german shepherd puppies 8 weeks old for sale

These tiny little pups are loyal and loving and can fit just about anywhere! Also intelligent, the Teacup Poodle will keep you on your toes and carries many of the same characteristics as their standard sized parents. This breed is selectively bred and is a variation of the Toy Poodle. The only difference between the Toy Poodle and the Teacup Poodle is their size, so we can look to the Toy Poodle for a lot of information about the Teacup. Breed Origin The Poodle is one of the most popular dogs in the world and is in fact one of the oldest pure bred dogs. These dogs originated in Germany and were originally bred to be a working and gun dog that made the perfect hunting dog. The Poodle has a waterproof coat and great retrieving talents. Nowadays, this breed is more known as a lapdog rather than a working dog. They are bred in smaller breeds so that more people can enjoy having a Poodle as a best friend. The Teacup variation of this breed has been selectively bred from the Toy Poodle and must be under 9 inches in height and less than 6 pounds in weight to qualify as a Teacup. Teacup puppies are normally born in litters of one to two, although occasionally there can be more. They weigh around 2 pounds when born and will only grow to around 5 pounds once fully grown. They also are always under 9 inches in height. This is because of the selective breeding process and the fact that there are fewer dogs in every litter. Although there are no official breed standards, the general rule of thumb is that a Teacup Poodle is 9 inches in height and they weigh less than 6 pounds, whereas a Toy breed is less than 10 inches. Their breed is very elegant looking, no matter the size, and they always stand poised. Their eyes are also small, dark and are always alert and they have a long muzzle with floppy furry ears. Coat Their coat is curled and thick and they do not shed any fur. This means they are a hypoallergenic dog and are perfect for those with allergies. Unlike other Poodle mix dogs who may have a mixture of different fur colors, this dog only comes in solid colors. This way, you can determine whether you are being sold a purebred Poodle or not. They are extremely loving and make great companions for everyone, including individuals, families and the elderly. Because of their size, too, they fit into many different environments and will do well in apartments and in city living and also in large homes in the country or in open-spaced environments. Their exercise needs are not great, although they do get bored very easily and do not like to be left alone. If they are left alone for too long they will begin to suffer from separation anxiety and exhibit destructive behaviors. Lifespan The life expectancy of a Teacup dog is relatively long. These dogs can be expected to live anywhere between 12 to 14 years. Some of these problems are similar to the issues that may be carried by their standard sized ancestors due to their genetic similarities. These include: Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA — this is an eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. Dysplasia — this is normally seen in large dogs but can affect different joints in the body. Also, because of their selective breeding and small size, they are also prone to some other health issues. You should always check with the breeder you are buying from to see whether the dogs show any signs of these problems. The three most common are hypoglycemia low blood sugar , heart defects and patella luxation. Patella luxation is a common condition in smaller dogs and is caused when the patella is not properly aligned. This can cause lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait, sort of like a skip or a hop. To ensure you identify the signs of any of these issues early, ensure you take your dog to the vet for regular checkups. Daily Life Fortunately, taking care of a Teacup Poodle in day-to-day life is not too challenging. They do not have as many needs as other sizes of the Poodle breed. Food And Diet Because they are small dogs , their food needs are not huge. Experts recommend that you feed your Teacup Poodle approximately calories per day, which is the equivalent to approximately 1 cup of high quality dry kibble per day. You should try them on a diet that is specially formulated for toy sized breeds, so you are ensuring that they get the right nutrients. You can also reward them with treats when they exhibit good behavior, as well as fruit snacks. Exercise The Teacup Poodle does not have great exercise needs, because of their size. Despite this, they still need to be walked every day. Exercising your dog can be a great way to bond with them and increase mental stimulation, as well as allowing them to experience new sights and sounds. Experts recommend you take your Teacup Poodle for no more than a 30 minute short walk a day. It is best that you split the walk into three so they do not over exert themselves. This way you could take them in the morning, in the middle of the day and in the evening and you could vary the locations to give your dog new experiences. Your dog will also benefit from toys at home that will increase bonding time with you. Keep in mind that a Teacup Poodle has trouble keeping warm because of their small size. If you live in a colder area, your Teacup will benefit from a sweater or jacket to keep warm! Family Compatibility Poodles love humans and make great companions for everyone, including families. Because of their size, Teacup Poodles can fit into any home, whether you live in an apartment in the city of whether you live in a large house in the countryside. They love to be around you, so they are not well suited to a family that is going to be out for most of the day. That being said, they are extremely loving and a great lapdog — and small enough so you might be able to take them with you! The Teacup may feel intimidated when being held by small children and therefore get a little cranky. Fortunately, with early socialization, this can be fixed. Training Teacup Poodles are easy to train, which is another reason many people love these dogs. They are naturally intelligent which makes your life a lot easier, especially if you have never trained a dog before. Teacups want to learn and want to please and they respond well to positive reinforcement. This includes verbal praise and treats. You will also need to socialize them, especially because they are small. They need to be introduced to other people and animals from a young age so they learn how to interact. You should aim to do this twice a week. You should also clip their nails and brush their teeth. To help prevent dental decay and disease, daily brushing is the normally recommended. Teacup Poodles certainly do well in a family environment and love to be around people. They can feel intimidated when they are around small children, so it is not usually advised to house them with young children. However, this can be fixed with socialization. They can live in both small apartments or in big houses, as long as you give them enough love. How much do Teacup Poodles cost? They are expensive because they can be difficult to breed and there is normally only one or two puppies in a litter. If this is too expensive for you, you may find a Teacup Poodle at your local shelter who needs a home. Summary Teacup Poodles are an adorable, friendly and loving dog. Ensure that you give them the right amount of food, exercise them every day and play games with them and they will love you forever! Teacup Poodles love to be around people and can make the perfect family dog. They are not difficult to train and walking is minimal, so they make a great pet to everyone! What do you think — is a Teacup Poodle the right dog for you? Search Dog Breeds. I write this with the poodle breed in mind but have found it to pertain to other breeds that we have bred in the past. When finding yourself with a newborn litter its very important to keep a close eye on their weight every day to make sure they are gaining properly. If your puppy isnt gaining weight like they should then I suggest hand feeding and supplementing your puppy. You can find recipies for doing so on the previous page. If they gain a little more than that its ok. Some tiny ones are a bit slower to gain weight. The tinier the puppy usually this is anything under 4 oz I always supplement. Suggested weight gain for new born minaiture poodle puppies I like to see my miniature poodle puppies gain atleast an ounce per day up until the age of 4 weeks. Once again if they gain a little more than that its ok. Usually miniature poodle puppies are around oz at birth unless you have a very large litter. A large litter would be 8 or over. Anything under that oz and again I would supplement. Suggested weight gain in standard poodle puppies Where standards can have very large litters of up to 11 or more puppies you can get quite a variety of weight ranges. The smaller the litter the more likely the puppies are to be large at birth. Usually you will get puppies anywhere from 10 oz to over one lb. Its a general rule of thumb that a standard puppy should gain 1 lb per week. Many standard puppies will be one lb and one week, two lbs at two weeks, and so on. Dont worry if you have a smaller litter and they are a bit bigger than that. If you have a huge litter its a good idea to supplement the litter to help your bitch out. Feeding a large litter can deplete a bitch very quickly. Also if your puppies are smaller than 10 oz I would supplement. Me Betty with one of my red girls Dixie Email me:. Breeders have a pivotal role in helping them become small dogs with big personalities during the eight-week countdown from birth until going to new homes. These pups are more active, more exploratory, calmer, and less distracted when working. They should experience different textured surfaces, such as carpet, tile, grass, and concrete, and be desensitized to household sounds, such as a vacuum cleaner, mixer, television, and music. Maturing between 9 and 12 months of age, these breeds should be fed a complete and balanced growth food specially formulated for toy and small breed puppies for the first year. This requires energy, thus they need a food containing the right amount of the energy-supplying nutrients, such as protein, which will help support growing muscles and tissue development, and fat, which aids in palatability. Also, the smaller kibble size of toy and small breed puppy foods is easier for puppies to chew and encourages acceptability. Note that toy breed puppies should continue nursing until they are 6 to 8 weeks old, as these breeds do not have the enzymes necessary to produce glucose from the liver until they are older. Wean puppies by preparing a gruel mixture by grinding puppy food in a blender and then soaking it in warm water. Initially feed puppies the gruel mixture one time a day and then go to two times a day. In between feedings, puppies should have access to a dry feeder containing puppy food kibble. Establish a feeding routine as puppies get older to help keep the digestive system regular and make housetraining easier. Feed three to four equal-portioned meals a day, not exceeding their daily recommended intake, to help avoid juvenile or puppy hypoglycemia due to low glucose, or sugar, which results in weakness from not getting enough nutrients to meet energy needs. Toy breed puppies may need four to six meals a day. Do not supplement with additional minerals and vitamins if you feed a completed and balanced puppy or growth food, unless your veterinarian advises doing so. If you follow the food manufacturing guidelines on how much to feed based on the weight and age of the puppy, this is a great place to start. Consulting your veterinarian, you can then make adjustments as a puppy develops considering its weight gain and addressing any concerns that arise. The time and energy spent starting at day one in the whelping box until puppies leave with their new families is well worth the effort. Teacup and tiny toy poodles are still toy poodles, only smaller. There is no separate classification for them. Height: A puppy will grow at least 8cm more from the 8 week stage until maturity. Meaning a puppy that is 13cm tall at 8 weeks will be at least 21cm at adulthood. If you want a small not so tall teacup, make sure the puppy you are thinking of buying is no taller than 13cm at 8 weeks. Puppies may or may not grow very much between 8 and 12 weeks, depending on if they are in the teacup range or not. This is why we choose to keep our puppies until they are 10 to 12 weeks of age so we can better judge an approximate adult size. Weight: Teacup poodle puppies are born very small, they usually weigh between 70g and g at birth. Most puppies in a litter are born about the same size, give or take a bit. They may even grow and gain weight at the same rate as each other. It is impossible to tell what the adult size of a 2 to 3 week puppy will be. Parental genetics are a good indicator but not an absolute. We cannot be sure what its adult size will be until the puppy is at least 6 weeks of age and even then it is a guesstimate. We will have a much more accurate estimation when the puppy reaches 12 weeks of age. Teacups and tiny toy poodles are usually finished growing in height by 6 to 8 months but will still fill out a little more. We do our very best to estimate the adult size of our puppies based on previous litters if applicable , sizes of parents and their ancestors as well as the toy poodle growth chart shown above. Genetics is very complicated and recessive genes can come into play. Like humans, female puppies tend to be a similar size to their mother, whereas male puppies tend to be the same size as their father or grandfather.

Best healthy treats for training a German Shepherd dog Best healthy treats for training a German Shepherd dog: In this guide we will cover healthy human foods for treats when training German Shepherd dogs, some homemade recipes to make your own healthy treats and finally the best healthy food treats on the market. Best healthy human treats for training a German Shepherd dog: For a quick grab natural treat these dog friendly human foods are packed with nutritional health benefits: Apples: unseeded apple slices make a great natural treat for your German Shepherd. Win win. Salmon: The best part of salmon for dogs is the fatty skin. This is because it is full of omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 is great for your German Shepherds all-round health. Omega 3 will also help to make your dogs coat glossy, give them healthier skin which in turn can reduce skin allergies. So slice up some crispy salmon skins for an extra special treat. Eggs: slice some cooked eggs to reward your German Shepherd dog. Enriched with essential vitamins and minerals eggs make a great healthy treat from training your German Shepherd. Eggs are also a great source of easy to digest protein for your dog. Peanut butter: A spoonful of unsalted peanut butter make a great protein rich snack and watching your German Shepherd lick it up from the roof of their mouth is adorable. Pumpkin flesh and cooked pumpkin seeds: Falls seasonal superfood for your German Shepherd pumpkin is full of fibre and loaded with vitamins which promotes shiny coats. Pumpkin also works as a great natural remedy to settle upset stomachs in dogs. Pumpkin flesh can be served both raw and cooked. Seeds are better if you roast them and remove the skins, however in moderation dogs can have raw pumpkin seeds. Do not feed you dog pumpkin skin or a portion of the stem. Although they are not considered toxic, they are really hard for your dog to digest and can cause discomfort or blockages. Veggies: Fresh veg including Carrots, broccoli and green beans are a nutritious low calorie treat for your German Shepherd. Broccoli should only be given in small amounts to prevent upset stomach. Green beans are full of iron and vitamins typically they are considered safe to eat raw but some people recommend cooking first. Popcorn: Plain air popped corn helps to promote digestion and eye health. Popcorn makes a great low calorie treat for your German Shepherd dog but make sure to not give them any un-popped kernels. Chicken: Unseasoned cooked chicken is a great source of protein and fatty omega 6 acids. Omega 6 helps dogs to sustain super shiny coats and healthy skin. Make sure there is no bones before giving to your German Shepherd Dog. To make the two ingredients treats simply choose a flavour of pureed baby food, mix with organic whole wheat flour to form a stiff dough, roll out and either use a pizza cutter to cut it into cubes or if you want to be fancy use a cookie cutter. Place on a parchment lined baking tray and bake for around 15 mins. Frozen yoghurt and peanut butter treats: Another simple 2 ingredient recipe these yoghurt and peanut butter treats are great for a hot day. Simply get some plain, natural yoghurt from the fridge, stir in some peanut butter, pop into ice cube moulds and freeze. With ice cube mould only place a thin layer about 5cms deep to prevent a choke hazard. Alternatively, you can place in the bottom of cupcake papers or paper or plastic cups to create a flat disk-shaped treat. Instead of peanut butter you can also use mashed apple mixed with a little water. Simply mix organic flour, eggs and peanut butter together then add enough water to turn your mixture into a dough, roll it out and use either a cookie cutter or pizza cutter to make it into small bites and bake for 20 minutes. Sweet potato fries: The next time your making some sweet potato fries we recommend using this dog friendly recipe both you and your German shepherd can enjoy. Wash and peel your sweet potato, cut into strips, coat with coconut oil, cinnamon and turmeric, spread out evenly on a baking try and bake until crispy. All you need is oatmeal, a banana and peanut butter. Use a food processor or blender to grind the oats into a powder, mash the banana and peanut butter together and stir in the blended oats to create a dough. Roll out and use a cookie cutter. Place on a parchment lined shallow cooking tin and bake for around 15 minutes. Easy fall cookies: To make these pumpkin cookies your German Shepherd dog will love you need to place pumpkin, peanut butter and eggs into a food processor and blend together. Then gradually stir in whole wheat flour until the dough is no longer sticky. Knead the dough until smooth, roll out and cut into shapes and bake until slightly golden. Chicken and rice muffins: High in protein these chicken and rice muffins your German Shepherd is sure to love. Simply boil brown or wild rice. Once cooked mash the rice to make stodgy. Add diced or shredded chicken, a little flour, chopped parsley and an egg. Mix together until combined. Then spoon into a muffin tin and bake for about 25mins. Until slightly golden on top. Sweet potato and salmon bites: bake a sweet potato. Oil in a pan we use coconut oil stir together flour, eggs and salmon either cooked or tinned, remove any bones once the sweet potato has cooled enough to handle remove the skin and add the skinned potato to the mixture. Spread evenly in the oiled tray and place in the fridge. Once cooled slice into bite sized chunks. Frozen pupsicle pop: For a healthy ice pop for your German Shepherd simply blend bananas, Greek yoghurt, blueberries and beets. Add you your mould and use a carrot as the stick. Perfect for those warm days. E-mail Share by e-mail Every dog likes the occasional treat! Dog treats come in all shapes, sizes, and ingredients, and can be store-bought or homemade. Your dog will rarely say no to a treat, and if they do it may be a sign that they are unwell. German Shepherds are known to be predisposed to joint issues such as hip dysplasia, so keeping your German Shepherd at a healthy weight is important. Why are we using treats? Entertainment and motivation during a trening session are the most common reasons for giving a treat. Treats can be very motivating during training sessions, particularly because German Shepherds are so smart, they notice if there is no treat and can decide to stop listening. If using treats for training, you want to choose small, low-calorie treats that your dog enjoys eating. Treats can also have health benefits, such as dental chews. Dental treats that are VOHC certified are beneficial in reducing the rate of dental tartar buildup and can be used as part of a healthy diet to maintain good oral hygiene. Entertainment is another common reason for giving a treat, for example, if you need to go out and your dog will be left alone for a few hours, having a chew can keep your dog busy until you return. We strongly suggest against chews such as raw hides or pig ears as whilst cheap, can cause problems such as blockages in the intestines and tummy upsets. A chew toy smothered in peanut butter xylitol free or a thin layer of cream cheese would be a perfect alternative if looking for a homemade chew toy. Homemade vs store bought When making dog treats at home, you can control portion size and use flavors that your dog loves. Buying from the store offers a lot of conveniences, but homemade treats are easy to make and have the added benefit of no artificial preservatives or flavorings. You can control portion size and use flavors that your dog loves. There are many recipes that are easy to follow and free online with a little searching. After freezing your dog will enjoy a snack that lasts for a few hours whilst you are busy doing other things. Lickimats smeared with a layer of frozen yogurt and berries or other ingredients are another great treat your dog can enjoy at home to keep them entertained whilst you are working or out of the home. Store-bought treats If your puppy is still very young, be careful about the size of the treat since they tend to gulp down treats. Food allergies can make your dog quite unwell, so are best avoided if possible. Store-bought treats come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and calories. Try and look for lower calorie treats if you give lots of treats to your dog during the day. If your puppy is still very young, be careful about the size of the treat. Young puppies tend to gulp down treats and if the treat is large, it can be a choking hazard. Some of our favorite treats are: Greenies Dental chews. Peanut Butter Smart Sticks are a safe alternative to rawhide chews. They will keep your dog chewing busily for some time and are a tasty flavor. These snacks have around 50 calories per treat so only give occasionally. Stewart Pro Treat Beef liver Freeze dried dog treats. Particularly good if your puppy is already on a raw food diet. Its small bite size and low calorie per treat make this a good option for daily training activities. Dogswell hip and joint Jerky. With beef and chicken as flavor options, this treat is more than just a snack. Summary There are many treat options available for your German Shepherd Puppy. Choosing low-calorie, yet flavorsome treats will encourage your puppy to respond well to training commands. German Shepherds bond highly to their main handler or trainer so treats are often central to creating this strong bond. There will be the perfect dog treat out there for them that they will love! The best treats are low calorie, small in size, and tasty to your puppy- look for meat-based flavors to really get their enthusiasm up. Can German Shepherd puppies have treats? Yes, German Shepherd puppies can have treats as part of a balanced diet to help with training, and socialization and to keep them entertained around the home. Remember to reduce their main meal to account for the treat calories. What are good training treats for German Shepherds? Royal Canin Educ treats are low calorie, vitamin-packed and tasty and will help with training your German Shepherd. What treats do German Shepherds eat? A German Shepherd is not particularly fussy and will eat most treats offered, both store-bought and homemade. The trick is to find the treat your dog is crazy about which can take a little time to work out. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Instead, choose the best treat for your German Shepherd to keep them healthy. But if you try to buy the cheapest treats for your puppy, it will show in their attitude and behavior. Or worse… Cause them serious medical problems. This is especially true for growing German Shepherd puppies. No one wants their GSD to get sick from what they feed them! When choosing the best training treats for German Shepherd dogs and puppies: Read the label to make sure your puppy is the right age and size for any treat Ask your vet when in doubt! These healthy options listed below are not only good treats for German Shepherd puppies but are also full of nutrition. While they come in other flavors, my German Shepherd loves peanut butter, so these little treats rank high in her training! They smell so good, you might be tempted to treat yourself! These nugget-shaped peanut butter treats are a great reward for training young German Shepherd puppies. Find great prices! And you already know that your breed is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. So, why not offer your dog a treat that has the best natural ingredients for healthy joints? A tougher texture is a good chew treat for an adult German Shepherd, but puppies might have trouble With a drier texture, you might find them difficult to tear into smaller pieces for training. Drool from your dog—lots of drool! Every snack should contribute to their overall health and fitness. This is true for adult dogs, not just puppies. Stay away from:. To help, we created this handy list. Before you choose a treat, there are a few things to consider. How many treats will you be feeding? What is treat value? Treat value can be thought of as a paycheck. What will the treat be used for? You should use different treats for different reasons. For instance, you may want to carry a simple treat with you to reward your dog as you train throughout the day. The value of this treat will be determined by how hard the dog is working and how much treat it takes to get the job done. How many calories are in the treats? While this may not be as important for all dogs, it can be. How old and how healthy is the dog eating the treats? Picking age appropriate treats is important. Young, healthy dogs can get away with eating a large variety of treats. Meanwhile, puppies may have a more sensitive digestive system. Older dogs may need lower calories and lower fat treats. Dogs with allergies, sensitivities, and health problems will also need special treats. How to use training treats Training treats are used to reward dogs for good behavior. They can be used to lure dogs, mark desired behavior, and praise for a job well done. Plus, it makes them happy. You can carry treats with you to reward your dog throughout the day as well as use them in training. They can be used in obedience as well as when teaching tricks. They can be used to convince your dog to do a certain behavior lure when you ask them to. Whatever treats you choose, use single small bites for each reward. Praise or mark the behavior, then feed the treat. The Best Training Treats Here are our best suggestions for training treats. Puppy Treats Training puppies usually requires lots of treats so one of the best treats for puppies is their kibble. Simply carry a portion of their food with you and use it as a treat as you train them throughout the day. Other ideas for puppy training treats include: 1. Diamond Naturals Puppy Biscuits 3. Wellness Soft Puppy Bites 4. Blue Buffalo Baby Training Treats beef, chicken, salmon, turkey, lamb 5. Zukes Mini Naturals Treats liver, rabbit or chicken 2. Natural Balance Roll cut into small bites 4. Merrick Power Bites wide variety of protein options 5. Fruitables Skinny Mini Apple Bacon 2. Natural Balance Mini Rewards 3. Annamaet Lean, Reduced Fat Treats 4. Here are some options aside from home cooking: 1. Purina Pro Plan Gentle Snackers 2. RX Canned Food 3. Matties Kidney Disease Dog Treats 4. Royal Canin RX treats for different health problems 5. Hills Rx treats for different health problems Dog Food That Works Great As Treats: Using high value dog food as treats can save you a lot of money because it comes in larger packages. Here are some of our favorites: 1. Stella and Chewy Wild Weenies broken into bites 3. Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters 4. Primal Freeze Dried Nuggets 5. Try these: 1. Boiled chicken. These high-protein treats are slowly dried in the oven, which retains their nutritional value and allows them to taste super tasty. They can be fed whole, or you can break them into smaller pieces. Top Features: No artificial flavors, preservatives, or animal by-products. Contain glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy bones and joints. Slowly oven-dried for extra nutritional value. No corn, wheat, soy, or other fillers. Best Dental Treats for German Shepherds We all need to look after our teeth, and that includes our dogs! Occasionally I like to give my GSD a dental treat which helps to keep her teeth and gums healthy. Look at her in the above photo waiting patiently and licking her lips! Dentastix is one of the best dental treats for German Shepherds as they are specially designed to clean teeth as your dog chews due to their unique X shape. Buy on Amazon Vets recommend Dentastix, and there are thousands of top reviews on Amazon. You can give these dental treats daily. However, I give my girl one around every two to three days as I like to vary her range of treats. They are not suitable for puppies under four months old. Low in fat and no added sugar. No artificial colors or flavors. Various flavors from original, beef, bacon, and minty fresh. They have a chewy texture and are made with nutritional and easily digestible ingredients. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site s , as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. These dental chews are vet-approved and score very high on Amazon, where you can find thousands of positive reviews from happy dog owners. They are not suitable for puppies under 6 months old. Top Features: The unique texture cleans down to the gum line to fight plaque and tartar. Freshens bad dog breath. Made with natural ingredients plus vitamins and minerals. Grain-free option and weight management option. Flavors include original, blueberry, and fresh. They love to explore the world with their mouths, and it helps keep their teeth clean and jaws strong. Most German Shepherd owners tend to give their pets a toy to chew rather than an edible treat, but I like to vary it and do both! Here are my preferred chew treats for German Shepherds. They are both highly rated on Amazon, with tons of satisfied customers: Best Bully Sticks Downtown Pet Supply Bully Sticks are a long-lasting chew that makes an excellent alternative to chemically processed rawhide. If the smell gets too much for you, there is an odor-free range! If your German Shepherd is a power chewer, he will really enjoy these as they will keep him entertained for a good while and satisfy his desire to chew. Long-lasting healthy chews. Promotes dental health through chewing. Odor-free variety. Thin, regular, and jumbo widths are available. Choose either the 6-inch or inch length. They are made with just one ingredient — dehydrated codfish skins that have a thin and crispy texture. Buy on Amazon These healthy, chewy treats also help to clean teeth and gums and make a great snack anytime. If your German Shepherd is a gulper, you can easily cut the fish treats using scissors. The Honest Kitchen offers a range of human-grade products that contain quality ingredients. Top Features: Healthy chews with moderate chew time. Natural source of Omega 3 fatty acids. Supports healthy teeth and gums. Made in the USA. Best Calming Treats for German Shepherds German Shepherds are a very affectionate breed and are prone to suffering from separation anxiety, and like other dogs, they may also suffer from other forms of stress. Examples of these could be being exposed to loud noises such as thunder or fireworks, car journeys, or even trips to the vet. In situations like these, you may wish to try calming treats as an alternative to prescribed medication. They contain natural ingredients such as herbs, vitamins, melatonin, tryptophan, or hemp oil. They contain all-natural and organic ingredients to help your German Shepherd feel calm in stressful situations. Puppy Treat Type You may opt to get more than one type of treat for your puppy—in fact, you may have two or three types around your house. For example, while soft and meaty reward bites work well for training, you may also have a box of dog biscuits for daily treats or a dog chew for keeping your puppy occupied. Crunchy Treats These come in the form of biscuits, in a variety of shapes and sizes. When buying a dog biscuit, check the ingredients list to make sure there are no low-quality ingredients, such as meat by-products, artificial ingredients, or sugar. Puppies usually find them delicious, so they can be used instantly to reinforce good behavior. That said, these chews are not a substitute for tooth brushing—rather, they complement a good oral hygiene routine. Long-lasting Chews Long-lasting chews are great for keeping your puppy occupied for a short time. Long-lasting dog chews can help alleviate anxiety and stress too. Some chews are specially formulated for teething puppies. These tasty meaty treats will help you train your clever German Shepherd, while supplementing their diet with DHA and omega.Whether you opt for soft and tasty meat bites, dog biscuits, chews, or all three—we hope that our reviews help you find the perfect treat for your puppy! With a background in gardening and photography, and interests including hiking and amateur astronomy, her busy schedule means she enjoys the finer aspects of life, such as drinking coffee and snuggling with her cat on a crisp morning while blazing a trail across the keyboard. As humans, we snack in between meals. Treats are the snacks your dog will eat between meals. Making sure your dog has healthy and delicious treats to eat for snacks is important for their overall health. This article will narrow down the best treats for German Shepherds. Things to consider when buying dog treats? How healthy are they? We all want our dogs to be healthy and happy right? Of course, so make sure you are selecting a healthy dog treat for your GSD. Healthy dog treats for German Shepherds are typically made of natural ingredients and contain a good amount of protein. Just like you want to avoid dog food with a bunch of ingredients that are artificial, the same goes for dog treats. Purpose for treating Are these treats for training or just for an occasional snack around the house between meals? Think about the when and why you give treats to your dog, and then buy treats to fit that purpose. Consider what type of foods your dog loves when selecting their treat. For example, my girl really loves peanut butter, so I know any treat with peanut butter will be a hit! These treats are soft and small in size which is exactly what you want for training your new puppy, or even an older dog. Zukes treats are healthy and natural with real meat being the first and main ingredient. There are no artificial flavors and these treats are made in the USA. As an added bonus there are six different flavors to choose from: Chicken, duck, peanut butter, pork, rabbit and salmon. What I Love:.

Please keep in mind that these are estimates to give you a general idea of how tall your French Bulldog puppy will be. At what age is a French Bulldog fully grown? A French Bulldog will reach close to their full weight around eight to twelve months old and maximum height around nine to twelve months of age. French Bulldogs will continue to slowly fill out anywhere between nine to fifteen months of age. They are considered fully grown around 12 to 14 months old, but may continue to put on muscle until they are two years old. How big should a 6-month-old French Bulldog be? A male French Bulldog will weigh between 17 and 22 pounds at six months old and have an average weight of .A six-month-old female French Bulldog will weigh between 13 and 20 pounds with an average weight of 17 pounds. Both male and female French Bulldogs will stand around seven to nine inches on average. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. French Bulldogs usually reach their full height when they are between nine and twelve months old. As short dogs, French Bulldogs barely double in height from three months of age to 1 year old. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, this is a telltale sign that they are still growing! What is the size of a full-grown French Bulldog? Most female French Bulldogs will weigh about 17 to 24 pounds, while male French Bulldogs weigh about 20 to 28 pounds. Both male and female French Bulldogs will stand 11 to 13 inches tall and have a muscular, heavy-boned build. How do I make sure my French Bulldog is healthy? As a purebred dog breed, French Bulldogs are more prone to genetic health problems. In particular, French Bulldogs are predisposed to skin problems, ear infections, diarrhea, eye problems, spinal injury and respiratory distress caused by their brachycephalic syndrome. Brachycephalic syndrome causes them to have a flat nose and shorter esophagus, creating a heightened risk of breathing problems. The Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that about half of French Bulldogs have significant breathing problems and .In addition to this, French Bulldogs are prone to obesity , which can lead to type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, disc disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, and further respiratory issues. Pro Tip: Compare pet insurance plans to save on veterinary expenses and ensure that the cost of care never interferes with the essential treatment your pet deserves. Most French Bulldogs do well with a leisurely walk or active playtime. Be careful with taking your French Bulldog out in hot weather though as their brachycephalic syndrome makes them prone to overheating and heat stroke. As a general rule temperatures over 80 degrees should be avoided for French Bulldogs. As loving pet parents, we never want to think the worst could happen to our furbaby. However, we must prepare for both everyday costs, like vaccinations and veterinarian appointments, and emergencies. Dog Insurance is here to help you with emergency costs, as well as expected costs like veterinarian care see the wellness options many pet insurance plans offer. Only .Pet insurance can help you provide your pup with quality routine and emergency care. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Key Takeaways On average, French Bulldogs weigh between pounds at age one, with inches in height. French Bulldogs stop growing around months old, so pet owners should be mindful of weight gain after their first birthday. As a breed, French Bulldogs are exceptionally prone to obesity, which can worsen breathing problems and lead to a number of secondary health concerns. Use our French Bulldog growth chart to monitor your puppy's weight and ensure they stay within a healthy range. Pet insurance promotes positive veterinary care and offsets the cost of services should your Frenchie get sick or injured at any point in life. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic French Bulldog Overview Bat-eared but oddly beautiful, the French Bulldog has a unique appeal. Aesthetically, other breeds undeniably are more glamorous and showy, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder and what many behold in the French Bulldog are the attributes that make this breed one of the best companion dogs in the world today. The French Bulldog is small but substantial in build with a powerful muscular body. He sports a short easy-care coat to accompany his easygoing personality. The Frenchie likes to play, but he also enjoys spending his days relaxing on the sofa. That love of play and relaxed attitude carry over into their training sessions. French Bulldogs are intelligent, and training them is easy as long as you make it seem like a game and keep it fun. They are free thinkers and are not an ideal breed for competing in obedience or agility although some have risen to the challenge. This freethinking approach can also lead to a stubborn nature, and if they decide to dig in their heels there is no budging them. Frenchies are loving companions who thrive on human contact. If you want an outdoor dog who can be left alone for long periods, the Frenchie is not the breed for you. This is a dog who enjoys lavishing love on his human companions as much as he loves the same treatment in return. They generally get along well with everyone, including children. They can, however, be territorial and possessive of their people, especially in the presence of other dogs. Socialization is a must for this breed, but with their easy companionship this is an enjoyable task. With a nature that is both humorous and mischievous, the French Bulldog needs to live with someone who is consistent, firm, and patient with all the antics and idiosyncrasies that make him both frustrating and delightful. They can be protective of their home and family and some will try to defend both with their life. French Bulldogs do not need a lot of room and do very well in apartments or small dwellings. A couple of minute walks per day should keep them from becoming overweight. Keep the Frenchie in cool, comfortable surroundings. This is not a dog who can stay outside on a hot day. French Bulldogs are wonderful companion dogs with a gentle nature. If you work at home, the Frenchie is happy to lie at your feet all day or follow you from room to room. French Bulldog Highlights Friendly and playful: French Bulldogs are known for their friendly and playful personality. They love to cuddle and play fetch. Low-maintenance: French Bulldogs are relatively low-maintenance dogs. They only require moderate exercise and grooming. Good with children: French Bulldogs are good with children and other pets. They make great family dogs. Intelligent: French Bulldogs are intelligent dogs and can be easily trained. Adaptable: French Bulldogs can adapt to different living conditions. They are a good choice for apartment dwellers or people with active lifestyles. Healthy: French Bulldogs are generally healthy dogs, but they are prone to some health problems, such as brachycephalic airway syndrome and cherry eye. Overall, French Bulldogs are great dogs for people of all ages and lifestyles. They are friendly, playful, and low-maintenance, making them a perfect addition to any family. They were originally bred to be bull-baiting dogs, but this practice was outlawed in England in .French Bulldogs were then imported to France where they became popular as companion dogs. In France, French Bulldogs were often kept by lacemakers and other artisans who worked in small shops. The dogs were prized for their gentle nature and their ability to adapt to cramped living quarters. French Bulldogs also became popular with the French upper class, and they were often depicted in paintings and sculptures. French Bulldogs were first brought to the United States in the late s, and they quickly became popular with American families. The dogs were known for their friendly and playful personality, and they made great companions for children. French Bulldogs also became popular with celebrities, and they were often featured in movies and television shows. Today, French Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They are known for their friendly and playful personality, their low-maintenance coat, and their adaptability to different living conditions. French Bulldogs make great companions for people of all ages and lifestyles. The French Bulldog thrived in France and Europe, and his charm was soon discovered by Americans as well. Males weigh 20 to 28 pounds, females 16 to 24 pounds. French Bulldog Personality This is a smart, loving dog who wants and needs to spend lots of time with his people. Hip dysplasia can exist with or without clinical signs. Some dogs exhibit pain and lameness on one or both rear legs. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Ask the breeder for proof that the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and found to be free of problems. Brachycephalic Syndrome : This disorder is found in dogs with short heads, narrowed nostrils, or elongated or soft palates. Their airways are obstructed to varying degrees and can cause anything from noisy or labored breathing to total collapse of the airway. Dogs with brachycephalic syndrome commonly snuffle and snort. Treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition but includes oxygen therapy as well as surgery to widen nostrils or shorten palates. Allergies: Allergies are a common problem in dogs. The medication for inhalant allergies depends on the severity of the allergy. It is important to note that ear infections often accompany inhalant allergies. Hemivertebrae: This is a malformation of one or more vertebrae that causes it to be shaped like a wedge or triangle. This malformation can occur on its own or with other vertebrae malformations. Hemivertebra can cause no problems, or it can put pressure on the spinal cord. This can lead to pain, weakness, and or paralysis. There is no treatment for the condition unless there is spinal cord pressure. It is caused when the patella, which has three parts — the femur thigh bone , patella knee cap , and tibia calf — is not properly lined up and slips in and out of place luxates. This causes lameness or an abnormal gait the way the dog moves. The rubbing caused by patellar luxation can lead to arthritis, a degenerative joint disease. There are four grades of patellar luxation ranging from grade I, an occasional luxation causing temporary lameness in the joint, to grade IV, in which the turning of the tibia is severe and the patella cannot be realigned manually. This gives the dog a bowlegged appearance. Severe grades of patellar luxation may require surgical repair. When the disc pushes into the spinal cord, nerve transmissions are inhibited from traveling along the spinal cord. Intervertebral Disc Disease can be caused by trauma, age, or simply from the physical jolt that occurs when a dog jumps off a sofa. When the disc ruptures, the dog usually feels pain and the ruptured disc can lead to weakness and temporary or permanent paralysis. In some cases surgery can help, but it must be done within a day or so of the injury. You may also want to ask your veterinarian about physical rehabilitation. Treatments such as massage, water treadmills and electrical stimulation are available for dogs and can have excellent success. It affects the clotting process due to the reduction of von Willebrand factor in the blood. Occasionally blood is found in the stool. This disorder is usually diagnosed in your dog between the ages of 3 and 5 and cannot be cured. However, it can be managed with treatments that include cauterizing or suturing injuries, transfusions of the von Willebrand factor before surgery, and avoiding certain medications. Cleft Palate : The palate is the roof of the mouth and separates the nasal and oral cavities. It is made up of two parts, hard and soft. A cleft palate has a slit that runs bilaterally or unilaterally and can range in size from a small hole to a large slit. A cleft palate can affect both the hard and soft palate separately and together and may cause a cleft lip. Puppies can be born with cleft palates, or a cleft palate can occur from an injury. Cleft palates are fairly common in dogs, but many puppies born with a cleft palate do not survive or are euthanized by the breeder. The only treatment for a cleft palate is surgery to close the hole, although not all dogs with a cleft palate require the surgery. It is important to get a diagnosis and treatment recommendation from your veterinarian. Elongated Soft Palate: The soft palate is the extension of the roof of the mouth. When the soft palate is elongated, it can obstruct airways and cause difficulty in breathing. The treatment for Elongated Soft Palate is surgical removal of the excess palate. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Regardless of how healthy your dog is when you first bring them home, you should prepare for any issues that may come up throughout their life. French Bulldog Care French Bulldogs do not need a lot of exercise. They have fairly low energy levels, although there are exceptions to every rule. To keep their weight down, however, they need daily exercise through short walks or play times in the yard. Many French Bulldogs enjoy playing and will spend much of their time in various activities, but they are not so high energy that they need a large yard or long periods of exercise. This breed is prone to heat exhaustion and should not be exercised in hot temperatures. Limit walks and active play to cool mornings and evenings. When training a French Bulldog, take into account that although they are intelligent and usually eager to please, they are also free thinkers. That means they can be stubborn. It is important to crate train your French Bulldog puppy even if you plan to give him the freedom of the house when he reaches adulthood. French Bulldog Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1 to 1. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. For more on feeding your Frenchie, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. The skin is loose and wrinkled, especially at the head and shoulders, and has a soft texture. French Bulldogs come in a variety of colors, including fawn, cream, various shades of brindle — a coat patterned with specks and streaks of light and dark markings — such as black brindle and the striking tiger brindle, and brindle and white, known as brindle pied. French Bulldogs can be any color except solid black, liver a solid reddish-brown with brown pigmentation on the lips and nose , mouse a light steely gray , and black with white or tan. Run from any breeder who tells you that a particular color is rare and thus worth more money. Having your heart set on a fawn female is a recipe for disappointment when the litter contains only cream and brindle males. French Bulldogs are fairly easy to groom and need only an occasional brushing to keep their coat healthy. They are average shedders. Begin grooming your Frenchie at a young age and teach your puppy to stand on a table or floor to make this experience easier on both of you. When you are grooming your Frenchie at any stage of life, take the time to check for any scabs, skin lesions, bare spots, rough, flaky skin, or signs of infections. You should also check ears, eyes and teeth for any discharge or bad smells. Both are signs that your Frenchie may need to see the veterinarian. Clean ears regularly with a damp warm cloth and run a cotton swab around the edge of the canal. Never stick the cotton swab into the actual ear canal. If the edges of the ears are dry, apply mineral or baby oil sparingly. The oil can also be used on a dry nose. French Bulldogs do not naturally wear their nails down and will need their nails trimmed regularly. This prevents splitting and tearing, which can be painful for the dog. Keep the facial wrinkles clean and dry to prevent bacterial infections. Whenever you bathe your dog, take the time to thoroughly dry the skin between the folds. Bathe your French Bulldog monthly or as needed, and use a high-quality dog shampoo to keep the natural oils in his skin and coat. French Bulldogs should be easy to groom, and with proper training and positive experiences during puppyhood, grooming can be a wonderful bonding time for you and your Frenchie. That said, no dog should ever be left alone with a young child. When they are socialized to them during puppyhood, Frenchies can get along well with other dogs and cats. French Bulldog Rescue Groups French Bulldogs are often acquired without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one, and these dogs often end up in the care of rescue groups, in need of adoption or fostering. All dogs will need veterinary care at some point in their lives. French Bulldog Breed Organizations Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have health problems and behavioral issues. Below are breed clubs, organizations, and associations where you can find additional information about the French Bulldog. Ideally they need owners around all day. Common health problems in French Bulldogs French Bulldogs are playful and fun-loving dogs who love spending time with their owners. Sadly, like so many other purebred dogs, they are at risk of certain conditions relating to their breed. If you are thinking of buying a French Bulldog puppy , make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by certain conditions. Frenchies are a flat-faced breed, which can often cause breathing problems and means they overheat quickly especially when they exercise in warmer weather. Some of the conditions Frenchies may develop include: Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS — this can cause severe breathing problems and is caused by their shorter faces. Parents should be screened before breeding. Luxating patellas — where the kneecaps slipping temporarily out of place. Dental problems — shorter faced dogs often have crowded teeth with can cause dental problems. A range of eye problems, including cataracts there is screening for this. Back problems such as Intervertebral disc disease — where the discs that provide cushioning between the vertebrae back bones bulge or burst, pressing on nerves in the spine. Skin conditions — particularly skin fold dermatitis where the skin in their wrinkles gets inflamed and sore or even infected. Hyperuricosuria — a condition where stones or crystals can form in urine causing infections, difficulty passing urine or blood in urine. If you want to minimise the risk of your dog getting problems due to exaggerated features, you can read our advice on choosing a pedigree dog. Caring for your French Bulldog Frenchies are loving dogs, known for being quite laid-back and happy to fit in with family life. French Bulldogs can be lower maintenance because they tend to prefer shorter walks, but they definitely have huge characters and personalities and will do anything for a bit of fuss and attention! French Bulldogs and barking As with any breed, your Frenchie is likely to make noise. How much they make is completely down to the individual, their training and personality. Training and socialisation French Bulldogs are eager to please their owners which can make them easy to train, but are also known to be strong-willed at times. They are a sensitive breed, so respond best to positive, reward-based training which needs to be started from an early age. This will help them grow into confident adults and help their laid-back nature shine through. They thrive off company and so could develop separation anxiety if left alone. Exercise Although Frenchies are thought to be less high maintenance than some breeds when it comes to exercise, they still love to keep busy and exercising is a huge part of that. Your French Bulldog will need up to an hour of exercise every day. This should be split into a few shorter walks, with time to play off-lead in a secure area and have a good sniff around. As a flat-faced breed, French Bulldogs can overheat and struggle to breathe really quickly, especially in warmer weather. Make sure you can recognise the signs of heatstroke in your dog. Early mornings and later in the evenings would be better times to go for a walk in the summer. Due to the extra rolls of skin around their face, French Bulldogs are at risk of developing something called skin fold dermatitis. You can clean them with damp cotton wool pads but always make sure to dry them thoroughly after. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate French Bulldogs and children Frenchies are known for being pretty laid back and adaptable, so they tend to get along well with children of all ages which makes them popular family pets. Always supervise your dog with children and vulnerable adults. French Bulldogs do have a high prey drive. If they have grown up with a cat in the home, they will be fine with that cat but are likely to chase unfamiliar cats and smaller pets. You should always supervise your dog with family pets and introduce them slowly from a young age. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your Frenchie should be eating. You should feed them a good quality, commercially available, complete dog food. We usually recommend splitting their daily allowance into two meals. If you give your dog the occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily allowance. Flat-faced breeds such as Frenchies can suffer from reflux or struggle to swallow their food. Speak to your vet for more information about how to manage this at home. Try to feed your dog at similar times every day as they like routine. Remember to leave a gap between eating and exercising. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. These breeders must do extra health tests and meet higher standards. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around six months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. PDSA Pet Insurance Fun facts An early version of the breed were used by lace makers in the UK shortly before the industrial revolution to warm their laps while they worked. French Bulldogs are known for their big, bat-like ears. They are lovable dogs who fit easily into family life, but come with a lot of extra responsibility and potentially higher healthcare costs. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a French Bulldog. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in French Bulldogs are also out there. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary screening tests, health checks and vaccinations.

Should a French Bulldog Mix take after their Frenchie parent, they will be a small companion breed that bonds closely with their families. They tend to have an energetic, playful personality and love nothing more than being with their favorite humans. French Bulldogs tend to be friendly, playful, and affectionate dogs that get along with just about everyone. They tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets. They will even warm up quickly to strangers as long as they have been properly socialized. If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you should be able to expect the same from a French Bulldog Mix. You can also meet the mother in person to see what her temperament is like and the behavior she is modeling for the puppies. The breeder should have started some training and socialization, but it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home. Frenchies are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in apartments as well as larger homes. However, as a brachycephalic breed, they are extra sensitive to heat and also sensitive to the cold. They also do not like being left alone for long periods of time. If the other parent breed is similar, then you can expect a Frenchie Mix to also be a highly adaptable dog. The other parent will introduce their own traits and some potential quirks, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. They could inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, or they could inherit some or all of them. They can also be prone to allergies, have sensitive skin, and also a sensitive stomach. Good breeding practices will make a huge difference. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. Although French Bulldogs can sometimes be stubborn, they are eager to please and tend to be easy to train. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive praise and reward, they can be a good fit for owners of all experience levels. If the other parent breed is also easy to train, then you can expect a French Bulldog Mix to be highly trainable as well. Regardless of owner experience, there are many benefits of puppy training classes. A mixed-breed dog can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is a mix of both. You will also need to clean their facial wrinkles. Weekly ear checks with cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, a Frenchie Mix is more prone to developing dental diseases later in life. This makes good, consistent dental care for dogs even more important for them. Daily brushing with a dog-friendly toothpaste or using an enzyme toothpaste paired with cleanings at the vet when needed is ideal. Frenchies are known couch potato dogs that are happy to lay back, relax, and cuddle with you. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for this affectionate little dog. Even though they like to relax, they also like to play and will be energetic when they do. They can also be athletic and compete in dog sports. As a brachycephalic breed, you do need to be careful of overexertion and overheating. But, there are plenty of ways to safely exercise flat-faced dogs to make sure your French Bulldog Mix gets enough exercise. If the other parent breed is also a low-energy breed, then you can expect something similar from a Frenchie Mix. If the other parent breed requires more activity, then you will need to be prepared for the potential of a higher energy dog. Fully-grown Frenchies usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother, so make sure you ask the breeder about them. This can give you some idea of what size to expect in a fully-grown French Bulldog Mix. French Bulldogs generally live for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span in a French Bulldog Mix. Featured French Bulldog Mix Article. Beautiful Pug Puppies for Sale. The breed's amiable and loving nature is one of the biggest reasons that Pugs are one of the most popular breeds today. Slide into their DMs and ask about their breeder. What level of grooming do Pugs require? Are you thinking about getting a Pug puppy? Want to know what Pug breeders are near you? Finding breeders located throughout the US, can be challenging, so we sat down and did the research of finding as many Pug breeders near you! Below you'll find breeders throughout the United States. Male Available Reserved 3 puppies available We offer loving pugs always focused on health and temperament. History: The Pug is one of the oldest breeds of dogs that is still around today. The price will vary depending on the breeder and location and the dog's bloodline, color, and age, among other things. Brindle sister and brother pair. Originating in China to be a pampered and cherished pet, your new Pug would do just that. Pug For Sale in Michigan .You can adopt a Pug at a much lower cost than buying one from a breeder. Cheap pugs also can be found in pet stores and through online classified ads, but this can be a risky way to find them. Photos and contact info on Advertigo website. We own both parents and they can be viewed. Female and male pups! Ready to go home on Halloween!!! If you're looking for a Pug, Adopt a Pet can help you find one near you. Pugs are pregnant for an average of 63 days, according to Pet Pug Dog; however, a normal pug pregnancy can last anywhere from 60 to 65 days. Petfinder Petfinder is one of the biggest adoption websites. While most Pugs come in one of several colors—several varieties of fawn and solid black Pug puppies—puppy Pug mixes can come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and even temperaments. One of the safest places to find inexpensive pugs is an animal shelter or rescue group. Contact xxx for quick meet up arrangement. Find your Pug puppy for sale Puppies. The price of a Pug for sale in Phoenix can be different depending on many factors, including the experience level or location of the company or breeder that you choose. I just wanted you all to see my nice cake. Their distinctive expression is soft and solicitous. He will come with first vaccinations, dewormed and vet checked. Current vaccinations and year health guar… more. Pug puppies San Diego are a member of the toy breed group and they can get from ten to eleven inches in height and they typically weigh anywhere from fourteen to eighteen pounds. Grab a Pug dog for sale and you won't regret it! Pugs eat a typical dog diet of proteins, healthy fats and carbohydrates. In contrast, buying Pugs from breeders can be prohibitively expensive. Size: inches tall, lbs. I am not a breeder male pup climed the gate mom is a Frug C puppies born by C section. Pug For Sale in Tennessee .Pug Puppies for Sale in OH. Very playful good with other pets. Purebred AKC registered Pug puppies for sale. Pugs for Sale in St Louis. They wrestle with each other tug at toys together. Since , we have been rearing adorable Pug Puppies for our family. Pug mix puppies and designer breeds like the Daugle and Pom-A-Pug are all the rage these days, and provide even more variety when choosing your ideal Pug pup. Square-proportioned, compact and of a stocky build, the Pug is a large dog in a little space. All About the Pug Dog Breed. Deposits are required to hold your pug until pick up day. Their forehead has large, deep wrinkles. Cash or Money order pick up in person. He is up to date on his shots and dewormings. Born March 11th easting softend food using potty pads. Pug For Sale in Louisiana .Pug puppies San Diego are a member of the toy breed group and they can get from ten to eleven inches in height and they typically weigh anywhere from fourteen to eighteen. Buy pug puppies near me now. Good Dog helps you find the Pug puppy of your dreams by making it easy to discover Pug puppies for sale near you. Pug puppies for sale What can I expect to pay for a Pug puppy near me? The price will vary depending on the breeder and. Her and my other dog do not get along and I have tried everything to fix the problem. Oft-called the Pug Dog or Chinese Pug and said to be "multum in parvo," the sturdy toy companion has an adorable wrinkly-muzzled face, and curly tail in silver, black or fawn, and black. Capone: Pug mix, neutered male, 10 years old and weighing 18 lbs. Pug paws ready for home. Black Brindle Females and Fawn Tan males. Can possibly meet for an additional fee. If you only want to find the best ways to buy a Pug puppy from a breeder, scroll down to the next chapter. If you want an affectionate companion that resembles a monkey with its impish looks and childish pranks, you cannot overlook the Pug. Pug Puppies for Sale in Arkansas. We guarantee health and percent happiness. No puppies where found matching your criteria. Their gait is strong and jaunty, but with a slight roll of the hindquarters. They will be 8 weeks old on May 12th. Pugs that are pregnant for longer than 67 days need medical attention. And now you know our Aww-B-Cs! The pug lover and cartoonist at Bah Humpug drew this complete, adorable pub alphabet. These pups have been loved around the world for their charming, loving, and curious personalities. Baby pugs available for sale carla mavr. There are also puppy specific factors that come into play with Pug for sale Phoenix such as gender, temperament and color. They grow up to 20 pounds 10 inches, and their coat comes in black, silver or fawn with black markings. I have 1 black male pug named Joey and 1 female black pug named Zoey. Even though they are small, they are also known to be sturdy so you don't have to worry about playing with them! Felix - Pug Puppy for Sale in. Dog Group: Toy. The American expat husband and wife team that own The Smoking Pug have quickly amassed a. History: The Puggle is a designer dog that's a cross between a Beagle and a Pug. Pug Puppies for Sale in PA. Puppies ready for placement: June 19, 5 females. Their coat is fine, smooth, and short. Use the search tool below and browse adoptable Pugs! Pugs for Sale in Colorado Springs. They are almost ready for their forever home. Raised in our home with lots of daily devotion and love. Tags: Pug Puppy Puppies Sale. Learn care tips about your pug dog, including the pug life span and pug health problems. Fully-grown Pugs are usually inches tall and weigh pounds. Celebrating 26 years of showing quality, genetically health-tested champion pugs with wonderful temperaments. Pug Puppies for Sale Near Me. Well socialized with children, adults and other animals. She will play with others and very much enjoys it too. Buy Now Beautiful Pug puppies Beautiful fawn and black Pug puppies available with super sweet, lovely personalities. Find your Pug puppy for sale. The second picture is of all 3 of the pups. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother. Consult your local veterinarian; 4. Their search engine is also powerful, making your research a straightforward process. I have male and female pugs puppies available for sale,they are very playful dogs, good w. They have thousands of dogs available for adoption at any time. Pug Puppies for Sale in Kentucky. If you already have too many dogs, you might not want to look at these cute pug pictures, because you're definitely going to want to get one. BuzzFeed Contributor I mean, uh, knew it all along Keep up with the latest daily bu. Unlike most designer breeds whose origins are unclear, the Puggle's history is actually well. Contact today for more information 7 3 2 4 3 6 7 .Pug puppies for sale from trusted breeders. I'm not sure anymore! The first picture is of the female. Her mom is white and dad is fawn. Finding breeders located throughout the US, can be challenging, They are ideal house dogs good in the. Hundreds of abandoned and abused dogs are surrendered so there might be a chance for you to find a French Bulldog Pug here. Brush the hair with firm bristles at least once a week to get rid of dead hairs. You can use a wet cloth to wipe off a speck of dirt or bathe your dog entirely if he becomes all grubby and grimy. Always see to it that the creases on the face are thoroughly dried up to prevent any infection. Clean both ears and trim their nails regularly. French Bulldog Pugs Health Problems It is typical for hybrids like the Pug and French bulldog Combination to inherit the health condition that has afflicted the parent breed. Being born hale and hearty is not always a guarantee that they will not develop the same problem. Screening tests are now available to help breeders determine which dog to breed. Ultimately, you need to be conscious and be able to recognize the signs for these illnesses. Glaucoma is caused by high pressure that builds up in the eye. This may impair the optic nerve and can result in total blindness. It usually starts with just one eye and can progress into the other. Cataracts affect the lens of the eyes, making them dense and opaque. The most common cause is genetic. Diabetic dogs are more vulnerable and prone to develop this disease. Eye injury and infection are also common causes. Allergies or allergic reaction whether from food or the season may be in progress if you notice an increase in scratching, licking, and chewing. Antihistamines usually work wonders. Atopic Dermatitis is a chronic skin disease related to allergies. Like most allergies, the signs include itching, scratching, rubbing, and licking, especially around the face, paws, and underarms. Entropion is when the eyelashes, including the skin around the eye, have direct contact with the cornea. This condition is either congenital caused by an anatomic defect or acquired as a result of trauma. Dogs with dislocated kneecaps exhibit prolonged and abnormal movement of the hindlimb. You may find them occasionally skipping or limping. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome is characterized by elongated soft palate, stenotic nares, everted Laryngeal Saccules. Brachycephalic dogs like the French bulldog and Pug mix, often have difficulty breathing and may have respiratory problems. Health issues may affect their quality of life. Therefore, it is your responsibility to look after the welfare of your Pug French bulldog. It is essential that you limit activities that may lead to excessive physical exertion. Keep in mind that these mongrels are also unable to swim so try to keep them away from pools or puddles. Exposure to direct sunlight and excessive heat can make them susceptible to illnesses so make sure that you monitor their temperature. Pug French Bulldog Food Requirements Your primary goal is to properly nourish your French Bulldog Pug, so you may want to give him only the best food brands available in the market. They could do with approximately one and a half to two cups of dry dog food in a single day. Measuring the amount of food you serve and monitoring how much he eats are highly recommended. Find products that they will also enjoy eating. Canidae Grain Free Pure Foundations Puppy Formula Canidae Grain Free Pure Foundations Puppy Formula contains omega-3 and 6 fatty acids to support supple skin and a beautiful coat, antioxidants for a healthy immune system, and probiotics to assist in proper digestion. It is free from any artificial ingredients, by-products or fillers. It is also rich in antioxidants, Omega fatty acids, probiotics and more. It has DHA that promotes optimum brain development and probiotics that aids digestion. It also has omega-3 fish oils, vitamins, and minerals. It has no additives and harmful chemicals; VeRUS provides ample nourishment for a growing dog. It is one of the most popular natural dog foods in the market. It is totally free of grain and corn, wheat and soy which makes it easy to digest and definitely safe for dogs with sensitive stomachs. With percent which is by far the highest animal-based protein compared to other dog food, Nulo does not use by-products or any other food derivatives. Their recipe is free of artificial flavors and colors, and preservatives. With no common allergens added, this dog food is an excellent choice for Pug and French bulldog combination with sensitive stomachs and skin allergies. It is completely free of wheat, corn, and soy and has probiotics for good digestion. Orijen Senior Dog Orijen Senior Dog food is manufactured with 80 percent meat and fish making it a good source of high-quality protein. It provides natural sources of chondroitin and glucosamine which supports healthy joints. Key benefits include Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to ensure healthy skin and coat, an increased amount of protein and L-Carnitine for healthy muscles, carbohydrates for energy, Vitamins, chelated minerals and antioxidants for immune system health and natural sources of chondroitin and glucosamine for mobility and healthy joints. The formula is enhanced with guaranteed probiotics and fiber to help support digestion especially among sensitive pets, high-quality protein to maintain ideal body condition, and added glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints. Chicken, turkey, and beef are great sources of protein. Salmon and tuna are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which promotes healthy brain and heart and good eyesight. Rice, wheat, and grains are carbohydrates that our pets can actually digest. But as they grow old, they become more relaxed. They are known to be moderately active dogs, so too much exercise is dangerous. Physical activities for about minutes ensure that your dog gets a sufficient amount of exercise and stimulation. A leisurely walk each day is one activity that your dog will surely enjoy. You may also engage them in play using toys. Luckily, these toys are readily available in the market: Throwables — for playing fetch and tossing JW Pet Products Hol-ee Roller — Your dog, develops problem-solving skills as they work to extricate treats or toys from this rubber ball. Launchers and Chuckit! Ultra Ball — Bring your fetching experience to the next level with the launcher and a high bouncing ball that also floats in water. Chewables — for chewing and teething Kong Original Toy Rubber — Stuff it with treats and your dog will find this satisfying. It also reduces distress caused by separation anxiety. The toy teaches your dog how to focus attention and helps lessen hyperactivity. The structure provides adequate comfort and optimum levels of relaxation. Furthermore, consistent and regular training will help you achieve desirable results. Obedience — Training your Mix of Pug and French Bulldog may be a little daunting as they prove to very obstinate and may have difficulty picking up on tasks. Establish yourself as the master and let him know you are in control. Watchdog — You may start this training by letting your dog socialize or mingle with other people. This will provide him experiences that will help develop his sense of inquisitiveness. Through this, your Mix of Pug and French Bulldog will be able to recognize suspicious activities around him. Tricks — They will always aim to please so you can use this opportunity to teach your pet friend entertaining and interesting tricks like a handshake, kiss, crawl, walking backward and a lot more. Ultimately, it is important to reinforce training with love — let your mix of French Bulldog and Pug know and feel your appreciation by giving him treats or toys. French Bulldog Pug and Families The cross between Pug and French Bulldog are gaining much popularity as household pets because of their lovable and affectionate nature. This is very appealing, especially among the younger generation. Before you take home the newest member of your family, there are certain things that you need to consider. Establish the rules and assign responsibilities like who is going to feed, bathe, and walk him. Designate one activity room in your household where family members can mingle with your new pet while pointing out which rooms is off-limits. Being the champion chewers as they are the combination of French Bulldog and Pug have a penchant for biting into things so you need to organize your belongings ahead of time. You may consider building up a temporary living space that is gated off. Reviews 0 Frenchie pug puppies for sale frenchie pug puppies for sale became very popular during the Victorian era and were featured in many paintings, postcards, and figurines of the period. Often, they were depicted wearing wide, decorative collars or large bows around their short, thick necks. They are currently one of the most popular pets for many city dwellers who want to have small but loving dogs around. So you better start saving up for that, too! To guide you better with your puppy finances, you can check out this article about the cost of having a Pug. Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. In particular, corneal ulcers and dry eye are some potential eye problems that can occur. Additionally, Pugs can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and encephalitis. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see health clearances can help allay concerns for some of these health issues. Miniature Pug puppies usually come in different colors and their choices of color for adoption is limited. Realizing this, there has always been, a continued pressure to speculate as to why. At PugPuppies , our goal is to find playful and loving companions with the minds of a well-raised pug. Temperament of Frenchie pug puppies for sale Miniature Pug puppies for sale are a small, short and stocky breed of about lbs. This furry little bundle of joy is a good choice for new urban dog owners because the Pug will require less exercise than other breeds and makes a great watch companion. Pugs are also popular with seniors who enjoy their gentle personality. This pugs temperament allows them to live as long with humans as they might need. Whether you want choose your next best friend, or just want to find an adorable update to your home decor, this Australian breed is one that should be on top of your list when looking for that perfect pup! Although they can get along with children and adults, this is not an ideal family pet. This Pug puppy is a lovely fella who will surely be your new best friend! He loves being the center of attention and will certainly steal the show. This puppy is super adorable and also has an amazing personality. He is being raised with children that enjoy playing with him daily. This cutie is vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and comes with a 1 year genetic health guarantee.

There are so many outdoor exercises and games that help in achieving their daily exercise routine perfectly. One such exercise is swimming. When can Golden Retrievers swim? Golden Retrievers do not have a specific time or age to begin to swim. Although, some are born with a phobia for water, a condition known as Aquaphobia. When this happens, it takes the dog a much longer time to adjust and even start to go close to water. To achieve this, start by putting it in small water bodies like pools, bathtubs, and shallow parts of the stream. Then, you should place your palm under its belly and chest and allow it just to swirl around and move its legs. Can Golden Retrievers puppy swim? Golden Retrievers puppies can swim. Swimming comes naturally to them. They may, however, require extra practice that goes a long way in helping them learn and get comfortable and relaxed around water. In addition, they may not have the flexibility in their body or be confident enough to swim independently, which is why extra care and attention should be given to them in the first few months when they start swimming. Can a two-month-old Golden Retriever swim? No, two-month-old Golden Retrievers can not swim because, at two months, they are only just being introduced to the water body to make them acquainted with the water. Golden Retrievers at two months can only swim if they have been introduced to water at a very early stage which is unsafe for them. While in water, extra care should be taken, and some safety precautions should be put into consideration. Golden Retrievers are good listeners and brilliant dogs. They may learn how to swim just after two swimming lessons. Take breaks in between swimming lessons Do not make the mistake of letting your puppy get tired on the water. Always give it short swimming lessons to make it want to go for more of the water. If you always stress them, they might develop a hatred for water, anxiety attacks, or may even become aquaphobic because the water scares them. Always consider the health of your dog Most two-month-old puppies are prone to fall sick due to weather and irregular temperatures in the environment. In addition, at two months old, they are mostly not strong enough to swim. Do not attempt to teach your golden retriever puppy to swim if they are sick or do not have the physical strength and energy in its body to swim. You may be too eager and want your dog to be a swimmer right away, but it is best to keep calm and teach your dog how to swim at the right time when it is old enough. Why are some Golden Retrievers scared of water? Due to the general assumption that all Golden Retrievers swim, most people become too eager to see their dogs swim. Well, you may have noticed that your Golden Retriever has a phobia for water, and you want to know why. They may run away from every form of water and even bathing. Some of the reasons why this happens: 1. It is a new experience for them Just like humans, dogs get anxious about the feeling of water over their bodies. When water pushes their fur, it makes it sticks together, thereby making movement uncomfortable for them. In addition, they may feel strange, so they want to get out and not stay another second. They were introduced into the water too early. Golden Retrievers that were often forced to swim at a very early age may grow up to hate water. Many younger dogs find it hard to swim and need time to grow and get strong enough to be in the water. Your curiosity and eagerness to watch your dog swim might just be the reason why it may never swim. They had a traumatic experience If your dog has had a bad experience with water, i. It may take them a long time, and they may never even swim again. Is it safe for Golden Retrievers to swim every day? Yes, it is. In fact, swimming as an outdoor activity helps Golden Retrievers stay healthy and fit. It helps it get the necessary energy it needs to carry out normal day-to-day activities effectively. It also helps burn body fat and energy a lot faster so even physical exercises do not. If your dog enjoys swimming, then let it swim. You, however, should rinse your body immediately after swimming, especially if the water swimming in was salty. What are the health benefits of swimming for Golden Retrievers? Swimming for you may just be one of the many exercises you do, but it has a lot of benefits for your dog. They include : It helps in reducing age-related illnesses such as weakness of the elbow and legs, i. Swimming as an exercise helps in burning fat in your heavy or overweight dogs. Adult goldens naturally do well in the water, but what about puppies? Can Golden Retriever puppies swim? Golden retriever puppies have a natural instinct that makes them good swimmers. Many Golden Retriever puppies can hit the water for the first time and learn how to swim very quickly. It is best to take precautions and stick near your puppy when they first start swimming to make sure they stay safe. While swimming is a natural instinct for a golden, it still takes a bit of learning and practice for a puppy to figure out how to swim. Many take naturally to the water and will learn to swim with very little encouragement. In fact, a golden is a natural swimmer because they were bred to retrieve birds and other game in the water during hunts. In the past, Golden Retrievers were bred to help retrieve waterfowl that was downed during a hunt. To do this, they would need to have strong swimming muscles to get out into the water, get the animal, and bring it back to their owners. Thanks to this breeding, most Golden Retrievers are just naturally strong swimmers. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! When take your puppy out to the water to swim, you can enjoy some peace of mind compared to other animals. There are a lot of genetics at play that help your dog to be a good swimmer, including strong legs, the ability to keep their energy up, and an inherent instinct for swimming. If you have a new golden retriever puppy, you may first want to know how old they should be before introducing them to the water? At this point they have developed enough to begin to be able to handle the water. Then you can take the time to help them adjust to the water and teach them how to swim and be safe. You may find that just a few times on the water is all your puppy needs to take off and want to spend all afternoon swimming. Other times your puppy may need a little more guidance and help. He took to swimming like…well, like a Golden Retriever! How to Keep Your Golden Retriever Safe on the Water Even if your dog does know how to swim, there are a few things that you can do to help keep them safe. Remember the Sunscreen Humans and dogs are quite similar when it comes to sun exposure. While we can agree, there are big differences between the species, there is one similarity in that the sun can be as harmful to the skin of your dog as it is to your own. This will make it easier to swim in the water as they are learning, and will keep them afloat if they get tired. They are not used to this new activity and may not have the endurance to spend that long in the water. If you let them overexert themselves or swim for too long, they can get overly tired. This increases the risk of drowning. Short little spurts into the water are best. This allows your dog to get used to the water and swim a bit, building up her endurance, so she can swim for longer and longer as time goes by. So cute! Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! Short swims also allow your golden retriever puppy to develop a sense of their own level of endurance. They will begin to learn just how much effort it will take to swim a specific distance. A young puppy will learn the same thing over time. These steps include: Take your puppy to a small, calm lake or swimming pool. You and someone else should go into the water in case something goes wrong. Gently guide your puppy into the water. Let the puppy feel the water a bit before turning back towards the other person you brought with you. Keep them close to the shore or steps of the pool. The best way to do this is to have one of your hands on the stomach and the other at the base of the tail. This is a good time to talk gently to your puppy and be positive and upbeat. Once their legs are under, you should notice that even while holding them, your dog is moving their legs and paddling. This is the time for praise and positive reinforcement to let the dog know they are doing well. The other person on the shore should call for your dog to come to them. You can release the dog a bit, adding a bit of balance as necessary. When you feel they are comfortable and ready, release completely and let them swim the rest of the way. Continue with this. Take them back out into the water and let them swim back to the person on the other shore for as many times as it takes. Conclusion Your Golden Retriever puppy is sure to love spending time on the water with you and the rest of the family. There are a few simple precautions you can take to make sure that your puppy will be safe when they bounce into the water. But if you learn how to watch them, protect them from getting too tired or too burnt, and you teach them how to swim, your puppy will have the time of their lives. Swimming comes naturally to any retriever that comes from good breeding. Even though the majority of sporting dogs seem to love swimming almost more than eating, you should keep in mind that the enthusiasm level your retriever exhibits for water will be heavily influenced by its first encounter with it. Start as early as conditions allow. You can introduce a retriever pup to water at a very young age, provided weather conditions are right. I just about lose my mind when someone brings me a 6- or 7-month-old pup for training and tells me the dog has never been in the water. But understand that a pup that has developed confidence in and around water at, say, two or three months old is going to be way ahead in its training progress. California retriever owners have an advantage over their counterparts in northern climates when it comes to ideal retriever training weather: more sunshine and more warmth. Keep it shallow, keep it fun. This is really important. Too many dogs have been introduced to water at the end of a dock or by getting tossed from a boat. Do that with your pup and yes, it will swim. But will it like it? Um, not so much. Get near the edge of your shallow pond and toss some fun bumpers on land, right next to the water. If your pup is pumped up and having a good time with that, the next step is to toss the bumper just a couple feet into the water. The bumper should land where your dog has to enter the water to grab it, but its feet can still touch bottom. Timid and skeptical? Or bonkers and asking for more? But if all is going well, you can go to the next step. Time to actually swim. For a dog that is loving the water and is fixated on retrieving, the initial toss of a bumper into a little bit deeper water can seem almost anti-climactic. For some dogs, it seems to barely register to them that their feet are no longer touching bottom. Others might hesitate for a moment, but then that drive to retrieve takes over and they just do what comes naturally. Keep up the fun bumper routine for a few more sessions. One on land, one in the water. One on land, two in the water, and so on. But sometimes, for some unknown reason, a pup is just not taking to water. You can solve for this; it just takes some patience. I call the dog to me, and if it resists, I literally pull him in with me. My hope is that eventually I can be standing in waist-high water while the dog is moving along with me and learning to swim like a champ. Successfully introducing your retriever to water, like so much of its training, requires you to think strategically and exercise patience. Some retrievers are scared of water and that can make it hard to teach him to swim. In this post we teach you how we go about when teaching our golden retriever puppies how to swim. Once she becomes comfortable, then you can bring her out to the lake or the sea shore and coax her to try it out. How to introduce puppy to water The first thing that you must remember is that your dog must be trained or must be obedient enough or at least, possess the basic obedient skills before you take him to the waterfront. He needs to know that there is nothing to be afraid of, so take him to the waterfront and make him stand in shallow water. It is a good idea to introduce him to water from a young age. And as he grows up, he becomes more comfortable with getting into water and even diving into the same to fetch items. You need to train your dog to come to you when you call out to him, so that when he is in water, he can come towards you once he hears your summons. Rather than pull the leash, it is safer this way. You can introduce your pup to water when he is just eight weeks old. And once you get him used to water, transitioning from a walk along the shores to a fully fledged swim should not take that long. You can also bring another person as well. Now gently lift your golden retriever in your hands, walk into the water, and then gently submerge your pup but make sure that you have your hands under his belly. Your pup is a little panicked at this stage; so you need to talk to him gently, coo in his ear if necessary, but make him feel relaxed. Now, when your golden retriever starts paddling his legs, praise him and use positive reinforcement to make sure that he understands. It is important that you do not force your retriever to swim or stress her out, she must learn to love the water on her own Now gently release your pup and point her towards the shore and see if she can make her way towards the same. Continue the same process and extend the duration each day until she starts swimming with pleasure. Congratulations, you have managed to make your golden retriever take to water. But here are a few safety tips that you may want to review, before you end up throwing your retriever into the deep end of the pool. If you have a dog that is very afraid of the water, an alternate approach would be that you start out by first finding a unpopulated place with calm and shallow water. Get your dog used to the sight of the ocean or lake by walking your puppy on the beach. Try to get close to the water and encourage your puppy to get her paws wet. When the puppy is comfortable, you can start steering your dog towards more deeper waters. Remember to have the leach on while doing this exercise, so that you more easily can steer the puppy. It is also not necessary that the puppy swims the first time while you are doing this exercise. The most important part of this exercise is that you show your dog that the ocean is not dangerous. Our puppy Umbra loves long walks by the ocean! Safety Tips: Do not throw your dogs off the pier or into the deep end: if your pup has still not learnt to swim properly, then he can end up drowning. That is why it is important for you to teach your pup all the basics of swimming so that she is prepared for the same. Invest in a flotation device for dogs: This is a good idea and a nice move; you can invest in a flotation device that helps keep your pup afloat as she tries out the basics of swimming. These flotation devices are designed to help your dog to learn swimming and at the same time, stay afloat. For example if you plan to teach your pup how to swim in a fast moving river then it makes perfect sense to try out the flotation device, and anchor the same safely. Bring a buddy: Introducing another dog that loves swimming may well be the trick that will get your retriever into the water. Most dogs follow other dogs and seeing one enjoying swimming is bound to cause your pup to try out the water. But make sure that the dogs get well with each other and do not fight as that somehow defeats the purpose. Swimming pools: These are often the best location to start training your pup. Slow introduction: chances are that your pup is somewhat terrified of water. Given this you may want to help calm down your retriever, talk in soothing tones and introduce her slowly to water. So you need to lead by example, so get into the water slowly and start paddling. Then coax your dog gently to try out the same as well. You can also use a flotation device so that in the event of anything going wrong, he has a safety net. Rewards: One of the most effective ways to train your dog is to offer him a reward after praising him for acceptable behavior. Now, you can employ the same trick at the swimming pool and coax your dog to get into the water. And once she does, use positive reaffirmation to show that you are pleased with her behavior Be supportive: It is important that you are supportive of your pup; remember that she is panicking right about now, and you need to soothe her fears down. Once they start to panic most dogs raise their front paws to get out of the water. This often results in pushing them down further, so make sure that you are supporting your pup during the initial training period. Try placing your hand under her belly, this should help support her as she starts to use her front paws. You can also place a hand under her rump for additional support. Your dog will require additional support until she becomes better versed with the basics of swimming. Four paws: Chances are that your golden retriever will only use her front paws to paddle, so you need to encourage her to use all four paws when swimming. Once she gets the hang of it, encourage her to retrieve small objects. Soon, you should be able to get the message across and your pup would soon know the meaning of these water words. Check the weather as well as the currents: It is important that you check the weather and currents of the local body to assess if it is safe taking your dog out for a swim. Do note that rip tides can be quite powerful and it is never a good idea to take your dog swimming in inclement weather either. It is important that you assess the local conditions including the current tide as well as the weather before you take your dog swimming, And make sure that you go along to supervise her swim, so that you can always jump in after her and rescue her if needed. It is important that you take care to check all the local conditions before you take your retriever for a swim. Next, Feed And Reward Your Dog Now that you have managed to teach your golden retriever to swim, there are a few things that you need to take care of right away: Wash and pat: It is important that you use lukewarm water to wash and pat her dry. Now, she can adjust to the room temperature and feel comfortable. Hot food: Make sure that you have selected a nutritious brand of food for your dog. It is important that she nourishes her body soon and hot piping food should do the trick. Do remember that meat happens to be the main source of nutrition for your dog so select food items which feature the same. Consult a vet: You can always consult the vet about the best food items to purchase for your dog. Small portions: Do remember that your golden retriever is still a pup so you need to feed her in small portions. If you are not sure about the schedule, you can, consult a vet and the number of times that you would be required to feed your dog, in the course of a single day. It is a good idea to go in for stainless steel bowls for both water as well as dinner. The one reason that you may want to opt for stainless steel bowls is on account of the fact that they come less bacteria. Health treats: You can also provide your pup with some health treats. It is important that you do not force her to get into water as that can serve to increase her anxiety levels. Just follow the steps listed here and you should be able to teach your dog to swim in no time at all. And in due course, you should be able to take your pup for a swim. Just remember that it is important that you support your pup all through the various stages and ensure that she does not have to panic and that you are with her, during this process. And make sure that you assess the local conditions, prior to heading to office. Soon, your pup will not bark on seeing the water or start whining the moment she ends up in war. But as mentioned earlier, these are just during the initial stages and soon you should be able to watch your golden retriever have tons of fun, swimming in the water. Related Articles.

You should wash your Golden Retriever once a month on average. You can, however, bathe him as often as every two weeks if your golden gets particularly dirty. Washing your Golden Retriever more frequently than this will strip his coat of natural oils and dry out his skin. After all, knowing how frequently you should be bathing your Golden is critical. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! Consider These Location Factors First Goldens are an active breed in nature so you could safely assume they may need to be bathed quite often. Sometimes these outdoor adventures include a spontaneous jump in a body of water that is filled with algae and mud. Having said that, Golden Retrievers do not need a sudsy bath as often as you may think! Depending on their environment, a Golden Retriever might do well getting a bath as little as every two months. There are many factors that we should take into consideration when it comes to bathing our furry friends! Rural vs. Urban Areas Believe it or not, location plays a huge factor in how often you should bathe your Golden Retriever. If you live in a rural area then it is probably safe to assume your dog spends a lot of time outside. The Answer You should plan on giving your Golden Retriever a bath once every month or two. An infrequently bathed dog can fall prey to a skin allergy, parasites, infections or other skin condition. This could mean that we wash our hair everyday or every couple of days. With Golden retrievers though, we see that washing them as frequently as we would ourselves, can cause their fur to appear matted, dull and unhealthy looking. Some people even go so far as to shave their Goldens! This, however, is not recommended! When you shave a Golden Retriever you are exposing their skin and undercoat to the harmful environmental elements around them, including the sun and temperature extremes. It should be noted that combing your dog often is actually more beneficial for your dogs skin and coat than it is to bathe them. Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! Some owners will have an allergic reaction to pet dander which is why some dogs get baths more often than they really need. In the case of allergies, it may be necessary to wash your dog weekly rather than on a monthly basis to help eliminate dander and allergic reactions from members of your household. Allergies are the only reason to wash your Golden weekly. This will most definitely strip your dog of its natural oils. Plus, shampoo made for humans is too acidic for regular use on a Golden Retrievers hair and skin. When drying your Golden Retriever you can choose to use an old dog towel, but many people choose to use a blow dryer on their dog in order to make sure that all their fur is dry. A double-coated dog, like a Golden Retriever, can stay wet for hours, even after being towel dried so a hair dryer on a low setting can really speed up this process. A pet-friendly hair dryer like this adjustable speed pet hair dryer on amazon. If you have a new puppy, you should start baths at six weeks of age. Just run some water on them, so they grow accustomed to the process and learn to enjoy their bath time routine. So, I say after a successful and well-behaved bath time routine, that your pup be rewarded with a treat… or two! I also highly recommend giving them lots of snuggles and play time after their bath as this will help them relieve the stress they had before or during this event. In time, your Golden Retriever may even come to look forward to bath time! Fleas, Ticks, Other Parasites and Bath Time I covered earlier the fact that location plays a significant role when it comes to how often you need to bathe your golden retriever. But, did you know that environmental factors around your home also play an extensive part in this decision? Some factors to take into consideration is whether your yard is prone to fleas, ticks, or other parasites. If this issue becomes excessive, it may be time to treat your yard. If fleas or ticks are a problem in your area, it would be better to stick to a regular monthly bath with a hydrating medicated shampoo amazon followed by a flea treatment like this one amazon. This will keep your dogs skin and coat in tip-top shape, while eliminating the parasites. Watch Bailey the Golden Retriever get a bath in the shower. If your pup is more active and loves jumping into a pond or rolling in a mud puddle, then they may need a bath a little more frequently than the Golden retriever that lies on the lawn all day soaking up the sun. Giving your Golden Retriever a bath once a month is a good general timeframe. However, based on you and your dogs particular needs may be as infrequently as every six weeks or as often as every other week. Good grooming and care ensure your Golden Retriever remains healthy and happy. A vital component of that good care is bathing your Golden Retriever. However, many owners are unsure how often they should bathe their Golden Retrievers and how best to do it. As a first step in bathing a Golden Retriever, it is important to determine the frequency. Overbathing is not ideal, so pet owners need to understand how often they should bathe their Golden Retriever. As a general rule, Golden Retrievers should be bathed once every four to eight weeks, unless the dog is overly dirty or muddy. Golden Retrievers have double coats, which act as natural insulation. Over bathing strips essential oils from the skin, so consider rinsing them with water if dusty or after swimming. When it comes to a Golden Retriever, a good rule of thumb is an occasional bath is a good and necessary thing. However, doing it too often can become problematic for your dog. While bathing once every one to two months would be problematic for humans and smelly , this is not the case for Golden Retrievers. Unlike brushing a Golden Retriever, which should be done daily or weekly, they do not need frequent baths to remain healthy. On the contrary, over bathing may become problematic for Golden Retrievers. Golden Retrievers possess a double coat. The double coat acts as insulation and helps keep the dog dry and warm, especially when getting wet such as when swimming. In addition, Golden Retrievers were bred to retrieve downed waterfowl from water, and their double coats help in this regard. For breeds with double coats, over bathing strips the essential oils from the skin and disrupts the natural insulating process. In addition, over-bathing can cause itching, flaking, and dryness on the dog, leading to scratching so much that it causes wounds or hot spots. Most people associate self-grooming with cats. Yet, dogs self-grooming as well. Commonly, they lick their paws and groin areas when cleaning, but this should not be excessive if it is, there could be other issues. Dogs also groom themselves to keep skin healthy and facilitate the growth of hair follicles source. Okay, you got it. Bathing too often can be bad. When is dirty too dirty or not dirty enough? Determining when to bathe your Golden Retriever is an essential step in not over bathing your dog. However, unless the dog is filthy, that is not as easy as it might seem. It is time to bathe your Golden Retriever if it is muddy, extremely smelly, or is soiled with urine, feces, or blood. If the dog is dusty or swimming in a lake or pool, showering the dog off with water is adequate. If none of those apply, then bathe every 4 to 8 weeks from the date of its last bath. If your Golden Retriever is kept clean, put a recurring reminder on a calendar. For example, I have a regular date every six weeks. So I put it on my Google calendar and have it synced with all my electronic devices. This way, there is little chance of forgetting. I designated six weeks because it allows for a two-week buffer either way. If life gets busy and the bath gets delayed for two weeks, my Golden Retriever still gets his bath at the 8-week mark. However, every four to eight weeks is not always doable. However, if your Golden Retriever is just dusty, then hold off on the bath. Instead, a quick rinsing in the shower or with the hose in the summer should suffice. The same applies to swimming. Whether a lake, pool, or river, just rinsing off with a shower or hose should be enough to remove any chlorine or dust while not stripping the oils that shampooing would. A quick rinse after swimming or if dusty is often all it takes. The smell can be an issue too. If your dog is exceptionally smelly, to the point where it is difficult to tolerate, then a bath is in order. Bathing a Golden Retriever at home is not difficult nor complicated. However, before describing how to wash a Golden Retriever, let me preface that discussion by stating the importance of making bath day a positive experience from day one. Prepare yourself for bath day, and make sure you are in a patient and understanding frame of mind. Getting a Golden Retriever used to a bath is best started in puppyhood, but regardless of age, always be patient, understanding, loving, and keep it positive. Make it as fun as possible. Future bath days will be much more complicated if the experience becomes negative for you and your Golden Retriever. Fortunately, most Golden Retrievers have a cooperative temperament and love the water, so that should make it much more manageable. To start, change into some swimwear or shorts. Prepare to get wet. I prefer to get into the tub or shower with the dog. It just makes it so much easier. Chances are you will get wet, so embrace it and have fun. Then prepare for the bath by getting your shampoos and supplies ready, so you have everything handy once the dog is in the tub. Finally, have some treats available to reward throughout bath time. Providing treats when your Golden is doing well shows the dog that it is positive and rewarding. I usually start with a treat and end with one. Make the treat something they really love: the more value, the better. Consider brushing your Golden Retriever before its bath. Brushing will remove much of the loose hairs and dirt beforehand. Next, get your Golden in the tub or shower. Have your dog sit and reward it with a treat. Then, warm the water up, ensuring that it is not too hot and cold. Tepid water is what you want. Start wetting your dog. At this point, you are soaking your dog with water, not shampooing — that comes next. Massage the fur and skin while soaking to further loosen dirt and hair. Start wetting your Golden Retriever from the back and working to the front of the neck. Or from the neck towards the back. Leave the head for last. Why leave the head for last? Two reasons. It gives the dog time to get used to the water before moving to the sensitive head area eyes, ears, and nose. Leaving the head to last usually minimizes the shaking until the end. When the body and legs are adequately soaked, go ahead and start wetting the head. This prevents water from getting into the eyes and the nose. Goldens can be prone to ear infections, and getting water in the ears may be an issue. Instead, you can place cotton balls in the ear or run the water on the outside of the ears while keeping them down and then use your wet hand to wet the inside of the ear. Consider using a shampoo that has been designed for your Golden Retriever. The key is to get one designed for dogs with a double coat. Work the shampoo into the coat in the same fashion you wet your dog — either from the back to the neck or from the neck to the butt, from the legs to the top of the dog. The head will be left until last, and be careful of the eyes. Pay special attention to the paws and tail, often the dirtiest areas. Make sure you spend extra time giving your dog a good rinsing. You want to make sure that the shampoo is thoroughly rinsed out to prevent itching and scratching, which leads to hot spots open sores. Often bathing in the home is not ideal. In those cases, you can find designated dog bathing stations. Often car washes have a bay dedicated explicitly to cleaning a dog, as do pet stores. You can also utilize the services of a groomer, and some pet stores will offer this service as well. Many doggie daycares bathe dogs as well. All of these cost money, though. We usually use our doggie daycare for our bathing services. Bailey attends daycare weekly and often plays in puddles. Fear not, I have included a video of Bailey the dog getting a bath. It takes about 7 minutes, so baths should not take long. Expect a shake or two or three. Golden Retrievers dry off fast. You can blow dry your Golden, BUT if you do so, keep it brief and keep it at a low heat setting. A blow dryer that is too hot and left on the dog for too long can cause heatstroke. Often, their cooling mechanism is not sufficient to keep up with the heat of a too warm and prolonged blow-drying. I wrote a detailed article on what temperatures are too hot for a Golden Retriever. The article discusses the causes and signs of heatstroke and what to do. Alternately, if you want to air-dry your Golden Retriever, that is fine. We forgo the blow dryer for the air-dry option. Golden Retrievers are made for the water, so why not let them dry off the way nature intended. If you give them a good towel dry, they will dry off quite quickly. If the weather is cold outside, allow them to dry off inside. Or, this might be the one instance when blow-drying might be warranted but be careful again of the heat setting. Oh, and expect your Golden Retriever to roll around in the grass and dirt again shortly after a bath. Even though most Golden Retrievers love water, being bathed is not the same as playing in a lake. Just like your child may enjoy time in the pool but hate bath time, your Golden Retriever might be similar. As a whole, the earlier the age you can get your Golden Retriever accustomed to bathing, the better chance that it will be less afraid. It is also essential to remain calm, patient, and understanding and make the experience as positive and fun as possible. Use treats to reward your dog for a job well done. To keep bathing positive, have a helper available. One person does the bathing while the other acts as a calming presence to pet and calm the dog while reassuring them. Treats are a great way to make the experience positive, so have some of on hand and reward generously before, during, and after, especially while your dog is relaxed and calm. Get in there and have fun. Losing your temper, yelling, or aggressively restraining or handling your dog is almost guaranteed to make your Golden Retriever fear bath time. Consider a rubber mat if bathing in the tub or shower. Often the dog can not stand firmly in a porcelain tub or a shower with tiles. A rubber mat prevents slipping and feeling unbalanced and uneven. Talking to your dog in a gentle and reassuring voice is one of the best things you can do to keep it feeling that there is nothing to be fearful of. Giving Your Golden Retriever a Bath It is essential to bathe your Golden Retriever to ensure they stay clean and does not get too smelly over time. However, the key is not to wash unless the dog needs it. Remember, though, with Golden Retrievers, less is more, so refrain from bathing unless the dog needs it. Here are a few final tips when bathing your Golden Retriever. The last tip is especially important and often neglected. Do a brush before bathing to remove excess hair and dirt. Do spot-clean your Golden Retriever regularly to keep baths to a minimum, such as rinsing off with water if dusty or after swimming. Every 4 to 8 weeks is a good range. Do check your dog for rashes, lesions, injuries, or parasites while bathing. Bathing is a perfect time to do a spot examination. Regular bathing plays a vital role in their grooming routine, ensuring a shiny coat, healthy skin, and preventing filth, odor, and skin conditions. In this article, we will explore the optimal bathing frequency, the importance of a bathing schedule, tips for bathing your Golden Retriever, considerations for different seasons, and the potential side effects of bathing too frequently or infrequently. Bathing frequency is an important aspect of caring for your beloved Golden Retriever. While humans may wash their hair daily, bathing a Golden Retriever requires a different approach due to their unique coats. So, how often should you bathe your furry friend to keep them clean and healthy? You can bathe golden retrievers every weeks or as often as necessary. Bathing them too often could inflict major harm on their double coat. Instead, focus on regular brushing and grooming to remove loose hair, dirt, and debris. This not only helps keep their coat clean but also stimulates their skin and promotes healthy hair growth. Bathing them too frequently, especially in the winter, would most likely cause more harm than good. Because dogs are often good at keeping themselves clean, the primary goal of the bath is to clean their coats. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a successful and enjoyable bathing session for both you and your furry friend: Prepare the bathing area: Choose a suitable location for bathing, such as a bathtub or a designated area with warm water access. Place a non-slip mat or towel to prevent your Golden Retriever from slipping. Gather necessary supplies: Collect all the essential bathing supplies beforehand. This includes dog-specific shampoo and conditioner, towels, a brush or comb, and any other grooming tools you may need. This will make the bathing process easier and prevent excessive matting. Adjust water temperature: Fill the bathing area with lukewarm water. Ensure the water is neither too hot nor too cold, as extreme temperatures can make your dog uncomfortable. Start from their neck and work your way down, ensuring the entire coat is thoroughly wet. Ensure that no residue remains, as it can cause skin irritation. Massage it into the coat, paying attention to any dry or tangled areas. Repeat the rinsing process until no traces of conditioner remain. Pat them dry rather than rubbing vigorously to avoid tangling or damaging the fur. If your dog tolerates it, you can also use a pet dryer on a low, warm setting to speed up the drying process. Post-bath grooming: Once your Golden Retriever is dry, take the opportunity to brush their coat again. This helps remove any remaining loose hair and prevents matting. Reward and praise: After the bath, reward your Golden Retriever with treats, praise, and affection. This positive reinforcement helps create a pleasant association with bathing and strengthens your bond. Dog shampoos and conditioners are available that are specifically made for their skin and coat. Remember to use a conditioner after shampooing to untangle and moisturize their fur. Just be careful not to get water in their ears or eyes, and properly rinse them off to avoid skin irritation. Your pet will emerge from the bath feeling refreshed and clean! The Benefits of a Bathing Schedule A bathing schedule for your Golden Retriever is not necessary, but it can be a beneficial method to keep your beloved friend looking and feeling their best. You can keep your dog clean and well-groomed regularly by arranging regular bathing. This can assist in keeping their coat and skin healthy. However, keep in mind that each dog is unique, and their demands may differ. If your dog is very active or spends a lot of time outside, he or she may require more regular bathing. During shedding season, for example, your Golden Retriever may require more frequent bathing. Dogs that spend a significant amount of time outdoors or engage in activities that result in dirt, mud, or debris accumulation may require more frequent baths. Coat Type: The type of coat your Golden Retriever has plays a role in bathing frequency. Dogs with longer or denser coats may need more frequent baths to prevent matting, while those with shorter coats may require less frequent bathing. Skin Conditions: If your dog has specific skin conditions, such as allergies or dermatitis , they may require more frequent baths with specialized shampoos or medicated products. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate bathing frequency and products for managing skin conditions. Seasonal Factors: Bathing frequency can vary depending on the season. During summer, when dogs are more likely to get dirty or sweaty, more frequent baths may be necessary. In contrast, bathing too often in winter can strip the coat of natural oils, leading to dryness. Adjust the bathing frequency accordingly to maintain a healthy coat throughout the year. Individual Needs: Each dog is unique, and their bathing requirements may differ. Some dogs may naturally have oilier skin and require more frequent baths, while others may have more sensitive skin and need less frequent bathing. By considering these factors, you can determine the appropriate bathing frequency for your Golden Retriever and ensure their coat and skin remain healthy and comfortable. Here are a few ideas to make bath time more peaceful and exciting: Begin small and gradually progress to bath time. Give them a little attention every day, and make it a pleasant experience. Use a non-slip mat or towel in the bathtub or shower to prevent slips and falls. Use lukewarm water to keep them from becoming too chilly or heated. Speak in a soothing and quiet tone to help them stay comfortable. To avoid skin irritation, thoroughly rinse them off. Give them a good towel to dry on, and then brush their coat to remove any tangles and leave them bright and smooth. After the bath, reward them with a treat or toy; this will help them develop a pleasant relationship with bath time. Bath time can be an enjoyable and relaxing experience for your Golden Retriever if you follow these suggestions. Bathing in Summer vs. Winter: Considerations and Tips Bathing a Golden Retriever in the summer and winter can be challenging, but with a few simple tips, you can keep them comfortable and happy. During the summer: Give them a bath in the early morning or late evening when the weather is cooler. Keep an eye on the humidity and keep them hydrated. During the winter: Bathe them in a warm room with lukewarm water rather than cold water. To prevent them from becoming cold, properly dry them after the bath. During the dry winter months, use a dog-specific conditioner to help keep their coat and skin hydrated. To avoid skin irritation, always use dog-specific shampoo and conditioner that is pH balanced for their skin and coat, and completely rinse them off. If your Golden Retriever has a thick coat, brush them before and after bathing to reduce tangling and matting. You can keep your furry friend comfy and happy all year long with a little extra care! As a general guideline, bathe your Golden Retriever every weeks. Again, the frequency may vary according to their lifestyle, coat type, and skin issues. Too Many Baths Side Effects Bathing them too frequently can remove the natural oils from their skin and coat, causing them to become dry and uncomfortable. It can also cause skin irritation and allergic responses in dogs with sensitive skin. Too Few Baths Side Effects On the other side, not bathing your dog frequently enough can result in the accumulation of dirt, debris, and bacteria on their skin and coat, which can cause skin irritation and odor. Also, not brushing their coat regularly can lead to matting and tangling, which can be painful for your dog. Furthermore, if a dog is not bathed regularly, it may result in behavioral issues because they are not accustomed to how to act during bathing. Conclusion When it comes to bathing and grooming your Golden Retriever, finding the correct balance between too much and too little bathing is important. Depending on their lifestyle, coat type, and skin issues, the frequency may vary. Shampoos and conditioners for dogs are carefully made for their skin and coat. Bath time can be an enjoyable and soothing experience for your Golden Retriever if you follow these suggestions. Always make sure that after the bath, you give them lots of kisses and love; your wonderful furry companion deserves it! If your Golden Retriever has sensitive skin, be especially cautious when bathing and brushing them. Here are a few pointers to remember: For sensitive skin, use a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner. Avoid anything that has scents or harsh chemicals. Before using the shampoo on your entire body, test it on a tiny area first. If you observe any signs of irritation or if the condition persists, consult a veterinarian or professional groomer. Bathing your Golden Retriever every day is not suggested. Bathing daily might remove their natural oils, causing dryness and discomfort. As a general rule, bathe them every weeks; however, this may depend on their lifestyle and coat type. First and foremost, regular brushing is essential, especially if your dog has a longer coat. Finally, make sure your dog is consuming a healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as this can help keep their skin and coat in good condition. Yes, your golden retriever can bathe outside. Just make sure that the outdoor temperature is neither too cold nor too hot, as this can cause your dog discomfort. Also, keep an eye out for any potential risks, such as slick surfaces or sharp items, that could endanger your golden retriever. Certainly, you can bathe your 2-month-old Golden Retriever puppy. The water temperature should be comfortably warm, never hot, to prevent any discomfort. Aim to make the experience as stress-free as possible, laying the foundation for easy and enjoyable bath times in the future. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. The working ability that has made the Golden Retriever such a useful hunting companion also make him an ideal guide, assistance, and search and rescue dog. The lustrous golden color is the hallmark of this versatile breed. Breed Profile This active and energetic Sporting breed can adapt to many different living situations but does require daily exercise. His water repellant double coat sheds and needs regular brushing. With his friendly temperament and striking golden color, this breed is both beautiful to look at and a joy to own. Grooming The Golden Retriever does require regular bathing and grooming. This energetic sporting dog can be bathed as frequently as every week up to no longer than every 6 weeks. With this double coated breed, regular baths and proper drying sets the foundation to maintaining healthy skin and coat. Before bathing a Golden Retriever, take a few extra minutes to take a high velocity dryer over the coat to loosen the debris and dirt from the skin, and to blow out any loose hair. Then use an undercoat rake, stone, shedding blade, carding tool, or a slicker brush to remove additional loose coat. The more coat you remove before the bath, the better. The pre-bath for general cleaning to remove any dirt and grime and to bring the coat back to a neutral state. Following up with a conditioner to keep the coat properly hydrated is highly recommended. Once the bath is complete, it is imperative to get the dog completely dry. There is an art to the blow dry process on a Golden Retriever in order to achieve a nice, straight coat. One important habit to master is drying the hair in the direction it should lay. Then go over with a comb and a heated dryer to remove any traces of remaining dampness. Finishing the Dog: Tools and Finish Grooming The coat should be light, straight, and stand off of the body with no loose hair. Any loose hair or fuzziness to the coat should be carded. Everything about the finish should be natural. The feet and the outside edges of the ear are trimmed with thinning shears. In the warmer months, many pet owners try to keep the dog cooler by shaving the coat. If you are trying to keep the dog cooler, you should elect to remove the undercoat with a good bath and blow out. When you shave this breed, you are exposing their skin to the elements and take away their ability to stay cool. General Health Care Prep work is the foundation of all grooming. Prep work includes ear cleaning, nail trimming, trimming the pads, anal gland expression, and proper dental hygiene. Mastering these skills sets the professional stylist apart from the rest. Prep work should be done before every bathing and grooming appointment. All dogs need to have their ears checked and cleaned on a regular basis. Some need to have the hair plucked from the ear canal. This allows the ear to have proper air circulation. It is not necessary to remove all of the hair in the ear, as some serves as a barrier to foreign debris. It is imperative that you are properly trained to pull ear hair before attempting this endeavor. Proper nail care is also very important. Long, unsightly nails are uncomfortable for the dog, as well as anyone they might jump on. Long nails also compromise the shape of the foot. Trimming the pads of the foot helps give the dog good traction on different surfaces and can minimize the amount of dirt the dog tracks into the house. It also affords the opportunity to treat and condition the paws from cracks and abrasions. Anal glands should at least be checked by the professional pet stylist. Some caring pet owners prefer to have their veterinarian express the anal glands rather than their pet stylist. Good dental hygiene is essential for a healthy pet as well. Nutritional Care In order to maintain healthy skin and coat as well as overall health, it is important to provide good nutrition to your dog through a well-balanced diet, vitamins, and healthy treats. Do they require a lot of grooming? Golden Retrievers are a very active breed. A bath and a blowout are necessary to keep the shedding under control and maintain healthy skin and coat. Regular grooming should be done every 4 — 6 weeks. Make it a habit to spend some quality time brushing your dog to keep the coat separated and divided which, in turn, will allow the skin to breathe. What is a common problem in Golden Retrievers? Golden Retrievers are sensitive to dermatology disorders. The dense undercoat and long outer coat create the perfect environment for dermatitis, hot spots, allergic reactions, and infection. That is why it is so important to stay on a consistent routine for professional bath and blow outs. Does the Golden Retriever shed or cause allergies? They shed, but basic maintenance will significantly reduce the amount of hair in your house. For most of the year, weekly brushing is sufficient. However, daily brushing is almost mandatory during major shedding cycles. Are Golden Retrievers good with children? Golden Retrievers have a wonderful reputation for being great family dogs, and absolutely wonderful with children. However, as with any breed, a small child should never be left alone with any dog. What if I have a show dog? Whether you have a show dog or a companion dog, the same basic care is given regarding nutrition, socialization, and hygiene. The difference is the grooming maintenance and training for the show ring. It is always helpful if your breeder is willing to help mentor you to lead you in the right direction upon entering the show ring. A great place to start is with the national breed club like the Golden Retriever Club of America, www. May we suggest.This is necessary to keep it clean and healthy because it is constantly exposed to the elements. Your Golden Retriever has far more hair than you do, and not only is it always exposed, it is also frequently in contact with the ground and other surfaces. So, how often should you bathe your Golden to keep it healthy and looking its best? Do Golden Retrievers Need to be Bathed? A Golden Retriever is blessed with a warm and durable double coat of fur. This is a common characteristic of water dogs. The natural oils a Golden secretes help to keep the coat water-repellant and dirt resistant. Regular brushing will keep the oils well spread, and help prevent matting and tangling. Nevertheless, your Golden will require bathing from time to time. How often will depend on certain lifestyle and environmental factors including: Frequency of swimming excursions Amount of time spent outdoors Rural vs. This is especially true if your Golden has a penchant for algae-filled ponds and other less-than-pristine bodies of water. Naturally, a dog that spends a lot of time indoors is going to pick up less dirt and debris than one that is regularly outdoors. And whether or not those outdoor romps are in the country or in the city can also make a big difference to how quickly a Retriever gets dirty. If you are aware of a parasite problem in your area check local websites or ask your vet , it is important to be on high alert, and more frequent baths and grooming may be in order. How Often Is Often Enough? The answer to the question is: there is no definitively right or wrong answer. It is very important to not wash your dog too often. This can be just as detrimental as not washing often enough. Too frequent bathing may strip away the natural oils I mentioned earlier. Losing this protective coating can leave your Golden with a dull coat, which is disappointingly unattractive. More importantly, it will leave the skin unprotected and prone to dandruff and infections. On the other hand, not bathing often enough can cause obvious problems. Though Goldens tend not to emit strong odors like many other breeds do yes, Goldens are superior! Plan on giving your Retriever a bath about once every six weeks. Depending on circumstances like those listed above you may need to hit the suds once each month. However, some dogs, especially older, less active ones, can get by with scrub downs as infrequently as every 8 weeks, or possibly longer. By Depending on circumstances like those listed above you may need to hit the suds once each month. Unscheduled Baths No matter your schedule, you should bathe as soon as possible in the event of an unexpected occurrence. Serious mud can sometimes require a haircut; much better to take a free bath than to pay a groomer. And speaking of parasites, if your dog has been in contact with another dog that is found to have an infestation, even a mild one, a good, thorough bath is highly recommended. Better to rinse any eggs, larvae or parasites down the drain than to let them establish a home on your Golden. Whatever side you land on, it is important to neither overdo it, nor neglect it unduly. A clean Retriever is a happy Retriever, and a happy Retriever makes a happy owner. You May Also Like.

What is a mini golden retriever? On average, they weigh pounds. Our Mini Goldens are crossed with specific Poodle lineage to avoid health and temperament issues the other breeds can cause, and are hypoallergenic, shed less and live longer than Golden Retrievers. Occasionally, we have some that weigh more than 45 pounds, or even less than 30 pounds. They generally have more Golden Retriever in them, so they are a closer carbon copy than the smaller Comforts. They generally have a little more poodle, so they may have more hypoallergenic and reduced shedding traits. Occasionally, we get white spots abstract or parti-colors from the Poodle side. Sometimes, we produce curly coated Comforts. We classify our coat types based on DNA results, not on visual appearance. Shed levels are individual to the dog, so while we hope that the majority of our dogs are low shedding, there are those who are moderate to heavy shedders. There are many factors that influence shedding as well. Some of these include season changes, weather, stress, illness, and a puppy transitioning to its adult coat. What guarantees do you offer with your puppies? We provide a 2 year health guarantee for all genetic conditions for all of our puppies. An additional 2 year guarantee is available as well more info Where are you located? We are located on the beautiful countryside of Versailles, Kentucky. Happy Valentine's Day to all, both big and small! Most of my Mini Retrievers mature from 20 to 30 pounds as full-grown adults. Presently, our poodle percentage will range from 0 to 25 percent. All litters will be clearly marked as to if they contain miniature poodles and how high the percentage is. All adult breeding stock is annually screened for health problems prior to breeding. We sell every puppy vet checked with a health certificate and a 5year written health guarantee. All puppies are microchipped unless reserved otherwise. About the Breed Miniature Golden Retrievers have been designed to provide a smaller healthier version of their predecessor. Minis range in size from twenty to forty pounds depending on which Spaniel the breeder chooses to include in the mixture. Many breeders are also using a small percentage of miniature poodles to reduce dander and shedding. If you see an ad for a Teacup Golden Retriever for sale then chances are you are looking at a breeder specializing in Mini Golden Retrievers. There is no dog named Teacup Golden Retrievers. Teacup is industry jargon that describes a petite or small dog. Since so many people with high anxiety, PTSD, and other stress disorders look to these dogs for comfort, thus the name Comforting Retrievers. Mini Comforting Retrievers This is referring to miniature golden retrievers, which are known as Comforting Retrievers. Golden retrievers that are smaller than normal ones are referred to as Mini Golden Retrievers.

Raising a puppy while working is tough, but it can be done. Puppies have different needs depending on their age. After those intense first few weeks, things ease off. A combination of planning, friends, and paid help will certainly be a great support for you. Oh, those puppy eyes! Leaving that adorable bundle of cuteness is hard, but is it fair? Actually, yes it is. This can make them over-dependent on people. How long can puppies hold their pee? This is the number of hours they can hold their bladder. For example, a two-month-old pup can hold for three hours max. A four-month-old pup can hold for five hours. This equation levels out at around 6—7 months, with no dog being comfortable holding their pee above eight hours. Excluding comfort breaks mean risking the puppy getting confused about potty training, therefore, leading to an untrained dog. This raises the question: What to do about the dog while at work? The answer is to get help. They need toilet breaks at least every three hours for more options see the Toilet Training section. Somehow they need walks outside for potty training and a game to amuse them. This means planning ahead. Popping home in your breaks; Having a friend or neighbor called in; Employing a dog walker or puppy sitter to drop by; Leaving pup with a friend; Doggie daycare. And to plug the gap a dog walker calls in. But this still means leaving the puppy alone for some of the days. How do you keep your puppy happy? Keeping Your Puppy Happy People have strong opinions about whether raising a puppy while working full time is fair to the dog. Moreover, raising a puppy in an apartment! Their main objection is that puppies need companionship and plenty of play. Of course, it fills you with sadness to think your pup might miss out, so what to do with a dog while at work? Rule 1 is to leave the puppy pleasantly tired. This means plenty of play before heading out to work. Problem one sorted! Rule 2 is to give the puppy plenty to occupy them in-between visits. As well as the friend playing with the puppy, have a variety of toys and games pre-prepared for them to pop in with your pup when they leave. Rule 3 is to think about your puppy's safety before you leave. Make their space safe from things that could harm or scare them. Hide the glass vase, put away cutting or piercing objects, and dog treats, so your child doesn't eat too much. If you need even more reassurance that your dog is safe and that you can leave them alone, there is a solution. So you can be prepared if something happens to your four-legged friend in your absence. Freeze the Puzzle Feeder: In warm weather, freeze the food-filled Kong. It will take the puppy hours to lick out their meal. This provides great mental stimulation to prevent boredom from setting in. Safe Chew Toys: Make sure the toy is sturdy enough to be left with a teething puppy. Smear the toy with peanut butter, to make it extra tasty. The Cardboard Box Trick: Seal a treat inside a cardboard box. Let the puppy chew through to the treat. Rolled-up Newspaper: Put a few pieces of kibble or a treat inside a rolled-up newspaper. Add tape around it to stop the treats from falling out and offer it as a chew toy. You get the idea! No one said that doing it while working was easy! It hurts to be away from your pup. Petcube is more than a pet camera although this is important. While at your desk, Petcube shows what your furry friend is up to right there and then. More than this, you can speak to your pup through Petcube. Establish good behaviors, even from a distance. With Petcube dog camera you can praise them for resting peacefully and get them into good habits. As virtual pet sitting goes, Petcube spells furry fun for your pet pal. Preventing Separation Anxiety If the puppy links your disappearance with long hours of tedium, they may cry for you to return. This can become a learned behavior, where the dog cries when left alone. Preventing this means leaving boredom busters for the pup to play with see above. And you can always discuss tips for raising a puppy with a vet online! So when you leave, you make a big fuss, give lots of cuddles, bury your face in their fur, and apologize for going. Heck, you may even shed a tear or two. But what message does this send to the pup? Puppy cries when left alone. You soothe their crying, hence rewarding their anxiety. This is a pattern of action and reward which ends with the dog always acting up when you leave. In fact, sneak out. Play with the pup ahead of leaving. Then settle them down with a chew stick. Also, shake up your leaving routine. Change the order in which you put on your coat and pick up the car keys. Go out through different doors. So how to potty train a puppy when you work? The Puppy Pen Method A puppy that regularly soils themselves will stop trying to hold on. Down this path lies the dog that is not house trained. Encourage and praise the puppy to use the pads as a toilet. Done badly, a crate is a prison and a place that a puppy will hate spending time in. How to potty train a puppy with a crate? If necessary, buy a larger crate but use a partition to get the size right. Then make the crate super comfy with a soft bed and some toys. Good Things Happen in the Crate Hide treats in the crate and let the puppy find them. Put great toys in the crate. Feed the puppy in the crate with the door open. The idea is that the puppy will begin to link the crate to good things. Reward Calm Behavior Feed your puppy in the crate and briefly close the door. Praise their calm behavior and then open the door. Gradually extend the length of time the door is closed. Be sure to tell your pup how clever they are for remaining calm. This rewards their good behavior, rather than crying. Leave the Room With your puppy in the closed crate, leave the room for a few seconds. Only return when they are quiet and then let them out and give lots of praise. Well done! You now have a crate-trained puppy. Your puppy is kept safely away from objects they may chew or swallow; They feel safe in their den; It promotes good bladder and bowel control. First, crate train your puppy, and second, arrange for regular toilet breaks at appropriate intervals. Before leaving for work, play with your pup and take them out for a potty break. When they go, give the usual praise and reward. Then pop your pup into the crate with a safe chew toy. Make a low-key departure for work. Check that they are OK via Petcube. Have a friend pop in to give them a comfort break. For a week-old puppy, make sure this is at least every 3 hours. Take your pup to the potty training spot by this time they should be busting , and praise and reward when they go. Play with your pup and then settle them back down into the crate. Repeat this throughout the day until you return home from work. Few puppies have any bladder control before 8 weeks of age and this basically answers the question "can I leave my 8 week old puppy home alone? Some pups learn faster than others, so be patient. Set Up for Success Recognize when a puppy is most likely to pee. A puppy is easily distracted and will probably play with a leaf rather than concentrate on the job. Never Punish a Puppy When a puppy has an accident in the wrong place, never smack or rub their face in it. This makes toilet training harder, not easier, as a puppy learns you have an irrational dislike of their bodily function. Clean Accidents Effectively Clean up spills with a good deodorizing cleaner. This removes scent markers that might draw the puppy back to the same spot. Plan ahead, ask for help, and use Petcube to raise a puppy through those demanding early days. The reward is a well-adjusted adult dog with a wagging tail to welcome you home at the end of a long day. Plus, you can always have a peace of mind for your pup in case of a critical medical emergency. Petcube has got you covered for that as well. Woofs to happy puppies! Was this article helpful? Schools Hospitals The veterinary clinic. Plus puppies are a great stress relief and your puppy may be just what the staff need to get through a hard day. Not only does it keep them healthy but it may also decrease the tendency toward poor behavior and helps them sleep. There are many things you can do with your Golden Retriever beyond just neighborhood walks, here are some suggestions: Swimming. Even puppies can swim, just take the time to introduce them slowly to deep water. Throwing a toy helps. Playing catch. Playing ball is great exercise, just avoid tossing things like discs where they may try to jump and injure them selves Tug of War. Gentle tug of war is a great game that most Goldens love. Playing with other puppies or similarly sized dogs Chasing the kids around the yard. Have them drag a rope toy and run let your pup catch it every once in a while. This has the added benefit of exercising your kids too. Training your Golden Retriever puppy is essential, he or she needs to understand what is good behavior and what is not. Golden Retrievers are very smart dogs who learn quickly and enjoy training with their people. House training and teaching basic commands is an essential part of raising a Golden Retriever puppy. Additional training, whether that is advanced obedience or training them to do tricks, can be a great way to enjoy your puppy and creating a lasting bond. Golden Retriever puppies are able to learn as well as adults by 8 weeks of age. Even younger pups can learn basic behaviors like sit with just a little patience. Here we give a few suggestions, but we have a fantastic article on Training your Golden Retriever that goes into detail. Here are some commands every dog should know. Your Golden Retriever puppy should come right away every time you call. Carry treats in your pocket and practice this command everywhere you go. Coming when you call could save your dogs life one day. This one is critical for when you want your Golden to stop jumping on guests or when you want your pup to calm down. It can also be used in place of sit for not jumping on guests. Leave it. This one is important to get them away from that dead animal they want to roll in, the goose poop they want to eat, or the pacifier that your neighbors toddler dropped in front of your pup. Yes wait not stay. This means walk by my side without pulling on the leash. Some Fun Tricks and Commands to Teach Your Dog One of the best parts of raising a Golden Retriever puppy, is seeing first hand how smart they are and how much they love learning new things. Here are a few just for fun things you can teach your dog. Bring it. Point to a toy or object and have them bring it to you. Turn off the light once they are big enough to reach the switch. Off is easier than on but they can learn that too. Jump through the hoop. All you need is a simple hula hoop and a partner. Note Golden Retriever puppies should not jump higher than a inches before 6 months. They should not jump more than shoulder height before 1 year of age when their growth plates are closed. High five. Yup this is exactly what it sounds like, having your pup give you a high five. Be careful not to use the same hand signals for other commands. For example holding your hand up by your shoulder usually means sit, so you should hold your hand in a different spot for high five. If you are loving teaching these tricks, AKC has a Trick dog title you can earn with your dog. Or if you love dancing, canine freestyle, dancing competitions for you and your dog might be fun for you. Again, this could be an entire article on its own, but since I have not written one, I have included a link to a video that I think will be helpful. What I like about this trainer is his emphasis on positive reinforcement rewards and NO punishment negative reinforcement. This is exactly the technique I used to train my own dogs. See what you think. For other helpful tips see our article on article on Training your Golden Retriever. Also, you will discover while raising your Golden Retriever puppy, that they can be a bit exuberant or really hyper in the case of some field bred lines , check out this article on How to Train your Golden Retriever to be Calm. Dogs are by instinct more comfortable sleeping in a den a confined space with only one opening. Staring crate training early will make sure everyone in your household gets the right sleep. Even if you plan on letting your Golden pup sleep in your bed again I remind you they will be big dogs, so prepare for a bed hog , crate training can be helpful as a safe place for your pup to stay while you are not able to watch them. This is especially important if you plan on raising a Golden Retriever puppy while working. See our article on How to crate Train a Golden Retriever for tips. That is where some really great dog toys come in. This critter is on of our favorite toys for Golden Retriever Puppies. It is fairly sturdy so it can handle a lot of shaking and a little bit of tugging. Plus it is just really cute and will pose well with your pup for all sorts of photos. Make sure to watch your puppy carefully. You may need to change types of toys as your puppy gets older. Many companies claim their toy is chew proof but there is no such thing. However if your puppy becomes a moderate chewer, here are two that my dogs enjoy. Best Ball Toy View on Amazon This ball is made of tough rubber and is a different texture than the ever ubiquitous tennis ball. My dogs can pop, skin and take apart a standard tennis ball in about 5 minutes, making it both a hazard and a waste of money. They come in a couple of sizes so you can get the larger ones as your puppy grows. Here I have recommended the 3. It comes as a set with a ball thrower and a ball but you can get the balls separately if needed. The good news is that inside is a regular Kong toy so even after they remove the fabric, your pup will still have a toy to play with. The Wubba is great because they or you can throw it around, play tug, or just fetch it. They do come smaller for younger puppies. For more dog toy ideas and recommendations, check out our article on the Best Dog Toys for Golden Retrievers. This needs to start early with letting them get used to normal things like brushing, bathing, and dental care. You should gently brush your Golden Retriever puppy as often as times a week for just a few minutes. It is not that they need it, as much as you are training them that the brush is nice and feels good. Wait until they are sleepy and treat it like a petting session at first until they get used to the idea. For the rest of the list of recommended brushes here is the Full article, Best Brushes for Golden Retrievers. When to bathe and groom your puppy might become obvious. I find that there is not much of a need to put dates in the calendar because they find something to get into that necessitates a bath every couple of weeks. The first veterinary visit should be right after you bring your puppy home even if the breeder or shelter has already started their puppy shots. At that visit your veterinarian will make sure your pup is healthy and recommend the preventative care your pup needs. This may include a series of vaccinations to protect against common infectious diseases, heartworm and intestinal worm preventatives, and flea and tick medication. It takes tons of time, money and dedication. If you are not a professional breeder or are not willing to do all of the things necessary to become a responsible breeder, then your puppy should be spayed or neutered. For detailed information in this required surgery and when do have it done, see our article on Spaying and Neutering Golden Retrievers. Conclusions on Raising a Golden Retriever Puppy Following these essential steps when raising a Golden Retriever Puppy will help you to have a happy, healthy family member for years to come. As a new puppy parent, leaving your new Golden Retriever puppy alone can be a very stressful and guilt-ridden experience. However, you can ensure that your puppy is calm and well adjusted when being left alone with some planning and preparation before returning to work. So, how do you raise a Golden Retriever puppy while working? The key to raising a Golden Retriever puppy while working is knowing what to expect beforehand and implementing a structured plan. A plan that includes home preparation, teaching your puppy to be alone, and enlisting help when necessary will make the process manageable and less stressful. When working and leaving a Golden puppy alone, the main issues are that puppies need to relieve themselves frequently and require plenty of exercise and socialization. Puppies are also very dependent on you, especially when they are very young. A Golden puppy left alone for too long may experience separation anxiety and other behavior problems. To do this, you have two options; a dog crate or using a playpen, baby gates, or a room in the house to create a confined area. A dog crate is an excellent option for short periods. Dog crates can provide your Golden puppy with a sense of safety and keep them secured when you are not home or not able to supervise them such as when cooking. Most Golden puppies will love their crate if you make it a positive experience , so crate training is an excellent idea. However, the crate is a smaller space. Some puppies may do better with more freedom, especially when your Golden Retriever puppy becomes a bit older and larger in size. For puppies that are 4 months or less, an hour or two is all they can handle in a dog crate. No dog should be crated for longer than 4 hours, puppy or not. They need to be let out to do their business and stretch their legs. Dog crates are a tool, not a prison. The advantage of the confined space option is its larger size. Your Golden puppy also has more space to move about and play. Depending on what you use to cordon off an area for your puppy e. If the confined area is large enough, you can also place the crate within that space with the door open this is a great option. Your puppy can then use the dog crate when and if desired, and it gives your puppy an additional layer of security. Puppy Proof the Confined Area Are there toys that your puppy can easily pull apart and choke on? Are there items that, if swallowed, could cause poisoning or stomach issues? Can he be cut or get entangled in anything? Can he snag an ear, paw, or tail? You get the picture! Whether opting to use a crate or confined area, make sure the place you have chosen for your Golden puppy is safe and free of hazards. Expect Accidents Golden puppies will have potty accidents as they adjust to being left alone. Just remove your puppy from the enclosed area and clean the mess with no emotion. Just continue to do your potty training as you normally would. As your puppy gets older, accidents will become less frequent. With age, your Golden Retriever puppy can hold its bladder longer and will learn to wait until it can go outside. Adjust Your Schedule If possible, you should take a week off work when bringing home an eight-week-old puppy. This time is not for formal training, such as teaching your Golden puppy to walk on a leash, sit, or lay down. It is for establishing a trust bond and for potty and crate training only. Taking a week off now will make the return to work much easier. Once you go back to work, if you have the flexibility to come home during lunch or at other times during the day, that would be ideal. Depending on how far your commute is and how well your relationship is with your boss, this can work very well. Not only is this option inexpensive, but you can spend time with your puppy, which helps alleviate the guilt of leaving him alone. In addition to allowing your puppy to relieve itself, you should take your Golden puppy out for some exercise and play. And you never know, some workplaces allow employees to bring dogs to work. Introducing your Golden Retriever puppy gradually to being left alone for increasing amounts of time will help the puppy adapt more quickly. Just understand that it may take some time. When teaching a Golden Retriever puppy to be alone, an excellent way to begin is to place a high-value chew toy in the crate or confined area with your puppy. Then leave the room for 30 seconds to a minute or less and return. Reward your puppy and give him praise. Gradually increase the time you are away. In a few days to a week, you can build up to a fair amount of time. Fawning over your puppy and giving hugs and kisses goodbye may benefit you. However, it teaches your puppy to become anxious every time you leave. Leave the hugs and kisses for when you come home. When possible, look for opportunities to put your puppy in the crate or the confined area while doing other things. For example, while tidying up the kitchen or cooking a meal. Although your puppy may still see or hear you, it reinforces the concept of being away from you for extended periods. Most will do it at their home and have multiple dogs, but some will offer to come to your home privately at a higher cost. Some dog walkers will also provide dog sitting as an added service. A dog sitter is an excellent option when your Golden puppy is very young. As mentioned previously, a puppy under 4 months of age should not be crated for more than an hour or two, and they require more attention. A dog sitter will not only give your puppy ample attention but oversee potty and possibly crate training. Puppies are usually not fully vaccinated until 16 weeks. Once your Golden puppy is fully vaccinated and 4 months of age or older, you can then explore the option of a dog walker or doggie daycare. Dog Walkers Dog walkers can be a great option depending on your budget. They provide potty relief for the pup, exercise, and much-needed socialization if the service includes walking with more than one dog. There are many good dog walkers in most areas that are reputable and do good work. Your job is to screen them to ensure they are respected, good at what they do, and utilize positive training methods only. You do not want a dog walker that punishes your puppy for misbehaving. You should also be very clear with a dog walker on any expectations you have. Doggie Daycare Doggie daycare is also a great option but can be more expensive than dog walkers. But not always, so if there are a few in your area, check out prices. The doggie daycare will have multiple dogs and areas for playing. They will also feed your dog if necessary provided you bring the food. Like dog walkers, you want to ensure the business is reputable. Inquire about how they select their dogs and what they do when there are disagreements. They should not allow aggressive dogs in their facility. As for references, if you want an extra level of confidence. A well-run doggie daycare will also require your dog to be spayed or neutered. The advantage of the right doggie daycare is your Golden puppy is in a controlled environment and has socialization all day. A reputable doggie daycare provides supervision and structured play. The disadvantage could be if your puppy has a bad experience with other dogs, it may cause him to be fearful. Family, Friends, and Neighbors Most people love puppies. Often family members or friends will jump at the opportunity to pop in and play with your puppy. Alternately, if the puppy is less than 4 months of age, a family or friend may enjoy the opportunity to be a full-time dog sitter. This could be a good option until your Golden puppy is old enough to be alone for a much longer time. If you opt for these solutions, make sure any family member or friend you choose has the right temperament for watching your puppy. You may need to give them some instruction on how you want them to handle your Golden puppy. And that should be positive-reward-based training, not punishment, based. Neighbors can be a great resource if you have a good relationship and trust them. Like friends and family, make sure your neighbor is onboard with your training methods. Your neighbor should also have a personable temperament. Additional Tips Exercising your Golden puppy before you leave the house is a good idea. A walk before getting ready for work can be beneficial. Exhausting pent-up physical and mental energy will help reduce anxiety. Golden Retrievers are smart and can quickly learn and recognize your routines. If possible, get dressed and do your morning ritual where you are not seen. If your puppy learns the signs that you are getting ready to leave the house, it may increase anxiety levels. Leave plenty of chew toys and bones with your puppy. Puppies usually have a few high-value toys they cherish or a toy that comforts them. Communicate your expectations clearly to anyone watching your puppy. It can be awkward firing someone you have a relationship with or often see. Leave a radio or television on while you are away. Ensure the volume is not too loud, and the content is relaxing. It provides background noise for your puppy and can drown out other outside distractions that could cause anxiety. Final Thoughts Leaving your Golden Retriever puppy alone while working can be difficult. Understanding the challenges and issues involved is an excellent first step. Implementing the right plan that addresses these issues will help ease any separation anxiety for both you and your Golden puppy. Take comfort knowing that your puppy will be fine, and so will you. Many puppy parents have full time jobs and we will also be looking at raising a golden retriever puppy while you work. Socialising your Golden Retriever Puppy Every new puppy owner will hear about the importance of puppy socialization. But not all puppy owners carry out this important process effectively. Socialization means introducing your puppy to many new experiences before they reach the age when they become shy of strangers and strange objects. That age is surprisingly young and most dogs need to be socialized fully before they are 13 weeks old. That means you need to get going right away with your new Goldie pup! Your puppy needs to meet lots of different men and women, in different situations, children, other dogs, trains and lorries, and much much more. All from the safety of your arms. And all before he or she is four months old Puppy socialization is vital because it helps to prevent dogs becoming aggressive and increases the retention rate of puppies in their homes. No matter where they happen to be. TIP: Baby gates help keep small puppies in areas with washable floors By eight months things will be very different. Your puppy will be able to last several hours without emptying their bladder, and will have learn to use the appropriate areas for bathroom purposes The tricky part is getting there, and you may need a little help and support. The aim in the first couple of weeks is to make sure you take your puppy outside at frequent intervals and wait outside with them until they empty their bladder. Make sure you take them out after meals and when they wake up from a nap, and whenever they are getting excited — playing with another dog for example. When your puppy is indoors you need to supervise closely. If you need to leave the puppy for a few minutes, pop them into a small crate as puppies will try hard not to wet in their own bed. Stopping your puppy from biting All puppies bite. Even Golden Retrievers! But biting on skin really hurts and puppies have to learn not to do this. Play biting is commonly mistaken for aggression because puppies snap and growl when they are playing. For this reason, biting is by far and away the most common reason for new puppy parents to seek help. Vaccines are not completely without risk, but the risk of serious disease for unvaccinated puppies is usually considered by experts to be much greater. Most puppy parents want to know which vaccinations their puppies need, when their puppies can go outside safely, a few want to know what happens if they decide not to vaccinate their puppies When Can Puppies Go Outside — The Medical Point of View Puppies are typically ready to go to their new home at 8 weeks of age. Just like human babies, young puppies need a lot of sleep. As important as socialization is, ensuring your puppy sleeps enough is necessary to ensure proper growth and brain development and will also make sure your puppy is in a good mood. A common rule of thumb is five minutes of exercise per month of age. At two months old, this means only ten minutes. So over-exercising your puppy can be harmful to the development of their skeletal structure. However, the main reason to be cautious when taking a young puppy outside is exposure to diseases your pup may not be vaccinated against yet. Risking exposure to diseases your dog is not protected against is dangerous. Many diseases, such as the parvovirus, can be spread just through contact with inanimate objects. This means that even sniffing something an infected dog had been in contact with hours previous can potentially infect an unvaccinated puppy. Even seemingly healthy dogs may carry viruses. This means they may look and act healthy but still have the disease and can spread it to other dogs. Thankfully, no! Places such as private gardens and backyards offer safe places for young puppies to explore on their own without running the risk of exposure to dangerous viruses. A puppy can begin exploring your garden the day you bring them home. Becoming familiar with your backyard or garden will be a necessary part of potty training. Taking your puppy out for a walk should be delayed until they are fully covered by all their vaccines. This seemingly small action can result in your puppy coming into contact with a dangerous virus. Most veterinarians agree, puppies are fully vaccinated by 16 weeks of age, which is when they can exercise for about 20 minutes at a time. Up to this point, the exercise needs of your puppy can be met with within the safety of your home or backyard. Pet-friendly stores offer excellent opportunities for your puppy to meet more people. As your puppy builds up immunity through vaccines and natural exposure, talk to your vet about safe places you can start letting your puppy explore as they age. So this can be a great place to sniff around and meet people who love dogs! Always double check with your vet, though. The chance of contracting a virus preventable by a vaccine is low at a veterinary clinic, but your veterinarian will be able to tell you for sure if the area is safe or not. When I worked at a veterinary clinic, the best part of my day was always meeting a new puppy. Dog-friendly hardware stores make an excellent destination for a young puppy. This saves you from carrying a growing puppy the whole trip and means they get used to the motion of the trolly. Just remember to sanitize the trolly before and after use! Places a young puppy can safely explore on the ground are fairly limited for the first 16 weeks. One option is to arrange puppy play dates with dogs you may know. This will help teach behavioral cues for future experiences with other dogs and also helps burn some of that puppy energy. Socialising puppies with humans and other dogs is imperative for every dog, but especially breeds that are prone to aggression. Making sure your puppy not only has a lot of new experiences but positive experiences are ultra important. Finding safe playgroups with other vaccinated dogs is a great way for your puppy to learn how to play. These playgroups can take place in the safety of a backyard or garden where all the dogs are kept safe from potential environmental exposures and can be monitored closely. Playgroups are safer than meeting other dogs on walks for another reason. Leashed dogs are more likely to exhibit fear or anxiety-based aggression, so skipping the park and opting for backyard fun keeps all parties safer. This means your puppy is set up for success since the experience is more likely to be a positive one. Remembering to take new experiences slow with a new puppy can ensure new experiences are positive. But ensuring early experiences are positive and safe is the most important part of socialization. For several weeks, this may mean limiting their exposure to other dogs. Provided the experiences your puppy does have with other dogs are all primarily positive, though, they should begin to develop social skills at a young age. Though the critical period for socialization is often quoted as being the first four months, this is simply a foundation. Continuing to build on these experiences will make for a happy, well-adjusted adult dog. When can puppies go out in a backyard? Right away, provided no unvaccinated dogs have come in contact with the environment beforehand. However, puppies should wait to explore environments outside the home where other dogs frequent. For most puppies, this will be around 16 weeks. Carrying your puppy or placing them in a sanitized shopping trolly are two great ways of keeping your puppy safe while outside. From the safety of your arms or another elevated environment, a puppy can still meet a number of new people and experience the world outside your home. Raising a Golden puppy while working We all lead busy lives. Many new puppy parents take time off work when they bring their puppy home. This is rarely successful. Young dogs left alone for long periods tend to get up to mischief and some become extremely distressed, extremely destructive, or both. And you cannot successfully house train a puppy if there is no-one there to let the puppy outside Raising a puppy while you work full time is possible, but it takes planning and thought. This helps to avoid lack of health test certificates, poorly puppies, and other disappointments. Home bred puppies can be very nice if the owners have taken the trouble to health test and raise their puppies responsibly. Whatever you do, avoid puppy mills and pet stores. Your biggest expense is likely to be annual pet health insurance. There are a few differences in their needs and care, but not as many as you might think In some breeds there are greater tendencies to aggression in males compared with females. And people do worry that a male dog might be more likely to fight or bite. However, Golden Retrievers are among the breeds least likely to show aggression to other people or dogs. We have not seen any evidence that male Goldens are any less likely to be good tempered than females. Female Golden Retriever puppies Female Golden Retrievers need a little more care than males unless and until they are spayed. Neutering was once thought to be the easy solution but has now been linked with a number of different types of cancer and with joint problems, in this breed. Are Golden Retriever puppies good family pets? At times, when your puppy is small, you may question whether or not you have made a mistake in bringing a Golden Retriever into your home. Rest assured that Golden Retriever puppies do grow up into great family dogs. They have one of the best temperaments of any dog breed and are ideally suited to a young and active family There are situations where it might be better to wait before buying a Golden puppy. If you have very tiny kids — remember that Goldens are fairly large dogs and are very boisterous when young. Picking up a toddler and drying their tears for the tenth time before breakfast can become wearing. Think about the exercise needs of an active dog. If you have a very small home, or live in an apartment, think carefully before adding a big and potentially muddy dog to the mix. My husband and I are bringing home our first puppy in September a goldendoodle and this was super helpful! Emily June 29, , am Thank you so much for this, Jen! I look forward to the post on favorite dog toys! We just got a puppy and, while its only been a week, we are definitely having some issues getting puppy to embrace his crate. He is doing really well with potty training, and has yet to have an accident in his crate, but soon after he enters his crate the howling begins. This way he associates it with a positive place. Also, leave treats in there. Some dogs do better with their crates covered so like drape a blanket over the sides so it feels more like a cave. You might also try placing a t-shirt or something that smells like you in there. Also, leave the door open all the time and praise him if he goes in on his own. Good luck! OH, what a difference! Long after they no longer needed their crates, we kept them and always left the door opened. They would go into them when they were tired, knowing they were in a safe place; their place. Friends always said to us that they would have a dog if it behaved like our dogs. Be consistent. Fun for all of you. I can definitely see how teaching while a puppy can make a huge difference. Looking forward to your next dog related posts :. Reply Link Megan June 29, , pm Ahh thank you for this post! My husband and I are looking into getting a pug puppy soon and these tips are so helpful. Looking forward to reading more posts on this, especially the crate training. Love the tips, we are still trying to stay the course with the UD group classes! Golden are the best! It has been such an eye-opening month with our new puppy. Our other dog is 8 so everything feels brand new. I actually wrote about it in my post for tomorrow, but a puppy is like a baby. My boyfriend and I are getting a golden pup in the fall and while I grew up with the breed I have never trained a pup on my own. We made the choice to get a puppy mostly to instil good habits and behaviour long term. So long story short, I would never put a puppy or young dog or any age in airplane cargo! Reply Link Megan June 30, , pm Good tips! Socializing him right away and crate training him were so key to having an awesome, well-adjusted dog! Reply Link Josi August 20, , pm Hello! Just wondering where you got your goldens? This really helped me figure out what to do when she gets here. Jen May 3, , pm YAY! Our 3rd Golden in about 33 years and know he has some big paws to fill Taegan was wonderful for 14 years. We are so excited!! I have a new English Cream Golden. I feel like I need to work for his affection. Great otherwise! Not super energetic. Bursts of energy followed up by lots of naps but never really interested in walks. First timer here. Your pup could really benefit from basic positive obedience! I would recommend seeking out an experienced trainer in your area to help you as your pup grows! Having a puppy in the home can be fantastic, but you also need to make sure that you can offer it the best as well. She has been really easy to house break. We are excited to bring her home. Thank you for the helpful tips. That is a good idea to make sure that we are committed to doing the work to train this dog. We do really want him to be well trained. Thanks for the tips! Thank you so much for this super informative post! Reply Link Jen January 22, , pm I always made sure she went before we got to the gym and walked her frequently. Meghan January 29, , am Thank you so much for the reply!! We kept each of our puppies on a leash in the house, never out of our sight except when they were in the crate for 4 months before we gradually gave them independence. We always messed with them and held them. They had accidents as you would expect until fully house trained at about 4 months, but never any destructive or aggressive behavior. We gave them plenty of tough chew toys. Also training classes. They were never nervous or skittish. They love to lay on us and never have had any trouble with grooming, food guarding, loud noises, children or other animals. Goldens are great dogs but like any dog, they can only know what you teach them. Great article!! Kathrinne May 5, , am Hi Jen, how old are your puppies when you let them go out? Jen May 5, , am What do you mean? Reply Link Carly September 8, , pm Thank you so much for your article! What would your input be? Do you think they would focus on each other more than their humans? Would 2 puppies be so much more difficult than 1? Any advice is greatly appreciated!! Love the name Zoey!! Any tips to Prevent that?? Reply Link Christine November 1, , am About to get golden 3. Learning all over about everything. Reply Link Jen November 1, , pm It is like starting over again but you will figure it out! Every pup is different but be patient and consistent! This is my first large dog breed so a little nervous. I read your post and you give wonderful tips that I will follow. Please let me know if it is safe to put a flea collar on the puppy. Thank you. Reply Link Jen January 29, , pm I would consult with your vet to see what they recommend for flea prevention and treatment. Also, about the scratching. It could be due to something else like an allergen outside. I have not had a dog in 3 years because I lost my last one in a painful way for me and I am afraid to get another one. I am now ready to get one and this page has helped me prepare for my new puppy. I am a 74 yr old male in pretty good shape no health issues, and retired so I should be around a while to look after a dog. My wife passed about four months ago so I guess I am looking to fill a void. I live in a single family home and have plenty of time to spare. Thanks Reply Link marion duffield April 14, , am I am picking my pup up in 2 weeks! This is the best AND most realistic article I have read about training…. My pup Tank will be 4 months when we get him. He is absolutely adorable. Have only seen photos. He lives with his breeder in Missouri and we live in Canada…. I am so excited for you!!!! Puppies are intense but so much fun. And wow, that is going to be an adventure! Reply Link Theresa April 30, , am Do you have suggestions about golden retriever puppy biting? We got ours at 7 weeks. She is now .How do we stop her from snapping and biting? She is smart and loving. The biting has been rough though. Can you help? But I love dogs soooo much. This info is everything to me. I love this post Soo much. Thanks a ton. You left puppy in car? Or what? Reply Link Madeline October 31, , pm I am picking up my 7 week old golden in 2 days! I am so excited! How did you go out taking him places before he had his full shots? I want to socialize him, and of course potty train him immediately, but obviously there are risks. Whats your take on this? So the whole crate training thing is not going so well. She hates it. Emily Camalo April 2, , pm Hi! Really appreciate you sharing all of this advice! It was super valuable. Reply Link Julie April 11, , am Loved your comments. I have a 9 week double doodle. I have crate trained since day 1 and she has been really good, day 1 upset for a couple of minutes. Day 2 no problem at all. Now just the occasional cry when I leave her but that is over with in a very short space of time. I also leave a low radio on for her. She uses the garden most of the time for toileting, but occasionally she will come into the house and do another wee. The problem I have at the moment is trying to stop her biting. I have tried the gentle command which she listens to some of the time. And I have tried standing and turning my back on her so she realises I am not playing when she bites, but she will then go for trousers or feet, which I try my best to ignore, or she will just go off and do something else like chew a mat or something which is a no no. Any ideas? Regards Reply Link Stephanie January 25, , am Really great info, thank you for your article. Our puppy arrives in 5 days and we have been preparing for months. Your advice is. Very helpful. Blessings to you. Updated: July 10th, Unfortunately, most of us have to go out and work full-time, which proves a dilemma for dog owners — or potential dog owners. Should you get a golden if you work full-time? Not only is this distressing for your precious pup, which nobody wants but this kind of boredom and anxiety can manifest itself in all kinds of undesirable ways. How Long is Too Long? So, how long is too long? Is Age a Factor? The age of your dog is definitely a factor when it comes to how long they can comfortably be left home alone. While you might be tempted by a cute, fluffy little puppy, the fact of the matter is puppies need to be let out to use the bathroom many times a day, perhaps even every two hours or so. Plus, they need lots of time spent on training, and plenty of attention to help them feel secure and confident. As such, bringing an older dog into your life instead of a puppy can be a better idea if you work full-time. Besides, there are many abandoned and unwanted dogs out there who need to be adopted! Most rescue centers will assess the needs of the dogs in their care, so they should be able to tell you if a dog will be okay regularly left home for stretches of four or five hours at a time. What About Crating Your Dog? Crating is a good tool for dogs who feel insecure or who are destructive when left alone in the home. It gives them a sense of safety and security, while also protecting them from getting into any dangerous chewing situations, while at the same time protecting your belongings Please click here for advice on how to crate train your puppy. Imagine being confined to an area the size of a single bed for four or five hours, let out for an hour or so, then put back in for another four or five hours. Well, here are several options for you to consider. This can work well, but it really depends on you and your dog. The feasibility of this plan may depend on finances. One option might be to hire a dog walker in the morning or afternoon and also come home on your lunch break, so your pup has two things to look forward to during the day. Go To Doggy Daycare If you have a dog daycare near you, this is possibly the best option available. Enlist Help From Friends And Family Think about whether you have any friends or family members who would be willing to take care of your four-legged friend either in your home or their own. When this option works, it can work exceptionally well, but it depends on what type of support system you have near you and how accommodating your friends and family are. For instance, do you live close to your mom who happens to be home most of the day and would enjoy the company of a dog? Drop your pup off on the way to work, pick them up on the way home, and voila! Free childcare… uh… dog care. Or, perhaps you have a retired neighbor who would happily stop in on your dog for an hour a couple of times a day in return for the privilege of being able to snoop around your house haha. It may also mean changing your expectations of what owning a dog might be like. The key is making sure you can commit to the responsibility of keeping your dog entertained during the day. Further Reading. This is the schedule I stuck to for months after we got George. We use the Rover App to make sure George has all of the potty breaks he needs through out the day while we are at work. Now that George is older, we only do a Rover visit once over lunch time and he still gets his long walk in the morning and a park visit after work every day. This is the schedule that worked best for us, and he never had an accident in the crate. One of the best tips I can give you, other than keeping a schedule, make sure your puppy is tired. If your puppy is bored, they will get into mischief. Keeping your puppy tired is exhausting but it will keep them well behaved, happy, they will sleep through the night, and training will be easier. Be Prepared: Have the essentials ready when you pick the puppy up. I will link anything that I have loved. These biodegradable ones are great. Training: Any dog can be a good dog with the proper training. We started with Petco to help us teach the basics but as George got older, we invested in a better trainer. Petco is perfectly fine, we were having issues with him jumping and leash training. George sleeps next to our bed at night and we baby gate him in the kitchen during the day if we are gone for a long time. In the beginning, crate training was a must! We always gave him a treat when he entered and made it a positive experience. These tips and tricks have helped me survive raising a puppy while working full-time. I hope this post helps you navigate the craziness that is raising a puppy. If you are still deciding whether you want to get a puppy or not, know that getting George was the best decision Joel and I have made, but it is a big undertaking. I am confident that if you do your research, set a schedule, and prepare yourself for the next few months, you will handle the puppy stage with ease! Good Luck! Let me know if this post helped you! Share this:.

This comes at no extra cost to you. As a new Golden Retriever puppy owner, you may be wondering about when important puppy milestones happen, such as: When do they lose their puppy teeth? When do they stop growing? When do they finally stop biting? When do they sleep through the night? These puppy behavior stages and developmental milestones will differ from individual to individual, but this timeline can give you a general understanding of what to expect with your puppy. Day 1: Puppy is born You could also call this the best day ever. After carrying the pups for about 9 weeks , mom is ready to give birth! The average litter size for Golden Retrievers is 8. Their eyesight is very limited, and their soon-to-be-brown eyes are sometimes blue when they first open them. And as you know or will soon find out , they are very sharp. The puppy kibble is soaked in water, mashed up, and introduced to the pups. They work up to eating solid food about four times per day while still nursing from their mother. Because puppies need to complete weaning, most breeders wait until the puppies are 8 weeks to 12 weeks old before they send their pups home with their new owners. You can also start training them at this age the best way to stop bad habits is to not let them start! Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy? Download the Potty Training Cheat Sheet here! The biting phase is one of the toughest behavior stages for puppy owners. Golden Retriever puppies lose their baby teeth at around 4 months of age. Sometimes he would be chewing and then start to play with something on the floor. Most of the time when that would happen we would find a tooth laying there. This depends on the gender and your individual dog. And this is definitely a conversation to have with your vet, as spaying or neutering your Golden Retriever too young can have adverse health effects. Females are typically inches tall, while males are inches tall. It becomes their undercoat. At one and a half years old, Goldens have typically grown out their full coat. Related article:. Leash training begins not with your dog but with your mindset. Goldens are intelligent, people-pleasing dogs. Begin your leash training — and every walk after that — with a calm mindset, and your dog will follow. The leader goes through the door first, so work on proper door etiquette until your puppy or dog has the right idea. This sets up your walk to succeed from the beginning. If you allow your dog to pull you over to greet the dog across the street or to sniff that really lovely tree, your dog is the winner in this tug of war. Instead, when your dog starts pulling, stand in one spot. Beginning this training with puppies makes stopping easier, but plant your feet even with a full-grown dog. Reward walking correctly Choose a very small type of treat your dog only gets on walks and use this to reinforce good behavior. Every so often as your dog walks correctly, praise your golden and dish out a treat. Eventually, wean your dog off the treats but always praise good behavior. Goldens respond really well to this type of verbal confirmation. Walk often Make walks a regular part of your routine. At least once a day, preferably twice, walk your dog for a period of 15 to 30 minutes. This routine is a huge part of keeping your golden leash trained for walks. Put it in your calendar or set a reminder on your phone — whatever it takes to get outside. Remember to always use positive reinforcement. Yelling or other punishment types of motivation could backfire. Your golden may end up with more energy or fear of walking. Step 1: Put the leash on your golden while in the house. If your golden is afraid of the leash, reward him with treats when he allows you to put it on him. Step 2: While inside, walk back and forth with your dog, stopping when he pulls on the leash. This method begins to teach your golden what to expect. We are overjoyed for you! Golden Retrievers are one of the most friendly and loving breeds…and lucky for you, one of the easiest to train. Golden Retrievers require a great deal of mental stimulation to avoid going about on their own or becoming frustrated. Their love for food is infinite. Prerequisites for training my Golden Retriever puppy? What age can I start to train my Golden Retriever puppy? Sounds like a good deal! We can only hope. What do I need to train my Golden Retriever? Say bye to that sticky, meaty feeling in your fingertips. A piece of non-slip vet bed or a soft mat: For a cozy bed, warm nights, and good dreams. Treats: The more smelly, the better. Two identical toys : Great for swaps! The name says it all…your Golden Retriever puppy will love retrieving, so identical toys will be great for all the games we have in store for you in the Zigzag Puppy training app. Of course, Golden Retrievers grow to be big dogs. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? A golden retriever needs 2 hours of exercise a day. What age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? Golden Retrievers reach adulthood at 3 years of age and are seniors by 8 years old. Though their height has been reached, their weight will still fill out and they will continue to mentally mature. What are Golden Retrievers bred for? Distinctly British, the 1st Baron of Tweedmouth developed the breed crossing his golden colored retrieving dog Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel — these look similar to Irish Water Spaniels. The cross resulted in a dog that was comfortable being on land and water kind of like crocodiles , and robust enough to hunt goose, partridge and even deer. Do Golden Retrievers make good family pets? In fact, Golden Retrievers are one of the most loved dog breeds in the UK. The Kennel Club has a lot more good information and info about them. What does this have to do with how I train my Golden Retriever puppy? But there is a logic as to why knowing the context might help you train your Golden Retriever better: Golden Retrievers love to work. Commonly employed as Guide Dogs, they love having a job to do, which means they will adore training. Anyhow, they will be a breeze to train. They will also do almost anything for your soft words and approval — your praise will work just as well as treats. Because they are so gentle, they are a great fit for families with a variety of lifestyles and ages. They need a good amount of exercise; mental as well as physical. Let us rephrase — a hefty amount of exercise. Besides you and food, being in water is what they love the most! They have a very strong sense of smell, so retrieving or scent work games tend to be the biggest treat for most. Golden Retrievers are the social butterflies of dogs. They love most people, and are not discreet in showing it. You know how us Brits can be about politeness. That being said, make sure you also teach them the wonders of giving things up. It can lead to great things! But it can also be less helpful when they give you a love bite on your arm — give them a toy to carry instead. Shift to some play, and revisit training later — we want training to be associated with fun, and not something they begin to dread. March 13, Golden retrievers are some of the most popular dogs in America. These dogs are so widespread that many shelter mixes also have golden retriever heritage. However, golden retrievers are also some of the most energetic dogs, especially for their size. This guide will help you learn just how much exercise your golden needs for their age and lifestyle. Ideally, you should try to walk a golden retriever every day or every second day. A healthy, young golden retriever needs at least one hour of exercise a day. This exercise can take the form of walks, playtime, or running around in the backyard — whatever works out for you and your family. Basic Exercise Needs for Golden Retrievers If your golden retriever is particularly rambunctious, you might consider upping their exercise to two hours a day. Your golden will let you know when they start to get tired by panting, walking more slowly, and coming to your side for attention. In fact, forcing a small puppy to go for long walks can be incredibly bad for their joints and can cause arthritis later in life. In general, the assumption should be that your golden retriever puppy needs about ten minutes of exercise a day for every month that they are old. This means that a year-old golden retriever should be exercising for an hour and twenty minutes a day, which is the perfect amount for a healthy and happy pup. As golden retrievers start to age, their exercise needs drop drastically. By the time your dog is ten to eleven years old, they may only want to get about half an hour of exercise a day. For many geriatric dog owners, this means taking your pet for a casual daily stroll at a nice and easy pace. Just like humans, dogs stay healthier if they get to participate in a mix of different physical activities. When some owners realize the consequences, they often find it easier to make time for their canine friend. Animals need to move around to burn off calories. Golden retrievers are particularly susceptible to weight gain because they are a food-driven breed. These pups love to dive into their breakfast, beg for scraps throughout the day, perform tricks for treats, and finish everything off with another bowl of kibble before bedtime. However, because golden retrievers love to eat, this tactic can often leave you with an anxious and miserable pup. Instead, the easiest and most positive solution is to take your golden retriever out for more and longer walks every day. Behavior Issues Golden retrievers are high-energy dogs. Some of the main behavior issues that crop up when your dog is bored include barking , chewing, and scratching or digging. Your golden retriever is chewing on things because they are bored and under-stimulated. Try taking your dog out for a second walk, or find another way to increase the length of time you spend with them during your daily routine. Morning or Evening? First, decide whether you want to start or end your day by spending an hour with your dog. Some people love to take their dog out first thing in the morning so that both pet and parent can enjoy the sunrise and crisp, dew-filled air. Other owners feel like a casual stroll around the neighborhood is the perfect way to end a fantastic and productive routine. Either way, try to take your dog out at the same time every day. It allows your pup to build up expectations that they can rely on, which is great for canine psychology. In addition to your regular walks, make a habit of taking your dog on a random extra walk whenever you have the time. A quick jaunt around the neighborhood will make both of you feel better. Related posts:. In some cases, your new pup might not want to walk at all. You should walk your dog 3 times a day after breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Puppies need just as much attention as any other pet because they are still learning how to behave. The length of time that you should go for a walk depends on the age of your puppy. Older puppies can go for longer, but younger ones may tire more easily so you should keep an eye on them. What are the benefits of walking a pup? Walking a pup is a great way to provide some much-needed exercise and time alone. If you have a busy schedule and don't have the time to take your dog on regular walks, consider hiring a professional dog walker or a neighbourhood friend. A lot of people are unsure about how long they should walk their dogs. Some people walk their dogs for hours, while others walk them for just a few minutes. As mentioned above, the answer is different for every person and dog. Generally, younger dogs might not have the energy that older dogs will. Try starting with an hour a day and finding a comfortable spot for you and your dog. What are the risks of not taking your pup for walks? If you have a new puppy, it is important for them to get exercise and socialization. If you do not take them for walks, they will feel too cooped up and stressed. They may also develop bad habits like chewing and digging. In some cases, they can even develop a bad habit of not wanting to walk at all. In other words, your dog might become lazy and it can be hard for you to get them into the habit of going on walks again. How much exercise does a pup need per day? A young pup needs an average of 45 minutes to an hour of exercise per day. For this, it's important to choose a time when the pup will have the most energy. Ideally, this should be in the morning or evening when they're most likely to be active. In order for a puppy to stay healthy and happy, it's important that they get enough exercise. Some dog parks allow you to let your dog run around freely. You could also play with your dog using dog toys. Try out a few of these and see what your dog enjoys best. The most important factor is the breed of the dog. Puppies from larger breeds will need more exercise, and therefore need to be walked for longer periods of time. In addition, as mentioned above the age of the pup is a factor too. Puppies that are older will be able to go for longer walks without getting tired, so their walks can last a little bit less than a younger pup's walk. The third factor that affects how long your puppy should go for a walk is the environment in which you live. If you live in an urban area with lots of sidewalks and parks, then your pup will likely be able to go on shorter walks than if they lived in an area with fewer sidewalks and parks available to them. Dogs need a lot of exercise. They are also capable of doing a lot more than just running around in the backyard. Dogs are not just pets, they are our friends and companions. They deserve to be happy and healthy too. That is why their owners should take care of their needs, including exercise requirements. The amount of exercise that your dog needs will vary depending on its size, age, and breed. If you have a small dog like a toy poodle or chihuahua then they will need less exercise than if you have a large dog like an Irish wolfhound or Labrador retriever. The short answer to this question is "it depends". It is important to note that there are many factors that determine the right amount of time you should walk your dog. The first thing to consider is the age and size of your dog. A puppy or a small breed dog might need fewer walks than a larger breed adult dog. The distance you live from a park or other area where your pet can go off-leash also plays a role in how often you need to walk them. In general, minutes per day should be enough for most dogs, but it's always best to consult with your veterinarian for specific recommendations. What are the benefits of walking a puppy for longer periods of time? Walking a puppy is important, but walking a puppy for longer periods of time has some additional benefits. The first benefit is that it strengthens the bond between the dog and its owner. The second benefit is that you can get more exercise by walking your pup for an hour at a time, which means you'll be able to do other things that you enjoy. What are the risks of not walking a pup for long enough periods of time? It is important to take your pup for walks on a regular basis, even if it is just for a short period of time. If left alone for extended periods, dogs can become bored. This can lead to separation anxiety and other bad behaviour. What is the Correct Way to Walk a Puppy? It's a common misconception that all dogs need to be walked the same way. In reality, there are many different techniques for dog walking , and it's important to figure out which one is best for your furry friend. Remember that puppies may be very hyper and full of energy. They may want to run off in several different directions. When walking your puppy try to keep them calm and moving. And More! Training a puppy to enjoy their walks can be a challenge. The best way to train your puppy is by using positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train a puppy to enjoy their walks. You should start with short, frequent walks and gradually increase the time spent walking every day. Eventually, you will be able to walk your dog for as long as you want without any issues! There is no set time for how long a puppy or senior dog should go for walks. A senior dog should be walked less often than a puppy, but they can still go on long walks. How long should a puppy be walked for compared to adult dogs? Dogs age much faster than humans, meaning that puppies should be walked for a shorter duration than an adult dog. Experts recommend that owners walk their puppy for about 15 minutes per day, and gradually increase the time as they grow. What should you do if your pup is not interested in going on walks? There are many ways to get your pup walking. I've found that playing with a favourite toy or throwing a handful of treats on the ground will usually do the trick. It's not easy to teach a dog how to walk on a leash. But don't give up, it takes some time and patience! Walking your puppy is a great way to keep them healthy and happy. So, start walking your puppy today! More Training. Sep 13, Sep 20, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Our goldens are such high-energy dogs. In order to stay mentally and physically healthy, they require exercise. They need more exercise than many dogs. Of course, the amount and type of exercise will vary based on their age, genetics, health, and overall health and fitness. He may become destructive or he may gain weight. So, to keep him healthy and happy, he should be well-exercised. Even adult goldens may chew the wrong items like your furniture and dig in your garden when under-exercised. Or they may bark excessively, jump on counters or people even when trained not to, or be mouthy. Also, he may gain too much weight. This can lead to heart disease, risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and damage to hips and elbows. A dog who receives enough exercise has toned muscles. Exercise also keeps his body and metabolic system functioning properly and engages his mind. Of course, puppies, adult goldens, and seniors will require various amounts and types of exercise. But generally golden retrievers, being sporting dogs meant to work, need more exercise than many breeds. Genetics enter into the equation. This can also help you determine what type of exercises to include in his regimen. So a three-month-old puppy should receive no more than 15 minutes of exercise up to two times a day. And break up the time he plays. For example, have a short minute walk and, after a break, a three-minute fetch session. Then, after another break, a two-minute training session. Vary the activities. Doing all these activities will not only help your pup exercise, but it will also help further your bond. My rescued golden retriever Riley came to me when he was about six months old. To say that he was energetic would be an understatement. He would jump on us, be mouthy, and generally destructive when he arrived. Of course, he needed training. But I also had to meet his exercise needs so that we could have a great relationship. So I took him on long walks, played fetch with his Kong ball, played tug and release, and played with puzzle toys. He also played with my other dogs. And he went to daycare two or three days or half-days per week. Between mental and physical exercise, he became the great dog he was meant to be. He enjoys life, loves everyone, and is very well-behaved wherever he goes. But he was worth it. Of course a young adult or one from hunting lines may need more. They may even need an hour-and-a-half or two hours per day. Just like us, goldens are individuals. But others may still be very active at 10 years old. Of course, some goldens are still very active at that age and beyond. But how much and the type of exercise they should engage in depends on their general health. The same is true of goldens with disabilities. They still require a sufficient amount of exercise according to their needs. Types of Exercise for Your Golden Of course both physical and mental exercise are required to have a healthy dog. There are many choices that will help your dog be fit and happy. Always monitor your dog to see if he seems too tired or appears to be injured. Stop and seek veterinary advice. Start out slowly and add time over many sessions as your pup can handle it. Vary the exercises. Some can be performed inside as well as outside. So even on a rainy day, you can sufficiently exercise your dog and meet his needs. Walking or Running Of course, you should first teach your dog to walk on a loose leash before exercising him on a leash. Walks at a natural pace are best for most goldens. Start with short walks, increasing them over time. Avoid walks on the hottest or coldest part of the day. Always walk on safe footing and avoid slippery or sharp surfaces. Of course, running is another matter. The pounding may be too much. Running on soft running paths or level grass can be alright for some dogs. Of course, a full vet checkup should occur before starting any running program with your beloved golden retriever. Some people jog with a dog. Others may skate or ride a bike with their golden alongside. Of course, some dogs enjoy hiking with their people. There are many sights and smells for a dog to enjoy. Play Groups Your puppy or dog can also get a lot of varied exercise playing with appropriate dog playmates. Dogs romp and wrestle together. You can set up your own or join in to well-run dog playgroups or even dog daycares. Playing With Your Dog You can play fetch with your dog if he knows how to retrieve and give up the toy on cue. He may even fetch a favorite ball. Or play tug with a toy like a rope or fleece toy if your dog will take it and release it on cue. The options are limitless. You can play hide and seek with your golden while inside. You can heel with him, have him come on cue, or teach him to wave! Mentally Stimulating Toys There are many activity toys you can buy or you can make your own. Some are puzzle toys where your golden seeks out kibble or treats. Or treat-dispensing balls. If you or a friend has a swimming pool, you can teach your dog to swim. They make life vests for safety. Start him in shallow water and build from there, with you accompanying him. Always make sure that he knows where the steps are and how to get out of the water. My golden Spencer used to like to swim in the bay when we vacationed at the shore. He was a great swimmer, but he wore a doggy life vest and I had him on a long-line for safety. There are also dog facilities like boarding and daycares and vet hospitals that have facilities where your pup may swim. Swimming provides a great cardio workout as well as being easier on joints than many land exercises. This can be good for dogs with joint problems and arthritis. In fact, aqua therapy is often used for dogs who need physical rehabilitation from injuries or surgery. The following suggestions can be performed in competitions or just for fun and exercise. You can even join a dog training club or take courses to learn how to perform these activities. There are so many choices, including: Lure coursing, where a dog chases after a plastic bag attached to a lure that whizzes by on a specially designed course. Sight hounds often participate in this sport. Scent work, in which a dog finds something by scent. Agility, where a dog learns to run a designated course with tunnels, weave poles, dog walks, and teeter totters. Flyball, where a dog learns to jump over a course of jumps and retrieve a ball. Rally obedience, in which you train your dog to walk through a course accompanied by you. He performs certain tasks at each sign on the ground that you encounter. He may have to sit and lie down and perform other obedience exercises throughout the course. Dock diving is a sport in which goldens and labs excel—usually being water-loving dogs. He stays on the dock, awaiting your command. He then runs along the dock and flings his body into the water to retrieve the toy. In competition, the goal is to have the longest jump possible. You should be able to feel his ribs without seeing them. Some occasional zoomies are natural. And he should also be able to listen and pay attention to you and to perform known commands, Too much exercise can be as bad as not enough. Final Thoughts Just like us, goldens need physical and mental exercise to remain healthy. It will also further the bond with your four-legged best friend. How much exercise does your golden receive? What activities have you tried? Please leave your comments in the section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation. Without adequate exercise, few puppies will be able to control their energy. Families see an out-of-control puppy and immediately think exercise is the answer to their problem. Often it is, but exercise can also be overdone. There is a balance. The information below has exercise guidelines for large breed puppies along with a broad range of various ways for your puppy to get that exercise. Make sure that you have a fenced area or that you are far from any place that cars or other dangers might be. For off-leash strolls, let the puppy set the pace. If he lies down, let him rest. Here are a few general guidelines. Keep in mind that puppies that are used to active lifestyles can handle longer excursions. Conversely, puppies that have not had opportunity to exercise off leash need to start off at a slower pace. For your average puppy, start off with minutes for an 8-week old puppy. Increase to up to 20 minutes for week old puppies. By the time your puppy is 6 months, the time can be increased up to as much as 45 minutes and for a month-old puppy, you can go for as long as an hour as long as you are going at a slow pace with plenty of opportunities for your puppy to sniff around. If you miss a week or two of the work, decrease your distance when starting back and gradually build up the distance again. This long distance exercise must be off-leash so that your puppy can take breaks and slow down as needed. The puppy must set the pace. Forced running on a leash is never good for a growing puppy. Leash Walks as Exercise for a Golden Retriever Puppy Leash walking can be a good form of exercise when certain criteria are met. First puppies need to be trained and socialized to the environment. Second, leash walks need to be done in a certain way. Leash walking can be overdone. One of the biggest causes of growth plate and soft tissue injury in young puppies is repetitive exercise. Leash walks for puppies must be broken up with training sessions or opportunities for free off-leash play or time to sniff around on the leash. At 3 months, you can go for 20 minutes and at 6 months, you can walk up to 30 minutes. You must be much more careful with leash walking since you and not the puppy control the pace. Leash walking provides an excellent way of combining a little bit of physical exercise with mental exercise, obedience training, socialization, and environmental desensitization. It is a fantastic way to introduce a puppy to his world. It gives a bit of exercise while at the same time giving opportunities for socialization and training. However, strolls on a leash are not enough. Puppies must have an opportunity to run and play. Again, off-leash walks are best if your goal in your walk is to provide adequate exercise. A week old Golden Retriever puppy will have a neck that is about 12 inches. Get a collar of any brand that includes 12 inches in the size range. An adult female will have about an 18 inch neck. A male adult will need a collar that fits a 20 inch neck. Similarly running on a treadmill or any other types of forced running are not appropriate forms of exercise for a golden retriever puppy. Free Play as Exercise for a Golden Retriever Puppy Free play is always an excellent form of exercise for a golden retriever puppy. Dogs and puppies of all ages can play as long they like in your safely contained yard. If your puppy is playing with another dog in the family, make sure you supervise their play until you are sure that they play well together and that the older dog is not too rough. End the play if the other dog is getting too rough, if your puppy is starting to annoy the other dog, or if your puppy shows signs that he is ready to quit playing. Strange dogs are not worth the risk. Getting on the ground or running around with your puppy can be one of the best ways to exercise your puppy. Fetch and tug can be options if played within certain guidelines. Whether you are playing tug or fetch or just running around with your puppy, there are a couple of rules that need to be followed. Instead, ignore him. Wait until your puppy is behaving. Then, once you begin playing with your puppy, periodically, stop the game and make him gain control of himself before resuming the game. Ask him to do a simple behavior such as a sit or a down. Then start playing again. We recommend teaching your puppy the game of fetch at a young age. Going and getting a toy, bringing it back, and giving it to you is easier to teach when they are young. Chasing balls causes puppies to twist, roll, jump, and tumble while trying to grab a moving ball. Instead, use toys. Then, combine your game of fetch with a game of tug. Tug is discussed in detail in another section. Once your puppy has learned to tug, teach your puppy a release command. Save longer throws for your dog until after he is over 2 years of age. Teach The Wait Command Once your puppy has learned to bring a toy back to you reliably, you can begin teaching your puppy to safely retrieve a ball. Before moving from a toy to a ball, teach a wait command. Playing fetch with a dog with a wait command is a tremendous exercise. It not only provides physical exercise, but it also provides a super opportunity for a puppy to learn self-control. Here is how to teach it. I like to use what is called a pull tab. A pull tab is a very short leash that you attach to a collar. Pull tabs are typically 6 inches or shorter. A pull tab is long enough to give you control over your dog, but short enough for the dog to be able to run and play with it dangling from his collar. Once the dog relaxes and I require a sit as well , throw the ball. When the dog is dependable with regard to waiting on the release, you can do away with the tab. Having a dog wait before chasing a ball is a necessity with puppies because it eliminates the problem of the dog twisting, turning, and diving for a moving object. Fetch is a great exercise for an adult. Once a dog is over 2, you can begin throwing balls and even add a Chuck-it ball thrower to your game. Tug as a Form of Exercise for a Golden Retriever Puppy Tug is a very good exercise for dogs of all ages except for during the stage when puppy teeth are coming out and new adult teeth coming in to replace them. Make sure you stop before he looses his first teeth at around 4 months. Tug can then be resumed when all adult teeth are in. The most current training recommendations for tug no longer include the idea that the dog can never win and that you must always be in charge. This is not true. Consider a child racing his Dad down the street. The Dad lets the child win and the child beams. It gives the child confidence and makes him want to be faster and better. The same holds true with puppies. Let them win when they do a good job! The Release Once a puppy is tugging vigorously and understands the game, you can teach a release cue. Teach this by making the tug toy become motionless and no fun. Just keep the toy still until the dog opens his mouth on his own. Then immediately give the toy back to the dog and start the tug game again. Begin integrating the release into your play session in such a way that you are giving the toy back far more often than not. The dog needs to associate his releasing the toy with a restart to the game, not an end to it. It encourages forced running, jumping, and twisting, all bad for the growing puppy. Frisbee throwing can be dangerous for any dog, but especially for a puppy. We personally never play frisbee with our dogs. There are many other better exercise choices. Digging Digging is actually a very good exercise for a puppy though it may not be so good for your lawn! If you should have a place that your puppy can dig, maybe a soft spot in the corner of your yard, train him that that place and only that place is his digging spot. Puppies Should Avoid Full Flights of Stars Your Summer Brook puppy will be trained shortly before changing homes to safely navigate a set of 3 or 4 steps. If your set of steps is more than half a full flight, we require that you carry him up them until he is 4 months old. Even after this, we recommend keeping him off the steps as often as possible. Dogs tend to get excited and fly down them, often leaping over 4 or 5 of them at a time. This can result in injury. As with so many other repetitive or impactful activities, we highly recommend waiting until growth plates are closed. Baby gates can be a huge help until that time. Swimming Swimming is super exercise for a Golden Retriever puppy and most dogs enjoy playing fetch in the water. See our website page on teaching a puppy to swim for more information. This includes jumping up on and off of furniture until he is fully grown and growth plates are closed. Growth Plates and Exercise We have mentioned quite a few times on this page the importance of limiting certain activities with your puppy until his growth plates are closed. Some of you might be wondering what growth plates are and why they matter with regard to exercise. What Are Growth Plates? Growth plates are soft areas that are at the ends of the long bones in puppies. These growth plates gradually get thinner until they completely close. The closure of growth plates is brought on by hormonal changes during puberty. When growth plates close, they harden as they calcify and the rapid cell division stops. The growth plates become what is called an epiphyseal line. The epiphyseal line is sturdy and not so prone to injury as the growth plates. These are collectively referred to as soft tissue. In an adult, when there is a soft tissue injury, a sprain will result. However, in a puppy, the soft tissue is stronger than the growth plates. An injury that would only cause a sprain in an adult dog could cause an injury to the growth plate in a puppy. The soft tissue can actually pull the growth plate apart. Growth plate injuries can sometimes not heal properly and keep a dog from growing straight and strong which can subject him to problems for his entire life. Conclusion Although you need to be much more careful with the type of exercise you provide your puppy, exercise is still very important to a growing puppy. Appropriate exercise is key to building strong bones. Another key to good puppy development and a relaxed puppy is mental exercise. Give your puppy appropriate physical exercise and give your puppy a long life with healthy bones and joints. For more information on our puppies, see our page on Golden Retriever puppies. Primary Sidebar Breeders and Trainers of English Golden Retrievers We focus on breeding and training beautiful English Golden Retriever puppies with health tested champion parents, great pedigrees, and fantastic temperaments.