german shepherd husky mix puppies for sale indiana
Read on to learn more about the standard poodle price Factors That Influence the Cost of a Standard Poodle There are quite a few reasons why the prices of standard poodles are different from one place to another. Some of these reasons include: Scarcity There are specific poodle variations that are hard to come by. Parti poodles, for instance, can cost a bit more than poodles with solid colors. This is because they flaunt a unique host of colors and very definite patterns. Demand The popularity of purebred poodles has never waned over the years. This, in turn, makes their demand high, which influences their prices. Coat Color Rare colors tend to cost more, and there are a couple of rare colors associated with standard poodles: blue and red. Other poodle experts and enthusiasts have stated that apricot poodles are possibly the rarest of them all, so they tend to cost a lot of money. Pedigree As we stated earlier, dogs from reputable breeders will cost more. Location Some locations also offer cheaper prices for standard poodles in line with availability and other conditions. For instance, shorter-haired breeds of standard poodles will go for a higher price in places with hotter climates. After all, a puppy is a responsibility, and there are expenses that you have to look through if you plan on getting one. The following are what you need to know when it comes to taking care of a standard poodle puppy and beyond. Below is the breakdown of the main costs. This price is for 16 to pound puppies. Afterward, grooming for your poodle will need to be every weeks. The duration will depend on the type and the length of its coat. They need to be occupied with stimulating toys, like: Chew toys. If you want to get a show dog from champion bloodlines, expect to spend more. Purchasing the purebred Miniature or Toy type of Poodle is pricier than buying other dog breeds from a backyard dog breeder. The Standard Poodles are typically less expensive than Toy Poodles since they deliver more purebred puppies per litter. The price of a Standard Poodle, as well as Miniature and Toy Poodles, does not often change between male and female dogs, but larger dogs are associated with a higher maintenance cost compared to smaller Poodles. A premium price tag also usually means you have a high-quality Poodle puppy from purebred breeders which could save you a lot of money in the long run. Female Poodle: Which Is Better? Factors Affecting the Cost of a Poodle Puppy Many people find Poodles expensive, but what is it about Poodles that makes them so costly? Well, there are many reasons why these fluffy dogs cost thousands of dollars. The size, age, health, lineage, and AKC registration of a Poodle puppy are essential considerations when determining puppy prices. Here are other factors affecting the price of a purebred Poodle: Age: Younger purebred Poodle puppies are far more costly than older puppies on average. This is due to the high demand for young pups. Meanwhile, purchasing an adult Poodle could save you at the very least a few hundred dollars. Appearance: Purebred Poodles that sport rare Poodles coats color are priced higher than others. Purebred Poodle breeders dedicate years to learning how to breed high-quality puppies. Those that gained recognition for their hard work often put higher price tags on their Poodles than others. Bloodline: Since they are bred for exhibition, champion Poodles will be the priciest. These are the canines that compete in athletics and breed representation. Health Screenings: Purebred Poodles are at risk of health issues, such as seizures. This means Poodle breeders must take measures to ensure the health of their pups. As a result, they will have to invest additional money to nurture proper Poodle health. Registration Papers: Your Poodle must have the required registration papers to be registered with a kennel club. This list contains the significant factors that influence the price of a Poodle. When purchasing a Standard Poodle puppy, keep them in mind and any additional fees that may be associated with it. A purebred backyard breeder might ask you for things like reservation charges, pet delivery, vaccines, and pup accessories that are not included in the Standard Poodle price range. Poodle costs of adoption will vary depending on where you get your dog. If you choose a senior or special needs adult Standard Poodle, the fee is significantly reduced or even free entirely in these cases. Poodle puppies can be found in abundance in local shelters. If you decide to adopt a Poodle, you can be assured that you will get a dog that has been well-cared for, unlike the ones found in a puppy mill. Here is the list of the essential things that people who love Poodles must prepare for: Food and Treats: Poodles can be picky eaters. Hence, it is important to invest in the right kind of high-quality food upfront. Poodles will need a diet high in fats and proteins. Bed: Because the Poodles are active dogs, it will require a nice bed. The size of your Poodle will determine which mattress is appropriate. Crate: A crate is a must-have for required vet visits or crate-training your Poodle properly. This is a must-have item for Poodles that enjoy running and playing. Toys: Teething is unavoidable for young pups, and restlessness can lead to destructive behavior. These toys are a great approach to alleviating these concerns while keeping your dog happy. A slick brush to clear unkempt hair and knots, a metallic greyhound comb to remove tangles and separate hair strands, a blow dryer, grooming clippers, nail clippers, and a toothbrush to maintain proper oral hygiene are all you need. Furthermore, deworming is a crucial step in keeping healthy pups. Initial Vaccine Shots: If you opt to purchase an unvaccinated Poodle puppy, you will be responsible for the expense of their first round of vaccinations. This is also another way of keeping your Poodle healthy. Neutering and Spaying: If you purchase Standard Poodle puppies, most likely, it is still intact. It is suggested that the puppy be spayed or neutered between six and nine months. Microchip: A microchip, about the size of a rice grain, should be implanted on your Poodle. This can be scanned by vets or other canine specialists for your contact info, health records, and health problems. Miscellaneous Supplies: Useful goods such as poop scoopers, cleaning materials, and urine pads could make Poodle care much more manageable. Prices will differ based on your region, where you shop, and the quality of the items you purchase. The breakdown of the first-year expenses of a standard poodle is given below. Vet Bills Dr. Exams, critical immunizations such as rabies, initial doses of heartworm and flea prevention, and a facial inspection will all be covered. The majority of her clients also buy heartworm and flea preventative medicine for the remainder of the year, as she advises. Insurance Enrolling your dog in a health insurance plan as a safety net against unforeseen expenditures might help you budget easily. Diet Poodles reach an adult weight of 55 pounds on average usually 40 to 70 lb. When it comes to dog food budgeting, treats cannot be overlooked. Microchip Microchips are an excellent method to identify a dog, and they are needed in many places across the United States. Microchip implants make it easy to identify and alert the owner of a lost or stolen animal. They also let canines be included in some medical and emergency databases. Regular Expenses of Standard Poodles Regardless of your financial situation, owning a Poodle is possible. The regular expenses of keeping a Standard poodle are as follows. Traveling When traveling with your dog for a lengthy period, boarding facilities are a smart alternative. To enhance your chances of finding an available location for your dog and getting the best pricing, be sure to reserve ahead of time, especially around the holidays. Dog walking As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases If you want to hire a dog walker regularly, be sure to factor this cost into your budget. If the dog has not been properly socialized, it may require more expensive private walks. Factors Affecting the Cost of Standard Poodles Pet sitters, trainers, and unexpected charges should all be factored into your budget. Although most trainers charge by the session, others offer packages to help you save money. Bloodline and reputation of the breeder The price will be significantly higher if the parents are purebred show quality dogs from a reputed breeder. These breeders also prefer to spend more money breeding dogs and puppies than others. Pedigree Some breeders belong to kennel clubs. They can also register their breeding dogs and puppies, which would increase their payments. That raises the expense, but it also lowers the chance of getting an ill dog. Age Because most people want their puppy as soon as possible, costs drop as the dog grows older. A 6-month-old puppy, for example, is likely to be less costly than an 8-week-old puppy. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The Standard is the oldest. The Poodle was originally developed to be a water dog that retrieved game fowl. Favored by royalty as well as gypsies, this versatile breed was able to master many tasks and trades and maintain a reputation as a fine companion. Character The Poodle is an agile, athletic, and graceful breed. They are considered to be one of the most intuitive, attentive, and intelligent breeds. Lively and playful, they have a tremendous sense of humor and a true love of life. Poodles are a breed of distinction, elegance, and dignity. Temperament One of the most popular breeds in the world, the Poodle is loyal and deeply devoted to their owner and family. They thrive on human companionship and are extremely sensitive to their familys moods and emotions. The Poodle may become overly attached to one particular family member and suffer from separation anxiety. The Standard and Miniature varieties are typically more amiable than the Toy variety, which has a tendency to be neurotic. The Standard does well in a home with children and other household pets. The Miniature and Toy varieties are best suited for homes with older, considerate children. The Poodle is reserved with strangers and makes a good watchdog. This breed has a tendency to bark excessively. Care The Poodle requires extensive grooming. Professional clipping must be done every six to eight weeks. Bathing should only be done when necessary using a mild shampoo. Daily brushing is highly recommended to prevent mats and tangles. It is important that the Poodles teeth and ears are checked and cleaned on a consistent basis. This breed is prone to cataracts, PRA, allergies, skin disorders, diabetes, epilepsy, and heart disease. Coat The Poodle has a dense, harsh coat that is either curly or corded. The color of the coat comes in such solid colors as silver, cream, gray, blue, black, white, apricot, red, caf-au-lait, and brown. It is possible to have a Parti patterned coat. However, that type of coat is not accepted in the show ring. This breed sheds little to no hair. Training Highly trainable and eager to please, the Poodle requires early socialization and obedience training. With their sensitive nature they do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. The Poodle does best with fairness, firmness, respect, patience, and consistency. They excel at learning tricks, including agility, retrieving, and competitive obedience. Activity The Poodle enjoys swimming, family play sessions, and securely leashed walks. They greatly benefit from regular opportunities to romp and run off lead in a safe area. Poodles will do okay in an apartment or condominium dwelling provided they are sufficiently exercised and stimulated to help curtail their tendency to excessively bark, and to keep them physically fit. Other sources of entertainment for your dog may include activities, such as agility. You can also purchase items to create brain games for your dog, like puzzles and Kong toys. Different diets, toys, supplies, and groomers all can vary significantly in cost. Additional Costs to Factor In Other costs you should be prepared for include pet sitters, trainers, and emergency expenses. Trainers usually charge by the session, but some offer packages to help limit expense. Setting money aside every month for any emergency or unexpected expenses will help you be prepared if anything comes up. You can also rotate through toys and supplies to keep things interesting and prevent items from wearing out quickly. Even on a budget, you should plan for the monthly expenses associated with food and medical care. These are expenses that cannot be skipped, regardless of budget. Coming up with creative ways to budget and stretch the use of items longer can go a long way in helping you to save money. Image Credit: susanne, Pixabay Saving Money on Poodle Care You can save money on a professional groomer if you take time to brush your dog well every day to ensure they are not getting mats and to monitor their skin health. You can also save money on grooming expenses if you are comfortable shaving or grooming your Poodle yourself. Another great way to save money on the care and maintenance of your Poodle is to watch online and brick-and-mortar shops for sales and coupons. These can be used to save a significant amount on foods, toys, treats, cleaning supplies, grooming supplies, and more. Conclusion: Poodle Price Owning a Poodle can be attainable, regardless of your budget. Poodles of all sizes and types are fantastic dogs with fun personalities. They are not low-maintenance dogs, though. This means you may experience higher costs associated with grooming and basic care than you would with a lower-maintenance dog. Set aside money every month as a backup option in case unexpected expenses arise or you find yourself in an emergency situation. January 20, Written by Sydney Heupel Poodles are one of the most beloved dog breeds out there, with their adorable curly fur and friendly personalities. But how much does it cost to take home a poodle? From purebred puppies to adult rescue pooches, the price of poodles can vary widely depending on breeders, age and other factors. Read on to find out all you need to know about poodle prices! The cost of a Poodle can vary greatly depending on the size, pedigree and breeder. Average Poodle Cost The average cost of a Poodle will depend on various factors such as the type of Poodle, its age and size. Prices may vary based on geographic location and quality of breeding for each individual pooch. It is important to also factor in additional costs when considering purchasing a poodle puppy. Factors Affecting Poodle Price When considering the price of a poodle, there are several factors that come into play. The most significant factor is the size and type of poodle you choose. Standard and miniature poodles cost more than toy or teacup varieties. The other major factor in setting the cost of a poodle is where it was bred and raised. Cost of Teacup, Toy, and Standard Sized Poodles The cost of poodles can vary greatly depending on their size and type. Teacup or toy poodles are particularly small, often weighing less than 4 pounds, while standard-sized poodles generally weigh between pounds. This difference in size results in a significant price discrepancy between the two types of dogs. It is important to note that aside from the purchase price itself, there will also be ongoing costs associated with owning any kind of pet such as food, veterinarian visits, grooming supplies — these are all things you should consider when budgeting how much it will cost to own an adorable puppy! Adoption vs Buying a Puppy Poodle Adoption vs Buying a Puppy Poodle is an important debate when it comes to choosing the right pet for your family. Adopting a poodle can be less expensive than buying one, but there are pros and cons to both options. Adoption is often the most cost-effective way of getting a poodle as many shelters have fixed fees or even waived adoption fees during special events. On the other hand, purchasing a puppy from a breeder means you will know exactly what type of parentage your pup has and its specific breed characteristics — this can be especially beneficial if you plan on entering your pup into shows or competitions later down the line. Some breeders also provide guarantees regarding the health of their puppies so you can rest assured knowing that if any issues arise within certain timelines then replacements might be available too. Show quality poodles require significant investment in both time and money. In addition to this initial fee, other costs should be taken into consideration including health testing fees for breeding stock such as eye exams and vet checkups prior to making any purchase decisions. Additionally, training classes may also be needed if you plan on showing your dog — often these classes are structured over an extended period of time which can add up quickly in terms of both cost and commitment. Investing in a show quality poodle is not something that should be taken lightly — with proper research and due diligence however it can be incredibly rewarding! After you initially purchase the pup, ongoing expenses are necessary to keep the dog healthy and happy throughout its life. Veterinary care is an essential cost for any pet owner and should not be overlooked when considering owning a poodle. Routine checkups, immunizations, parasite prevention treatments, medications and other veterinary services will need to be purchased from time to time in order to keep your pup safe and healthy. Food is another major expense when it comes to owning a poodle. Quality food should be provided in order for them to have proper nutrition throughout their life. Grooming costs must also be factored into the overall price of ownership as well since regular brushing, bathing and trimming of nails is required for this breed in particular due its long locks of fur which tend to tangle easily if not treated properly on occasion. .Professional grooming services might come with some additional fees but they offer convenience since all tasks are usually completed during one appointment instead of having multiple visits per session like what would happen doing it yourself or hiring someone privately on an hourly basis outside of these shops specialized in caring for these furry pals specifically. Before taking the plunge, one of my main concerns was the cost. So, after doing some research, I came up with several ways that I could save money on the cost of a poodle. The first thing I did was look into adoption centers in my area. Plus, adopting an animal not only helps you save money but also saves lives! Next, I talked to friends and family who already owned poodles or similar breeds. They were able to provide me with valuable advice on things like food type, veterinary care tips and even grooming requirements — all without costing me anything extra! Finally and perhaps most importantly , before making any big purchases for my new pup food bowls or toys… , I shopped around online for discounts or sales. This way, instead of paying full price at the pet store down the street, I saved quite a bit by looking around different stores and websites until finding just what we needed at an unbeatable deal. In conclusion, there are lots of easy ways to save money on the cost of owning a poodle if you know where to look and who to talk too. By following these simple steps myself and researching beforehand ,I found that not only did having one fit within our budget but ultimately enabled us both more quality time together as well! Related posts:. Less - The Standard Poodle is a medium-sized , squarely built dog with a distinctive harsh curly coat that may be presented in any of several traditional Poodle clips or corded. The ears are long, drop, and densely feathered. The tail is normally docked, set high, and carried erect. The length of body sternum to point of buttocks is equal to the height withers to ground. The Standard Poodle carries himself with an air of dignity and pride. Another essential characteristic is proper temperament. The breed is noted for its high intelligence, trainability and sense of humor. Poodles are highly social and require human companionship and regular, close interaction with family members. Because of their great intelligence and the joy they take in human companionship, Poodles excel in performance events of all sorts. They are extremely affectionate with children. In 18th and 19th century Europe, the Poodle served a wide variety of purposes, including duck hunting, guiding, and later circus performing, from whence the modern grooming style likely arose. The Poodle became a popular pet for the French aristocracy, and in time was officially adopted as the national dog. Poodles were imported to America in the 20th century. The origins of the poodles are still discussed with a dispute over whether the poodle descends from the old French Barbet breed or from Germany as a type of water dog. Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality. For this breed, training should mainly focus on basic obedience and socialization. A Standard Poodle puppy will eat around lb. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs. A Standard Poodle should be professionally groomed 4 to 8 times every year. Most dog owners will not be able to groom the dog themselves. The cost could be slightly higher if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Having the dog licensed is mandatory almost everywhere. It is placed under the skin usually between the shoulder blades. Dogs adopted from a shelter or bought from a breeder sometimes already have a microchip. Prices vary mainly depending on location. Private walks are more expensive. Prices vary depending on location, time of the year, and the level of service among other things. Check our New Dog Owner Guide. Other breeds you might like Are you suffering from allergies? Please read our article about the cost of 23 popular hypoallergenic dog breeds. Portuguese Water Dog.
Your pup can enjoy this food for up to 24 months before switching to adult food. This is considered one of the best dog foods for Boxer puppies for the money, and for good reason — you get more bang for your buck. This nutritious dog food features natural fish oil, chicken, and eggs, to name just a few healthy ingredients your pooch is sure to enjoy devouring. Pros Specially made for puppies up to 24 months Made with natural fish oil Features whole food ingredients Lacks in fruit and veggie nutrition compared to other options More expensive than other similar options 3. This puppy food has ingredients like L-Carnitine, meant to support healthy bone growth so your Boxer is less likely to develop health problems when they get older. Most importantly, this puppy food for Boxers is high in quality protein, which is necessary for healthy growth physically and mentally as your puppy grows into an adult. Royal Canin Boxer puppy food also features a wavy shape that makes it easy for the Boxer breed to chew and digest. But this is one of the most expensive options on the market, so it may not be financially feasible for some owners. Luckily, there are other high-quality options to choose from that are more affordable. Pros Designed specifically for Boxer puppies Features an easy-to-chew kibble shape Cons One of the most expensive options on the market The package tends to rip, requiring separate containment Can be tough to transition from this kibble to an adult option 4. Diamond Naturals Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food Check Price on Amazon This is a large breed puppy food that, while not specifically made for Boxers, still delivers all the nutrients your Boxer needs as they become an adult. Diamond Naturals puppy formula is an affordable option that your pooch can eat from puppyhood through adulthood, which takes all the guesswork out of proper nutrition. This food features pasture-raised lamb and includes added vitamins and minerals to help ensure well-rounded nutrition throughout all the puppy years. Made in the United States, it has no filler corn, wheat, or artificial preservatives to worry about either. Pros Made for large breed puppies like Boxers Affordable price tag Not meant for adult nutrition Missing quality ingredients that other options feature 5. It features controlled calcium levels to provide proper bone support. This dog food for Boxers is another good option made in the U. Blue Buffalo Life Puppy Dry Food Check Price on Amazon Formulated with real meat, fruits, veggies, and antioxidant-rich ingredients, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula for puppies is another great option for Boxers because it provides all the essential nutrients that this larger breed needs, while offering up a host of additional vitamins and nutrients designed to allow your puppy to thrive and feel their best as they age. Included are essential omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, which are necessary for a shiny and soft coat of fur. The kibble pieces are tiny, so your Boxer puppy should be able to start eating quickly. Eukanuba Puppy Dry Dog Food Check Price on Amazon This large breed puppy dog food is an excellent choice for Boxer owners because it features plenty of quality animal protein, as well as calcium and phosphorous that puppies need for strong and healthy bones. Containing DHA, Eukanuba can apparently help puppies better focus their minds so training is easier on owners. Once you choose a puppy food to feed your Boxer puppy, you should stick with it until you are ready to switch to adult food. Changing foods is hard on the digestive system and can result in problems like constipation, diarrhea, and discomfort. You should feed your Boxer puppy food designed specifically for puppies until they are at least a year old before you consider feeding them adult dog food. This will help ensure that your pooch gets all the nutrients they need while growing. What to Look For in Puppy Food When choosing a puppy food for your Boxer, the most important thing to consider is quality. In just a few months, your pup will be able to eat adult dog food. The money you spend now on quality food for your Boxer will result in a more well-rounded, happy, and healthy pooch. So, when choosing food for your Boxer puppy, you should look for real meat as the first ingredient. If grains or meal is the first ingredient, your pup may not get the vital nutrients and quality protein they need in order to thrive. Your chosen Boxer puppy food should have ingredients that include real fruits and vegetables, not just powders and concentrates. Avoid foods that include artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives whenever possible. Any food you decide to feed your puppy might not agree with their digestion at first, depending on what they have been fed up to this point. Offer up just a quarter cup of the food you want to feed your puppy to start. If no obvious digestion issues result, you can go ahead and continue feeding the new food to your new Boxer. If you decide to switch to a new brand at any point during puppyhood, mix the new stuff with the old stuff for about a week to make transitioning easy. You should do the same when it comes time to feed your Boxer adult dog food — mix the puppy and adult food for a few days before switching straight to adult food. Once you are sure your dog can handle the adult food, you can switch over completely. Take the list to your vet to gain extra insight and learn which would be the best option for your Boxer puppy. Final Verdict The type of puppy food you decide to feed your Boxer is up to you. Focus on the options that feature whole foods such as real meat instead of meal. There should never be artificial ingredients in play. Hopefully, our reviews of the best dog food for Boxer puppies has made your job easier. Every bite of food will be detrimental or beneficial to this breed's health. Overview Food is fuel both for a growing Boxer pup and large strong adult Boxer dogs. The type of food that you offer for both meals and snacks has a direct affect on your Boxer's health both now and in the future. Also of importance is a feeding schedule and making sure that you offer the proper amounts. This section will cover everything you need to know in order to provide a well-balanced, nutritious diet for your Boxer puppy, adult, or senior. How Often to Feed a Boxer Puppy or Dog Let's look at a summary and then the details: Puppies under 12 weeks: free-fed Puppies and up to the 2-year mark: 3 meals per day Adults 2 years and up: 1 to 2 meals per day Young pups 8 to 12 weeks old: Very young pups, and particularly those that are a bit underweight, should be free-fed for at least the first month at their new home. This is the method of having fresh food accessible at all times. For a pup still trying to gain their bearings, you may need to lead them to their bowl throughout the day. Note that food should be thrown out and the bowl washed and then refilled several times per day as opposed to just topping off the food since pups may not be interested in stale food. Growing pup to 2 year mark: It's best to get a Boxer onto a feeding schedule as soon as possible. Schedules of anything feeding, exercise, sleep time, etc. Young Boxers often struggle a bit to fill out and during the 1 to 2-year mark Boxers can go through a 'skinny phase', so 3 meals per day, plus snacks, can work well during this time. Adults 2 years and up: Most adult Boxers that have reached their final adult weight and height do well with 2 meals per day, plus snacks. If snacks are regular and of substance, a Boxer may be perfectly content with 1 main meal per day. Note that this breed is prone to bloat, so you want to avoid letting a Boxer get so hungry that he rapidly gulps his food down. If that is the case, increase the frequency of meals or use a slow-feed bowl; stainless-steel is best, something like Mr. How Much to Feed a Boxer Puppy or Dog The exact serving size that is appropriate for each Boxer varies and depends mainly on age and current weight but also is affected by activity level, health status, type of food wet vs dry , and individual metabolism. This said, there are general guidelines: Puppies usually require about 55 calories for each pound of body weight. Young pups might eat a bit over a cup a day, older pups can eat up to 3 cups a day. Adults need fewer calories per pound of body weight than their younger counterparts, about .Depending on an adult Boxer dog's size, food is usually in the 3 to 5 cup per day range. To know exactly how much to give your Boxer, know your dog's weight. Don't guess since that can be wildly off. Then, look at the feeding guidelines on the bag of kibble; these are listed by age and weight and are usually pretty spot on. Dry Kibble vs Wet Canned Though many Boxers may prefer wet canned food, dry kibble is better to maintain healthy teeth and gum and a strong jaw. You'll still have to provide some level of at-home dental care , but the crunch of a hard kibble will work to some extent to remove plaque. Additionally, dry food seems to keep the stools firmer and healthier. If your Boxer is a finicky eater and balks at dry food, try mixing in just a bit of canned stick with the same brand or add just a bit of water or low-sodium chicken or beef broth. Grain vs Grain-free It's wasn't that long ago that putting a dog on a grain-free diet wasn't much of a big deal. Some grains, especially those with gluten, can cause excessive gas , upset stomach, and other issues. And, some dogs are allergic to wheat or gluten which can manifest as itching and other skin problems. But recently, a suspected link between certain grain-free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy DCM, a canine heart disease caused veterinary experts to take pause. And, since Boxers are one of the breeds prone to DCM, it's important to understand where things are on this. Though it was first thought that any grain-free diet may be the cause, the current thought is that it is a BEG diet, meaning boutique small specialty brands that have exotic meats non-traditional meats like alligator, kangaroo, bison, venison, etc. Many more studies need to be done for conclusive answers to be found. For now, it is recommended to offer healthy grains and this can be done while avoiding gluten if your Boxer has an issue with it. Navigating the Many Choices of Dog Foods What to Avoid: Many brands are guilty of having at least one of these elements that you do not want your Boxer's food to have: No grains at all. Until conclusive studies are complete, play it safe and offer a kibble with some level of healthy grains unless the veterinarian recommends otherwise Boxer needs to be on a specific grain-free diet, etc. Synthetic preservatives. These can be toxic. Butylated hydroxyanisole BHA , butylated hydroxytoluene BHT , and ethoxyquin, just to name a few, are linked to behavioral issues, organ damage, and some forms of cancer. Artificial coloring. Common dyes like Yellow 5 and 6 and Blue 2 are linked to behavioral and health issues. Artificial flavor enhancers. MSG is one of the worst, it is linked to anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and breathing issues. Generic animal digest, meats, oils, or fats. When anything is listed as 'animal', it is derived from a 4-D animal: dead, dying, diseased or disabled animals and can literally be any meat from any animal at all: minks from mink farms, roadkill, zoo animals, expired meats from supermarkets and butcher shops, etc. Fillers are cheap ingredients that are put into dog food to bulk it up but they have little to no nutritional value. The 'food' goes right through their system; a dog will eat but be hungry again soon afterward and this is one cause of coprophagia eating feces. These are the animal parts that are not fit for human consumption and includes such things as spinal tissue, lungs, spleens, hooves, tails, undeveloped eggs, etc. Made outside North America since meats from overseas can be questionable. The kibble will be preserved using a vitamin blend often listed as mixed tocopherals and will be naturally flavored and colored. Some level of grains. Grains that are generally well-tolerated include rice, oatmeal, and quinoa. Wholesome real meats, veggies, and fruits. Some ingredients sourced from Norway are fine; this country has very strict guidelines. If you are not sure what is in your Boxer's food, investigate it. Know about grain content and the presence or lack of additives and subpar ingredients. Recommended Dog Food for Boxers Please note that the following recommendations are formulas with some level of healthy grains; if you did not read the previous ' Grain vs Grain-free ' you may wish to do so before continuing on. This meets all of the requirements of what you're looking for. There are no synthetic preservatives; vitamins are used instead shown as mixed tocopherals. The grains in this formula are generally very well tolerated: quinoa technically a seed , oatmeal, and barley. There are 3 different recipes to choose from: beef, chicken, or lamb. Other ingredients include peas, salmon, carrots, apples, blueberries, and flaxseed. There are good levels of glucosamine chondroitin vital for joint health , antioxidants, and omega fatty acids important for skin and coat health. There are no by-products, fillers, or generic meats or oils and this is sourced and made in the USA. For this one, the base is chicken a very classic tasty protein that most dogs love , along with oatmeal, brown rice, ground barley, peas, flaxseed, carrots, tomato pomace, spinach, sweet potatoes, apples, and blueberries. All other ingredients shown on the label are either vitamins and minerals or natural preservatives. This has no wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, and this is made in the USA. This brand offers a top-quality formula that is gluten-free. There is no wheat, corn, soy, by-products, artificial flavors, artificial colors, or chemical preservatives. The base is chicken and brown rice and other ingredients include white rice, oatmeal, rice bran, avocado, flax seed, herring, and kelp. It has good levels of omega fatty acids and antioxidants. The one trade-off for having it be gluten-free is that it does not contain any fruit; however, it does have all required vitamins and minerals and you can always offers a small amount of fresh fruit as snacks. Homemade Vs Commercial Commercial dog food is convenient and, if you choose a superior brand, it will ensure that your Boxer receives all needed nutrients and is on a well-rounded and well-balanced diet. And, home cooked food gives you complete control over what your Boxer eats and does not eat and can be tweaked to satisfy a finicky eater. So, there are pros and cons to each. Whether you opt for a top-quality kibble or you use good cuts of meat and fish and fresh produce in homemade meals, neither option is super-cheap. Because, of course, you get what you pay for. But, if you buy in bulk and lean toward frozen vegetables and fruits, home cooking may be a bit less expensive. That said, when you prepare meals at home, you'll need to offer a good daily vitamin and mineral supplement even good brands of kibble need to add this in because it's nearly impossible for a dog to receive all nutrients just from food alone. Some of the foods that can be incorporated into meals include: Proteins: Chicken, turkey, veal, beef, fish mackeral, haddock, salmon, whitefish, cod, and others , eggs, and certain beans kidney, lima Vegetables: Carrots, broccoli in moderation , potato, sweet potato, sugar snap peas, green beans, spinach Fruits: Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, pumpkin Grains: Quinoa, oatmeal, rice Related Articles: Best Snacks, Chews, and Treats for a Boxer - A great rundown of the difference between these 3 things and top recommendations. How many calories does a Boxer dog need - Requirements based on age, size and activity level. Recommendations to lower or raise intake. Boxer dog weight issues - This breed can become overweight, usually due to a combination of eating too much and being sedentary. Boxer begging behavior - Boxers are pretty good at playing their humans and it's easy to fall into the trap of giving in to begging. Read how to stop the cycle. Choosing the Best Bowl for a Boxer - Size, height, material and design are all important. Although Boxers may experience certain health issues that are congenital and beyond our control, environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet, can influence others. Some of the most common health issues faced by Boxers include the following: Food allergies. Certain ingredients in their food can cause allergies in Boxers. Food allergies in Boxers may present as dry, itchy skin, ears, or paws. However, unlike allergies, food intolerances do not involve the immune system but can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. We highly recommend conducting an at-home dog food allergy test like the 5Strands kit. This particular kit can test for up to ingredients and determine which ones may cause food intolerance in your dog. Once you receive the results, you can use the list to avoid dog food formulas that contain potential allergens. Boxers are predisposed to various types of cancer, such as brain tumors, mast cell tumors, and lymphoma. This is a heart condition where the heart muscle thickens and enlarges, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively. Boxers are genetically predisposed to this condition, which can result in arrhythmia, decreased oxygen delivery to the body, and fluid accumulation in the lungs. Hip dysplasia. Degenerative myelopathy. This is a progressive neurological condition where the spinal cord deteriorates, resulting in hind limb weakness and paralysis. Boxers are one of the breeds that are predisposed to this condition. Aortic stenosis. A heart condition where the aortic valve is narrowed, restricting blood flow and forcing the heart to work harder. Also known as gastric dilation, this is a condition where the stomach twists and traps air, making it difficult for the dog to breathe and leading to shock and death if not treated promptly. Boxers are prone to bloat, which can be caused by overeating, eating too quickly, or drinking large amounts of water after exercise. Feeding Boxers the right amount and type of food can give them the energy they need to stay active and healthy. Feeding Boxers too much food, especially those high in fat and simple carbohydrates, can lead to weight gain and obesity, which can decrease their activity level. This can also lead to health problems such as joint pain and heart disease, which can further limit their activity level. Boxers are high-energy dogs that require a balanced diet high in protein, fat, and complex carbohydrates. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, while fat provides energy for high-intensity activities. Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, are a great source of sustained energy for endurance activities. Additionally, providing Boxers with regular exercise and playtime can help them burn off excess energy and maintain a healthy activity level. Boxer Puppies. Require a diet that is higher in calories and protein to support their growth and development. They also need a balanced calcium and phosphorus diet for healthy bone growth. Feeding high-quality puppy food formulated explicitly for bulldog puppies can help ensure they receive the necessary nutrients during this crucial stage. Adult Boxers. Require a diet that is lower in calories and protein to maintain their weight and prevent obesity. They also need a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to support their overall health and energy needs. Senior Boxers. Senior dogs may require a diet lower in calories and fat to maintain a healthy weight and higher fiber to support digestive health. Senior dog foods often contain joint supplements to help mobility and joint health. Avoid common allergens. Boxer often develops food allergies or intolerances, so it may be helpful if your Boxer dog food is free from common allergens, such as corn, wheat, chicken, and beef. Boxers can have sensitive digestive systems. Look for a dog food that adds probiotics to its formula. Dog Probiotics support a healthy digestive system and immune system. Digestibility: Boxers can be prone to digestive issues, so look for dog food that is minimally processed, such as fresh dog food or homemade dog food for Boxers. Lower-quality kibble may contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and other ingredients that can be harder to digest and may cause digestive upset in some dogs. High-quality protein. Boxers need high-quality protein sources to maintain muscle mass and support their immune system. Look for dog foods that list whole meat sources. Look for dog food containing antioxidants like vitamins C and E, selenium, and carotenoids, which can help support the immune system and may reduce cancer risk. Look for dog foods that contain fruits and vegetables, like blueberries, cranberries, and spinach. Amino acids. Taurine and L-carnitine can support heart function and may help reduce the risk of cardiomyopathy and other heart problems. Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids can help support heart health, reduce inflammation associated with hip dysplasia, and improve joint function. Look for dog foods that contain fish oil or flaxseed. Omegas may also support brain health, potentially reducing the risk of brain tumors and supporting neurological function in dogs with degenerative myelopathy. Glucosamine and chondroitin. These ingredients can help support joint health and reduce the risk of hip dysplasia. Look for dog foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin. Limited fat content. Boxers are prone to bloat, which high-fat diets can exacerbate. Look for dog foods that have moderate fat levels. Limited sodium content. Opt for dog food with lower sodium content to help manage blood pressure and reduce the strain on the heart, which can benefit dogs with aortic stenosis. Small kibble size. Easy-to-digest ingredients, such as fresh food and high-quality protein sources, can also reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues and bloat. Chapter 2: The Reviews. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Our team went out into the field looking for the best canine nutrition products in the world. Our winner for this year is Pupper, which topped our charts in terms of ingredient quality as well as science backed claims. Looking for the best dog food for your boxer? Look no further! In this article, we will discuss the 25 best dog food for boxers in .We will cover a variety of different diets and price points to ensure that you can find the perfect food for your furry friend. Boxers are a unique breed of dog, and they require a special diet in order to stay healthy and happy. We hope that this blog post helps you find the perfect food for your boxer. Boxers are a high energy breed that needs a lot of exercise. They also have a higher than average metabolism which means they need a food that is high in calories and nutrients. The best food for boxers will be one that is designed for active dogs and contains all of the nutrients they need to stay healthy and fit. When looking for the best dog food for boxers, you should look for a food that is high in protein and fat. Boxers need a lot of protein to maintain their muscle mass, and fat is essential for providing them with the energy they need. You should also look for a food that is low in carbs, as boxers can easily become overweight if they eat too many. The best dog food for boxers will also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants to keep their immune system healthy. Do Boxers dogs need Grain Free food? No, Boxers do not need grain free food, but they can benefit from the nutrients found in grains. Grains provide essential vitamins and minerals that can help keep your dog healthy and fit. However, if your dog is allergic to grains, then you should avoid feeding them grain-based foods. How often should I feed my Boxer? You should feed your boxer twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. This will help to keep their energy levels up and prevent them from becoming overweight. What health issues are boxers prone to having? Boxers are prone to having a number of health issues, including heart disease, hip dysplasia, and cancer. The health issues that Boxers are prone to can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics and poor diet. It is important to feed your Boxer a healthy diet and provide them with plenty of exercise to help prevent these problems. How often should I exercise my boxer? You should exercise your boxer at least twice a day, but preferably three times a day. Exercise is important for all dogs, but it is especially important for Boxers because of their high energy levels. A good way to exercise your Boxer is to take them for a walk or run every day. You can also take them to the park to play fetch or Frisbee. Providing your boxer with plenty of exercise will help them stay healthy and fit, and it will also help to prevent some of the health problems that they are prone to. What is the best way to groom my Boxer? Boxers have short, smooth coats that do not require a lot of grooming. However, you should brush your dog's coat once a week to remove any dirt or debris. You should also trim your dog's nails every few weeks. Boxers are relatively low-maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming, but it is still important to take care of their coats and nails. Regular brushing and nail trimming will help to keep your dog healthy and looking their best. What is the average lifespan of a Boxer? The average lifespan of a Boxer is about 11 years. However, some boxers have been known to live for up to 15 years. The key to prolonging your dog's life is to provide them with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. Does a boxer need to eat special dog food? While there are many different types of dog food on the market, boxers do not need to eat a special diet. In fact, most boxers will do just fine on a quality dry food that is designed for active dogs. However, if your boxer is very active or working dog, you may want to consider feeding them a high-performance dog food that is higher in calories and nutrients. This type of food will help them maintain their energy levels and stay in top condition. No matter what type of food you choose, be sure to read the label carefully to make sure it meets your boxer's needs. And always consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions about your dog's diet. With so many different types of dog food available, it can be hard to know which one is best for your boxer. But by keeping these things in mind, you can be sure to choose a food that will help them stay healthy and fit. Now that you know more about what to feed your precious boxer, it's time to elaborate on each of the 25 best dog food for boxers in 1. Pupper Chicken Topper Image courtesy Pupper This chicken recipe from Pupper Fuel is formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of boxers. It is made with high-quality ingredients like cage-free chicken, whole grains, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Pupper Fuel's chicken recipe is our top pick for the best dog food for boxers in because it is made with high quality ingredients. This diet will help your boxer maintain a healthy weight, have plenty of energy, and stay in excellent condition. This diet is made with real venison and bison, and does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This diet is made with high-quality ingredients like cage-free chicken, whole grains, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. This low-fat recipe is comprised of easy-to-digest all-natural, cage-free chicken, sweet potatoes and green beans that are designed for weight control. This diet is made with real lamb and brown rice, and does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This easy-to-digest kibble includes nutrient-dense carbohydrates like sweet potato and pumpkin, plus real chicken as the 1 ingredient. Nature's Recipe Puppy Whitening Food includes delicious, high-quality ingredients and is free of corn, wheat, soy protein, or poultry by-product meal! And you may rest confident that your dog won't be eating any artificial flavors or preservatives. This diet is made with real turkey and chicken, and does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This best dog food for boxers will help your boxer maintain a healthy weight, have plenty of energy, and stay in excellent condition. This diet is made with real chicken and brown rice, and does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Your dog is a carnivore, which means he thrives on a biologically appropriate diet that includes a variety of different whole animal ingredients. This delectable kibble includes fresh or raw ranch-raised beef, wild boar, Boer goat, and grass-fed lamb. This dish is also made with WholePrey animal ingredients such as organs and bones, providing 85 percent quality animal ingredients. And this dog food features freeze-dried outer layer for wagworthy raw taste and nutrition. This diet is made with real salmon and sweet potatoes, and does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Chicken is the first ingredient in this big dog food aids in the supply of protein, an important nutritional component for your dog's body. This highly digestible dry dog food is designed to promote nutrient absorption and bioavailability. They produce this big dog kibble with certain live probiotics to assist your pet's digestive and immune health. Every portion includes glucosamine and EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid, to help support joint health and mobility. This food has been carefully developed to deliver the ideal combination of protein, fat, and nutritious ingredients for performance, training, and hunting dogs. It's brimming with energy to keep your dog on his toes. With no corn, wheat, soy, or vegetable protein among other things , this food is ideal for your furry companion. It promotes your dog's long-term health and performance, as well as his mental processes and vitality. Natural, US farmed chicken produced on a farm. There are no meat or by-product meals available. There are no preservatives used in these products. You can actually see the chicken and veggies in this dish! Dog food for adult dogs. Freshpet thinks that dogs and cats require actual, nutritious food similar to the fresh foods we enjoy. Every meal is freshly prepared in our kitchens, where the fun begins. They start with natural, nutritious ingredients that we softly steam until they retain their natural goodness and provide essential nutrients to dogs and cats in order to allow them to live their best lives. It contains all the necessary nutrients to keep your large breed dog healthy and active, including glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. The kibble is shaped and sized specifically for large breeds, and has a crunchy texture that helps clean your dog's teeth. Applaws dry dog food is made in the USA with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It's designed for adult dogs of all breeds and life stages, and contains no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors or colors. Caliber Ultra is made in the USA with high-quality ingredients, including chicken meal, brown rice, and oatmeal. It also contains omega-fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. It's high in protein, low in fat, and contains no artificial flavors or colors. Green tripe is an excellent source of nutrients for dogs, and is especially rich in probiotics, enzymes, and essential fatty acids. Bison is a lean, nutritious protein that's rich in vitamins and minerals. This food is perfect for dogs who are active and need a high-protein diet to maintain their energy levels. It's also great for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to grain. PetKind Tripe Dry is a complete and balanced food that provides all the nutrients your dog needs to stay healthy and happy. Final Thoughts on 25 Best Dog Food for Boxers in We hope our list of the 25 best dog foods for boxers in has helped you narrow down your options and find the right food for your boxer. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian first before making any changes to your dog's diet. When it comes to feeding your boxer, quality is important. But finding the right balance of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals is key to keeping your boxer healthy and happy. We hope you found this list helpful. Related Content.
Helping your dog to lose weight. Is My Labrador Fat? The best way to tell is by eye and touch. Have a look at your dog and compare him with the picture below of a healthy Labrador. Look at your dog from the side. Does his belly slope upwards towards his groin, or is it a level line from his front legs to his back, or even worse is it sagging down between his legs? Your Labrador should have an upward sloping line from the base of his chest, towards his back legs. Now look at the dog from above. You should be able to! Your dog should not be the same width all the way down his body. Look at your dog from the side again. Can you see any ribs? Run you hands along his rib cages firmly. Can you feel his ribs? If you can see ribs when he is standing still he is too thin. If you cannot feel his ribs at all with your hands he is too fat! As we have seen above, the best way to tell if you have a fat Labrador is by looking and feeling. The trouble with providing you with a number is that it can give a false impression. Depending upon whether your Lab is field or bench bred, short or tall, chunky or slight, male or female, will all make a big difference to their ideal weight for the individual. The average adult Labrador will weigh anywhere between 55 to 80 lbs! Male Labs usually being around 5 to 10 lbs heavier than their female counterparts. If you are still unsure whether your Lab is the right weight for his or her build having given her a thorough check yourself as described above, then the best thing to do is to pop down to your local veterinarian. They will be happy to let you know how much your individual Labrador should weigh. Why Is My Labrador Fat? So how did your slim little puppy end up as a fat adult Labrador? There are three common assumptions that people make when considering how their dogs came to be overweight. Does the dog need more exercise? Has he got some kind of medical problem? Or am I just feeding him too much at mealtimes or giving too many snacks? In general if your dog is overweight the real reason is simply that he has eaten too much. Or rather, been allowed to eat too much. Does my dog need more exercise? He may well need more exercise, but that is not why he is fat. He is overweight because when you take into account the amount he exercises along with a number of other factors, he has eaten too much. The exercise needs of your dog are an important but separate issue, which we look at in other articles. The important thing to remember is this: The less exercise you give the dog, the less you must feed him. Once put on, weight is hard to shift and it will simply go up and up over time. Medical causes of canine obesity Although most dogs who are overweight have simply had a few too many bites to eat, there are some medical causes for obesity which do crop up from time to time. Canine medical conditions that can affect your Labs weight include hypothyroidism, insulinoma and hyperadrenocorticism. If a medical condition is the reason then the weight gain will normally be sudden and unexpected. If you are concerned by sudden weight gain in your Lab when you have not been giving him more food, then a checkup at the vets is definitely in order. You may also find that your dog puts on weight after having been neutered. If this is the case you will need to adjust your feeding habits accordingly. However, for most dogs weight gain is a simple result of over feeding. My Labrador is always hungry People are often concerned because they worry that their dog is still hungry after eating his dinner. Here is an important truth: Most Labradors are always hungry. You cannot win this battle. These are greedy dogs and your Labrador will always want more food than you give him. No matter how much that may be. If your Labrador is overweight he really needs to eat less and he will get used to his new regime quite quickly. Are Fat Labs Less Healthy? If you have looked at your Labrador and decided he is overweight, you might be wondered whether that actually matters. Is it really worth the effort of ignoring those puppy dog eyes and whines for extra food? Slim dogs are healthier Being overweight predisposes you to an awful lot of unpleasant health problems. This is true regardless of whether you are a human or a dog. Carrying extra pounds can also make existing problems your dog may have worse. For example joint problems like arthritis and hip dysplasia can be exacerbated by having more weight to lug around. As well as joints and bones suffering from obesity related issues, increased body fat can also make your dog more likely to have problems with their organs including those needed for breathing and digestion. Just a bit of extra fat can have a host of unwanted consequences. Being a fat Lab puppy can potentially make your dog more likely to suffer from joint problems later in life. Slim dogs live longer Not only will a slim dog have a better level of fitness and a lower likelihood of becoming unwell, they will in all probability live longer too. Those Labs on the large food ration had a median lifespan of over 11 years old. Those on the smaller food ration lived to be over 13 years old. When you look at the difference which can be made in these terms, by helping your Lab to stay slim you could be giving him an incredible two more years with you! If he gets a lot of household scraps these may have to go too. If you use food as rewards in dog training, this should be deducted from his daily food allowance. It could also help to find healthier alternatives to your usual training treats. Bear in mind that if your dog is unwell, old or very young , it is sensible to consult your vet before tampering with his diet. It is also a good idea to have a chat with them beforehand if your dog is very overweight and has a lot to lose. Take a photo of him from above and from the side before you start. At the end of the three to four days, check the dog over as described above and ask yourself if he is still fat. If you think he has improved a little but needs to slim down a bit further, keep going for another three to four days then review the situation. Compare the photo you took a week ago and you should see some improvement. You may need to increase his food slightly in order to maintain his new slim figure and ensure he does not get thin. If the dog is not losing weight after a couple of weeks on two-thirds of his previous food allowance, you may need to cut his food down even further. Exploring the puppy weight thread is fascinating way to spend an hour or so, as it has over entries! When do dogs stop growing? How big will my puppy get? And how much should my puppy weigh? How big or small your Labrador will be when he reaches his full size depends on a number of different factors. We'll be looking at those in a moment. Whether or not your puppy reaches his full potential in terms of size and when he does so, also depends on a variety of factors that can influence growth. Some of which you can control, and some of which you can't. We'll be looking at those factors too. First let's consider how long it will take your puppy to reach his full size. With Weight Chart Labradors come in a wide variety of sizes. So average Labrador Retriever weight figures can be misleading. As a very rough guide an adult female Labrador might weigh between 55 and 70lbs. An adult male Lab will weigh 65 — 80lbs. Female Lab weight will on average be lower than male Lab weight, but as you can see there is a considerable cross over. But Labradors also come in a couple of different types, and his type will have an impact upon his ideal Labrador weight. Fat Labrador! Whilst exercise can help to keep your dog in shape as a part of their daily routine, it is not the critical factor when it comes to putting on weight. A dog may well need more exercise, but that is not why he is fat. He is overweight because when you take into account the amount he exercises along with a number of other factors, he has eaten too much. The exercise needs of your dog are an important but separate issue, which we look at in other articles. The important thing to remember is this: The less exercise you give the dog, the less you must feed him. Once put on, weight is hard to shift and it will simply go up and up over time. Here's how.The more data we have, the more accurate the charts and graphs we can show you. Increased surgical and anesthetic risk. Increased cancer risk. You are killing your dog with kindness if you are overfeeding your labrador and neglecting their exercise routine. This very fat labrador shown below might look cute and cuddly but I bet it struggles to walk, let alone run. Once your beloved dog gets to this stage of fatness, it is a massive task to get your dog to shed this weight. You would need to be seeing your vet and putting your dog on a very strict diet. Getting a dog this obese to exercise vigorously would be almost impossible. It would likely take you more than a year to remedy a health condition as severe as this. Animal behaviorists and some of the vet reality TV shows often have complete episodes about how to get an animal this overweight back into a healthy shape. And even after your dog has returned to a reasonable healthy weight, you still have significant health issues that have arisen in the first place because of the lengthy period of obesity. Most likely diabetes, damaged hip joints, and potentially cancer. You can find reasonably priced and very healthy dry food brands for your Labrador Retriever like Hills Science Diet and Canin some of which are specifically designed for this breed. Source: Raffan, E. Labrador Retrievers are one of the least aggressive dog breeds A study I found, with more scientific data, found that labrador retrievers were one of the least aggressive dog breeds among a group of dachshunds, English Springer Spaniel, Poodle, Rottweiler, Shetland Sheepdog, and Siberian huskies. In this group, labrador retrievers ranked the lowest in aggression towards humans as well as other dogs. And surprisingly… This Chicago study found that when studying dog attacks on their owners or others in Denver, Colorado, that labrador retrievers had been the most common to attack, followed by pit bulls, German shepherds and rottweilers, and finally chows. I seriously questioned the veracity of this data given the placid and friendly nature of Labrador Retrievers. However, dogs are socialized by their owners and if you own and mistreat a dog, then you can expect it may turn on you eventually. Mistreatment includes leaving a dog chained in a yard for hours or days at a time. I have seen this numerous times and these poor neglected animals become prisoners in their own homes. When I see a dog with aggressive tendencies, I blame the owners first and foremost. I believe this is an evolutionary feature that developed from decades or centuries of Labradors being used in the colder climates as fishing dogs where they were trained to help fishermen retrieve fishing nets and fish that had escaped from nets. Their coats have a slightly dry and yet oily consistency. Labradors love the water and they even have webbed toes. The webbed toe can also work as a kind of snowshoe in colder climates by stopping snow building up between their toes. Which is a really cool evolutionary feature of this breed. Their teeth and bite are delicate and they can carry stuff in their teeth, even eggs, without damaging them. They are known for a perfect, regular, and scissor bite and their upper teeth are closely overlapping their bottom teeth and are set square to their jaws. I have read stories of Labradors rescuing drowning infants and toddlers by dragging them to safety, which is pretty awesome. Labradors shed — a lot — in some climates Labradors will shed hair twice a year and possibly even more frequently in hotter climates. The double interwoven coat combined with a warmer climate will mean you will have a lot of dog hair around your home. That said, the data suggest that Labradors are pretty flexible whichever climate you live in. They clearly demonstrate their ability to survive the cold Canadian winters, including swimming in the ocean. But if you do, they will likely shed more hair. The solution to this is regularly bathing your Labrador and brushing. Your Labrador will likely love swimming and after this kind of activity, I would recommend you give your best friend a good bath to avoid having lots of muddy footprints around the house. Labradors do not require hours of specialist grooming like some of the larger breeds like the Siberian Husky do. If you have a Labrador as your pet, you should also, as well as regular brushing and grooming, consider the purchase of a really good vacuum cleaner with specialized accessories for cleaning up pet fur. Labradors, ironically, despite working as blind service dogs are actually prone to eye diseases which can cause blindness Labradors are prone to progressive rod-cone degeneration retinal atrophy, cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and retinal dysplasia which initially causes night blindness but if left unchecked will progress to complete blindness. There is no known cure for progressive rod-cone degeneration but early detection and treatment can delay treatment progression. Like any dog that is a purebred, there are genetic mutations that can be acquired by percentages of any given breed. If you are planning to breed your Labrador, I advise that you get your dog examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist for an eye score to check the likelihood of your dog passing on any of these retinal diseases. The Labrador, or Labrador Retriever, comes in three colors: cream, black and brown, although you can get a silver version if you cross-breed with a Weimaraner. Endal was the first dog to ride on the London Eye and also figured out how to correctly use an ATM card. I would love to see any YouTube video of this. Endal also placed his human in the recovery position without any training, following a power blackout. Endal lived for 13 years, dying in of natural causes. British blind Parliamentarian David Blunkett, had a guide dog, Lucy, a black Labrador, who famously vomited in the House of Commons during a Parliamentary speech. On the morning of September 11, , Labrador and service dog, Dorado, led his owner Omar Riviero, from an upper floor of the Twin Towers shortly after the first plane struck. Where did Labradors originate from? Labrador Retrievers first originated in Newfoundland, Canada where they were used as fishing dogs and they would help local fishermen retrieve fishing nets as well as fish escaping from the nets. Their high intelligence and natural athleticism made them ideal for hunting and retrieving waterfowl and other prey. Labradors have mad skills In modern times, labradors are often selected as service or therapy dogs for people with disabilities such as blindness, deafness, epilepsy, and even autism. Labradors are also a popular choice for airport screening or drug detection by law enforcement agencies around the world. They have also been able to perform tasks for disabled owners such as rescuing swimmers, retrieving ATM cards, and putting a person in the recovery position. I have also read stories of labradors rescuing drowning infants and toddlers. Because of their friendly and passive nature, they make great family pets as well. I think Labradors are natural empaths with their human masters. They blend in well with families and young children as well as other pets, including cats. They are loyal and amiable lifelong companions. All you have to remember is exercise them physically and mentally and as they get older, keep a close eye on their diet to avoid them from developing obesity as they age. They generally live long and healthy lives. They are among breeds least likely to become aggressive to strangers or other dogs. Labradors are super smart and if you put in some quality time in properly training them and entertaining them, you will strengthen the bond between you and your dog and you also reduce the risk of them becoming bored and running amok in your home and causing property damage. Labradors who are well socialized and intellectually stimulated will give you a lifetime of loyalty and you get to have a rewarding relationship with your companion animal for many years. Consider owning a Cairn Terrier! In this article, we explore who would benefit them as furry friends! Check them here! Read on to discover nine types of people who should consider owning this unique breed. Check this article to learn more about the types of people who are perfect for owning a Poodle dog!
Our dogs are x-rayed and certified through the orthopedic foundation for animals OFA and they are also PennHip certified. We participate in conformation shows through the United Kennel Club and have several champions. Learn more about our breeding program here Knowledge in raising the finest puppies There is more to producing amazing puppies than just careful selection in breeding. We strive to produce perfection in the way we nourish, train and enrich our puppies lives from birth. What sets us above the rest is the enrichment we provide for our litters. We go the extra mile to make sure that our puppies have the best start in life as possible. We focus on quality over quantity by never having more then 2 litters at a time. We have been raising these magnificent dogs for over 20 years. Learn more about how our puppies are raised here Located in beautiful South Carolina We are located in the beautiful midlands of South Carolina. A beautiful unique color is just icing on the cake of an already exceptional dog. Our non-traditional color lines have some of the highest hip ratings in the US! Learn more about GSD colors here We hope you enjoy looking around our website and getting to know about us, our dogs and the unique way we raise our puppies! Visits are by appointment only. If you are in California and want a puppy from us we can still make it happen as we can deliver! My husband got this made for me in .Assumed dad is pictured at the end; all we know is that he is a medium breed mix. Pups expected to weigh between grown. Have been dewormed with clear fecal at vet. Aggression or medical issues? Mom is heartworm positive so make sure to start prevention prior to 6 months canNOT be passed from mother to pups, only if mosquito bites her and then pup but it takes 6 months to develop so as long as heartworm prevention is started before 6 months there is 0 risk. Puppies are dealing with flea allergy primarily appearing on back legs that should resolve on own now that they are on flea prevention. Uranus had an unknown lump appear on foot that vet drained and he is finishing a round of antibiotics fully unknown - vet could make no sense of the cause or exactly what it was Reason for rehoming? We finally caught her during her last pregnancy a couple days before birth. She is scheduled to be spayed and treated for heart worms and then rehomed as well. She is VERY sweet, just had a hard life. Should crate train fast as well since they have been raised in a large pen. They are very energetic but listen well. Not yet getting on the furniture which is always a plus for the homes that don't want them to ever do that.
For the complete list please see our German Shepherd Breeders by State page. What this means is that the breeder you are looking at is not actually breeding their own dogs, but rather, they are purchasing them from a kennel or broker. Kennels are often looked at as being lower quality because the puppies have often been bred indiscriminately and sometimes have health problems as a result. Breeders, on the other hand, are people who breed their own dogs and typically take great care in doing so. This is not to say that all breeders are good, but it is important to do your research in order to find a reputable breeder. Puppy mills are essentially large-scale breeding operations where profit is put above the welfare of the animals. The puppies that are born here often have health problems because they are bred indiscriminately and are not given proper care. What is the average price for a German Shepherd Puppy in Iowa? This question does not have a simple answer. Here are some tips on how to find a reputable breeder: 1. Ask your veterinarian for referrals. Good breeders typically have healthy dogs and work closely with their veterinarians. Spend time observing the dogs and ask questions about their health, temperament, and training. Make sure the breeder is registered with the American Kennel Club AKC or another organization that regulates breeders. This is not a guarantee of quality, but it does provide some assurance that the breeder follows some minimum requirements. Take the time to visit the breeder and assess his or her facilities and dogs. Review how puppies are handled and socialized from birth, as well as how they are weaned and introduced into their new homes. This is not a guarantee of substandard quality, but you should be aware of any formal complaints about specific breeders in your area. Make sure you receive a written contract guaranteeing the health of the dog, as well as certification that both parents were tested for genetic disorders. While many breeders are very busy, they should be able to set aside some time for you and answer any questions that you may have about their dogs or the process of purchasing a German Shepherd puppy. Seeing the facilities in person gives you better insight into how well your new puppy will be taken care of. If possible, try to meet both of the parents of your potential pup. If they only seem interested in selling their puppies instead of allowing visitors to inspect their operation, then look elsewhere. The puppies available through the Internet come from all kinds of breeders such as puppy millers and backyard breeders those who only breed one litter at a time. These dogs often suffer from poor nutrition and medical care leading them to health problems later on down the road. These dogs have often been abandoned or surrendered by their previous families and are in need of good homes. Many of the dogs available through rescue groups are already housebroken and know basic commands. A responsible breeder will be more than happy to provide you with the contact information of some of their previous buyers. These people can tell you firsthand about their experience with the breeder and whether or not they would recommend them. This usually means that the dogs are being bred indiscriminately and are not receiving proper care. This will give you a chance to see the dogs in person and ask them about their experience with the breeder. If the breeder is reputable, then their customers should have only good things to say about them. Meeting past customers will also give you a chance to see the puppies in different environments and judge their temperament for yourself. A good breeder will have a good veterinarian they use and will be happy to provide you with their contact information. A responsible breeder will also screen potential buyers to ensure that the dogs are going to good homes. Do you have any female dogs available for viewing? Are your puppies raised in a healthy environment? Do you offer any guarantees on your puppies? Will you provide me with a health certificate for my new puppy? Do you have references I can speak to? However, there are some telltale signs to look out for. If the parents are not available for viewing, it is likely that the breeder is hiding something. Another sign is if the puppies are kept in very poor conditions. The puppies should be clean and well-cared for and should have plenty of space to play. An unethical breeder may also try to pressure you into buying a puppy. They may also try to sell you a puppy that is not yet old enough to leave its mother. If you suspect that you are dealing with an unethical breeder, it is best to walk away. There are plenty of ethical breeders out there who would be happy to help you find the perfect puppy. A responsible breeder will screen their dogs for genetic diseases and will only breed healthy animals. You should also ask for a health certificate from the veterinarian. This can be as simple as installing a fence or kennel. Be prepared to spend time training your new puppy and socializing them with other dogs. German Shepherds are easy to potty train and will usually learn quickly. There are a number of ways to potty train your puppy. You can use pee pads, go outside or use a crate. Whichever method you choose, be patient and consistent. Crate training can be especially helpful in the early weeks while the puppy is still getting used to their new home. How to Stop Your German Shepherd from Barking Barking is a natural behavior for dogs and most owners will eventually have to deal with a barking dog. German Shepherds are particularly prone to barking and can be quite vocal. There are a number of things you can do to stop your dog from barking. You can try training the dog using positive reinforcement or use a bark collar. Thank you for reading. We hope this article was helpful. Steve is passionate about dogs and owns a french bulldog. German Shepherds for sale in Iowa Regis Regal Specializes in providing world class German Shepherd puppies and trained adult dogs Serving Iowa with german shepherds since With over 30 years experience in the breeding and training of world-class German Shepherds from some of the top bloodlines out of Germany, here at Regis Regal German Shepherds we've been very proud to have sold our puppies and adult dogs to the residents of Iowa. We're a small family run operation with our main training and breeding facilities based in Spring Grove, Illinois, just next door to the state of Iowa. Because of the quality and pedigree of our German Shepherds there's been a demand for our dogs all over the world. The owner, Cynthia Kelly, has a lifetime of experience in creating the perfect family companion, service dog or therapy dog. Because of the lack of top quality German Shepherd breeders in some parts of the United States, we've carefully set ourselves up so that we can send our dogs direct to your home by use of a private courier service. German Shepherd Breeders in Iowa There are a number of great German Shepherd breeders in Iowa, from Des Moines to Waterloo, but have you considered looking further afield for the perfect puppy? At Regis Regal German Shepherds we produce a select number of puppies at any one time, and take the utmost care when raising and training them ready for ownership. You should not forget that when it comes to buying a puppy you also need to be mindful of other costs outside of the purchase or adoption fee. Send us a message or give us a ring on .Emotional support dogs are suited for both children and adults and have the ability to work with their owners in all types of locations. We have placed many dogs with children and teenagers in Iowa that suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and manic disorders. Service dogs provide a physical service to their owners. We have been incredibly successful in providing service dogs to children afflicted with Autism and Asbergers, as our dogs can help to enhance the verbal skills of non-verbal Autistic children and support their overall way of communicating. Some of our previous placements our dog courier service - we ship to your door in IA! You might find this a bit hard to believe but we actually ship right to your door, wherever you are based in the US! Such is the demand for one of our dogs we decided it would make things a lot easier for our customers if we could hand-deliver them right to you. For those people in need of a top class GSD, and who can't get to our premises, this is a bit of a lifesaver. We make use of a private courier service whereby they come to us and pickup the dog in their vehicle before making the journey to your home. Our driver is well trained in the handling and care of your dog on the trip, and due to their temperament our dogs always enjoy the journey! On rare occasions our dogs have flown out to their destination, again accommpanied by one of the Regis Regal team to ensure for a very smooth and calm trip. We also go through a very thorough process to make sure our dogs are going to the right kind of owner - at the end of the day it's really important that we can rest easy at night knowing they'll be going to someone that's going to love them as much as we do. Because of COVID we've held plenty of online meetings where you can ask us any questions about our dogs, and you can even get to meet-and-greet them virtually! Reviews from Customers based in IA We like to think we've made a lot of people in Iowa happy over the years that we've been in business. Take a look below at some of the feedback we've received to date. You can find more reviews of ours here too. She teaches amazing and helps you understand how to take care of the dogs. As well as the dogs are cute and have a strong learning behavior. As you can imagine this can change quite regularly - so please send us a message below, or give us a call on .We look forward to hearing from you! Your name.
The exact amount of exercise your dog needs will depend on roughly how old they are. A small puppy will need minute walks or playtime several times a day. An adult Goldendoodle will still need at least minutes of exercise every day, even into their senior years. Goldendoodles come from two extremely active breeds. Expect this designer breed to be an active dog. Golden Retrievers were bred to gather waterfowl shot down in a hunt and so require lots of time outdoors and love being in and around the water. The Poodle parent was bred for much the same reason, although they originate in France or Germany according to popular theory while Golden Retrievers originate in England. Because of this, your Goldendoodle is going to be chock-full of energy and excitement! Goldendoodles with wavy or curly coats shed less — making them often the best pick for kids with allergies or asthma triggered by dogs. Goldendoodles love exploring, so hit your local trail and spend the day finding new paths. Not much of a hiker? No problem! Take your Goldendoodle on a quick jaunt around your neighborhood. Dog Parks. Socializing your puppy is extremely important, so taking them to a dog park is both a way to socialize and burn off energy. Plus, it lets your dog make some new friends to run around with! Obstacle Courses. This is a great way to get your dog moving and mentally stimulated at the same time! This can give them hours and hours of fun. If they are good then you can get professional dog training and even compete! Goldendoodles love the water! They also love going to the beach or lake. Whether it is a mini Goldendoodle or a larger dog — they will most likely take the the water or beach. Indoor Activities for Goldendoodles So going outside is a huge plus for Goldendoodles. You want a dog clicker sound to be loud but also not irritating Hide-the-Treat. Goldendoodles are clever, natural hunters that love to sniff out a problem… literally! Did I mention that your Goldendoodle loves you a lot? Like, a lot. Make sure you give them lots of love and maybe a treat or two after such dedicated detective work. Teach them new tricks. Goldendoodles are more than capable of learning new tricks, so pick a trick and spend the day teaching them to do it! It might sound goofy, but rolling around on the floor with your Goldendoodle is actually an awesome way to get them to exercise! Littermates will wrestle with each other all the time, so your puppy will naturally want to play around with you. Just be careful to show them where the limits are with nipping. A senior Goldendoodle might be less keen for the rough and tumble. Play with toys. Grab a rope toy and play tug-of-war , throw a stuffed toy down the hall for them to run after, or toss a ball in the air for them to catch! Not only is your doodle puppy getting exercise, so are you! This can lead to problems with their joints, digestive system, heart, and blood sugar. It can also make genetic conditions like hip dysplasia more intense or painful. That being said, getting too much exercise can wear on their joints as well. It might cause a thinning of the cartilage around the joint that might lead to arthritis or pain. Goldendoodles are also prone to genetic conditions. Hip dysplasia, again, is a major one, which can be worsened by excessive movement and hard impact landings. Make sure that as the Goldendoodle owner you take your pet in for regular checkups and caring for their joints as they age. An older Goldendoodle might enjoy the low-impact fun of going for a swim or a walk rather than running around like their younger counterparts love to do. If they do display any health problems, make sure to get them seen right away to prevent them from developing into anything serious. Goldendoodles are going to want to run around outside, chase things down, and get in the water whenever they can. This might be a problem for owners of very young puppies. They might get into a lot of trouble because of this natural curiosity. Keeping a close eye on your doodle puppy and making sure they have the proper training early on is absolutely essential. It keeps not only your Goldendoodle dog safe and happy but every dog and person they interact with. Puppy owners are also going to want to play with them often! This shows your dog that you care about them and that they can trust you. Can Goldendoodles swim? Do they like pools and beaches? The Best Environments for Goldendoodles Goldendoodles are an extremely social breed. They love being around people and other animals, so are perfect for families with other pets especially ones that can keep up with a Goldendoodle! Fortunately, homes with a fenced-in yard can be perfect for a Goldendoodle pup. They also do well as farm dogs, with plenty of room to run around and other animals to interact with. Goldendoodles Love to Move Like with any other kind of dog, owning a Goldendoodle means being dedicated to keeping them happy and healthy for a long time to come. Goldendoodles are fun, friendly dogs. 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. Photo courtesy of littlerudyray on Instagram. As a rule of thumb, a Goldendoodle puppy should get about 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, times per day. Toy Goldendoodles should start out with short, 10 minute exercise sessions times per day as puppies. At 3 months in age, this can be increased to 15 minutes, at 4 months to 20 minutes, at 5 months to 25 minutes, and at 6 months to 30 minutes. Mini Goldendoodle Puppy Exercise Requirements Many prospective owners underestimate how much exercise mini Goldendoodles will need…they can be quite active! As an 8-week old puppy, you should start them off slow with 10 minute activity sessions, times per day. This can be short potty walks or small games of tug or fetch. When your miniature Goldendoodle reaches 4 months in age, you can increase their physical activity to 15 minute sessions, still occurring times daily. At 5 months, increase session lengths another 5 minutes. At 6 months, do the same again for a total of 25 minutes, times a day. Once your mini Goldendoodle is one, they can exercise in minute sessions, times daily. Around minutes, times per day is usually a good amount. Standard Goldendoodle Puppy Exercise Requirements Standard Goldendoodles require the most exercise of any size of this breed. Because of their large stature, however, you need to gradually increase the amount of physical activity extremely slowly as they grow up. At 6 months this amount can increase to 20 minutes and at 12 months it can increase to 25 minutes. At 18 months, a standard Goldendoodle should be getting minutes of exercise, times each day. This is a big range, but it depends on the personality and individual needs of your dog. For best results, combine walks with games of fetch and other fun activities! Once your standard Goldendoodle reaches years old, you can begin to lower their total amount of physical activity slightly. Photo courtesy of bodethedoodle on Instagram. Everyone knows that walks are a great option for getting your pup some exercise, but there are a lot of other great ways too! Just as important as how long your Goldendoodle puppy exercises for is what kind of exercise they do. This is fantastic mental stimulation for them! Puppy Play Dates — This makes for a great socialization opportunity as well as a chance for physical activity! Playtime — Games such as fetch and tug of war are fun options many Goldendoodles love. Keep games in control and avoid lots of jumping or high-impact movements. Climbing or Jumping — This applies to both indoor and outdoor activities. Even climbing stairs on a daily basis can do damage to developing bones. Opt to carry your dog instead. Extended Hiking Trips — Long distances with uneven trails combine to make hiking an unsafe activity while your puppy is still growing. How do you use up all that energy and wear out your Goldendoodle on days like these? Here are some of my favorite indoor activity ideas for Goldendoodles! Snuffle Ball or Mat Snuffle balls or snuffle mats are great ways to turn dinnertime into a fun challenge for your Goldendoodle! They then have to use their creativity and sense of smell to find and eat them! While not physically taxing, studies show that mental stimulation can have the same tiring effect on dogs that exercise does. Otherwise, there are plenty of great options available on Amazon, Chewy. Hide and Seek Trust me, this game will be fun and take you back to your childhood days! Start easy and work your way to harder hiding spots as your dog attempts to find you! They combine practical training concepts with fun activities making it a blast for your dog! How Far Can a Goldendoodle Walk? Keep in mind that standard Goldendoodles with their longer legs can walk further than toy or mini Goldendoodles can. More About Goldendoodles…. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. How much exercise do Goldendoodles need? One of the happiest times for our Goldendoodle mamas is when they are off-leash and bounding around in the backyard with the girls. Squeals of excitement and yelps of glee fill the air. But yet, these same Goldendoodles eagerly curl up with us on the coach and snooze away on a rainy afternoon. So, how much exercise is right for a Goldendoodle? However, a blanket statement is that most people with a fenced in backyard will find that their Goldendoodle will get all the exercise they require. According to size The first thing to consider when determining an exercise regimen is the size of your Goldendoodle. Just like traveling a mile to an ant is like a person walking clear across the state of New York, mini goldendoodles require far less room for exercise than a standard. Depending on age The second thing to consider is the age of your Goldendoodle. Puppies through the first two years of life will crave more exercise time. So, aim for at least minutes of exercise three times a day. But, as they age, this exercise time will change from playing catch and soccer to a gentle stroll around the block. Personality factors Lastly, each Goldendoodle has their own personality. As a breed they are eager to please and acclimate well to most any situation, so let your Goldendoodle live life with you. Try out new things dog parks, lake trips, beach weekend getaways, or dog-friendly outdoor restaurants. The more they are around people, the happier your Goldendoodle will be! Regardless of how much time your Goldendoodle spends outdoors, make sure every moment is supervised - not to keep them out of trouble, but to keep trouble from finding them. Goldendoodles are a highly sought after breed, so keep a watch out for suspicious cars in the neighborhood. Your Goldendoodle will soon be like another member of the family though, so you will be watching out for them just like you would your own child! If you have any additional questions for us about how to care for your Goldendoodle , please add a comment below or reach out on our Contact Us page! Goldendoodles need at least two hours of exercise every day to burn off any excess energy these dogs are generally known for having. If you find that you often have to leave your Goldendoodle home by itself for a longer amount of time due to work commitments, try to schedule the first walk before you leave home heading for work. There are several factors that will determine the time required to walk a pup. If you happen to live in an apartment with your Goldendoodle, the lack of room and no easy access to the outside world, mean that three walks a day are probably necessary. Dogs also require exercise to help support cardiovascular fitness, making their muscles and bones stronger, as well as securing the overall well-being of your dog. Routine As with every other dog breed, Goldendoodles prefers routines. As I mentioned above, if you have to leave early in the morning, go on a walk with him before leaving. When you get back home from going on a walk with your dog, you should wait around thirty minutes before you give him anything to eat. If you decide to feed your pup before going outside for their daily exercise, a good idea is to not bring them out until at least an hour has passed. Exercising a Goldendoodle just before or straight after eating a meal could end up giving your dog a bloat. Mixing it Up If you constantly take your Goldendoodle to the exact same place day in and day out for his walks, I can guarantee you it will quickly become boring for both your pup and you. The solution to this is to vary the walks once or twice a week. If you have no other option but to go to the same few places every time, at least try and take a different route once in a while to break up the monotony. A good idea can be to bring a ball, or perhaps even a frisbee with you. And that brings us to the next section. But can you count on the opposite also being the case? The first dogs that were ever bred, were because humans needed something that was loyal and could work for them every day. The tasks these dogs were put on could be anything from being guard dogs to tracking or hunting dogs. But no matter what job they had, there was one thing all the dogs always had in common, they needed a purpose with their lives, and being able to do the tasks they were meant for, gave them a lot of pride and joy every day. And while most dog owners do a pretty good job of stimulating their dogs physically, the mental aspect of training is often overlooked. A lot of dog owners have the inaccurate idea that as long as their pup just gets their sleep, food, and physical exercise, they will end up having a happy and satisfied dog. But dogs are intelligent animals. A Goldendoodle is one of the smartest dogs, and they have a need for mental stimulation that is equal to their need for physical exercise. Mental Stimulation Is Very Important If you can allocate an adequate amount of mental training, getting a happy and joyful dog is probably never going to happen, and instead you might end up with a pup with some serious behavior issues. Allow me to give you an example of why a lack of mental stimulation can lead to big problems. If you frequently go on long walks or hiking with your dog, his physical demands will be met quite easily. All creatures on earth need a certain amount of physical exercise to perform to their best, but we certainly also need to have our minds stimulated. When we need to do that, we can choose to read a book, solve a puzzle, watch a movie, or simply by surrounding ourselves and having conversations with other humans. Or going on a hiking adventure instead of having a lovely dinner with some awesome food and wine? I doubt a lot of people would think of those as excellent alternatives. Her program has some pretty awesome ways of looking at dog training, and a special focus on the mental part. There are quite a few ways where you can combine mental training with physical training. Public trips Try bringing your pup to a busy area such as the local supermarket or something like the parking lot of your nearest mall, and try spending 15 minutes there before going back home. Just by being in these places for some time, a dog will receive a lot of new impressions from hearing, smelling, and simply seeing numerous new and exciting things. Perhaps you can even add some different fetch and hide-and-seek games to the afternoon walk. All of these are things that will help stimulate a Goldendoodle both mentally and physically. Take your dog with you Have you ever considered bringing your dog with you if you have to go for a short drive to put gas on your car or going to buy those winning Powerball numbers? For most of us, a minute drive seems boring and something you have to get over with as soon as possible, but to a dog, this is a fantastic way to discover a whole new world of sounds and smells. Try bringing your dog out of the car when you arrive at your destination, and allow him to go number one in a bush somewhere in that area. This will also allow your Goldendoodle to leave a few of his own interesting smells for the next dog that might feel like dropping by. So even though a Goldendoodle has quite high exercise needs, if you follow the guidelines given above you should have some tips on how you can best handle any pup. If you walk your Goldendoodle times a day, at around minutes each time, you will end up with a happy and satisfied dog. And on top of that, I can almost guarantee that you will personally also end up as a much healthier and happier person. Just as your Goldendoodle will. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. Jun 22, Share Goldendoodles are very popular. They are a combination of two of the most popular dog breeds in the world, a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. These dogs are prized for their adorable looks and unique hypoallergenic coat, but few people realize just how much activity Goldendoodles need. At first glance, Goldendoodles do not look like an athletic powerhouse, but they need a surprising amount of exercise to satisfy their needs. Goldendoodles need between 1 and 3 hours of activity per day, and the activities need to be a mixture of physical and mental. Here is everything you need to know about your Goldendoodle exercise needs. Goldendoodle Exercise Needs Goldendoodles need a lot of exercise. Most experts agree that an active Goldendoodle needs at least 2 hours of exercise per day, and some more active dogs might need as much as three hours. That is a lot of activity, and it is something that people need to be aware of before getting a Goldendoodle of their own. The exact amount of exercise your Goldendoodle needs will depend on your individual dog. Younger dogs, and especially puppies, will likely need the full 3 hours of exercise to be satisfied. Older dogs and dogs that have calmed down and settled into a routine might only need 1 to 2 hours of exercise per day. However, you should not go below an hour a day of exercise for any Goldendoodle. There are multiple different ways to exercise your Goldendoodle. Since these dogs are both energetic and intelligent, they will need a combination of physical and mental stimulation to keep them satisfied. One of the best ways to get your Goldendoodle physical exercise is to take them on long walks. Walks have the benefit of getting your dog out of the house and letting them sniff and explore new environments. If possible, you should take your Goldendoodle on two substantial walks per day, one in the morning and one in the evening. Each walk should be 30—60 minutes long. Another way to get your Goldendoodle physical exercise is to play with them in the backyard. Playing fetch, chase, and tuggy are great ways to help your Goldendoodle blow off some steam without necessarily having to go on a walk. Lastly, taking your Goldendoodle to the dog park can have a lot of benefits. The dog park will allow your dog to potentially play with other dogs and will allow them to sniff and explore a new location. A weekly trip to the dog park can help provide both physical and mental stimulation to your Goldendoodle. Mental Exercise Since Goldendoodles are intelligent, they also need mental exercise to keep their mind as well as their bodies fresh and in shape. Mental exercise can include things like seeing new places, interacting with other dogs, and playing with stimulating toys. A Goldendoodle that gets boring physical exercise without any mental stimulation can still act out and misbehave. There are toys specifically designed to help dogs work out their brains that some dogs absolutely love playing with. You can also consider feeding your dog with a puzzle bowl to boost mental exercise during meals. Playing with your dog in the house can also count as some mental stimulation. If you do not provide adequate mental exercise for your Goldendoodle, they will often seek out stimulation on their own, which often leads them into trouble. Since Goldendoodles are so energetic and intelligent, they will let you know when they are not getting enough stimulation. People do not realize how much time 2 hours per day is. That is a lot of activity. If you do not give your Goldendoodle enough exercise, it will become unruly. Exercise can solve many minor behavioral issues that come from too much pent-up energy and a lack of mental stimulation. Consider Doggy Daycare If you think the exercise requirements for a Goldendoodle sound daunting, you are not alone. Exercising your dog multiple hours a day is not always in the cards for most people. The good news is that there is an entire business built around this quandary. Doggy daycare is designed specifically for dogs like Goldendoodles that need ample amounts of mental and physical stimulation and whose owners might not have the time to give them what they need. Doggy daycare will check all of the boxes for mental and physical stimulation, but it will cost some extra money. For the best results, Goldendoodles need a combination of both physical and mental stimulation. Two hours per day is the recommendation for healthy and active Goldendoodles. A combination of walks , play, and new environments are necessary to keep Goldendoodles at their best. This will keep your Goldendoodle calm while inside and help them to listen and behave. Goldendoodles: what are they? Goldendoodles are a popular hybrid breed resulting from the crossbreeding of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. They were originally bred to create a hypoallergenic and non-shedding dog that possesses the friendly and intelligent traits of both parent breeds. Goldendoodles come in different sizes, including standard, medium, and miniature. The average height of a standard Goldendoodle can range from 53 to 63 cm, while miniatures stand at about 38 to 48 cm. They typically weigh between 11 to 32 kg, depending on their size. The life expectancy of a Goldendoodle is generally between 10 and 15 years. What is the temperament of Goldendoodles like? Goldendoodles are known for their friendly and sociable nature. They tend to be outgoing, affectionate, and eager to please, making them great companions for individuals and families alike. With their intelligence and willingness to learn, they are highly trainable and excel in activities such as obedience training, agility, and even therapy work. Goldendoodles are generally good with children and other pets, although early socialisation and proper training are still important. Arnie, the Goldendoodle How much exercise do Goldendoodles need? Goldendoodles are energetic and active dogs that require regular exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. They benefit from approximately 1 to 2 hours of exercise each day. This can include activities like brisk walks, jogging, playing fetch, or engaging in interactive games. Mental stimulation is also crucial for Goldendoodles, so puzzle toys, obedience training, and interactive play sessions are highly recommended. However, keep in mind that individual exercise needs may vary depending on the dog's age, size, and overall health. Consulting with your vet can provide tailored advice for your Goldendoodle's exercise routine. Puppies have specific exercise requirements that should be adjusted according to their age and physical development. For Goldendoodle puppies, short, controlled playtime and gentle exercise are ideal to prevent injury and strain on growing joints. Gradually increase the duration and intensity of exercise as your puppy grows. Avoid strenuous activities and excessive jumping until their skeletal system is fully developed, which typically occurs around 12 to 18 months of age. Your vet can advise on an exercise regime for your individual Doodle. Daisy, the Goldendoodle Do Goldendoodles need a lot of grooming? Goldendoodles have a variety of coat types, including wavy, curly, or straight. Their coat is usually low-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them a good option for individuals with allergies, but always remember that hypoallergenic does not mean they will cause no allergic reaction. Borrowing a dog is a great way to get an idea if your allergies are affected by a Goldendoodle before you take on your own. However, grooming requirements can vary depending on the type of coat. Regular brushing is necessary to prevent matting and keep the coat clean and tangle-free. Aim for brushing sessions at least 2 to 3 times a week. Professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks may be required to maintain the coat's length and overall appearance. Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. Millie, the Goldendoodle Are Goldendoodles easy to train? Goldendoodles are highly intelligent and eager to please, which contributes to their trainability. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods and enjoy learning new commands and tricks. Start training from an early age to establish good behaviour and socialisation skills. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key when training Goldendoodles. Keep training sessions engaging and fun to prevent boredom. Goldendoodles thrive in environments where they receive mental stimulation and have a job to do. With the right approach, they can excel in various training activities and become well-behaved, obedient companions. Tommy, the Goldendoodle What do Goldendoodles eat? Feeding your Goldendoodle a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for their overall health and well-being. Choose high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their size, age, and activity level. Puppies should be fed puppy-specific food until they reach around 12 months of age to support their growth and development. Puppies should be fed times a day until they are 6 months old, then twice daily. At around 12 months old, depending on the brand of food and vet recommendations, gradual change on to an adult dog food. Monitor their weight and adjust their portions accordingly to prevent obesity. Are Goldendoodles healthy? Goldendoodles are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health conditions. It's important to be aware of potential health concerns, which can include: Bones and Joints Elbow Dysplasia - this condition is where there is an issue with how the bones fit together at the elbow joint Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint, which can lead to discomfort and arthritis Eyes Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA - this is when the retina of the eye breaks down, leading to blindness Skin Atopy - when the immune system overreacts to an allergen and results in skin irritation. Ear infections - the ear canal, and sometimes the ears flaps have an overgrowth of bacteria, yeast etc. BorrowMyDoggy loves Goldendoodles BorrowMyDoggy has Goldendoodle members Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog's health, contact your local vet. Poodle Guides. Try to teach them to keep all their feet on the floor when they are running and playing. If they love to jump, try to limit them from jumping on and off furniture, couches, beds, stairs, and other high surfaces. This repetitive high-impact motion can cause lots of problems and can damage their developing joints What are suitable types of exercises for a Goldendoodle puppy Your Goldendoodle puppy will learn about the world around them and find out their part in the world through play. They will learn what things are good to play with and which things get them into trouble. Correct puppy etiquette is usually learned through play, as well as cause-and-effect relationships, such as if I put my toy in my water bowl, it gets wet. Other than a short walk around the block, there are many things that you can do to make sure that your Goldendoodle puppy is getting enough daily exercise without risking permanent injury to their little body. By just playing with your Goldendoodle puppy, they will usually get plenty of exercise. Goldendoodle Puppies Love Playtime! How often and what kinds of activities should you play with your Goldendoodle puppy? These are some fun games that you can play with your Goldendoodle puppy that will help keep them safe yet let them burn off some of their energy. Hide and seek: Games such as hide-and-seek will provide a great workout for you and your puppy and will also mentally stimulate them as well. Fetch: A slow version of fetch is also appropriate. Do not throw the ball very far or play until they drop from exhaustion. Tug-of-war: Tug-of-war is always a lot of fun, but remember to let your puppy do all the tugging. If you pull too hard, you can hurt your Goldendoodle puppy. You will just hold the other end of the rope toy and enjoy watching them exert all their little might into pulling that toy out of your hands. Make sure to let your Goldendoodle puppy occasionally win to boost their confidence. Wrestling: Gentle wrestling matches are a normal occurrence among littermates. Recreating this game with your Goldendoodle puppy will give them a great way to play. Remember that most puppies are always testing their limits. If your Goldendoodle puppy becomes a little too rambunctious or biting during wrestling, you need to teach them that this is not acceptable behavior. Puppies are great at letting you know when they have had enough. You will notice them lying down to rest, overall slowing down or panting. This is the time that they need a break. Some puppies will even refuse to continue playing or walk away when they are tired. The younger your Goldendoodle puppy is, the more time they will need to rest after playing. Goldendoodle puppies should dictate what exercise and for how long you do them. These are a few suggestions of great activities and not-so-good activities to do with your Goldendoodle Puppy Good Exercises for Goldendoodle Puppies Walks around the block on a leash. Make sure that this is at a slow enjoyable pace. Playtime in the backyard with some toys. Let your Goldendoodle run and play while you are having fun with them! Sometimes they can get too excited. Try to keep them calm. Play a fun game of fetch or tug of war. This is a great way to get in some exercise with your Goldendoodle puppy Bad Exercises For Goldendoodle Puppies Long jogs or bike rides for any significant length might be too much for a small puppy. Do not make your Goldendoodle try to keep up with you; go at their pace. Long runs and very vigorous playtimes at the puppy stage may be too much for your Goldendoodle. Climbing stairs, hills, or very long stretches of strenuous activity. During these activities, you will need to watch for signs that your Goldendoodle puppy is okay. Let your dog dictate the intensity and length of your exercise. Puppies are still growing and developing. Too much exercise can put a strain on their joints when they are a puppy. Your Goldendoodle puppy will only need about two short walks a day. Most Goldendoodle owners want to take their puppies for walks and show them off to their friends and neighbors. This usually is not the best for your Goldendoodle. Goldendoodle puppies are very quickly growing. Their joints and bones are not fully developed. There are growth plates that are found at the end of the long bones in their legs that are soft and susceptible to injuries. Any activity that involves repetitive, jarring movements, such as landing after catching a Frisbee or tennis ball in the air, should not be done until your Goldendoodle puppy is at least 12 months old. Other high-impact exercises that can put pressure on their joints, like agility weave poles, should be avoided. It is also best not to force your Goldendoodle puppy to exercise or force them to keep up with you during a bike ride. Remember that any playtime is considered exercise. Even going for a walk is exercise. Your adult Goldendoodle will not demand as much exercise and playtime as a puppy. Generally, a walk once every day or two is enough exercise for an adult Goldendoodle. They can usually entertain themselves, play with toys, or run around the backyard. Taking your adult Goldendoodle for a walk is a wonderful exercise for both you and your dog. Daily walks should not be the only form of exercise your Goldendoodle receives. Just like people, your dog can grow bored very quickly with the same routine day after day. Make sure to spice up his exercise program now and then with some variety. Even changing up the walking route can help keep your Goldendoodle from getting bored. Playing games such as fetch, hide-and-seek, Frisbee, and tug-of-war with your adult Goldendoodle are also a great way to give your dog a healthy workout while having a lot of fun at the same time. This will really help change their workout routine and liven things up. There are usually many different jogging and hiking trails that you can take with your Goldendoodle. These different routes can usually add a bit of variety as well. Adult Goldendoodles love to be active in different dog sports. You can look into dog sports such as agility or flyball. You can easily set up your own version of these courses in your backyard. Dog sports not only provide plenty of exercise for your Goldendoodle but also provides a lot of mental stimulation that your Goldendoodle will need. Dog sport can help strengthen the bond between you and your Goldendoodle and give you a fun activity that you both can participate in. The amount of exercise you should give your senior Goldendoodle depends on their mobility and general health. You should encourage them to stay active, but you should consciously make sure they play less hard and less often than they did when they were young. As your Goldendoodle gets older, their mobility is also going to decline. But this does not mean senior Goldendoodle does not need to exercise. Keeping your Goldendoodle active can also keep them healthier for longer. Even though your senior Goldendoodle may not be running as far or playing as long as they used to, there are many things you can do to help keep them healthy and active. Exercising your Goldendoodle will not only help keep their mind active but also help keep them at a healthy weight with a strong body. No matter what physical limitation your older Goldendoodle has, there is always something fun that they can be doing to help keep them happy and healthy. These are some common things you can do with your senior Goldendoodle. This does not change based on their age. Walking is a great low-impact exercise that you can do with your older Goldendoodle. As your Goldendoodle gets older, you will have to pay attention to the speed that you walk and the weather. Older dogs are more sensitive to the sudden changes in temperature and usually cannot keep up with the same pace they did when they were a puppy. Make sure that the time of day you take your older Goldendoodle will allow them to be comfortable the whole walk. Early in the morning and later in the afternoon are best for hot summer days, whereas the middle of the day would be best during the winter months. When taking your senior Goldendoodle for a walk, the type of terrain that they are walking on will affect their balance. It is best to walk them on soft surfaces such as grass or sand. Monitor your dog during and after a walk. If your Goldendoodle is stiff after a walk or seems like they do not want to continue the walk, decrease the speed and the distance that you are walking. Make sure that your Goldendoodle is enjoying their walk and having fun. Taking Your Senior Goldendoodle For A Swim If you have a swimming pool or a lake that you can take your Goldendoodle to for exercise, it will help your older Goldendoodle be able to exercise. Swimming is a great way for your senior Goldendoodle to exercise. This is a great whole-body workout that is also easy on the joints. Swimming is an easy and safe way to let your dog strengthen their muscles while still providing comfort to their joints. This is commonly used in physical therapy for dogs who have had major orthopedic surgeries. There may be a local rehab center that would allow you to bring your dog to their pool for a swim. If you do take your older Goldendoodle to the lake, it is best for them to wear a life vest. They can get out into the deep water and be in trouble before you can get there to save them. This is also great for dogs who are not advanced swimmers. Some dogs are afraid of water and should never be put in a situation where they are scared. If your dog loves water, swimming is a great way to exercise your senior Goldendoodle. There are many other low-impact exercises you can do with your Goldendoodle. Yoga for dogs and dog Pilates are becoming very popular. These activities provide a lot of mental and physical stimulation. There are many local yoga and Pilates places that offer classes for you and your dog. Your dog can also benefit from many indoor activities. Dog puzzles or tug of war will help keep your dog entertained and active. If your older Goldendoodle is suffering from a medical problem, you will want to make sure that the physical activity that you are doing does not cause any extra stress on these muscles or joints. If you need help with exercises for your older Goldendoodle, consult with your vet. Always watch your dog while exercising and make sure that they are not overdoing it. If you notice things are becoming more difficult or painful, do not do it. How To Exercise Your Goldendoodle A lot of pet owners tend to solely rely on walks when exercising their dogs. Technically, anything that gets your dog actively moving would qualify as exercise. Feel free to make adjustments based on your schedule as well as the needs of your pup. Try the following types of exercises with your Goldendoodle. City Parks Your local city park is the perfect place to take your dog out regularly. This kind of environment provides your Goldendoodle with plenty of excitement and things to sniff. Most parks require you to keep your dog leashed — whereas others allow you to take them off and let them run around. If you can take the leash off, bringing a ball or frisbee with you is a great way to give your dog some additional physical activity. Dog Parks The best thing about taking your Goldendoodle to an official dog park is that you can let it run wild without having to monitor it constantly. There should be plenty of furry friends around for your Goldendoodle to entertain itself with. This is a great way to tire out your dog, as well as socialize it with other pups at the park. You may find that dog park days offer more than enough excitement for your Goldendoodle to be tired for the whole day afterward. Naturally, you can change up the length of your walks based on your schedule, making this one of the most flexible ways to exercise your four-legged friend. Play Dates If you have friends with dogs, feel free to organize a play session with them so that your pups can meet and tire each other out together. Alternatively, when you notice that your Goldendoodle gets along with another dog at the park, exchange contacts and ask to arrange a meeting time that works for both of you. You can meet people within your community and exercise your pup in one fell swoop. Jogging Getting enough exercise in our own lives can often be a challenge, especially when we need to dedicate two hours of physical activity to our Goldendoodles each day. If you are an active runner, feel free to take out your Goldendoodle with you on your daily jogs. This is a great way to exercise your Goldendoodle, but you should not overdo it. Young Goldendoodles and senior Goldendoodles in particular will not handle this kind of physical activity very well. Goldendoodles in their prime between the age of 2 to 8 years will benefit greatly from this kind of vigorous exercise. Just make sure not to run for more than 5 to 10 miles per day with your Goldendoodle. So does your Goldendoodle! Your four-legged friend is itching to explore uncharted territory, and there is no better place to do it than a nature trail. Hiking trails are an excellent way to give you and your dog the exercise you both need. Nature provides plenty of excitement for your dog and its senses will be stimulated in more ways than one. In addition to the physical benefits of hiking with your pup, your Goldendoodle also gets to sniff out new places. If you end up liking a local trail, make it a weekly stop and incorporate it into your exercise routine. A trip to the ocean is never a bad idea, and your pup will love this variation in its routine. Most dog beaches allow you to take your Goldendoodle off the leash so that it can run around without being restrained. This allows you to calmly stroll down the beach with your pup or sit back and watch it entertain itself. You may not always be in the mood to take your dog on a two-hour walk, and understandably so. After a long day of work, a solid indoor play session will suffice for quality exercise. In addition, bad weather can sometimes be a limitation. Toys Keeping some toys around the house to entertain your Goldendoodle is essential. While you should normally try to participate in playtime with your pup, just leaving toys out for your dog to enjoy can also technically qualify as some form of physical activity. Interactive squeaky toys give your pup mental stimulation and keep them engaged. However, if you really want to give your dog some legitimate exercise without lifting a finger, I recommend buying an automatic ball thrower. Your Goldendoodle will quickly learn how to use this machine and this allows your furry friend to play fetch all by itself. This is a great option for anyone with a busy schedule who is struggling to find time for the full two hours of exercise each day. Although exercise is very important for your Goldendoodle, too much of it is also not good. Daily Goldendoodle exercise should not exceed 2 hours unless your dog is giving you signals that it wants more physical activity. While your dog needs to exercise too much can cause some problems. These are common problems seen with a Goldendoodle who has exercised too much. They are limping. If your dog has gone for a walk, bike, or hike and is now limping, they may have been exercising too much. For the next few days, take very short walks or skip them altogether. This will allow your dog to heal and be able to go for long walks again. It is best to work up to more strenuous exercises slowly. Your Goldendoodle may just be lazy, but if they do not want to go outside and play, do not force them. Some dogs are perfectly happy being couch potatoes, and you will have to force them to exercise each day. If your dog is suddenly refusing exercise, they may have gotten too much exercise for that day They are sick. If your dog is sick, they will not want to go for a walk. If you notice anything off with your Goldendoodle, it is best to take them to see your vet. They can make sure that your dog does not have anything serious going on, causing them not to want to exercise. They are panting. If your dog is panting when you come back in from exercising, they may have overworked themselves. Some panting is okay, but if they have a hard time cooling down, the next time you take them out, decrease the amount of time that they spend exercising. Also, if it is summertime and very hot outside, try exercising early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Signs Your Goldendoodle Needs More Exercise If your Goldendoodle is not getting enough exercise, there are some signs that you can look for. These signs are: Weight gain: Most Goldendoodles are happy just lying around the house and not outside playing. Most of these dogs can quickly become couch potatoes if you let them. If you notice that your Goldendoodle has become lazier and is putting on a few extra pounds, they could benefit from some added exercise time. Destructive Behavior: Destructive behavior is another sign that your Goldendoodle is not getting enough of a workout each day. Because of the Golden Retriever in their breed, a Goldendoodle can start to chew on things that are off-limits, especially when they are bored or frustrated by extra stored energy. Excessive energy: Excessive amounts of energy are a common sign that your Goldendoodle needs more physical activity. Every dog has a certain energy level. Some dogs need more exercise than others do in order to burn off that extra energy. When you let your Goldendoodle out to play, and they explode out the door and wildly dashes around the yard in endless laps, consider adding another walk or increasing the length of the walks that you take your Goldendoodle on. Also, consider adding another vigorous play session each day. Out of Shape: If your Goldendoodle has trouble keeping up with you on a walk or they get tired very quickly when playing might be out of shape. It is always best to take them to the vet to make sure that there are no medical issues causing this lack of stamina. If not, your Goldendoodle may just be out of shape. You can gradually increase the amount of exercise until they are fit once again. Goldendoodles were created to combine the even temperament and sweet nature of Golden Retrievers with the uncanny intelligence and allergy-friendly coat of the Poodle into one extraordinary crossbreed. The resulting puppies are the best of both breeds and usually packed with energy! How much exercise does a Goldendoodle puppy need? Goldendoodles are fairly energetic and growing puppies will need daily exercise and play. Experts often suggest using the rule-of-thumb of 5 minutes for every month of age up to two times per day. So for a 4-month-old puppy, 20 minutes of exercise twice each day would be sufficient. They love jumping, but try to limit them jumping on and off couches, beds, stairs, and other high surfaces. New to Goldendoodles and still trying to find answers to all your questions? We have the perfect solution! Topics such as generations, coat types, shedding, health concerns, and grooming that gorgeous coat are all thoroughly addressed, because as you know by now, Goldendoodles are not your average dogs. Take the guesswork out of the equation and start raising your Doodle with confidence. Pick up your copy today! Suitable Types of Exercises for Puppies Puppies learn all about the world around them and figure out their part in it through play. They learn which items are acceptable to play with and which ones get them into trouble. Proper puppy etiquette is learned through play, as well as the relationship between cause and effect drop toy in water, toy gets soggy. Aside from short walks around the block, how can you make sure that your puppy is getting enough daily exercise without risking permanent injury to his fragile little body? Believe it or not, the answer is quite simple. Play with him! Puppies Love Playtime! Well, games such as hide-and-seek will provide a good workout for your pup and mentally stimulate him as well. Be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Mental Stimulation for a complete explanation and useful tips and ideas. A toned-down version of fetch is appropriate too. Tug-of-war is always fun, but remember to let your puppy do all the tugging. You just hold the other end and enjoy watching him exert all his little might into pulling that toy out of your grasp. Be sure to let him win occasionally to boost his confidence. Check Price on Amazon Gentle wrestling matches are a natural occurrence among littermates, so recreate this game with your Goldendoodle. Perfect for Puppies Walks around the block on a leash, keeping it casual and fun. Jogging or biking for any significant stretch might be too much for a smaller puppy. Free play in the yard with some toys. Let them run and play and have fun with them! If things get too exciting, try and calm them a bit. Long stretches of running and really vigorous play at the puppy stage might be too much. Walking around the house is always fine for a pup, you can guide him or her along with you to get some exercise. Climbing stairs, hills, or really long stretches of strenuous activity, you need to watch for signs they are okay. A fun game of fetch or tug-of-war is a popular way to get in some exercise with puppies around the world! Again watch for signs of too much. Puppies are still growing and developing. Too much can put strain on their joints at this age. Understandably, many new Goldendoodle owners are eager to take their puppy on long walks to show him off to as many people as possible. Two short walks per day is plenty. You see, when puppies are actively growing, their joints and skeletal systems are not yet fully developed. Bones have not yet fully solidified and the growth plates found at the ends of the long leg bones are still open, soft, and prone to injury. Activities that involve repetitive, jarring movements, such as landing after catching an airborne Frisbee, should be put off until the puppy is at least 12 months old. High-impact exercises that put pressure on joints, like agility weave poles, should be avoided as well. Also, refrain from forced exercise, like biking with your leashed puppy. Bear in mind the general rule of 5 minutes of exercise for each month of age up to two times per day, and remember that going for a walk is exercise. This means that if you walk your 2-month-old puppy for 10 minutes in the morning and again that evening, his exercise needs have been met. Playtime is critical to puppy development and does indeed count as exercise. Get Your Copy Today! As Goldendoodles mature, the amount of daily exercise needed increases because they are not spending as much energy growing as they once were. On average, an adult Goldendoodle needs at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise every day to stay fit and in good condition. Exercise not only keeps your Goldendoodle in tip-top shape but also: prevents obesity. Although they often sport frilly haircuts and can be found prancing around dog show rings, they were originally bred as water retrievers and are a very intelligent and athletic dog that thrives on mental stimulation and physical exercise. Doodle popularity in the U. One of the most common reasons we see in regard to a family having to rehome their doodle relates to the topic of exercise and energy level. So what should you expect when adopting a Goldendoodle into your family? Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles tend to be moderately active, while Sheepadoodles and other herding breed doodles tip the scales into the highly active category! As a general rule, most young doodles do well with roughly an hour or two of exercise each day. As a pup, this should be broken up into several sessions — a couple short walks around the block and a few rounds of fetch time in the backyard throughout the day, for example. Most pups are ready for a burst of activity first thing in the morning and it also helps them to settle down well for the night to have another stretch of exercise in the evening. If these requirements are overwhelming to your schedule, keep in mind that doggy play-dates as well as doggy daycare and dog walkers can serve as excellent substitutes to keep your doodle well-exercised! A well-exercised doodle will be much better behaved and relaxed indoors. As your pup matures, he will be able to exercise less often but for longer periods of time. For example, an adult doodle around a year of age can typically go for one long walk or jog and typically be content to mostly just relax and chew toys the rest of the day. But if you have a particularly demanding work schedule that prevents a lot of daily hangout time, your doodle will probably need even more physical exercise to stay relaxed when you are gone. All Doods love playing, but Bernedoodles seem to be a little extra when it comes to the humor and fun of play time. So tug of war, fetch, chase, etc. They will be more than overjoyed to get their energy out by chasing kids in the backyard, etc. Goldendoodles - These pups definitely need their exercise just like any doodle, but they are flexible as to the form of exercise. They too also love a good play session. Sheepadoodles — These pups thrive off of vigorous exercise. They are typically outgoing dogs who love new things and adventure, so long weekend hikes or meeting new friends at the dog park is right up their alley. We hope this post has helped you form an understanding of just how much exercise is required for a Doodle and which breed could form the perfect partnership for you. Now get out there and create some fun outdoor memories with your pup!
A little about us North Mountain Kennels is proud to offer quality German Shepherd puppies for sale, bred from some of the best sires and dams in the world. From meticulously bred service dogs to family pets, North Mountain Kennels has the perfect German Shepherd puppy for you. About Our Breeder Audrey is not just your average dog trainer. She is highly educated in all things K9. She has obtained 2 Masters Degrees from London Hanover University College of Zoological Studies with a concentration in canine behavior from a neurological perspective. This allows her to learn that what we "see" as the outward behavior and how it begins on a cellular level in brain. Truly understanding at an in-depth level of the animal that many "Trainers" do not understand or have any desire to understand what creates behavior and where it begins in the brain. Knowledge is power and with this knowledge Audrey Estep carefully crafts training plans developed for each puppy in training rather the a cookie cutter approach to all dogs. My services are designed with you and your pet in mind, and I believe in working as much with you as with your pet. Happy Healthy Bloodlines Great genetics make for a confident well rounded puppy that is suitable for companion, sport, IPO, or police K9. However, not all great quality breeding stock are titled European German Shepherd dogs. I'm selecting dogs with a history of producing consistent sound and healthy offspring. Not all dogs in my program have an OFA score on hips and elbows. My dogs generally have a European score on hips and elbows since they are tested prior to import. Furever Friends My puppy program revolves around creating the most sound animal for whatever your purpose is from birth. Puppies are exposed to a number of environmental obstacles, smells, sounds and sights to ensure confidence and sociability. Our Puppies All puppies are vaccinated, treated for internal and external parasites, micro chipped and come with AKC papers to register you puppy. What our customers have to say about North Mountain Kennels Don't just take our word for it, see what our customers have to say about us, our puppies, and the programs we offer! Proven Results. Puppy pads Create a Schedule German Shepherd pups would do well with a schedule. Dogs live with a routine, and they are easy to train by having one. For this reason, make a schedule of the things you need to do regularly. Eventually, your pup will learn the routine events and will make itself adept at them. It will help you prepare for your pet, especially in the first few days of living together. As you allow your pet to adjust, do your best to create a stress-free environment for it. Always supervise it as it familiarizes itself with its new home. Still, it would be best to prepare yourself for loud noises when your pet is asleep. Moderate Training German Shepherds are highly trainable. It simply means they respond well, especially to positive reinforcement. Squeaky Toys Out of all toys, your pet will love the squeaky ones. For this reason, prepare for a lot of loud squeaks every time your pet is active. Thus, in picking your pet, you may want to consider getting it from the best. Tells you any health problems A good breeder will tell you any significant health problems in any of the dogs he or she bred. Asks more questions than you A good breeder would ask for more items from you than you would for him or her. Not in a hurry to send off A good breeder is not in a hurry to send the puppies off and get your money. He or she will even show you other breeders and veterinarians caring for their dogs. Requires expectations on both sides A good breeder will create a contract that offers not only what he or she expects from you. More than that, he or she will also show what you can expect from him or her. Sends puppies properly A good breeder will never send a puppy in a compartment and without any responsible person to go with it. Works only with one or two breeds A good breeder works only with a single or a couple of species. Shows breeding experience A good breeder shows her dogs in recognized confirmation shows. He or she will also join his or her breed in other breed-related performance events. Other states. The average price will also depend on the conditions in which the puppies are being raised — a reputable breeder will only sell his or her puppies in a clean and healthy environment. It should be noted that it is not ALWAYS more expensive to purchase a puppy from one of these areas — especially if you locate an excellent breeder. Some breeders may charge more because of the high demand for German Shepherds in these areas. Virginia has many cities that fall into the cheapest category for purchasing a German shepherd puppy. Generally, however, you will find that smaller towns charge less than larger metropolitan areas. You can find German Shepherds in most parts of Virginia — so keep looking. If you go see the puppies and they appear unkempt or ill-treated, this should also be a cause for concern. Your breeder should provide you with a clean and healthy environment for your new puppy. When you find a breeder that you feel comfortable with, be sure to ask lots of questions. Breeders are usually more than happy to share their wealth of knowledge about the breed. There are a few key questions you should ask your breeder before purchasing a German Shepherd puppy from them. Some questions you may want to ask include: Are the puppies kept in a clean environment? What kind of food are they eating? How far along in age are the puppies when they leave for their new homes? Do they offer any kind of medical care or guarantee? These questions should give you an idea about how much effort and care goes into raising German Shepherd puppies. A good breeder will have no problem giving you the contact information of happy customers who have purchased puppies from them in the past. When speaking to references, be sure to ask about the quality of the puppy, how well the transition went and if there were any problems after taking the puppy home. References can be a great way to get an idea about whether or not a breeder is reputable. They should be on site when you visit your potential puppy. Make sure that both parents are healthy, friendly and well-tempered. Healthy German Shepherds typically live between years; so be sure to inquire about their health history. An honest breeder will tell you about any potential health problems that may arise due to genetics or environment. German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, strength and obedience. They are often used as working dogs in law enforcement, search and rescue, therapy and other service-related roles. German Shepherds are known as a very loving and devoted breed. Not only do they bond strongly with their owners, but they also fully accept family members and children as part of their pack. They can be somewhat wary around strangers until they get to know them. They are relatively active dogs that need plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation. You can also ask for letters of reference from veterinarians who have treated the puppies in the past. Meeting past customers will give you a good idea about the quality of the puppies the breeder is producing, and it will also help you to determine if the breeder has a good reputation. Remember, we are looking for breeders who offer healthy, well-socialized puppies at an affordable price. If you are getting a puppy from a breeder, it is important to ask if they have a good veterinarian they use. A good breeder will take their puppies to the vet for check-ups and will also have their vaccinations records up-to-date. If the breeder cannot provide you with the name of a good veterinarian, this might be cause for concern. It is also important to ask how often the breeder takes their puppies to the vet for check-ups. A reputable breeder will be more than happy to answer all of your questions. If you come across an ad for German Shepherd puppies that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be on the lookout for the following signs of an unethical breeder: The puppies are being sold at a very low price The puppies are being sold online or through classified ads The puppies are very young and have not been fully vaccinated There is no contact information listed for the breeder The breeder does not have a good reputation If you see any of these signs, it is best to walk away and find a reputable breeder. You can also report them to the Better Business Bureau or your local animal control agency. German Shepherds are a breed that is known to be susceptible to a number of health problems, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat and cancer. It is important to ask the breeder if your puppy has any health problems. A good breeder will be honest about any health concerns the puppy might have and will also provide you with a guarantee that the puppy is healthy. If the breeder does not offer a guarantee, this is another sign that you should walk away. A reputable breeder will always stand behind their puppies. Many new owners choose to buy a crate so that their puppy has a safe and secure place to sleep and relax, but others prefer to use baby gates or exercise pens instead. Before bringing your German Shepherd home be sure to puppy-proof your home. This means removing any items that the puppy might be tempted to chew on, like electrical cords or furniture legs. You will also want to make sure that there are no poisonous plants in your yard. It is also important to have a designated area for the puppy to potty. Puppies should be taken outside regularly to eliminate, and you will want to make sure that there is always a spot in your yard where they can go. If you have other pets in your home, it is important to socialize them with the new puppy as soon as possible. German Shepherds can be dominant dogs, so it is important to make sure that they know who is boss. Also, be sure to set a good example because they will look to you for guidance. Be prepared for a lot of love, kisses and muddy paws. Potty training a puppy can seem impossible at first, but with dedication, it is completely achievable. Before bringing your German Shepherd home, make sure that you have everything you need for potty training. This includes everything from food and water dishes to pee pads and poop bags. When you start this process, it is important to choose a designated area where the puppy will eliminate in your yard or in the house. Pee pads are also an option if your dog does not want to go outside in cold weather. You should always take your German Shepherd Puppy outside when they wake up, thirty minutes after eating or drinking anything, before bedtime and about minutes after playing. If the puppy eliminates in the designated spot, be sure to praise them and give them a treat. It is important to be patient and consistent when potty training a German Shepherd Puppy. With a little bit of time and effort, your puppy will be successfully potty trained in no time. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Questions about German Shepherd puppies for sale in Virginia? We have answers. How much do your German Shepherd puppies for sale in Virginia cost? The cost of buying a German Shepherd puppy is going to depend on a few things. That includes the experience of the breeder, and the pedigree and coat color of the dog. So for example, you could pay different prices for Sable German Shepherd puppies for sale Virginia, black German Shepherd puppies for sale in Virginia, white German Shepherd puppies in Virginia, and so on. Can I pick a breeder outside my state? You certainly can. When you choose Uptown, you can pick a breeder in any part of the country. You can then choose to pick up your new German Shepherd puppy in person, or have your pooch flown to your nearest major airport. And no need to worry - German Shepherd Virginia puppies fly in the cabin, not stowed in the hold. How do you screen breeders before you add them to your network? Not a day goes by without us receiving applications from German Shepherd breeders in Virginia and companies from all over the country, all wanting to join our network. You can see all the details in our Breeder Pledge. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places? Sadly though, many breeders are only concerned about money, not about the welfare of their puppies. What is a puppy mill exactly? Puppy mills breed dogs for one purpose - to make as much money as possible. Litter after litter are produced in squalid, dirty conditions, with no thought given to their care or welfare. As a result, German Shepherds for sale Virginia from a puppy mill are likely to be poorly socialized and suffer from underlying health conditions, potentially costing you thousands in extra vet bills. You might be looking for a specific gender, coat color, eye color, pedigree, or even for a German Shepherd hybrid breed. Whatever you want, the breeders and companies in our network will help you find your dream dog. You can then either choose to go pick up the pup in person, or ask the breeder to arrange for your dog to travel to an airport near you. How do I know I can really trust you? We want you to have a great, lasting relationship with your Virginia German Shepherd for sale, but we also want you to have the same kind of relationship with us. Do German Shepherds make good dogs for families? With the correct training and upbringing, German Shepherd puppies Virginia make loving and faithful family members, developing strong bonds with their favorite humans. What are the origins of the German Shepherd breed? German Shepherds for sale in Virginia originated in Germany at the very end of the 19th century, first bred to herd sheep. To create the best sheepdogs, the smartest, easiest to train dogs were picked - and those traits are still apparent in their modern descendants. .Since part of their original role was to guard sheep from wild beasts, it's hardly surprising that Virginia German Shepherds for sale also make excellent watchdogs.
Design and features Setup Setting up the Puppy Cube was straight-forward. Once cables are plugged in, the rear panel may be reinstalled to give a nice clean look to the unit. The Puppy Cube arrives with a partially-charged battery. I charged the Puppy Cube for several hours until the battery-charge indicator light turned from orange to green. The only real problem I had setting up the Puppy Cube was finding a large enough flat surface upon which to test the system. Performance I am going to break this review into three parts: projector, projector and HID human interface device , and stand-alone media device. The Puppy Cube can project onto either a horizontal surface e. The integrated camera is only available when the Puppy Cube is projecting onto a vertical service. The camera is set to point straight out from the Puppy Cube. This means that unless you put the projector up on a stand or a stack of books, you only get a video of yourself from the shoulders down unless you hunch over. Projector When used as just a projector the Puppy Cube performs as well as most other p-native projectors. The image is bright enough for use in dimly-to-moderately-lit rooms. The auto-focus and keystone corrections function well. The Puppy Cube successfully displayed p, p, 2K, and 4K feeds. Videos played well at all resolutions using HDMI, but desktop images at 2K and 4K resolutions suffered from noticeable degradation when down-sampled to the native resolution of the projector. PowerPoint slides were acceptable at all resolutions. I was able to wirelessly display non-DRM videos e. I was able to connect to my UPnP server using the Video Lan app and play different movies stored on my server. The virtual mouse system worked better than the virtual keyboard in my initial testing. Once I abandoned my attempts at touch typing and went to hunt-and-peck style two-fingered typing my results improved dramatically. By default, the touch features are turned off when using the Puppy Cube to project onto vertical surfaces, but these features may be enabled through the onboard configuration system. Stand-alone media device I have mixed feelings about the Puppy Cube as a stand-alone media device. YouTube can be accessed via the browser, but it was frustrating to find such a common app to be incompatible. I was able to load and use Video Lan as mentioned above , but I was only able to play videos that were stored on my local server, rather than on remote servers. While I am primarily an iOS user in the mobile arena, I do have some familiarity with the Android UI from helping my sons and some less tech-savvy neighbors with their phones. My sons who live in both iOS and Android had fewer problems than I did, but they still had problems finding and using some of the controls. Additionally, the unit acts like there is a low power, continuous drain on the battery, which I attribute to the unit being in a suspend mode rather than being powered all the way down. This latter issue only crops up when I leave the Puppy Cube unused for several weeks. PuppyRobot is a Chinese company. The use of asynchronous text communications has hindered troubleshooting. Final thoughts I found the Puppy Cube an interesting product that has great potential. However, at this price-point, the native resolution of the projector is too low, the camera is poorly positioned, and the operating system on the unit I reviewed still needed some work. The basic display and touch features work well, but the stand-alone media player features could still use some work. The current incarnation is fine for basic family use, but an upgraded version could make the Puppy Cube common in the workplace. Currently, GMS-based apps are not available for download directly onto the device. These apps can also be screen casted to the projector when paired with any Android or iOS device. Reviewed in the United States on Reviewed in the United States on June 9, A really cool product you should not miss The media could not be loaded. It is for me very difficult to summarize the puppy cube, so bear with me - this review will be quite long. Remember the Sony Xperia Touch from a few years back? I sure do, and I also remember the eye-watering price tag of almost 2k USD and the abysmal lumens it could output. So I ended up never buying it. Fast forward a couple of years and puppy robot robotics? I couldn't stop myself from ordering one, and I'm damn glad I did! The touch functionality feels more responsive, the quality of the projected touchscreen feels fuller and more crisp the ANSI lumens compared to Sony's helps a lot. The customized version of Android looks a bit goofy, but it's not bad, and most apps run just fine. The perhaps biggest caveat is the lack of GMS, but more on that later. The projected touchscreen is 23 inches, and works on any flat surface you get the best color rendition if it's white. You can install apps from an app store called UpToDown, which is a pretty common third-party app store in Europe, apparently. Apps will automatically appear in English if you set the device to that language only two options anyway, English and Chinese. Apps that only work in portrait mode will require you to move the device, which can be annoying at times - landscape mode is definitely preferred. If you want, you can connect peripherals to the puppy cube. I'd recommend the latter, to which I've connected a mouse, keyboard, headphones and a PS4 controller, not to mention the included remote control. Here's where the real magic happens - if you tilt the puppy cube down, and have it project to a wall instead of a table, you can up to inches of screen. While you lose the touchscreen functionality if you make the screen size any larger than 23 inches, you can still use the peripherals just fine. What that means is that you get a computer the size of a big milk carton, and a screen as big as your entire wall. Load up any productivity apps and you're able to do real work on this thing. It will also auto focus, but by using the remote you can also manually fine-tune the focus as well. Or just watch Netflix, or YouTube. The puppy cube can work as a stand-alone device in horizontal mode, but also as a regular projector. The integrated speakers are decent, and the device can even act as Bluetooth speakers! And let's not forget that it is portable. The battery will last minutes according the the official information, which should be enough for at least a full-length movie and then some. But despite all the versatility, there are some cons too. The lack of GMS being the biggest one, but there are a few others too. I'll list both pros and cons below. But the pros certainly outweighs the cons. But if you just want a portable projector, then you might be better off buying something cheaper. The form factor is great and the virtual interface is really awesome and unique. However as a projector -- ummm. I was really disappointed when I connected the device to HDMI direct, there were slight delays and the audio was not always in synch with the picture3. My mac kept saying the device screen settings could not be determined and the resolution was all over the place both mirrored or as separate displays 4. The Google style app store was blah - and many of the apps are not supported by the deviceIn summary I had high hopes. The virtual interface is something special and very responsive, but if I can't use it as a proper projector I think it falls a bit short. I am hoping they can do some firmware updates to get it working better. If not I will have to give this very expensive product to my kids to use with their XBOX or something. I tote it around in a camera bag. Picture quality is fine for my eyes, and sound is at least on par with most TVs out of the box without requiring extra speakers. Picture is serviceable in a dimmed room night light on on normal white wall. The bad: The smart feature was hamstrung by the projector not being Google Play Store Seller was very up front about this and also reminded me many times, so no transparency issue here. Apps will be hard to come by, and I have issue where mirror casting YouTube from App from my iPhone SE ios13 update has no sound, but casting from youtube website works fine. Netflix app sometimes require you to use both touch and remote control to work. But it is a price worth paying for " on the go. Fantastic product that is an amazing piece of technology! I used this to present material in a confined area that only a short-throw projector would be able to do. Unfortunately, this product suffers around natural light. Enough of the bad.The fact that this projector is running Android is absolutely fantastic. Its' ability to project standing up to turn any surface into a tablet is incredible. Additionally, being able to project in a lay-flat mode onto a screen of up to " is FACT! Rather than write a review that reads like a book, I'll highlight my favorite features with bullets. I find it work best on hardwood floor, surprisingly. Though the touchscreen part doesn't work on a wall or any vertical surfaces you can use the remote for that and it is still very cool!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Check Price on Amazon 4. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement means giving something pleasant to your German Shepherd when they perform what you want them to do so that they learn to associate the correct behavior with the reward. The more this is repeated, they will remember and do it more often. The reward is a reinforcing motivation. In the above example of redirecting your GSDs biting to a chew toy, once he accepts the toy and starts to chew or play with it, you then offer lots of enthusiastic verbal praise and reward with a treat. Again, timing is important, and this must be done instantly so that your German Shepherd will recognize or associate his behavior with the correct action. You can give other rewards, but these may be more suited to older pups, adolescent dogs, or adults. Alternatives could be giving them a special toy, playing their favorite game, such as fetch, or taking them on their favorite walk. Always use lots of verbal praise in parallel to the reward you choose. You will, no doubt, soon get to learn where your dog prefers to be pet. Go here for more guidance on where to pet your German Shepherd. This is also useful when your German Shepherd starts to put his mouth around your possessions or furniture, ready to have a good gnaw! Using a time-out can effectively discipline a German Shepherd for biting and other undesirable behaviors. A great way to do this is to grab their collar, push their bum down, and make them sit. The idea is that your German Shepherd will quickly learn to associate that the fun stops when his nipping starts! As always, timing is critical, so your pup learns what he has done wrong at the precise moment. For very young puppies, you should only put them in time-out for a few seconds, between 7 and 10, and no longer than 30 seconds. At the end of the time-out, redirect your pup back to play and use lots of verbal praise or offer a training treat for good onward behavior. You must time the click at the exact moment your pet is doing what you want to reinforce. If you quickly reward your dog with a positive experience such as a treat, he will soon learn to associate the noise of the click with great things. The idea is that you condition your German Shepherd so that when he hears the sound of the clicker, he knows he has done something to please you. In the case of puppy biting, we are simply rewarding the puppy for choosing not to bite. You can achieve this by using the distraction technique described above. When the puppy makes the right choice and starts to bite on his chew toy, he hears the click and gets his treat. Look out for other symptoms such as drooling more than usual, bad breath, loss of appetite, or sneezing. If you are consistent and patient with your methods, you will achieve great results. Be firm but fair, which also helps to strengthen the loving bond between you and your dog. It leads to fear, avoidance, hurt feelings, guilt, stress, anxiety, and lack of trust. Owners should use positive reinforcement methods as much as possible. In another year-long study by the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that using confrontational or aversive methods to teach aggressive dogs did not work. The dogs continued to be aggressive until the training methods were changed. The same study found that punishing techniques and dominance-based training, such as hitting or kicking, growling, or yelling at your dog, can cause aggression, as stated by Meghan E. An even more recent study in companion dogs suggests that using even mild punishments like yelling and leash-jerking can stress dogs out more than dogs taught using reward-based training. This stress causes negative consequences and poorer welfare. Alpha rolling is a controversial and outdated technique that physically puts your dog on his back or side in a submissive position to show that you are dominant or the Alpha. This old-fashioned technique is a form of positive punishment and was often used to house-train pups. Many people will have used this method decades ago without success, but at the time, they believed it was the right thing to do. For a positive punishment to work, the problem is that it has to be administered during or immediately after the act within 2 -3 seconds ; otherwise, the dog will not make the connection. Sometimes puppies naturally get over-excited and overtired. When this happens, instead of using the crate as a punishment, lure him into the crate with a treat offering lots of praise and letting him go down for a nap. If you feel sorry for your German Shepherd after disciplining him, you must never reward him out of guilt. Again, this only confuses your dog. Remember to be firm but fair. While a muzzle can prevent your dog from biting, it is not a solution to the underlying behavior issue. Muzzling your German Shepherd without addressing the root cause of their biting can lead to further behavioral problems and may even make the situation worse. Is it ever too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting? It is never too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting, but it may take more time and effort to modify their behavior if the biting has become a habit. Start with identifying the root cause and then take the guidance of an expert to set boundaries and train better to eradicate unwanted behavior. Final Thoughts Puppy biting is natural in all dogs. However, you now know the importance of disciplining your German Shepherd as soon as he starts to exhibit biting, nipping, and chewing behavior and how to do it. This is especially important with the German Shepherd breed as they quickly grow into big strong dogs. That could end in disaster for all concerned. No matter what you are teaching your German Shepherd, try to train him when young; 8 weeks old is a great time to start. Make sure you properly socialize him and give him lots of exercise and training will be much easier. Related Posts You May Like:.
german shepherd husky mix puppies for sale indiana - A litter is coming soon! Join our Big Dog Family!! I continued Training dogs because dogs are my passion. After moving back to NJ, I decided to add to our family and buy a female Boxer. However, I made the mistake of taking 2 children to pick up 1 puppy.Not much long after, as fate would have it, I met another boxer lover named Jen. She had 6yr old boxer named Ginger who has the most amazing temperament! It inspired me to breed boxers again. With the amazing well tempered beautiful litter he sired, we used him again this Spring and had two beautiful litters. And most satisfying is that all will be going to amazing homes! I own the Dam and her sister, who both are amazing. She is a brindle with black mask. The Sire is a big fawn colored black mask gentle giant. We have a 6 ur old female from the same bloodline who too has an amazing temperament! About Boxers The Boxer is a medium to large, short-haired breed of dog, developed in Germany. The coat is smooth and tight-fitting; colors are fawn, brindled, or white, with or without white markings. Testimonials from our Boxer Family From Luna's family: My family and I want to thank you for letting us be part of your boxer family. Our boxer puppy is from the last litter. She is a brindle and we named her Luna. When you first speak to John he puts you at ease and has professionalism, respect and knowledge. He includes you every step of the way and constantly posts pictures and updates about the litter. He also encourages at least 2 visits with your puppy and provides a free course on raising a boxer puppy. On pick up day he provides all paper work. .I have recommended John to several people. Our little luna is amazing She is a cuddle bug and is extremely gentle with my kids. She is playful and protective. She is a blessing and a great addition to our family. Thank you again John. Be well. From Butch's family: From the minute I contacted John on the website it was a very professional and enjoyable experience. Having the families all get together on the same day to meet their new puppies was a great experience. Pickup day was also well organized and I also enjoyed seeing all the puppies from the last litter at 6 months of age. This was our 5th boxer but by far the most enjoyable experience in getting a new puppy. We were searching for a reputable Boxer breeder and were very happy that we found John. He was very friendly and professional. He kept us updated on the different stages of Taco's wellbeing. The chance to meet our pup Taco and provide an article of our choosing to help acclimate Taco to his new family was very considerate. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a Boxer. Taco has become an integral part of our lives and we thank John for Taco. He is very friendly and answers questions - no matter how many you have! I was even able to come and meet the mother to see her personality and to meet John in person, which was a huge factor in making my decision to go with Big Dog Boxers. John cares about the dogs that come from his litter. He stays in touch and loves seeing pictures of how the dogs are progressing. You can see he truly cares about all the dogs. He has the best temperament and is very handsome. I am always getting stopped by people when I walk him he loves walks because of how beautiful his brindle coating is. Odin loves to cuddle and to play ball.Although I do not have children, Odin is exposed to my nieces and the children on my block - they all love him and he loves them - they all get excited to see each other! I do have a .My brother got one of the females from the same litter.I can't recommend John and Big Dog Boxers enough. When the time comes for me to get a second boxer, I will only go to Big Dog Boxers. From Samson's family: Having only experience with smaller breeds, we felt a little out of our depth when we decided to bring a boxer into our family. John paired us with the perfect puppy. John was terrific with providing information about the breed and answering all of our questions, so we felt much more confident when it was time to bring Samson home. From Hamilton's family From start to finish John was very communicative and responsive to all our questions and was always keeping us updated. John clearly cares about the litter and their health. We love our not so small baby boy that we got and couldn't be happier with our experience. From Daisy's Family John was great to work with right from the beginning. Answered all my questions and made sure I had all the information I needed. Daisy is a great pup and we love her so much. She has a wonderful temperament and has been easy to train. Our puppy Jasper has turned out to be oe of the finest Boxers we have owned! He is our 7th. His temperament is very sweet and funny. We had just lost our beloved Boxer 2 months prior and as fate would have it, Arnold became available. Within days we were able to meet Arnold and it was love at first site. John would send us updates as Arnold grew. John is very transparent and the puppies were loved and cared for as if he was keeping them all. Such a pleasure to work with. Please go on to Instagram and TikTok bigdogboxers to like! A young Ginger Nothing much has changed.She still runs around like a puppy! Sampson to Vet. For this reason, we included these online Boxer breeders for you to check as well. Thus, you can also check a Boxer breeder here. The great thing is that it has an online marketplace to search for a Boxer puppy from any of the states. Since they cover all kinds of breeds, you may find an available puppy through this website. Another thing to note is that you also need to prepare for other costs. In short, aside from the actual cost of the puppy from a breeder, you still need to spend money on other items. Like a new baby in the family, your pup needs some items and some changes. A new puppy at home is a concern for all the family members. Thus, they need to prepare for it as well. As you have your meeting, try to make a schedule of tasks and distribution of responsibilities. Prepare your home. Preparing a home for your Boxer puppy means making it a safe place to play and live. Thus, you need to secure every item that can potentially harm your pet. Moreover, you need to secure your items that your pet can damage, such as shoes, carpets, floor mats, and so on. Shop for supplies. Like all other puppies and babies, Boxer pups needs items for its daily life. The essential things it needs would be beddings, food, and food bowls. You also need to buy a leash and collar for identification. Create a schedule. Besides your pet, you also have your responsibilities. Try to schedule how your pup should do for the day and when you need to pay attention. The great thing about creating a schedule is that it will benefit both you and your pet. Choosing a Good Boxer Seller and Breeder The best Boxer puppies only come from those who take an extra mile in caring for them. Below are certain qualities that you should look for in a Boxer puppy breeder. The Boxer breeder should only breed Boxer puppies. A single breed should be the first thing to remember when searching for a reputable Boxer breeder. Every breed has a mating season to which they breed. If the Boxer breeder sells quite a lot of pups but only has a pair of parents, you can think that it forces the parents to mate so they can have puppies to sell. The Boxer breeder should train pups in their first weeks. Every reputable Boxer breeder gives all the pups around eight weeks at least to stay with their parents. In such a time, the breeder should train the pups before it moves to its new home. The Boxer breeder would continuously be in touch. Other states.
Similar services:
german shepherd husky mix puppies for sale indiana - These duck-flavored chews are formulated with glucosamine HCL, methylsulfonylmethane MSM , turmeric, green-lipped mussels, and organic hemp oil to help promote overall joint health and relieve inflammation due to everyday exercise. Together, they can work to help support a healthy inflammatory response and promote overall health. If you have any concerns about your puppy's heart function or health, talk to your vet for their recommendations. Packed with fish oil, biotin, vitamin C, and vitamin E, these chews bring relief to dry, itchy, sensitive, and flaky skin and help make your dog's coat soft and shiny. Even better? These tasty treats support hip and joint health, immune system function, and cardiovascular activity for overall health. Made with over 25 nutrients, including omega 3s and 6s, this multivitamin tablet supports your puppy's cardiovascular system, nervous system, and immune system as well as cognitive and liver health. This supplement can be given to dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds. This daily tablet can help your puppy maintain healthy teeth and bones. It's flavorless, too, so you can give it to your pup by hand or crumble it and mix it in with his food. Made to help prevent urinary issues, this supplement contains ingredients like pumpkin seed powder, rehmannia glutinosa powder, phytoestrogens, wild yam, and soy protein to support your pup's urinary health. Made with a bacterium known as bifidobacterium longum BL , this supplement along with proper separation anxiety training can help keep your pup calm. It can help your dog who has diarrhea or maybe recovering from parvo," Ochoa says. What To Look For It can be difficult to find the best supplements for ourselves, nevertheless for our puppies. However, there are a few ways you can differentiate between what to add to your cart and what to leave on the shelf. Ingredients Because supplements aren't regulated by the U. Food and Drug Administration, pay careful attention to the ingredients in a particular supplement. It is more of a treat that tastes good, and there are not any real supplements in the treats. Efficacy Because supplements aren't regulated, Whittenburg recommends researching any potential option and looking for peer-reviewed published studies that demonstrate their efficacy. If you'd really like to do some digging, she says you can reach out to the manufacturer to see if they follow the Good Manufacturing Practices GMP guidelines and are approved by the U. No one company makes all of those, but your vet will know the best brands in each category. Tweet on Twitter You are not alone if you are wondering whether you should give your dog vitamins. Most notably, the areas of organic supplements, weight loss supplements, and vitamins for older dogs are of great interest to consumers. With vitamins for pregnant dogs to vitamins for dogs with arthritis available these days, there is a formulation for just about any situation your furry friend faces. This can be confusing, as you could easily be led to believe your dog needs to take a fistful of supplements every day to be healthy and happy. Aside from the potential health implications of giving your dog unnecessary supplements, feeding your dog endless vitamins for no good reason is going to leave a huge hole in your hip pocket. What are the best dog vitamins? Dog Vitamins — Are They Necessary? If you have a happy, healthy dog with no preexisting health conditions who is fed a nutritionally complete diet, then there is really no need to give them vitamins and supplements at all. While most dogs will likely fall into this category, there are times that you may need to give your dog some supplementary vitamins, even if they do not seem sick. A good example of this is if you feed your dog a homemade diet. Commercially available dog foods usually include a vitamin mix specific to the type of dog they are marketed to. However, if you make your own dog food it is possible that there will be some deficiencies in their diet. There are plenty of doggie multivitamins available, however a word of caution is needed. Determining what supplement your dog needs if they are on a homemade diet is something that is best done in consultation with your vet. Maybe they need to get through a condition that has either been caused by or has led to a vitamin deficiency. Of course, you would need to have your dog examined by your vet to be sure of the issue. After a proper diagnosis, your vet may advise you to give your dog a vitamin supplement. Vitamin D has an important role in the body, as it aids in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Dogs obtain Vitamin D through the diet and exposure to sunlight. If your dog suffers from this imbalance, they are at risk of developing problems which include: rickets both in puppies and adult dogs rubber jaw syndrome, a condition generally seen in older dogs where their bones become weak and break easily hypoparathyroidism, a condition that tends to affect smaller dogs which makes them restless, nervous, and unable to control their muscle movements Vitamin C for Stressed Dogs Dr. Bauer also mentions that vitamin C levels can become low when dogs are under stress and may need to be supplemented at these times. Vitamins for Dogs Eyes A study conducted in found that a diet without enough vitamin E led to progressive loss of vision. Again, it is important to note that the dogs that experienced this vision loss were fed on a diet of table scraps and worked as hunting dogs. Dogs that are fed a nutritionally adequate diet are not likely to experience such deficiencies. Interestingly, however, both a deficiency and an excess of vitamin A can cause issues of the skin and hair. Therefore, it is important that you have a deficiency confirmed before you give your dog vitamin A. We will talk more about vitamin toxicity later in this article. Generally, any vitamin A deficiency is the result of an inadequate diet. We have already established that this rare if you feed your dog with commercially available dog food. However, Cocker Spaniels can develop dermatitis even when they are fed a diet with sufficient levels of vitamin A. If your Cocker Spaniel has this condition, their skin will be nasty indeed: scaly, greasy, flaky, and itchy. If vitamin A-responsive dermatitis is the culprit, your pooch may well have to take vitamins for dogs coat to keep the condition at bay. And vitamins are no exception. There are many studies available that outline the dangers and side effects of Vitamin D toxicity. Large doses of Vitamin D are thought to cause permanent damage to the kidneys. Abnormal deposits of calcium in the organs and in the blood were also found in dogs that had been given large doses of this vitamin. You may have read something about the benefits of vitamin A and are looking for dog vitamins for shedding, for instance. Clearly, you cannot assume that vitamin A will do the trick. In fact, it could actually end up causing your pooch more grief. There has also been evidence of neuropathy, or weakness and numbness, in beagles that had been given excessive doses of vitamin B6. The trend among humans is to take supplements to help us through our different life stages. Concerned pet owners may wonder if there is any merit in senior dog vitamins, prenatal vitamins for dogs, or dog vitamins for immune system health. As we have seen through this article, vitamins are really only of any use to your dog if they are suffering with a deficiency. While at certain stages of life, the chances of your dog becoming deficient increase, the only way to be sure they need a supplement is to check with your vet. Needless to say, giving your dog some human vitamins that you have found in the back of your medicine cabinet is not the best idea. In fact, the dosages and combinations of vitamins specially formulated for human consumption could even be dangerous for your dog. Always consult with your vet before you start giving your dog vitamins so you can be sure you are giving them the appropriate dosage. Dog Vitamins — Conclusion To be fair, there are good vitamins for dogs out there. However, the selection of dog vitamins and supplements available is ever expanding. Working out which ones are actually going to be of benefit to your furry friend can be confusing. There are health concerns associated with giving your dog too many vitamins. Finding the right vitamin for your dog, or if they need to be taking one at all, can be hard. Be sure to discuss this with your vet. Have you ever had to give your pooch dog vitamins? What was the outcome? Do you have any experiences you would like to share, or further questions that were not covered in this article? Be sure to mention them in the comments section below. And if you found this article helpful, please share it. It has omega-3 fatty acids, which can help dogs with skin conditions and give them healthier coats. It is good for improved mobility and can ease joint pain. This might be an ideal option if your Lab has skin issues in addition to mobility issues. However, the capsule is more like a hard shell, so it can be difficult to open or puncture, but it might be too large to give to your dog orally. Also, these pills are more geared toward skin conditions and less toward joint issues. Chondroitin Chondroitin helps support the musculoskeletal system, but it quite specifically aids in lubricating and supporting cartilage. Cartilage helps cushion the bones and joints and acts as a shock absorber — it effectively prevents the ends of bones from rubbing together. Chondroitin also blocks the enzymes that break down cartilage and helps the body produce new cartilage. Glucosamine Glucosamine is used to aid in building tendons, cartilage, ligaments, and the fluid found around the joints. It can help increase the fluid and cartilage around the joints and prevent them from breaking down. Both the fluid and cartilage help protect the soft tissues and ends of bones in the joints. It can aid in reducing inflammation and decreasing joint pain and in faster recovery after a significant amount of exercise. It can also help with reducing allergy symptoms and improving skin health. They can also help control arthritis by reducing the pain and swelling of the joints, in addition to benefiting everything from the heart to the brain. Image Credit: Rosa Jay, Shutterstock Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic acid is a substance found in the fluids in the joints, which acts like a cushion and a lubricant. It can help decrease swelling because it has anti-inflammatory properties and aids tissue growth. Size of Dog Always double-check what age and size of dog that a product is formulated for. Many supplements are suitable for dogs of any size , but if your Lab is on the large side, you might need to give them two or more doses a day. This can add up financially. Speak to your vet before you purchase anything, though, as they can help you with this crucial decision. When she was a child, she hoped to work in zoos or with wildlife in some way, thanks to her all-consuming love for animals. Unfortunately, she's not strong in the sciences, so she fills her days with researching and writing about all kinds of animals and spends time playing with her adorable but terribly naughty tabby cat, Bella. Kathryn is hoping to add to her family in the near future — maybe another cat and a dog.Read more Advertisement. Learn more about the health issues affecting this breed, and what you can do to help keep your Lab healthy, in addition to regular veterinary visits. The Use of Supplements: In Support of a Healthier Labrador Supplements are no longer an afterthought but an important element for your Labrador's nutrition and care. Animal Necessity recommends consulting your veterinarian regarding the types of supplements that could benefit your dog's physical health and mental well-being. Some of the benefits supplements may provide for your Labrador include: Helps keep your dog's coat healthy and shiny. Boosts your dog's intake of vital nutrients missing in its diet. Helps boost metabolism to burn more calories, while regulating blood sugar to reduce the urge to overeat. Relief from chronic hip, joint, back, and muscle pain and inflammation. Increase energy levels in support of an active and healthy lifestyle. Regulate and enhance proper immune function. Helps alleviate certain types of cancers, in addition to heart disease, diabetes, and cataracts caused by diabetes. A Short History of the Labrador Retriever Kind hearted, intelligent and extremely loyal, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the U. Labrador Retrievers are known for their keen sense of smell, ability to find downed birds, and speed on land and through the water. We think of Labs as 'Peter Pan' dogs - they never grow up! A happy, exuberant 1 year old Labrador is still happy and super-charged at, say, 6 years of age. The breed's roots go back to the early 's in Newfoundland, to a forerunner called the St. John's Water Dog. These dogs were eager to please and were strong swimmers with short dense water-repellent coats. They retrieved fish that fell off hooks and also retrieved nets and other fishing gear. British aristocracy took note of the breed's retrieving ability and imported them to England for hunting, developing what is now known as the Labrador Retriever. Soon after the British Kennel Club made the breed official in , the breed made its way to the U. Fun Facts about the Labrador Retriever There are three acceptable colors in Labradors: black, yellow, and chocolate. Yellow Labs born with pale skin and pink noses are called "Dudleys" and are not accepted in breed registries. Labradors have webbed toes and an otter-like tail that help make them powerful swimmers. Their coat is thick, short, and dense to repel water, making them very good shedders. There are two recognized lines of Labrador Retrievers - the show line broader head, more solidly-built and the field line more fine-boned, longer legs, and more high-energy. The presence of a hindlimb lameness, especially in a young to middle-aged Labrador, must be considered ACL disease until proven otherwise - so seek immediate veterinary care for your dog if this occurs! Severe, chronic pain and arthritis results if surgery is not done as soon as possible. Even with surgery, these active dogs need joint health support to help keep their knees as healthy as possible. Severely affected dogs develop congestive heart failure CHF. If you think that your Lab has become fat and lazy, you may be right but just in case, have your veterinarian examine your dog to check for a heart murmur. It affects puppies and worsens with age, with 1 year old dogs being severely affected. This condition affects leg mobility and can cause pain and chronic arthritis if not surgically corrected. It is the most common cause of hip pain in dogs. Elbow dysplasia is a malformation of the elbow joint causing lameness and chronic pain. Cancer Labradors are more prone to cancer than many other breeds. Of those dogs, the most common kind of cancer was sarcoma tumors that form in bones and in connective tissue , such as osteosarcoma and fibrosarcoma. Labradors are also at higher risk to develop lymphosarcoma cancer of white blood cells. Affected dogs develop weakness and collapse after just minutes of strenuous exercise, and possibly die. A recessive gene mutation results in malfunction of neurotransmitters in the nervous system; fortunately there is now a DNA test for EIC. Care information for Your Labrador Retriever Caring for your Labrador Retriever is not as challenging as with many other breeds, but even so, there are certain things you can do to make sure he stays happy and healthy so both of your lives are more fulfilling. Exercise Labrador Retrievers love to exercise, which is a good thing because they tend to put on weight. It's your job to see that your dog gets regular exercise with extended walks and active playtime, such as retrieving a ball or chasing a Frisbee. They especially love the water, so if that's an option, it will make life even better for your Labrador. They are very intelligent and take to training well, which helps their overall disposition. However, Labs do have a tendency to exhaust themselves, so it is important for you to monitor their activity. Additionally, Labs with chronic joint disease will easily "overdo" themselves running, jumping, etc, but they likely will pay for this within the next 24 hours by having severe reactive joint pain. Shelter Labrador Retrievers make great house dogs and thrive when they are with people, especially children. There is nothing a Lab likes better, than to be your shadow. Having a large backyard would be ideal, but as long as they are fed properly and exercised daily, weight gain is not a big concern. Labradors are not noisy and usually are not very territorial. They get along with other animals and for the most part, are friendly to strangers. For that reason, Labs do not make good guard dogs, but often will "sound the alarm" at a knock on your door. Labradors crave attention and companionship and can be disruptive if left alone for long periods. Grooming Unlike other breeds, a Labrador Retriever does not require a great deal of grooming. However, they do shed a LOT and so brushing frequently and an occasional bath is in order. However, be careful not to overdo it as frequent baths can damage your Labrador's naturally waterproof coat. His floppy ears can also present problems. Check them regularly and use an ear-cleaning solution recommended by your veterinarian to prevent infections. Also, trim the nails every week or two, as needed. These provide instant traction to stop dogs sliding on smooth floors or stairs. Nutrition As with most animals, Labrador Retrievers need a quality, balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support their size, activity level and to help reduce the risk of certain diseases. Foods with essential fatty acids are important for maintaining a Labrador's healthy coat and to help reduce shedding. But as they are a breed that never stops eating, veterinarians recommended that Labs be fed carefully and not be overfed as they can easily put on pounds without an active lifestyle. A diet rich in antioxidants can have long-term benefits, especially as dogs age. Share This Guide: What People Are Saying About Supplements and Their Pets Pet owners just like you are incorporating supplements into their animal's care more than ever before, and with exciting results. Our vet doesn't understand how, but Buddy can see even though he has the big bright green glow from the PRA and the fog from the cataracts. He doesn't get eye infections anymore and there is less brown crud in his eyes. He is walking a little better, putting more pressure on the leg and not limping as much. The results were amazing! Cocoa has regained 50 percent vision in her left eye and she can now catch treats! We were told when her PRA was diagnosed that she would lose her sight completely within a year. It's been two years now and, although she can't see at night, she still sees during the day and you would never know she has a problem with sight. I was told she would be blind within 5 months. I am so thankful she was able to receive this supplement. Thank you so much! This is definitely a plus! Almost two years after his initial diagnosis - there has been no further development of his cataracts. I'm grateful to be among those who can speak personally for its benefits. Probiotics have become a big thing in both human and vet care. When there is disease or inflammation, harmful or pathogenic bacteria can displace the beneficial type, causing further illness. Probiotics are live cultures of beneficial bacteria that can displace most types of harmful bacteria and can facilitate faster response times from the immune system. The active ingredient known as Bifidobacterium longum BL works like most other probiotic cultures, but also has a naturally calming effect. This makes it an effective probiotic for dogs that have gastrointestinal issues as well as behavior issues. The main reason why Calming Care works is because there is a neurological connection between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. Studies in mice show that when gastrointestinal bacteria from anxious mice were transferred to the gastrointestinal tracts of calm mice, the latter group began to demonstrate anxiety. Once the clinical trials were performed for use of B. For best results, use Calming Care every day for at least three to four weeks. From our findings Glandex Soft Chews are one of the best fiber supplements available. Product features: Contains ingredients to help improve stool quality and promote GI health Helps natural anal gland expression by improving stool quality Available in a tasty chewable treat or powder form Anal glands are the small marble-shaped glands within the anus of a dog. They excrete a viscous and smelly fluid that helps make the passing of stools easier. However, when dogs have digestive tract problems or issues with allergies , these glands can become inflamed and more difficult to express. Anal glands can also become impacted and form painful abscesses that require immediate medical attention. Glandex eats more like a treat for your dog. Both of these ingredients absorb water which results in bulkier, healthier stools. Glandex also contains omega 3 fatty acids which can help prevent inflammation. It also contains probiotics like Lactobacillus acidophilus to promote a healthy digestive tract.