropriate brush and consider professional grooming services as needed. Bathing: Bathe your Golden Retriever regularly, but not excessively, as frequent bathing can strip their coat of natural oils. Use a mild, dog-specific shampoo that helps eliminate odors. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid residue that may contribute to lingering smells. Brush their teeth regularly using dog-friendly toothpaste and provide dental chews or toys to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Good oral hygiene can minimize fishy breath odors. Regularly check for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge. Clean their ears gently with a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaning solution and follow any specific instructions provided. Healthy Diet: Provide a balanced and high-quality diet for your Golden Retriever. Choose dog food formulas that are free from fillers and artificial additives. Some owners find that switching to a diet with alternative protein sources, such as poultry or lamb, can help reduce fishy odors. Proper anal gland function can help minimize fishy smells associated with glandular issues. Keep them away from stagnant water, strong fish scents, or other potential odor sources during walks or outdoor activities. By following these preventative measures, Golden Retriever owners can help keep their dogs smelling fresh and minimize the occurrence of fishy odors. Here are some effective solutions to consider: Veterinary Consultation: If your Golden Retriever is experiencing persistent or severe fishy odors, consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. They can identify any underlying medical conditions that may contribute to the smell and recommend appropriate treatments. Medicated Shampoos: Use specially formulated medicated shampoos designed to combat skin infections and reduce odors. These shampoos often contain antibacterial or antifungal agents to help treat underlying causes of fishy smells. Follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian or the product manufacturer. Dietary Supplements: Certain dietary supplements can help promote healthy skin and coat, reducing fishy odors. Omega-3 fatty acids, for example, have anti-inflammatory properties and can improve overall skin health. Consult your veterinarian for recommendations on suitable supplements for your Golden Retriever. Specialized Grooming Techniques: Consider using specific grooming techniques that help address fishy smells. For example, regular ear cleaning using veterinarian-recommended solutions can prevent or treat ear infections that contribute to odor. Additionally, proper anal gland expression performed by a professional groomer or veterinarian can help alleviate odor issues. Addressing Hormonal Imbalances: If hormonal imbalances are causing fishy smells, your veterinarian may suggest appropriate treatments or medications to restore balance. This could involve hormone replacement therapy or other medical interventions. Allergy Management: Allergies can contribute to skin infections and odors. If your Golden Retriever has allergies, work with your veterinarian to identify and manage the allergens. This may involve dietary changes, allergen avoidance, or medications to control allergy symptoms and prevent associated odor issues. Regularly wash bedding, vacuum areas where your dog spends time, and keep their living space free from excessive moisture or odorous substances that could contribute to fishy smells. Remember, the appropriate cure or remedy depends on the underlying cause of the fishy smell. This could indicate a chronic issue like a skin infection or an anal gland problem. Changes in Behavior: If your dog is licking or scratching excessively at one area, or if they seem more tired than usual, these could be signs of an underlying problem causing the odor. Physical Changes: Redness, swelling, or discharge in any area of the body, particularly around the ears, mouth, or anus, should be evaluated by a vet. Digestive Issues: Issues like constipation, diarrhea, or unusual stool such as very hard, very soft, or oddly colored stool can be signs of a larger problem. These symptoms, especially when accompanied by a bad smell, should prompt a vet visit. Eating or Drinking Changes: If your dog has suddenly lost their appetite, or seems to be drinking an excessive amount of water, these changes could be indicative of a health issue. Conclusion Managing and preventing unpleasant odors in your Golden Retriever is an important part of maintaining their overall health and wellbeing. Regular grooming, a balanced diet, and attention to dental hygiene can go a long way in preventing fishy smells. Remember, Golden Retrievers are not just pets, but members of our families, and their health and happiness directly contribute to our own. Ensuring they smell good is not just about having a fresher environment at home, but also about keeping them in the best health possible. Trust your instincts — you know your dog better than anyone else. With a little diligence and a lot of love, your Golden Retriever can stay happy, healthy, and fresh-smelling! While this is not always the case, the smell may indicate an underlying issue such as allergies, hormonal imbalances, or a skin infection. Bathing your Golden Retriever regularly with mild shampoo can help prevent fishy smells. There are a few home remedies you can try if you want to get rid of fishy odors in your Golden Retriever. Grooming your dog regularly, using deodorizing sprays or powders, and washing bedding and fabric items can help. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Beloved for their sleek coat, friendliness, and intelligence, the Golden Retriever is one of the most well-known dogs in the world. Originally bred in Scotland as gundogs, their work ethic and friendliness make them excel at a variety of jobs. Since their smell is usually a result of bad hygiene or the wrong diet, the odor that they can develop is relatively easy to manage. There are several reasons that Golden Retrievers might start to stink. Here are a few common causes of unpleasant smells. A lack of proper nutrition in their dog food, food allergies, or simply not enough healthy ingredients in the formula can be causes of ill health in dogs. Health Issue An infection can be a reason that your Golden Retriever smells. Certain types of allergies or even a build-up of moisture can create the perfect spot for yeast infections to form. Certain yeast infections, particularly ear infections, can give off an unpleasant smell. Internal health issues can be the cause too, so you should pay attention to any other symptoms that your dog might show. Image Credit: pixels, Shutterstock 3. Improper Grooming When it comes to grooming, Golden Retrievers are among the higher-maintenance breeds, especially if they spend time retrieving ducks from ponds. They have thick, double coats that are designed to keep them warm but can also cling to dirt and body oils that can quickly make them smell. If your dog spends a great deal of time out in wet, marshy areas hunting ducks with you, their fur can get clogged with all sorts of dirty water, leaf matter, and mud. They might have even found a pungent-smelling substance to roll in just for fun! Healthy Diet The higher quality your chosen dog food brand is, the more likely it is to be healthier for your dog. You can also try formulas that focus on natural ingredients or subscription services that use fresh meals rather than kibble and canned food. Image Credit: Chendongshan, Shutterstock 2. Consider bathing your Golden Retriever too. A bath once a month or less should be more than ample, but keep an eye out for any signs of sensitive skin. Regular Grooming Brushing your Golden Retriever once or twice a week with a good slicker brush or dematter will help remove trapped dirt and dead hair. Regular grooming sessions are also ideal for reducing shedding and keeping your dog smelling nicer between baths. You can even spoil your favorite pooch with a trip to a professional groomer for a spa session. Image By: pixels, Shutterstock 5. Washing your dog is only one step in ensuring that they smell clean; you need to wash their bedding too. Not only does this remove any lingering odors, but it also gets rid of the dirt and bacteria that your dog leaves behind when they use their bed. Baths at least once a month or every six weeks are recommended to keep their coat clean of dirt and bacteria that can cause unpleasant smells. This will remove dead hair and skin cells in general and dirt from their skin, coat, and favorite blankets. Yeast overgrowth Ear infections Allergies can come from environmental or dietary triggers. If you suspect that your Golden Retriever has allergies, you should make an appointment with your vet for further investigation. Once your vet runs some tests or trials, you can pinpoint and eliminate the trigger. Here are some tips to keep them tidied up. Practice Regular Bathing Dogs need baths a whole lot less than us—but they do start stinking after a while. On average, you should bathe your Golden Retriever as frequently as most other canines—every weeks. Golden Retrievers can have allergy issues or sensitivities to certain shampoos. As a precaution, you could immediately start by using fragrance-free shampoos. Overbathing can cause other issues, like dandruff and dry skin. This can lead to excessive itching. Try to bathe your dog no more than once a month. For Goldens with extra sensitive skin, you might have to wait 6 weeks or longer in between. Image Credit: Autri Taheri, Unsplash 2. Brushing has lots of benefits that promote blood circulation, oil production, and good hygiene. But also, brushing helps loosen and remove dirt and debris that can get stuck in the coat. Since this breed has a double coat, occasionally brushing deeply with a de-shedding tool can help combat dander, matting, and shedding. If properly managed with brushing, your Golden can smell good for longer between baths. Keep Up with Oral Hygiene Does anyone like a full face of hot, stinky breath in their face? Just like humans, your Golden should brush their teeth every day. To combat the aromatic vapors burning holes in your olfactory sense, practice regular brushing as early as you can. Even though puppy teeth will inevitably fall out to make way for larger canines, it can be a trial run to familiarize themselves with the process. Image Credit: Littlekidmoment, Shutterstock 4. Offer Dry Baths You could always try a bath between baths, so to speak. Corn starch or powder will do the trick, too, as the substance absorbs oil. You should always be careful with this method, however, as Goldens are prone to having sensitive skin. Try to go fragrance, dye, and chemical-free if you can. Choose the Correct Diet Believe it or not, diet plays a very vital role in how your dog smells. Lots of dogs suffer from some type of food allergy, which can cause yeast to grow on the skin. Cleaner ingredients, as you might guess, equal less smelliness. The general rule of thumb here is—the more natural, the better. That means the higher quality of the diet, the better shape your dog will be in. Many vets and professionals recommend raw food diets, as it mimics their dietary ancestry. Image Credit: jagdprinzessin, Pixabay 6. Your goldie can go see their stylist roughly every 6 weeks. They can get in deep, making your pup feel fresh from their bare skin to the tips of their fur. Why not splurge on occasion? However, if they still have the dirt and grime on their blankets, dog beds, and doggy clothes—they are going to get dirty pretty quickly. Leftover smells remain on the blankets and bedding, causing dirt, debris, bacteria, and skin particles to collect on the material. If your dog lays in the bed, the same smelliness will find your dog again. If you implement good grooming habits, you can keep a clean smelling dog with no lingering odors. Oral health is just as important! Next on your reading list:. April 8, Do you own a golden retriever? If so, you may have noticed that they can sometimes smell bad. This can be pretty frustrating, especially when your dog is one of the most adorable creatures on the planet! Odor is a common problem for golden retriever breed dog and can be caused by a variety of things, including diet, poor grooming, yeast infections, and health problems. In this blog post, we will discuss why golden retrievers smell bad and how to fix it. We will also talk about some of the reasons why they may develop an odor, as well as tips for keeping your dog smelling its best. Do All Goldens Smell Bad? No, not all golden retrievers smell bad. However, the breed is known for being prone to developing an odor. Their coat can harbor dirt, bacteria, and other things that can cause them to smell bad, even fishy at times. This is a difficult question to answer. All dogs have different natural smells, and some breeds are known for being more smelly than others. For example, basset hounds are known for their strong odor, while poodles are not. Golden retrievers fall somewhere in the middle. They are not as smelly as some breeds, but they are certainly not odor-free. There are a few different things that can cause golden retrievers to smell bad. This is one of the least likely reasons your Golden may be stinking up your house. But, it is possible. For example, if your Golden is eating a lot of fish, he may start to smell like one! If your dog has allergies, they may manifest in their skin and cause them to have an odor. This is especially true for food allergies. Yeast infections: Yeast infections are common in dogs, and they can often cause a bad smell. These infections can occur on the skin, in the ears, or even in the gut. If your dog has a yeast infection, he may have a musty smell. These can be treated with anti fungal medications, but you should always consult your veterinarian first. Skin infections: Skin infections are another common cause of odor in dogs. These can be caused by bacteria, yeast, or even allergies. If your dog has a skin infection, he may have a foul smell, usually accompanied by itchiness. These can be treated with antibiotics or other medications, but you should always consult your veterinarian first. Rolling in smelly dirt: This one is pretty self-explanatory. This is often the case with dogs who love to play outside. Dogs are especially attracted to the scent of dead worms and other small creatures. So, if you live in an area with a lot of these critters, your dog may be more likely to roll in their scent. Goldens need to be brushed regularly at least once a day to prevent their fur from harboring dirt and bacteria. How often you bathe them should depend on how dirty they get. For example, if your Golden lives in the water a lot, their fur can harbor that dampness and mildew smell if not properly dried after swimming or playing in the rain. Health problems: Some health problems can cause dogs to develop an unpleasant odor. For example, kidney disease and diabetes can both lead to a fruity or sweet smell. Brush them regularly and bathe them as needed. A good rule of thumb is to brush them at least once a day and bathe them every three to four weeks. Over bathing can actually strip the natural oils from their skin and make them more susceptible to skin infections. Use a quality dog shampoo: When you do bathe your Golden, be sure to use a quality dog shampoo. Human shampoo is not designed for dogs and can cause irritation. Look for a shampoo that is designed explicitly for Golden Retrievers or other dogs with sensitive skin. Use dry dog shampoo: Yes, they make such a thing! They work by absorbing the oils and dirt from their fur. Ear infections are one of the most common causes of foul odor in dogs. You can usually tell if your dog has an ear infection if they are shaking their head a lot or scratching at their ears. If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, take them to the vet right away. Brush their teeth: Just like humans, dogs need to have their teeth brushed regularly. This helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to bad breath. You can use a special dog toothbrush and toothpaste or just a regular toothbrush do not use human toothpaste on your dog. Invest in a good quality dog food: A healthy diet is essential for all dogs, but it can be especially helpful in reducing odor. Make sure you take your dog to the vet to rule out any allergies if the suspected stench is coming from their diet. Keep any personal items, dog beds, blankets, fav stuffed animals clean: These items can hold on to smells, so be sure to wash them regularly. A good rule of thumb is to wash dog beds and blankets every two weeks and stuffed animals once a month. There could be an underlying health issue causing the odor. Otherwise, enjoy your sweet-smelling Golden! Do you have any tips for keeping golden retrievers smelling fresh and clean? Related Posts:. Feb 1, Jul 9, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Dogs, especially golden retrievers , smell. But sometimes this natural odor grows into something intolerable. All dogs have a distinctive dog smell, just as all humans have a distinctive human smell. Some people like the natural smell of dogs, or at least tolerate it, while others hate it. Over the years we read about Vizslas. If stinky dog smell is the only thing stopping you from getting a dog do some research on Vizslas. In general, there is very little you can do about the fact that your dog smells like, well, a dog! It could just be that your golden has particularly oily skin and needs to be bathed more frequently, but it could also be a sign of an infection or other medical issue. Below you will find a list of the main factors that can cause golden retrievers to smell bad. But if their general smell is the same but seems stronger than usual, it might just be that it has been a while since they have had a bath. Over time, the build-up can start to give off a strong smell, especially if there is oil build-up in the folds of their skin. If their smell is becoming too strong for you, then it is time to give your dog a bath. Most vets advise against giving your dog a bath too often because it can leave their skin dry and make it prone to irritation. The standard recommendation for golden retrievers is to bathe them once a month or less often if you can stand the smell. However, if you are using a gentle shampoo designed specifically for your dog, you can get away with bathing them more often if you need to. But regular brushing between washes can also help control their body oil levels, and therefore their smell. They may be too harsh on your dogs coat and skin. This can cause them to start running up against walls and rubbing their body against everything else in an attempt to wipe off the smell. In fact we use this shampoo when our newborn puppies needed a quick bath… week old puppies really like rolling around in their poop… This mild shampoo is designed specifically for puppies, or can be used on older dogs that need regular baths. It also lightly conditions the skin with botanical extracts and is mild enough to use on a regular basis. View Price This mild shampoo is great for dogs that have itchy skin as it soothes with oatmeal and aloe vera. It also includes vanilla bean extract, which is good at combating bad odors. Vitamin E keeps their coat soft and healthy. Infection If your dog has some type of infection, the bacteria or yeast associated with that infection can also be the source of a bad or unusual odor. For example, ear infections are common among dogs like golden retrievers because their long ears cover the ear canal. This creates a nice, dark breeding ground for bacteria, which can in turn result in a very unpleasant smell. Unfortunately, one of our Labs used to have chronic ear infections. Alternatively, if your dog has a skin infection, perhaps associated with allergies , they can scratch a lot and break the skin, creating wounds that can easily become infected and start to smell. Mouth Smell If your dog has an unusually bad smell, give their mouth a sniff and see if it is the source of the odor. Any dental issues can cause bacteria to build up in their mouth, which can smell very bad. Also examine their teeth for any that might be cracked or broken and require a trip to the vet. Smells can emerge up the esophagus and exit through their mouths. This is a signal that you should visit the vet, as related conditions can be serious if not treated promptly. Bad breath can also just be the result of bad dental hygiene. We use and recommend Arm and Hammer toothbrush and toothpaste and our favorite type of chews are bully sticks which themselves will often be quite stinky. Smelly cat dog , smelly dog , what are they feeding you? What you feed your dog could be the cause of his stinky smell. Farting is normal for dogs. Gases build up in the body as a natural part of the digestive processes, and farting is the only way to eliminate that gas. But if your dog is passing gas excessively or the gas has a very bad smell, an underlying health or dietary issue could be to blame. Your dog will often develop digestive issues when you change their food. Despite the fact it seems like they will eat anything and everything, dogs actually have quite sensitive digestive systems, and any sudden change in their diet can cause issues. However, these issues will typically go away on their own once your dog has become accustomed to the new diet. Human food with spices and other ingredients that are not good for your dog, such as onion and garlic, can also upset their stomach. This is one of the many reasons why you should never feed your dog food scraps off your plate despite those adorable, pleading puppy eyes. If their food is not the culprit, then it could be that your dog has an allergy to something specific in their food, and you should consult your vet. It is worth noting here that problems with grains are very rare among dogs, so while you might want to try grain-free dog food, this may not solve the problem. We will usually mix it in with some dry kibble, Wellness Core. Anal Sacs Dogs have two glands either side of their anus that fill up with a bad-smelling substance as part of their digestive process. However, if their anal sacs have become impacted or infected, they may be secreting this bad-smelling substance without pooping. You will probably also notice them licking themselves in this area a lot or scooting to try and give themselves some relief from itchiness. While a problem caused by a mild impaction will probably go away on its own after a day or two, an infection will usually only get worse and can become chronic. In this case, it is time to visit the vet to manually express the anal sacs and deal with the infection. Our older rescue, Linus used to have some anal sac issues. There would be a day or two when we had that fishy smell. Top Tips For Keeping Your Dog Smelling Good While a bad odor can be a sign that something is wrong, a strong dog smell can just be natural for some dogs, especially for dogs with thick coats that like to rough and tumble like golden retrievers. If you just want to keep your golden smelling good in general rather than deal with a specific bad smell, the following tips should help. Give your dog a bath. About once a month with a shampoo for dogs that is balanced for the pH of their skin which is different from the human pH is ideal. Brush their teeth frequently, and daily if possible. This will maintain their dental hygiene and ensure pleasant breath. Check their ears regularly. Remove dirt and debris at least weekly. Wash their bedding regularly. This will remove bacteria and help keep odors under control. If you change their diet, do it gradually by mixing their old food with new food at first so as not to cause excess flatulence. Visit the vet if they start to smell differently for no apparent reason. FAQs Why does my dog stink even after a bath? If your dog is stinky even after a bath, the source of the smell is likely to be something other than their natural body odor. Look for signs of infection, especially around the ears and mouth, as these can be sources of a bad smell. If the stench is coming from their backside, then it could be something in their diet or an infection of the anal sacs. Why is my dog smelling all of a sudden? The smell probably has a specific origin, such as the ears, mouth, or behind. If you can identify the origin of the smell, you will have a better chance of identifying the problem. How often should you bathe a golden retriever? You should bathe your golden retriever no more than once a month, and wait longer if you can stand the smell. Basically, bathe your golden when the smell is no longer tolerable for you. Why does my golden retriever puppy smell? Puppies often have a sweet milky smell that goes away within the first 8 to 12 weeks. The source of this smell is unclear; it may be due to their milky diet or linked with the growth and loss of their milk teeth. If your dog is giving off an unusually strong or unpleasant odor, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Consider my list of potential reasons why your dog is smelling bad to try and identify the problem. Often a trip to the vet can ensure that your dog starts to smell better and keep them healthy and happy. Do you have a smelly dog? Tell us about your dog in the comment section below. Related Articles:. Amanda Glew: Doga and other things Q: My dog who is a golden retriever has been scratching for almost 10 days now, when she scratches a body odor comes with it. We washed her and she has no fleas ticks or anything like that. What can it be? She eats well, sleeps well and even plays, but the scratching is really crazy, and I feel bad for her and the body odor is really bad, what is it and what can I do. She is 9 years old and in good health. Please help. I am going crazy with the smell. A: Golden Retrievers are wonderful dogs, but can often emit a bad odor. Dog odor is most often caused by bacteria or yeast metabolizing secretions, especially skin oils. Places where the skin tends to be moist and dark mouth, ears, skin folds, and under the tail have the highest concentration of yeast and bacteria and the strongest smell. Yeast and bacteria are present on the skin of all pets, even healthy pets, but are kept to a minimum when skin is in good condition. However, when the skin is less healthy, the population of yeast and bacteria can swell. As the numbers increase, so does the smell. Yeast and bacteria cause itching. Dogs scratch and this increases blood flow to the area. Increased blood flow produces inflammation, swelling, and heat so the smell can become even more offensive. You can usually recognize an ear infection by seeing redness, debris and an odor in the ear. Quite often one ear will look much worse than the other. Yeast, bacteria or a combination of the two can cause ear infections. A yeast infection is usually accompanied by a bad smell. These types of infections almost always need to be treated with medication. Chronic ear infections can also be a sign of an underlying condition such as allergies or hypothyroidism. We tend to see this more in dogs that enjoy swimming or have underlying allergies. Lesions and pustules inflamed pus-filled swelling on the skin, and in some cases partial hair loss, often point to infection. Most skin infections, depending on the severity of the infection, need to be treated with weeks of oral antibiotics. Yeast infections in dogs are usually very itchy. The most common areas for these infections are in the armpits and the groin region. The skin will look greasy, thickened almost like elephant skin and often the pigment or color will be darker. Usually a yeast infection will need to be treated with oral antifungal medication. Some dogs have a very large skin fold on either side of their vulva. This skin fold often grows bacteria. A dog with a peri-vulvar skin infection will tend to lick at her genital area. There will often be brown saliva staining around the vulva. If you are noticing an occasional odor then this can be the source. If the glands are smelly all of the time it may be that there is an infection present.

Contact Us For the Love of Labradors Our labradors are first and foremost family members, residing on acres of serene countryside overlooking the Gippsland mountain ranges. Sound temperament, health, and conformation are of greatest importance to us. As a Dogs Victoria member with a registered breeding kennel, all our labradors are hip and elbow scored, DNA tested for hereditary diseases known to the labrador breed, and ACES certified eye tested. Each labrador has a full pedigree on the Main Register of the Australian National Kennel Council the official registry body in Australia. We are also members of the Labrador Retriever Club of Victoria. We developed such an appreciation of labradors through our own beautifully-natured labs, that we want the true labrador type to flourish by sharing the excellent genetics we have in the breed. Our labradors have champion and international bloodlines behind them, including some of the most renowned labrador bloodlines in the world, and are working towards their own Australian Champion titles. Our motivation is to create labradors who fulfill their purpose of bringing joy and companionship to their humans, aswell as being good examples of their breed by having all the attributes a labrador should have. Our labradors have captivating personalities, consistent temperaments, soundness in labrador type and structure, aesthetically beautiful faces, excellent conformation, and healthy physiques. We celebrate purebred labradors through purposeful breeding of planned litters. Our puppies are raised in a loving and nurturing environment. They are socialized from a young age, and we work on the foundations of good manners and obedience training before they go to their forever homes. Please browse our website pages to continue your journey towards finding your wonderful four-pawed companion. Wishing you the very best in ! As a result, I take longer than most to warm up. A stunning boy, Reddington has some trust issues. Once he finds he can trust you, he blossoms into the best boy. Reddington is a giant goofball and loves to dance around in circles. He enjoys long walks on the beach and a good roll in the sand. Likes to hold your arm and sit pretty to let you know he wants you to pet him for the next 36 hours straight. If he gets sick, the world is ending and he wants to be left alone, but also catered to. Paying close attention to body language will get the furthest with his quirks because he definitely warns you when he's grumpy. He does play with his mouth, but does it very gently and never bites down. The perfect home would be a quiet one with minimal guests and an owner who can work with me on building trust and confidence in this scary world. I enjoy a routine and a person who will give me lots of treats and love. If you have the right home for me and are willing to work with me, I would love to meet you! Our adoption fee helps cover this cost.

Due to their high energy and intelligence, they take lots of time and attention. They are also high maintenance in the grooming and exercise departments. Despite all the time they require, they are worth every minute. Their love and loyalty is unmatched and there is no greater companion than a faithful German shepherd dog by your side. Whether you own one or are planning to get one in the future, there are 17 items that you must have if you own a German shepherd. They are: 1. Good Quality Crate There are many good reasons to teach a dog to use a crate and very few excuses not to. Just a few reasons why crate training is a good idea include, they may be crated at the vet so being familiar with one will help them be calm; they may at some point in their life need to travel in a crate; during an emergency, they may need to be crated for their own safety; a crate is the perfect place to keep your dog when home repair is being done and other strangers are going in and out of the house; when recovering after illness or injury; it is a great training tool, a safe place for an unsupervised puppy. Strong Leash and Collar German shepherds are incredibly strong and very determined. The last thing you need is a collar or leash that will break at the wrong moment. Even better, owning several leashes and collar styles can come in handy. Some tools that can help are educational books, videos, clickers , tugs , treat bag , high value treats , crate, leash , and slip collar. Since German shepherds are so intelligent, there are many things you can teach them so these tools are just the tip of the iceberg. Your plans will depend upon the tools you need so these are just the basics that everyone can use. Chews and toys German shepherds have powerful jaws and they love to chew, especially puppies. There are some companies that make durable rubber dog chews such as Ruff Dawg and Westpaw that are great for German shepherds. Some of these can hold treats to help keep their interest. German shepherds also need lots of exercise and love to play. You can do both at once by playing games of fetch, Frisbee , tug , and more. Nothing will make your German shepherd happier than spending time playing with you and their favorite toy. Good Brush German shepherds shed and shed a lot. To reduce the amount of pet hair in your home, a good deshedding brush is great and a slicker brush will also help remove loose fur. Shampoo and conditioner Despite their shedding, German shepherds are relatively clean dogs unless they get into something that makes them dirty. However, they will need to be bathed so a good Ph balanced moisturizing shampoo and conditioner will help keep them clean and remove dead fur. Since they are also known for their sensitive skin and some have allergies, there are special shampoos that can he kept on hand to reduce itching, seasonal dry skin, or to heal skin irritations. Fenced Yard German shepherds need lots of exercise and a place to safely run and burn off some of their energy. They also have a high prey drive and many love to chase small animals and such so a fenced yard will also help keep them safe should they encounter wildlife or see neighborhood animals. Healthy Food Notorious for their sensitive digestive systems, German shepherds do best on a high-quality diet formulated for large breed dogs and puppies. Storage container for food To help keep food fresh and preserve nutrients, an airtight storage container is perfect. They make them large enough to store an entire bag of food, which is a huge plus. But they are also yummy and fun and like all dogs, shepherds love them. Food and water dishes Depending on the dog, the best food and water dishes are either stainless steel or ceramic. If your dog likes to dig in their water, a heavy bottomed bowl can help reduce spills. If your dog eats too fasts and gulps their food, a slow feeder can help slow them down and make mealtimes more enjoyable. Some bottles have a built-in dish that the water squeezes into so they are super convenient. Our favorite is a bowl with a leak-proof lid for the car that also helps keep the water cool. Dog poop bags Another must for going out with your dog is a supply of dog poop bags. There are containers you can attach to their leash or you can just keep a supply in the car and put one in your pocket. Either way, to avoid embarrassment, they are a great to have on hand. Dog bed Since German shepherds are over 50 pounds when grown, they are considered large dogs. They love a good dog bed that is comfy but also supports their back and joints. Even if they sleep in your bed, their own dog bed is a great idea. Nail clippers Since German shepherds are so active, their nails should be kept trimmed unless they wear them down themselves. Even if you have someone else trim their nails, a good quality nail clipper is good to have on hand in case you need to trim or cut a nail. If you prefer, a nail grinder tool can be used. This is not a complete list but things to consider putting in your kit include the phone number for animal poison control, blood stop powder , bandages, ace bandage, Gas X and Benedryl, Zymox Otic Ear Treatment, etc. Tags and microchip One of the most important things you can do for your dog is to keep their Identification tags and microchip information up-to-date. With no way to reunite them with their family, they are lucky if they are rescued but many dogs are euthanized simply due to overcrowding or they are injured before arriving at the shelter. To protect your dog from becoming a statistic, always keep their ID on them and your contact information current. No one thinks their dog will be the one to get lost but, sadly, it happens all the time. We hope you find this list helpful. As always, please feel free to share with your friends. Basics Collar Choose a well-fitted, sturdy collar with a solid hook for attaching a leash. When adopting a puppy, make sure the collar can be expanded as he or she grows. Ideally, there should be enough space for two fingers to slide underneath the collar, but no more. One with a bit of stretch will allow your pet some freedom while still allowing you to maintain some control. Retractable leashes work nicely for German shepherds as well. ID tags If your shepherd goes missing, ID tags tell others that he does belong to someone and is actually not a stray. Microchip Dogs that go missing may sometimes go months or even years before they are reunited with their owners. Some will never be reunited at all. A microchip can increase the odds that you will find your German shepherd in the event he becomes missing. Dog Food A very important item on any German shepherds checklist is food. The ideal dog food will provide adequate nutrition and contain few fillers such as grain that might cause allergies. Puppies have different nutritional requirements and therefore need a different type of food than adults. Our Review: Best Food for German shepherds Food and Water Bowl Food and water bowls designed especially for pets have a shape that makes them easy to access. They are also heavier than normal bowls and are therefore more difficult to tip over. Choose one set of bowls for the house and another set of folding ones for travel. The right container will have a tight-fitting lid and clear sides so that you can easily see how much food is remaining. Food Scoops A German shepherd need between three to four cups of kibble per day. Food scoops ensure even portions and prevent overfeeding. Read also: German Shepherd feeding guide: how much and how often to feed a German shepherd Dog Crate A dog crate can help with potty training and also gives your German shepherd a place he can call his own. Buy one that will accommodate your canine once he reaches adulthood. Use dividers to gradually expand the space while he is growing. Our Review: Best Dog Crate for German Shepherds Dog House A well-insulated doghouse will provide protection from the elements and give your German shepherd a safe place in which to relax outdoors. The ideal size will allow your pet to stand up and fully turn around in once inside. Choose soft material such as fleece, sheepskin, or even a down comforter. Opt for a durable rubber or nylon material rather than Kevlar. In that case, they may become a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage. Tug Toys A German Shepherd puppy playing tug-o-war in a garden. This breed has naturally strong jaw bones that require regular exercise. Beef, pork, turkey, lamb, or even rawhide bones are tough enough that they will not splinter while your pet is chewing. Your pet will enjoy having you throw a ball and then being able to run after it. A toy ball will also come in handy when teaching your shepherd how to fetch. Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys provide mental stimulation and can help ward off some of the separation anxiety that German shepherds are susceptible to. They also help develop mental acuity and are therefore a valuable tool when it comes to training. Some dogs also find them very comforting, especially in stressful situations such as thunderstorms. Health Vitamins and Supplements Multi-vitamin soft chews in treat form ensure adequate nutrition to help your puppy become strong and healthy. Glucosamine supplements will help your GSD maintain joint health as he grows older. Dog Bed A comfortable, sheepskin-lined dog bed will provide the ideal spot for overnight snoozing or an occasional nap. Buy one a little bigger so that your GSD will have plenty of room as he grows. First-Aid Products Build a first-aid kit so that you can easily attend to minor scrapes and cuts at home. Some things to keep in it include roll gauze, medical scissors, hydrogen peroxide, and antibiotic ointment. A topical solution applied monthly can help you combat these pests, as can certain oral medications. Heartworm Meds source: urbananimalveterinary. Has your German shepherd tested as soon after adoption as possible? That way, you can obtain an up-to-date prescription that will provide the best possible protection. Potty Pads Training accidents do happen, regardless of how careful you are. As such, you should have plenty of potty pads on hand when adopting a puppy. However, you could need them for an adult GSD if you must go sometime in between walks. Training Dog Treats Treats can serve as a reward and are a useful tool when it comes to training. Your shepherd will love ones made from pumpkin, sweet potato, liver, or peanut butter. Treat Pouch Keep dog treats handy for training sessions or long walks with a waterproof treat pouch. A small pouch that clips onto a belt or backpack will provide you with optimum convenience. Head Halter A head halter provides greater control when walking. Harness German shepherds are very strong, active dogs. Accordingly, it is sometimes easier for a child or small adult to walk a GSD who is wearing a harness rather than only a collar. Our Review: Best Harness for German shepherds Muzzle Muzzle-training your shepherd will teach him not to bite or pick up unwanted objects from the ground. It will also prepare him for visits to the veterinarian or groomer later on. No Chew Spray German shepherds are naturally curious and may therefore chew on furniture, electric wires, or other household objects. No-chew spray protects your valuable items from damage and helps keep your GSD safe. Clicker A clicker provides positive reinforcement for your German shepherd and is, therefore, a valuable tool for training. One with an ergonomic design that will allow you to performed extended training sessions with ease. Keep some with you in the car in case your German shepherd decided to romp in the water or mud while out on a walk. Dog Shampoo German shepherds have very sensitive skin. As such, any shampoo you use should not contain any harsh chemicals. Look for one with a mild formula and natural ingredients such as oatmeal to help soothe itchiness. Our Review: Best Brush for German Shepherds Comb A fine-toothed comb can also help with de-shedding your German shepherd and can be used in between brushings. As an added bonus, many combs can also trap fleas in between their very tight teeth. An ergonomically-designed pair of trimmers will provide greater accuracy and is best for beginners. Avoid commercial toothpastes made for humans, especially those that contain fluoride-a substance harmful to dogs. Super Absorbent Towels Absorbent towels can be used for everything from cleaning up messes to bathing. Cleaning Pooper Scooper or Shovel Keep your yard clean by scooping feces on a regular basis. A scooper with a flat bottom similar to a dustpan is ideal for picking up poop out of tall grass. A folding shovel can also come in handy for taking walks in the park. Poop Bags Be ready for long walks and hikes by having lots of poop bags. Small ones are fine for puppies, but as your GSD grows you will probably need large or even extra-large bags. Carpet Cleaners and Vacuums This breed is known for shedding, which means that regular carpet cleaning is a must. Choose a vacuum with lots of suction, and consider investing in your own shampooer if your home has a great deal of carpet. Use newspapers to cover a wide area whenever you are potty training. Lining the inside of a kennel with newspapers makes it easier to clean up after an accident as well. Safety Dog Door A dog door will allow your German shepherd to come and go at will. Accordingly, you will not have to worry about having someone let your dog out to go potty while you are at work. Playpen A playpen is a great way to keep your GSD puppy from chewing on or getting into things. A doggie playpen has wire panels that you can extend to provide more room as your shepherd gets bigger. As your GSD grows, you may need to stack multiple gates on top of one another in order to provide sufficient height. Some even have two-way videos, barking alerts, or audio microphones as well. Travel Carrier A carrier can come in handy for hauling your German shepherd safely to and from the vet, grooming appointments, and training sessions. One that can accommodate very large dogs will serve your GSD well from its puppy stages to adulthood. Travel Kennel Travel kennels provide a place where your pet can feel safe. They are also a must if you plan to travel with your GSD by airline. Choose one with sturdy plastic walls, vented openings, and a gate that latches securely. Dog Car Seats or Restraints German shepherds love riding in cars. Ensure yours is safe by offering the right dog car seats or restraints. A full-grown GSD can weigh up to 80 pounds, so keep this in mind when buying a car seat. Before bringing your shepherd home, locate a veterinarian who can help you with routine exams and another one you can call on for emergencies. Contact Details of the Previous Breeder or Rescue Knowing how to reach your breeder or rescue agency can prove invaluable should your GSD experience health problems. Grooming Salon Regular grooming can prevent much of the shedding that is associated with German shepherds. Find a groomer who can help you with regular bathing, nail trims, ear cleanings, teeth brushing, and deshedding to keep him healthy and looking great. Trainer German shepherds are highly intelligent; however, they do require training in order to learn obedience and develop mental acuity. The right trainer can streamline the process and give you more time to bond with your dog. One can also be a lifesaver if you must leave your GSD alone for an extended period. Find a reputable boarding facility before bringing him home. Pet insurance can help you manage these expenses very affordable and will easily fit into your monthly budget. Related posts:. Feeding and grooming 1. Traditional leather collars with an engraved tag are a popular choice. They can be personalised with up to 25 characters of information which will help someone return your pup to you. But here at Happy Puppy HQ, we love them! If your puppy reaches the end of their leash quite suddenly, a harness distributes the impact over a large area of predominantly muscle, rather than concentrating it on a small area of delicate throat tissues. And they make it easier to safely control your puppy during training. Travel Restraint Most people want to be able to travel with their dog. But there are some things to buy German Shepherd puppies that will make this easier. Puppies who travel unrestrained in vehicles can be somewhat mischievous however! It can be all too tempting to try and climb into your lap or your footwell, for a bit of attention. Furthermore, unrestrained dogs are more likely to sustain serious injuries in a collision. However, if your GSD puppy is a destructive chewer, this kind of crate might not last long. Another Alternative A great alternative is anchoring their harness securely to the seat belt plug. This will keep your puppy in place, and distribute the impact of a crash as safely as possibly over his body. So one of the things to buy a German Shepherd puppy is a leash. Young puppies are very receptive to new experiences, so teaching them to accept wearing a leash is easiest while they are still young. Most GSD puppy parents find that they need two types of leash. The Two Types First, a short lead for keeping their dog under close control near traffic and whilst walking on the sidewalk. Crate People tend to have mixed feelings about dog crates. But used responsibly, they have heaps of advantages. They can become a cosy den for your puppy, which he will learn to associate with being safe and relaxed in. They can make toilet training quicker and easier. And they prepare your dog for being unavoidable crating in the future, for example if they ever need to stay at the vet, or travel by air. Our crate training article is all about how to choose the best crate, and use it correctly. And this article is all about choosing the right size for a German Shepherd. So add some bedding to your list of things to buy a German Shepherd puppy! If you decide to move onto something more supportive as they grow up, our review of the best beds for German Shepherds will help you find the perfect next step. Many of them are available in standard crate sizes too — perfect for making the bottom of a crate as luxurious as can be! Puppies are curious, playful, and at times even total trouble-magnets! Creating a safe place in your home where you can leave them for a few moments to visit the bathroom or answer the door protects them from harm and gives you peace of mind. Your puppy zone should ideally have wipe clean floors in case of toilet accidents, and you should invest a little time teaching them to associate it with good things — by leaving treats in it for them to find, and returning their favorite toys there when they leave them lying around. Toys Like all puppies, German Shepherd pups have stacks of energy. So, toys should be a priority on your list of things to buy a German Shepherd puppy. They love to play, and playing plays a valuable role in developing their muscles, motor skills and coordination. In fact, GSDs have pretty tough teeth and jaws, even from a young age. So we recommend choosing toys designed with durability in mind. Food and Water Bowls All puppies need access to clean, fresh water. And whilst we recommend using most of their daily food allowance as rewards during training, you might also like to give them small meals in a bowl. In fact it is estimated that bloat causes the death of approximately 1 in 7 GSDs. Food Your puppy should come home with a modest supply of the food they were weaned onto by their breeder. This will minimize the possibility of them etting an upset tummy. Our article on the best diets for German Shepherd Dogs will give you some food for thought. Are they just the start of a slippery slope towards canine obesity? Well, we think treats have an important role to play in successful German Shepherd training! But the best way to capture a new behavior, or advance an established area of training to the next level, is by offering a high value food reward at first. Pieces of cooked chicken or small cubes of cheese are equally effective. Some we Like You may need to experiment with a few brands to find out which your GSD will work the hardest for. These basics belong in every dog owners kit: A brush, for removing loose hair, debris, matts and tangles — German Shepherds need their coats brushing at least two or three times a week. Shampoo, for when they roll in in something stinky. Toothbrush and Toothpaste These could be considered part of general grooming supplies. Medical procedures such as setting broken bones and corrective surgery for bloat cost several thousand dollars. Most insurance plans have the added bonus of including public liability cover. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. Checklist Dog Crate Getting a crate for your German Shepherd puppy is quite crucial for the following reasons: Allows the puppy to feel secure Speeds up potty training Keeps the puppy safe by controlling his environment Conditions your dog should you need to travel and use a travel crate Some people erroneously feel guilty for crating their pup. However, dogs need structure, especially when bred from work-driven breeds like German Shepherds. A dog crate provides a sense of security by reducing the space around the pet. A room might be small enough for us, but placing the puppy in it will make him feel like he is in a large vacant warehouse. The necessity of getting a dog crate brings up the question of size. What size crate is best for a new GSD puppy? Read my post on the recommended German Shepherd crate size to find out the best size to buy and why. Opt for the size inch variety. You can move the divider to make more room as your puppy grows. I draped a dark-colored blanket over the top to make it more den-like. She was around three years old when I finally got rid of it, but some dogs enjoy them for life. As German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia, arthritis, and other joint issues, you should invest in a good crate pad. Dog Bed You might think getting a crate is the same as getting a bed. Some crates come with a matt or pad disguised as a puppy bed. Since German Shepherds are big dogs and do not take much time to grow to their full size, you will need an orthopedic dog bed to support their weight and protect their joints. My post on the best orthopedic dog beds for German Shepherds elaborates on the pros and cons of different dog beds. The gist is that you need a bed to prevent joint pain that bigger dogs experience. German Shepherds are prone to arthritis, and though a genetic element plays a role, bad crating practices can accelerate such problems. I chose the Big Barker because of the scientific evidence that it improves joint pain and stiffness in arthritic dogs, enhancing their quality of life. This means a lot to me as my German Shepherd was diagnosed with spinal osteoarthritis at only six years old, but it helps knowing she sleeps comfortably. I have to admit — I was also attracted to their year no-flatten guarantee. You can check out my full review of the Big Barker here. Novice dog masters also make things difficult through a combination of poor choices. Then they make the situation worse by opting for a collar and using tugging as a means of discipline. This is cruel to the dog and teaches him nothing. It is a front-clip harness, meaning you lead your pup from the front, which gives greater control and steering, making it impossible for your dog to pull. A fellow dog owner designed it, and it has all the love and care one would expect from an owner who is solving a problem he has previously faced — a dog that pulled. You can also learn more about my pick of the best no-pull harnesses for German Shepherds in this article. Toys German Shepherds are full of energy, which means they have to be surrounded by things that can exhaust their excess vitality, such as a range of chew toys, tug toys, and puzzle toys. These will stimulate his teeth, muscles, and mind, respectively. Toys help your new German Shepherd develop and stay entertained. You can also use toys to train a German Shepherd to find things and track, but that comes later. For now, you must make sure you get him a large selection of puppy toys. Your new best friend needs different exercise routines and changes in the environment, both of which can be normalized via travel. A car restraint allows you to secure your German Shepherd puppy in a car seat safely. Using a dog crate as recommended above will make it easy to communicate that car rides are okay. I like the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel because it comes in various sizes, and for the first few months, you might prefer a smaller crate. This model is made from premium plastic, does not require any tools to set it up, and has lots of vents to keep your pup well-ventilated. Poo Bags Your new German Shepherd puppy is going to be the cutest thing on earth up until he has to poop. At that time, how much you like having a GSD will be strongly correlated with how close you are to a poo bag. Regardless of whether you buy a pack of poop bags or accumulate enough disposable bags to cover a month of dog poop, you need to have something to carry dog waste. Remember, a puppy poops two to four times a day. Amazon Basics Unscented Dog Poop Bags are among the most affordable products in the category, with the bags supply being the most economical. These bags are 9 inches x 13 inches, which is a much more efficient size than the standard disposable bag. You might not need this size at first, but trust me; they are the best for an adult German Shepherd. Dog Shampoo You must get dry shampoo for your dog because German Shepherds do not need to bathe more than a few times a year. In other words, your new puppy is half a dozen baths away from adulthood. In the meantime, something is required to keep him clean, right? Tropiclean Waterless Shampoo for Pets is a high-quality, low-priced option made from natural ingredients like plum, oatmeal, and cucumber. It is backed by a market leader in natural wellness and has accumulated over 4, positive reviews and ratings on Amazon. Dog Food Food, water, and shelter are some of the basic needs of all mammals. Dogs are no exception, especially when they are bred under human supervision. Therefore, getting dog food is one of the most important prerequisites for bringing home a new German Shepherd. After that, just ensure you choose a large breed food. Bringing home a new pet is a joyful experience. You might find yourself constantly staring at the beautiful yet timid puppy, and it will take a couple of weeks for the puppy to feel at home. Until then, the dog will be open to cuddles and start interacting with the person who feeds him and plays with him. Make sure he spends time inside the crate as well as outside it. The dog may seem shy and aloof for the bulk of the first week, with the first day being his most seemingly introverted one. The dog will miss his pack and call out for them with whining or whimpering sounds or even barking. You should make sure he feels safe and secure and only comfort him through the night when you take him for a toilet break. Your German Shepherd puppy will need comfort, and you can do a few things to help him feel better. Comfort the pup to make him feel secure. Feed the puppy and make sure he is warm. Turn the lights off and make sure he gets enough sleep. Your new German Shepherd needs to get used to a schedule, work on independence, and see you as the leading figure. One of the differences you will notice when your puppy is freshly released from the breeder is his excessive appetite for sleep. Some might want the puppy to wake up to cuddle. Others will wonder if it is healthy for the puppy to sleep so much. In general, a German Shepherd puppy should sleep 8 hours at night and hours during the day. Though, the dog should not be forced to fit a schedule and must be left to determine how he divides his hours of sleep in the first few weeks of adoption. Final Thoughts The arrival of a new German Shepherd puppy can be an exciting time, but excitement can also inspire nervousness. The puppy will feel less overwhelmed and scared after the first 3 days and will further settle during the first 3 weeks. This is the time to have a good German Shepherd puppy training schedule so you know what to teach and when. Related Posts You May Like:. Getting your relationship off to a good start begins by finding the best puppy products that are also the safest and best performing. Puppies learn good potty habits when introduced to a properly-sized crate early on. You have options! Using the handy, included divider, you can slowly increase the size of the crate to match the life stage of your GSD as she grows. The foldable design adds to the convenience and makes it a great crate for travel, too. This crate is 48L x 30W x 33H inches. This crate divider from MidWest Homes for Pets comes in a variety of sizes. Make sure you choose the proper size to fit your model of crate to prevent injuries. This crate also comes in a double door style if you prefer. We like the rounded corners, sturdy wire construction, and the 1-year warranty. Enter the hard-shell plastic kennels from SportPet. These airline-approved crates are sturdy, safe, and comfortable to make sure your GSD puppy has the safest trip possible. They also make great everyday crates for at-home use, too. This crate comes in a variety of sizes, so either start small and upgrade later or go for the adult-sized crate right from the start. With rounded edges, secure-lock doors, and easy-clean plastic floor gutters, this travel crate is sure to please. The larger sizes even come with wheels to help you move through the airport with ease. Give him the next best thing by providing soft, supportive, comfortable bedding for in the crate and around the house. With supportive, comfortable memory foam and a removable and washable cover, this bed should last a long time. There is therapeutic gel infused in the memory foam to help promote proper joint alignment and bring your dog comfort during rest time. Cuddle beds are great options for pups who need a little more support or who enjoy the feeling of being cradled. Made from top-quality memory foam, your GSD puppy will be snuggled in therapeutic comfort right from day one. The waterproof liner will keep things sanitary, while the removable cover will make cleanup a snap. This crate mat from Best Pet Supplies Inc. Have a couple of these on hand for quick and easy bedding changes. Choose between small, medium, large, or extra-large to match your use. Take a small or medium in the car, place a large or extra-large in the crate or on the couch. This fuzzy blanket will keep your pup warm and cozy no matter where you go. This soft and cozy mat does double-duty covering both ends of the spectrum. This absorbent mat will wick moisture away while still giving your sweet pup a soft and comfy place to rest. Double stitching ensures the mat will last a long time, even with frequent washings. There are two colors to choose from and three sizes. We suggest having two—one for use and one in the wash. Food and water bowls should be kept clean and sanitized to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. These products below pass our rigorous tests and came out on top of the competition. These raised feeder stations grow with your puppy and keep food and water raised above the floor. Raising the food and water dish off the floor helps your pup eat and drink comfortably while preventing pests from reaching. This one comes with 3 height adjustment settings and includes the two stainless steel bowls, too. With leg extensions, this feeder can adjust as your puppy grows, making this an economical solution, too. Puppies can really eat fast, and this often ends up in tummy aches and sometimes even vomiting. Teach your puppy to slow down with this slow feeder bowl. Small bits of kibble rest in the bottom of each dip in the bowl, making your puppy take her time to get to each one. This neat rubber mat is cute and functional, holding the two stainless steel bowls firmly in place during meal times. The edges even fold up a bit to help catch spills and dribbles. Loving Pets Metallic Bella Bowl For our readers who prefer a more minimalist approach to dog supplies, these cute bowls should do the trick. They come in a variety of colors on the outside, but the inside is time-tested stainless steel. These bowls are skid-proof on the bottom and are dishwasher safe, too. Just be sure to remove the rubber base first. The best way to safely confine a GSD puppy while still allowing room to play is by providing a playpen or play yard. Amazon comes through with flying colors with this adjustable, foldable playpen. It has rounded, safe wire construction and comes in a variety of sizes to fit your needs. You can also daisy chain a few of them together to create an ever-expanding play yard for your GSD puppy. You can choose a play yard with a door or without. This set also comes with eight ground anchors to keep even the most rambunctious puppies from toppling the sides. Inspired Essentials 34 Inch Pet Playpen Sometimes you want a safe play yard for your German Shepherd puppy but also want some class, too. With sturdy, heavy-duty plastic in black or white, this play yard can look good in any house or yard. There are non-skid feet included and it comes with a gate to make access that much easier. Bring her along with this brilliant portable playpen. This set includes a collapsible travel bowl, too, which we think is pretty neat. This item comes with inches of usable length and stands at 28 inches tall. We love that it even folds flat if you need to transport or store it. However, we can give a basic overview of things to discuss with your vet when asking about the best foods for your puppy at each life stage. There are always basic guidelines online, but your vet is the right person to ask for advice to keep your specific puppy in the best health possible. Their products are made without corn, wheat, or soy, and there are no artificial colors or flavors. Their puppy treats contain no corn, wheat, or soy, and are perfectly shaped for puppy mouths. Soft and moist, these puppy treats are great for training, playtime, or just to give your GSD puppy a special treat to say you love her. The ring shape is easy for puppy paws to get a good grip on while they chew and relieve teething pain. They are fun, interactive, and educational objects that keep your puppy entertained and out of trouble. The most important aspect, however, is that toys help you bond with your German Shepherd puppy. They often show signs of separation anxiety early on, especially while crate training. To help alleviate this stress, the Snuggle Puppy plush toy can be introduced right from day one. With a realistic heartbeat and a warm pack, this plush toy gives stressed out pups a soft, comforting, familiar place to rest and relax. The unique tube shape is easy to grasp with teeth or paws, and the squeaker is just loud enough to be fun without being so loud it gets annoying. These toys are fun to toss around, play tug with, and are durable enough for teething puppies. ZippyPaws — Skinny Peltz These sweet plush toys have no stuffing to rip out and choke on, which is a pretty big deal for aggressive chewers! But even without the stuffing, these three woodland creatures are filled with fun. This bobbing, wobbling treat dispenser is endless fun when filled with either regular kibble or a delicious treat. Your GSD puppy will love pushing the toy around and discovering which actions give them the most rewards. They come in a huge variety of colors, too. Genuine leather, handmade, comfy, and stylish! There are many colors to choose from and each is lovingly crafted with riveted strap ends, premium hardware, and padded sheepskin linings. These cute collars come with matching bowties in a variety of colors and patterns. These collars are also machine washable. Reversible Dog Harness A comfortable, supportive, and secure harness can help your new GSD puppy learn good manners while showing off her unique style. This harness comes in a range of sizes to be sure your pup is covered at every stage. Sturdy construction accompanies lightweight materials and stellar design choices for a top-notch harness option. This is a low-cost harness option with all the safety of the more expensive brands. Reflective materials and bright colors help keep your pup visible and safe, even on evening walks around the neighborhood. Great colors, sturdy construction, and a strong clip make this leash a good choice for any age GSD. The padded handle is a nice touch, while the smoothly rotating clip helps keep tangles at bay. Here are some of our favorite puppy training aids to get you started on the right paw. JdPet Washable Puppy Pads While most GSD parents want to housetrain their pups to go potty outside, there are some good reasons to potty train a pup to use an indoor bathroom option, too. We like the washable, leak-proof, and waterproof reusable pads for this situation. They are environmentally friendly, keeping disposable pads out of landfills or clogging sewage and septic systems. Get a few of these absorbent, washable pee pads for your GSD puppy and save a lot of money down the line. Solimo Super Absorbent Puppy Pads Washable pee pads might not be a good option for all homes, so disposable wee pads are still a decent choice. These potty-training pads are super absorbent, unscented, and are available in big or small packs, depending on your needs. The artificial grass is easy to clean and the catchall bottom just needs a quick spray with the hose to stay fresh. HoAoOo Pet Training Clicker Training clickers are an excellent way to train pups and older dogs to associate the clicking sound with a reward. This reduces caloric intake later on, as the click becomes the reward instead of a mouthful of treats. These clickers come with a handy wrist strap and are small enough to fit in a pocket, too. Tackle problems head-on with the right cleaning supplies. The pooper scooper. No more bending, stooping, and straining yourself to clean up the yard. This long-handled and strong scoop can pick up even the most impressive lawn apples your pup leaves in his wake. We love the slim design and the fact it hooks right onto the leash. The integrated waste bag section lets you place a whole roll inside. They will break down completely because they have no plastic. There are no dyes or other chemicals either, making these poo scoop bags even cooler. High fives all around, folks. These powerful little proteins are the products of bacteria—the good kind—and do one heck of a job fighting odors. This one even works on stains! Chemical-free, non-toxic, and powerful cleaning is right at your fingertips. Used by breeders, boarders, and vets alike, this powerful cleaner is an awesome ally in the fight against pet odors. It can even take out old, impregnated smells that have been around for years. Final Thoughts By now you should have a complete list of everything you need for a new German Shepherd puppy. Be sure to ask your vet for their recommendations as well.

And when is the best time to start training them? Naturally, the sooner your start with training, the easier it will be. Moreover, you have to remember that you are responsible for your pup. You need to show consistency in your own behavior. Your Doodle will have an easier time adjusting to his new home and family if you start from day one. Establish a Proper Routine Firstly, you should establish a proper routine for your Doodle. This includes meal times, bathroom breaks, playtime, naps, and bedtime. Keep in mind that consistency is key in Goldendoodle training. A structured routine gives dogs a sense of security. It will also help your new Goldendoodle puppy understand how you want them to behave. Routine is also an important part of housetraining , as consistent feeding times will also beget consistent potty times. If you have other family members living with you, make sure you all follow the exact same routine. It is usually recommended that puppies younger than six months of age eat three meals per day. Socialize Your Puppy Secondly, all dogs, and especially Goldendoodles, are social creatures. They enjoy spending time with their families and meet other dogs at the dog park. Early socialization is important for your Goldendoodle pup to get used to new people, pets and situations. Goldendoodle Training Sample Routine Goldendoodle puppy behavior is very much your responsibility. Puppies usually need to use the bathroom first thing in the morning. Tip 2: Feed your pup at the same time every day. This is a great way for your puppy to socialize with you and your family. Tip 3: Potty time around 30 to 60 minutes after each meal. Tip 4: Playtime or exercise after potty time. Playing with toys and shorter walks are perfect for baby Doodles. Tip 5: Puppies usually need to relieve themselves after exercise, as well. Puppies can sleep up to hours every day! Make sure no one distracts their sleep, as they need to rest. Tip 7: After naptime or being in their crate, take your pup for a bathroom break. Tip 8: Bedtime every day around the same time is also very useful to enforce a consistent routine. Remember that puppies around weeks of age need smaller portions and more frequent meals. Therefore, they will also need to go potty more frequently. And as we already said, all dogs and puppies are unique. This is a rough guideline that most Doodle owners find useful. Well, all dogs are unique, so there is no one size fits all approach in Goldendoodle training. However, there are a few main training methods that most dog owners find useful when training a Goldendoodle puppy. Of course, the younger your puppy is, the shorter their attention span. Usually, the general guideline is to start formal training at four to six months of age. However, keep in mind that first you should build a relationship and bond with your pup. Clicker Training Clicker training is one of the most popular Goldendoodle training methods that professional dog trainers use. It combines reward training with a small hand-held clicker that you will click every time you reward your pup for good behavior or when following a command. Your puppy will soon start associating the clicking sound with a reward. Therefore, your pup will also associate it with good behavior. Best for Clicker Training Compare Products 2. Positive Reinforcement Your behavior and attitude has a huge impact on your Goldendoodle pup. Always use positive reinforcement and do not scold or punish your pup for accidents. Remember, your puppy is still learning and growing. Instead, it will just make them fearful of you. Whenever you want your Goldendoodle puppy to do something, always keep a positive and enthusiastic attitude. If your pup has completed the task, always give plenty of praise and a nice little treat or a toy. Some dogs respond better to reward with food and others respond better to toys. However, always use these rewards together with lots of praise and enthusiasm. Crate Training Crate training is another very popular Goldendoodle training method. Crate training can take a few days or a few weeks, but the results are worth it. Keep in mind that you should only leave your pup in the crate in hours equal to the age in months that they are. See Also: Click the image 4. Mirror Training Mirror training method uses positive reinforcement and a clicker to teach a dog how to follow your lead. As your pup is looking up to you, they will naturally want to mimic your behavior and attitude. A great way to keep this from happening is to keep your kitchen counters clean and tidy at all times. Do not store food on counters longer than you prepare your meals. Surely you enjoy a clean kitchen, as well! Another tip is to put your pup in a crate or away from the kitchen while you prepare your meals. Jumping One of the very first things that you can start teaching your Goldendoodle puppy is to sit to be greeted. This will teach your puppy that they will only get attention once they sit. If you reward them, they will continue doing it. Barking With every common behavioral problem, the key is to think about what you want your puppy to do instead. How would you like them to react when someone is knocking on the door, or how should act when you have guests over? For instance, you can train your dog to sit still in a designated place when the doorbell rings. Leash Pulling When your puppy starts to pull the leash, immediately stop walking. Once your puppy has stopped pulling, you can start walking again. Doing this continuously will teach your puppy good leash manners. No-pull harnesses and headcollars can also be great tools for training your pup not to pull on the leash. See Also: Click the image 5. Make sure your pup has enough interesting toys and provide them plenty of playtime and exercise. Biting and Mouthing Biting is a completely natural behavior for dogs. As with any other behavioral problem, biting also can stem from your pup wanting your attention. Also, biting and mouthing might indicate that your pup needs more playtime. See Also: Click the image 7. Special Content Step-by-step guide on how to train your Goldendoodle puppy Hello fellas, nice to have you here on our Goldendoodle blog page! Some say they got their adorableness from their retriever side; others say they got their intelligence from their Poodle side. In any case, the fact remains that they combined the best of both breeds and took none of their fluffs. However, it is important to establish a simple fact here and right now. But in order to get them to materialize their sharp-wits and brilliance, there is a need to TRAIN them. So how do you go about that? Steps to train a Goldendoodle I know the feeling of wanting to begin the training of your cute little canine on the first day you bring him home. But guess what? Young puppies have short attention spans, and as such, any command you serve them or words you try to teach them on that first day might just fall on deaf ears. And that is per the guidelines from the Veterinary Centers of America. However, thanks to Goldendoodles' innate smartness, you can expect your pup to be ripe for full-blown training earlier than this. The four types of dog training methods: Obedience training based on positive reinforcement and association Clicker training When it comes to training your doodles on how to obey commands, the most popular approach adopted by many dog training experts and pro pet owners is the clicker training method. This method involves the use of a hand-held device that creates a clicking sound. In this method, you give a command to your pup, which could be a "sit" "fetch" or "stay" command. Once the dog obeys the command, you give them a reward, which could be a treat, a toy, or a praise reward. But when serving this reward, you'll pair it with a clicking sound. Over time, the pup will begin to associate the clicking sound with the reward. And whenever he hears the sound of the clicks, he knows immediately that a praise reward is around the corner. In case you don't have a clicker around, you can purchase one from a pet store or check them out on Amazon. Food rewards While the clicker training has to be served consistently to achieve a reliable result, food reward training is only needed occasionally. In the aspect of food and treats, Goldendoodles are just like every other dog. They remain as overly motivated by the sound or smell of food as your regular Poodle or Golden Retriever pup. As a result of this innate love for food, you can expect the food reward technique to work wonders on their obedience response. A typical food reward can consist of regular dog treats such as cold cuts, veggies, hot dog bits, snacks, pieces of cheese, baby carrots, or any other high-value food. Scented item training You can teach your doodles to seek out toys, fetch balls, and perform other simple tasks by simply taking them through the scented item training course. But, of course, this method doesn't always apply to every doodle. The reason is that if you haven't been playing together before using that toy or ball, it might be difficult for the dog to attach any importance to the toy when it sees it. But since a doodle is a food-driven breed, like other dogs, you can scent the toys with a portion of food or treats you know they like and kick the toy away, while you ask them to fetch it. Over time, the learning dog will learn to detect and appreciate the toys when he sees it because he knows what the item represents. Praise reward training Dogs are quite like humans in this regard. And your Goldendoodle is no exception. They love to be praised, and they enjoy it when their praises are being sung. The praise reward approach is good for a doodle because this breed is very much people-oriented, and their rapport with humans is second to none. When you want to reward your cute little doodle for good behavior, especially when they've obeyed a command or done something impressive, you can use a praise reward coupled with the food reward you're giving to them. And, of course, crate training works too Crate training is another interesting approach that you can apply to your Goldendoodles. This technique is used to teach your dog or to get them in a routine. On the teaching aspect, it teaches them that they do not go to the bathroom where you sleep since dogs do not like soil their beds. And on the routine aspect, you can use their time non-crate time to put them through some basic commands, teach them to dance, snuggle, and take a walk. Conclusion In conclusion, consistency is key when it comes to training a Goldendoodle, so you just have to choose a training method and stay consistent with it. Related Tags. What is a Goldendoodle? Background the influences training Goldendoodle Training Tips The key to enjoying your dog is to train them early or as soon as possible. After all, training your new puppy in socialization is part of their essential needs. Training your dog is a big undertaking, though. One that may seem daunting. Rest assured, though, you can do it yourself without expensive obedience classes. The first thing you need to do is build a strong foundation for training. Goldendoodle Training Timeline Infographic The infographic showing the Goldendoodle training timeline. Goldendoodle Puppy Training at Home First 30 days Puppies are born blind and deaf and cannot see or hear for the first ten to twenty days. However, they have a fantastic scent and touch abilities. Puppies are also aware of the temperature. If the mother is unavailable, humans can step in to help. Training sessions for newborns are short and to the point. These sessions consist of Bio-Sensor training, where they are stimulated with swabs like Q-Tips. Exercises can be performed along with exposing them to minor temperature changes. This will stimulate the brain and help them deal with stress. Mother dogs stimulate the senses from birth by licking and cleaning the puppies. This helps them develop. Wavy coat Goldendoodles are typically low shedding. Wavy coat Goldendoodles come in all sizes from standard right down to Teacup Goldendoodles. Since dogs have scent receptors twenty-five times better than ours, they can smell things several hundred feet away. You should expose them to calming scents and daily scents of rain, grass, and other things outdoors. Then, their ears will open, and they will need to be introduced to sound. Dogs learn by association, so only play soothing sounds. As their eyes start to focus, you should start with colors. This will help build confidence. Goldendoodle Puppy Preschool and Earliest Socialization months of age At around three months of age, your Goldendoodle is full of energy and ready to play. But remember that they are still a baby — just an infant animal. It is so essential you practice positive reinforcement with your puppy and avoid punishment altogether. This is also the age your Goldendoodle is ready to learn basic commands. The first thing you should do is pick a definite marker. A positive marker is a word, sound, or phrase used to tell your dog they have done something right. Use the same marker every time. Also, you should follow it up with positive reinforcement in the form of a treat, playtime, or affection. Do Goldendoodles Smell? Reward your puppy often and early, so they associate the treat with the behavior. Negative reinforcement or punishment will likely do nothing but scare your puppy. Puppies will chew things and have accidents in the house. However, you should remember they are still learning, and any punishment is counterproductive. Simply correct the mistake and praise them when they do something right. The most important thing is to be consistent. Your puppy learns by doing, and repetition is the best thing for them. This is also the age where socialization is a critical part of their development. All this begins once the Goldendoodle has the all-clear from the Veterinarian to socialize in public. .During this age, your Goldendoodle should be exposed to new people, places, and animals every day. If your puppy shows fear or anxiety, take a step back. This is when you should begin doing gradual exposure. Safe introduction to different sizes and temperament dogs is important early If you introduce a dog to a household with cats , extra care needs to be taken early to ensure a long-term relationship of tolerance. Predicting Goldendoodle coat types is tricky. Goldendoodle Training for Safety and Basic Commands 3 months to one year At around four months old, your puppy will begin to develop preferences. Your job is to make them feel safe and secure in any environment. This way, your puppy will grow up to be confident, kind, and ready to take on anything. Positive reinforcement techniques are especially important during this stage. Any harsh punishment can have adverse effects on the Goldendoodles psyche. Since your puppy has had all his shots, they are ready to go to the dog park, daycare, and puppy training classes. This will help with socialization. Keep in mind that forcing your puppy to interact with others can hurt the bond you have with them. Always make sure your dog is enjoying the experience and is safe. Allow him to explore the world at his own pace. This I the time to start introducing your Goldendoodle to water. Early and frequently exposure will make taking your Goldendoodle to the pool or even the beach a breeze. Learning Commands Additionally, this is when puppies can begin learning commands like sit and stay. Teach them to sit before exiting with treats. Lure them into a sit by the door and begin to open it. If they get up too quickly, close the door. Keep up this game until the dog remains seated and patiently waits for the door. When they do, give them a treat. Most puppies are highly motivated by treats and food. If they anxiously await each meal or immediately pounce on the food bowl when it is set down, this is an excellent opportunity to work on self-control. Before every meal, have your Goldendoodle wait to eat. Place the food down and say stay. If they lunge for the bowl, take it away for five minutes. Start with a five-second wait and gradually increase it by five-second increments. This will allow their self-control to get better. Another great Goldendoodle training tip is the Four on the Floor for those puppies that jump on anyone entering your home. Practicing this technique can stop the puppy from jumping up on unsuspecting bystanders and knocking over kids. When you come home, and your Goldendoodle is happy to see you, make him sit before saying hello. Give an ear rub or greeting only when all four paws are on the ground. Training a Goldendoodle to Enjoy Grooming All ages Start grooming your puppy at a young age and practice handling with this Goldendoodle training tips: Work when your puppy is relaxed and not hyper. Keep grooming sessions short like a few brush strokes or clipping a few toenails. Use a quality slicker brush that will not hurt your Goldendoodle Practice frequently, like weekly. Pair it with a treat. Lightly touch-sensitive spots like between the paws or on the ears from an early age Consider buying a grooming table early so your Goldendoodle can get used to it if you are going to be DIY grooming your Goldendoodle at home. See the best grooming tables specifically for Goldendoodles. Advanced Goldendoodle Training Options 12 months plus, agility, and advanced classes The American Kennel Club, or AKC, says that once dogs learn basic commands, they can move on to advanced training or sports. You may opt to teach them scent training. Treibball, a German dog sport not just for herding breeds , is when the dog drives eight oversized inflatable balls into a goal. They can also do obstacle courses and test their agility. Scent training is also a fantastic way to mentally enrich your dog and stimulate their brain daily. Scent training starts as simple as a muffin tin game at home. Then advanced courses do wonders and can result in some very complicated tricks and habits forming. While they vary in size depending on their parents since Poodles range from mini to medium , they almost always have hypoallergenic hair and rarely shed. You can see which types of Goldendoodle shed the least in our Goldendoodle Coat Prediction article. Goldendoodles are highly intelligent and lovable dogs that are ideal for families with children or other pets. Goldendoodles typically weigh anywhere from forty-five to pounds. Still, they can weigh as little as fifteen pounds if a parent was a miniature Poodle. The smallest Goldendoodles are Teacup and Toy Goldendoodles. They have a height of thirteen to twenty-six inches with a curly coat in red, black, gold, cream, brown, white, or grey. Goldendoodles are very friendly, affectionate, playful, and trainable. Goldendoodles became popular in the s for their hypoallergenic , non-shedding Poodle-like fur and having the temperament of a Golden Retriever, the most popular dog breed in the U. They have been used as pets, agility dogs, therapy dogs, guide dogs, diabetic dogs, and search and rescue dogs. Goldendoodles are in the top five of the smartest dog breeds. When you choose a Goldendoodle, rest assured you are getting an intelligent, athletic, loving companion, the whole family can enjoy. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. October 25, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? The Goldendoodle, a hybrid breed that launched into popularity in the United States in the s and never left the top list, Goldendoodles are affectionate and smart dogs whose amiable personalities are well-suited for a variety of owners and lifestyles! How do you know if the Goldendoodle is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Goldendoodles! As we quickly stated earlier, the Goldendoodle is a hybrid, a cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever. Thanks to the success of Labradoodles Labrador Retriever and Poodle cross-breed , dog breeders began to intentionally breed Golden Retrievers with a range of Poodles, creating a variety of Goldendoodles in different coloring and sizes. What are Goldendoodles Breed Characteristics? Some distinguishable characteristics of the Goldendoodle include their sizing range, variety of coloring, and temperament. Goldendoodles can come in mini to standard size, thanks to the genes from their poodle side. Goldendoodles can weigh starting at 15 lbs for miniature sizes up to 80 Ilbs for standard. One of the most distinguishable features is their thick, soft, curly coats that are considered hypoallergenic because they shed less frequently than other dog breeds. What are Goldendoodles Personalities like? Goldendoodles love people! They are friendly, affectionate, and love to please. With the right amount of socialization, this breed will be a friend to everyone! However, their fun-loving personalities also bring a lot of high energy, jumpiness, and nippiness throughout puppyhood. This is important to remember especially if you have young children at home. Goldendoodles can make excellent family dogs, but proper training and boundaries must be started the moment you bring them home to help get them there! Think about your current living environment and where you plan to be in the next few years. That being said, if you were planning on adding a Goldendoodle to your life, consider that these pups do best in a home with enough space especially if you are getting a standard-sized Goldendoodle and a fenced in yard! While some Goldendoodles on the smaller range of the size scale work great for apartment dwelling, these are energetic breeds that need space to exercise and play. Regular walks and training sessions at a local park will help them expel some energy in a constructive way, and are highly recommended for this breed, especially if you live in a city environment! How to Care for Your Goldendoodle! Goldendoodles can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, ear infections, allergies, hypothyroidism, and Gastric Dilation Volvulus Bloat. To avoid having to shave down their beautiful coats, daily brushing to remove mats is recommended, along with regular professional grooming appointments. Like all other breeds, having their nails trimmed and teeth brushed regularly will ensure they stay clean and healthy! Goldendoodle puppies are very smart and love to work! With consistent puppy training from an early age, they can master basic obedience skills quickly, and also move on to more advanced training, including therapy and service animal training. Start your puppy off on the right paw by establishing their daily puppy schedule complete with feeding, potty breaks, nap times, playtimes, and puppy training sessions! Going back to their wilder instincts, puppies will naturally avoid soiling where they sleep. Crate training your Goldendoodle puppy will help boost their confidence and resilience while learning to be alone at home. Puppy training can provide your puppy with controlled socialization with other puppies under the supervision of a puppy trainer that can watch out for rough playing or dominant behaviors between puppies. When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to great people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on barking or jumping, which are common puppy behaviors when they are excited or over-stimulated when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer to help set you up for the best success! Consider advanced training to keep them engaged Goldendoodles are very intelligent which means they love stimulating activities! Along with basic obedience, dog sports like agility are a great way to motivate them and help your puppy work out their energy. Agility helps establish a stronger communication bond through body language while your puppy is participating. You will learn to communicate with more body language and signals to focus your puppy at performing tasks necessary to help individuals that are incapable of doing it themselves. Respect their alone time. This is especially challenging for young kids when they can look like real-life stuffed animals! But, this constant handling can often cause some frustration for these young pups, having them act out with more nipping to try to make the petting stops, or growling, which can lead to more serious behavioral issues down the road. Make sure to give them dedicated time through the day to rest and their own space where they can be left alone to nap, unbothered. And always monitor young kids when they are interacting with the puppy so you can easily step in to give your puppy a break when they need it! Did you recently bring home a Goldendoodle puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! If there is a behavior your puppy exhibits that you may think is cute while your puppy is small, you need to think ahead and determine if this behavior will be acceptable from an adult dog. Consistency is the most important tool for training a puppy in their first year and beyond. Each family member needs to use the same techniques and commands so as not to confuse your puppy. It is important to remember that a puppy associates a reward or a disciplinary action with its behavior in the past 3 seconds. Waiting longer than 3 seconds to reward or discipline is very confusing to a puppy. You cannot stop this behavior, but you can certainly direct your puppy to chew upon acceptable items until this phase passes at about a year of age. The only way puppies know how to play is the typical wrestling, biting, chasing, tackling, pulling, and nipping they do with littermates. In the absence of littermates, you and your family suddenly become the littermates. Repeat this same disciplinary action a total of three times in a row. Every now and then, a particularly feisty puppy will become more excited by this disciplinary action and need a more distinct disciplinary measure. This next action needs to be initiated quickly. This will be uncomfortable for your puppy. When behavior meets with uncomfortable consequences, the behavior will stop. With all this being said, the absolute best remedy is for you to arrange daily play dates with other puppies or young dogs. The bottom line is that your puppy needs to have active playtime each day. Jumping — Your puppy will jump on you to get your attention. This may seem innocent while your puppy is small, but Grandma may not appreciate being knocked over by the full grown untrained dog. Make sure you do not reward the puppy for the act of getting down as this will enforce the behavior of jumping up only to be told to get down for a reward. This is not a sign of aggression unless you allow this to go undisciplined over time. You need to actively discourage any and all growling directed at you. If your puppy growls at you when you get close to the food bowl, immediately remove the food bowl and feed the puppy out of your hand. Do not stop brushing until the puppy accepts this without growling. Each puppy needs to learn its place in the pecking order of a family. Obviously, they need to be the lowest on the totem pole. If allowed to be boss, growling is a normal thing for a puppy to exhibit when showing its dominance. Each family member must establish they are boss. This includes young children who are timid or fearful of the puppy. Remember that any behavior you allow as a puppy is then extremely difficult to curb later in life. If you do not wish to have your adult dog on the furniture, do not sit on the sofa holding your puppy. If you do not want your grown dog to grab your pant leg, etc. Leash Training — Training your Goldendoodle puppy to walk on a leash without pulling will take some time. Be patient and read our complete guide to leash training here. Buying a Trained Puppy — You can opt to have your puppy purchased at Fox Creek Farm trained by a professional trainer. Buying a trained puppy can save you a lot of time and benefit the entire family. Please visit our board and train services page for more information. Pet Insurance — We always recommend that any dog owner have a good quality pet insurance. Choosing the best pet insurance will take you a bit of time to learn about the coverages and fees associate with the brand and your particular dog. Spend some time with our blog articles on pet insurance linked above to determine what is right for you and your furry friend. Goldendoodles have a great desire to please. Teaching them what it takes to please you sets them up for happiness. In this blog, we are going to cover how to train your Goldendoodle puppy. Having a well-trained dog around is appreciated by all other humans that encounter your dog as well. The training you administer to your puppy will pay off in spades as he continues to use the skills you have taught to please you and your guests throughout life. Being isolated and not included in family activities will cause stress, anxiety, and overactive behavior to become the norm for the untrained dog. Are you a pushover? Do you give in and reward inappropriate behavior? Do you scold without giving direction on what you want to see in place of that behavior? Without giving consistent queues, you will easily confuse a young puppy or even an adult dog. You must dedicate yourself to always rewarding good behavior and redirecting unwanted behavior. While it is easy to forgive a puppy for exhibiting their love in a rambunctious way, you are doing the little fellow a disservice by not expecting good behavior always. Once he is an adult, you will look back and wish you had curbed that undesirable behavior when he was a small puppy. You also need to help the children in the home to understand how and why they should not promote undesirable behaviors as well. Are Goldendoodles Easy to Train? A hybrid with Golden Retriever and Poodle genes, Goldendoodles are always fast learners and easy to train. Golden Retrievers are, by nature, extremely loyal dogs and are always eager to make their owners happy. They tend to have a happy demeanor whereas Poodles tend to have a more sophisticated air about them. While all dogs can learn, some dogs have shorter attention spans than others. Training in a busy home with loud and active children can affect the attention span too. Make sure in the beginning to work on commands with no distractions like other dogs, traffic, children, or wildlife. Setting expectations is vital in establishing the groundwork before you begin your dog training. It is always best to start with a clean slate vs. Set boundaries such as no jumping from day one. Take advantage of this innocent period where you have no bad habits that have been set. Obedience training is essential to living a harmonious life with your dog and the amount of time it takes to train a good behavior will take less than half the time it will take to change a bad behavior. Because puppies have a short attention span, training sessions should be only minutes in length but can be repeated once an hour. Positive Reinforcement Using positive reinforcement convinces your puppy that behaving accordingly or following instructions will merit them a reward in the form of food, verbal praise, or petting. While it is easier to instill fear in your puppy or punish them for inappropriate behavior, this method will never result in consistent positive behavior. A dog that behaves out of fear will eventually retaliate. Positive reinforcement training provides your puppy with an incentive to behave correctly. A treat will keep them seated quietly even when they are overly excited to meet your guests. Once a command is mastered, the food rewards can be rotated with pets or positive words each time the command is successfully followed. Over time, they will need fewer and fewer food rewards and be happy to oblige for a simple pat on the head or verbal praise. The timing is critical so that the puppy associates not only the click but also the reward as a positive reaction to their behavior. A clicker helps your puppy identify the very instant that they are doing what you want them to do making their learning process quicker. On the other hand, shock training is one of the most detrimental training methods you can utilize on your Goldendoodle puppy. This is a training method that makes use of punishment through the use of shock collars which subjects your puppy to pain as a result of unwanted behavior. This method may result in aggression or fear-based behavior. We advise you to give them positive reinforcements and train them with love and care. It is always best for your puppy to want to please you rather than to be afraid to displease you. Training Basics We love dogs who can perform a fun trick, but learning the basics of obedience first is important. Before we ask them to roll over, sit up on their haunches, or heal without a leash, it is crucial that they first learn the basics. You have to ensure they have already mastered the basic commands of sit, down, stay, and place as they will be the building blocks for all other commands. Some people choose to send their puppy to board and training, to get a jump start from a professional. Dog Socialization Dogs are very sociable and Goldendoodles are one of the friendliest breeds. Taking them out to dog parks or the mall or just letting them interact with your family members or other dogs helps them learn how to handle themselves around unfamiliar people or pets. Little by little, through guided socialization, they will learn not to be rattled by unexpected circumstances or guests. Keep in mind that until a puppy is fully vaccinated, he needs to avoid exposure to areas of high traffic of other dogs. Therefore, until the puppy reaches 16 weeks of age the age of full vaccination , he needs to play only with other fully vaccinated dogs in areas such as your backyard. Carrying them in public places such as Home Depot and Tractor Supply will allow safe exposure. Your Goldendoodle puppy must meet as many as new people a week. Be consistent, and tolerant, and offer positive reinforcement when necessary. The time and effort you put in now will pay off in the long run. It is beneficial to purchase a crate for your puppy and use it when you are not able to directly observe him. Doing so will give him a safe and secure place to stay and will also help in the housetraining process, as dogs have an instinct not to soil their sleeping area. The crate will teach your pup to control their urge to eliminate until the appropriate time. It is important to ensure that everyone in the family follows the same rules for potty training a pup. Find an area in the yard that the pup can use as their designated elimination spot and take them there on a leash when it is time to go. The smell of this spot will act as a reminder to the pup that this is where they should go to do their business. Developing a consistent verbal cue during the toileting process will help to create a language between you and your canine companion. Have patience as your dog may need multiple attempts to go and may not always do so immediately. Focus on the task at hand, not on socialization. Reward them with positive reinforcement when they have completed the job. Once your puppy has completed their business, bring them inside to enjoy some quality time. Dogs are creatures of habit; they like to eat, sleep, and relieve themselves on a regular schedule. Creating a consistent routine for your puppy can be a simple process and it will become more straightforward as they age. Take note of when your pup usually does their business, such as in the morning, evening, or after meals, and then adjust your schedule accordingly to accommodate these needs. In case you miss it, just tidy up the area and acknowledge your unavailability. Avoid reprimanding the puppy. As soon as you notice him behaving restlessly, sniffing around, circling, or attempting to leave unnoticed, immediately pick him up and take him outside, as these are clear indications that he needs to eliminate. Crate Training Your Goldendoodle puppy should be placed in the crate during any unsupervised time. When your puppy is 8 weeks old, it should be treated like a one-year-old human toddler. To ensure their safety, they should not be allowed to roam freely around the house or be left unsupervised for any length of time. If an accident does occur, avoid scolding the pup and instead reprimand yourself, as the puppy only learns if the reprimand is given at the time of the accident. Each accident is a setback in the training process and should be avoided. A puppy should not be allowed access to the floor unless it has gone potty outside within the last 45 minutes. This will help to avoid accidents. If the playtime reaches an hour, the puppy should be taken outside to potty again. In the crate, the limit is 3 hours, but outside the crate, the limit is one hour. Every month, the crate time limit can be increased by one hour. Food is an easy motivation for our furry friends to follow commands and instructions and works wonders when associated with a command or routine you want them to remember. Rich treats like liver or hotdog bits can cause stomach issues and should be used only in very small quantities. A properly carried-out routine is the most consistent form of puppy training you can provide. From meal times, bathroom breaks, and playtime to naps and bedtime, a structured list of activities will give your Goldendoodle a rhythm that they will grow to expect. Feeding your puppy around the same time daily also gives you consistent potty time. Professional Trainers Are Always an Option Not all dog owners have the time to train their puppies personally. Although this could be a rewarding experience, some of us may be too busy with work or other matters that may not allow consistency which is very important for retention and behavior formation. Some trainers will do board and train which means they keep your puppy for a designated amount of time to work one on one with your puppy to teach housebreaking and basic commands. Others will work with you and your puppy together which involves you in the process and this is typically a one-a-day-a-week lesson. In summary, Goldendoodles are great dogs, but they are the best when they are properly trained. If you emphasize their training from puppyhood on, you will be assured a polite, mannerly adult dog that is enjoyed by the family members and all others that come in contact with your Goldendoodle. The Labradoodle is a gorgeous cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, and the Goldendoodle is an adorable mix between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Characteristics and traits can vary significantly because these pups are a hybrid breed, but they are usually incredibly people-focused, laid back, and playful, making Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training an enjoyable moment. Doodles make awesome pets, especially if their owners fully comprehend the importance of training from a young age. The type of adult dog breed you end up with depends a little bit on their personality and a lot on how you take care of them. Before you begin Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training, it helps to decide exactly what kind of dog you want to have. Do Plenty of Research It is vital that you have an understanding of canine learning theory because dogs learn very differently from people. A puppy does whatever it can to get what it desires the most at that moment. There are plenty of online resources that can teach you about methods to get the best out of your training. It may be helpful to consult a puppy training professional or spend some time at doggy school to get a headstart and pick up tips from experts. Your pup is a blank slate — with your guidance, they can develop the traits and learn the behaviors that you value the most. Labradoodle and Goldendoodle puppies are curious and they love exploring their new home as they make it their own. Getting it right during the early stages sets a precedent for the rest of their life. Spending as much time as you can with them helps build the foundation for a happy, confident and well-behaved dog. Form a Bond and Gain Trust With Your Doodle Before you do anything, you will need to develop a strong bond with your new pal to make sure they trust you. Try to keep your own energy as calm as possible — they bounce off you. While it may be tempting to get excited by their cuteness and mirror their enthusiasm, this makes it more difficult for them to listen to you and regulate their own behavior. Teach your furry friend what to expect from the moment they get into the home to stop them from getting confused. Use Positive Reinforcement Intimidation or fear tactics are never the best way to build a loving and secure bond between you and your fur baby. To make the most of this method, reward your pooch for good behavior and ignore bad behavior. Treats, verbal praise, and clicker training reward them for a job well done. This also helps them to make positive associations with you and training time. Everyone has their own list of priorities and yours will depend on factors such as whether you have children or other pets. Potty training is a straightforward, formulaic process that your new puppy will adapt to. A consistent routine is the key to getting them toilet trained as efficiently and effectively as possible. Let them outside at the same time each day, and take them to the same spot. In the early days, it may be difficult for them to make it all the way through the night, so try to make provisions for this stage. Select a word for them to associate with potty training and repeat it over and over whenever you take them to the toilet. Every time they do their business outside, give them lots of cuddles and praise, treat them and play one of their favorite games. There will be setbacks — getting it right takes time! If they mess in the wrong place, take them outside to their toileting spot and give them the chance to relieve themselves. We cannot emphasize the importance of praising them when they get it right enough! Crate Training Not everyone opts to crate train their puppy, but it can be useful for the earliest stages of Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training. The crate gives them a safe place they can call their own. Be sure to make the time they spend in the crate a positive experience, and never leave them in there for more hours than their age in months plus one hour. For example, a three-month-old puppy can be kept in their crate for no more than four hours. Socialization Dogs are social animals, and Goldendoodles and Labradoodles, in particular, are happiest when they spend time pleasing people and playing. However, building confidence takes effort and guidance from their pet parent. If you want to ensure they grow up to have a balanced personality, you need to expose them to plenty of dogs, people and different situations. Take them out and about as much as possible to help them become accustomed to a range of noises, sights and sounds. Bring them to a local dog park to get them used to spending time around other dogs. Manners Your adorable little pup has the potential to develop a host of bad habits, but these behaviors can be nipped in the bud. Temperament and Dealing with Small Children There are several steps to take while getting your canine cutie used to being a member of a family with children. Both pup and child will need to have clear boundaries mapped out for them so they can build mutual trust and be kind to each other. Let the child practice with a toy before they pick up or cuddle the pup. Ensure the child sits down when they play with the dog; this helps to prevent the pup from getting overexcited. Teach the child to do small tasks to help care for the dog, such as filling the bowl or helping with grooming. Knowing what to expect according to the time of day helps them to settle and feel reassured. Always wake them up at the same time, feed and walk them around the same time and do training exercises at a set time. Patience Is Everything! The best piece of advice for Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training is to have patience. Spend lots of time bonding and playing with your pooch so you can make training something fun that you both enjoy.