german shepherd puppies age progression

Once he has reached maturity, you can switch to adult dog food. Not all breeds reach maturity at the same age, however, so this can make it harder to know when to switch. How Long to Feed Puppy Food Puppies need a complete and balanced puppy food until they reach maturity. For dogs, adulthood depends more on breed size than their age. Because large and giant breeds take longer to mature, they need to eat puppy food longer than small- or medium-sized breeds. Medium Dog Breeds: Medium-sized dogs weigh between 21 and 50 pounds at maturity. They tend to reach maturity around 12 months of age. They need to eat puppy food longer than small- and medium-sized breeds. They can tell you when to switch to an adult dog food and help make it a successful transition. Leftovers in a bowl could signal that your puppy is getting full and needs less calories throughout the day. Continuing to feed puppy food past the point of maturity could cause him to become overweight, which can lead to other health problems. Choose a complete and balanced adult dog food formula once your puppy reaches maturity to help him maintain his ideal body condition. When to Switch Puppy to Adult Food Once you know when your puppy will reach maturity, you can decide when to switch to adult food. If your puppy will be full grown at 12 months, you can start transitioning him to an adult formula around his first birthday. How to Transition Puppy to an Adult Dog Food When you stop feeding puppy food, you must change more than just the food he eats. The number of meals and portion sizes will shift, too. Most puppies eat three meals a day , but adult dogs can eat just two meals per day. A gradual transition helps prevent stomach upset. Days 3 to 4: Serve half puppy food and half adult dog food. Days 8 to Serve only adult dog food. If your dog resists eating the adult food or experiences an upset stomach, extend the transition time as needed. Consult with your veterinarian for more help if needed. For more information and tips on puppy and dog nutrition from our experts , visit our Pet Expertise page. Related articles. The general rule is to switch your Golden Retriever puppy to adult food once they reach physical maturity. For Golden Retrievers this is between the age of 12 to 18 months. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adults and need to stay on puppy food until they stop growing. Switching too early can have a negative effect on the growth and development of your pup. Golden Retrievers are considered a large breed and reach their physical maturity much later than small breeds do. All dogs differ as to when they reach maturity, which is why there is no one size fits all answer to this question. Can switch to adult food at 9 to 12 months. Medium Breeds: 20 to 50Lbs. Can switch to adult food at 12 to 14 months. Large and Giant Breeds: Weigh more than 50Lbs. Can switch to adult food at 12 to 24 months. He will continue to fill out until the age of 2 when he reaches his adult weight. Keeping your Golden Retriever pup on puppy food until the age of 12 to 18 months is a good guideline to follow. But, there are other ways to tell if your Golden is ready to make the transition. Here are some other signs that will let you know your pup is ready for adult food: Skipping Meals or Leftover Food Puppy food is designed specifically for growing puppies. It is higher in fat, calories, protein and nutrients to help support growth and development. Once your puppy reaches adulthood, he no longer needs as many calories. You may notice that your puppy is skipping meals or leaving food in his food bowl because he is still full. This is a good indication that your puppy is ready to make the switch. Puppies typically eat 3 meals a day, when you make the switch to adult food, you can also reduce the number of meals per day down to 2. Decreased Activity Level We all know that puppies have a ton of energy, and Golden Retriever puppies seem to have even more! But, with age comes a decrease in activity level. Once your puppy starts to mature, you will notice they also start to calm down. Weight Gain Once your Golden Retriever puppy is fully grown, they no longer need high-calorie food. If you continue feeding puppy food to your adult Golden Retriever, you may notice excessive weight gain. Weight gain is a clear indication that your Golden Retriever is past the puberty stage and is ready to switch to adult food. The transition to adult food is important, as puppy food can quickly pack on the pounds. Weight gain is usually seen in Golden Retrievers who are spayed or neutered because owners continue feeding them the same amount of food as before. The age of spay or neuter lines up to around the time your Golden Retriever should transition to adult food, which is when they are finished growing. Puppies require a higher amount of calories, protein, nutrients and fats in order to fuel their growth. While puppies need the proper food to grow and develop, adult Golden Retrievers require food to maintain their bodies. Puppy food is: Smaller in size, making it safer to chew and swallow. Softer in texture, catering to the softer and smaller teeth of a puppy. Contains nutrients and fats essential for bone growth, muscle development, and energy. Carefully balanced for growing puppies. Feeding properly balanced puppy food is important, and large breeds like Golden Retrievers benefit from specially formulated large-breed puppy food. Most vets and nutritionists consider a pup a large breed if they weigh between 55 to Lbs when fully grown. Large breed puppy food is lower in fat and calories than regular puppy food, and it has a carefully balanced ratio of calcium to phosphorus. This allows for slow and steady growth, supporting joints and bones. For more information on large breed puppy food, check out this article from PetMD. Different quantities and ratios of nutrients are ideal for different life stages. Keeping your adult Golden Retriever on puppy food can lead to obesity and other health issues such as faster growth, which can lead to hip and elbow dysplasia. Puppy food is too rich and dense in nutrients which not only causes significant weight gain in adults but could result in stomach upset and diarrhea. It could also lead to an overdose of vitamins and minerals. Adult dog food contains nutrients that are suited for dogs who are passed their growth stage. Adult Golden Retrievers need food that helps them maintain their optimal health and weight. The switch to adult food needs to be gradual, over a period of 7 to 10 days. This will prevent any stomach upset in your pup. Basically, the best way to transition your puppy to adult food is to buy a bag of adult food when you purchase the last bag of puppy food. Gradually mix the two foods together, increasing the amount of new food over a period of 7 to 10 days. By day 9 or 10 your Golden Retriever should be eating his new adult food. If at any time during the transition period your Golden Retriever experiences an upset stomach or diarrhea, or simply resists the adult food, you can extend the transition time as needed. Final Thoughts So, as you can see there is a right time and a wrong time when you should switch your Golden Retriever puppy to adult food. Golden Retrievers grow and mature at a slower pace than smaller breeds do, and require the essential nutrients found in puppy food for much longer. It is recommended to keep your Golden Retriever puppy on puppy food until the age of 12 to 18 months. You want to gradually introduce the new food in order to avoid any stomach upset. Is your Golden Retriever puppy ready for adult food? At what age did your Golden Retriever start eating adult food? Share your thoughts and comments below. I would love to hear from you! Jenny I am the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ellie. She keeps me busy, and when she is resting, you can find me working on my blog. She is always close by though. I live in Stirling, ON Canada with my husband, and we both enjoy the never a dull moment life with our Ellie. Spread the love. The range of amounts is based on the activity of your Golden for the day, either low, moderate, or high level of activity. Golden Retrievers should have scheduled times to eat daily. The scheduled times will help them with their energy levels and keep them healthy. You can schedule their eating times as to what works best for your schedule. For example, feeding them before you leave for work and then when you get home. As a puppy, they will eat three times a day, so you will need to find times in those first few months to feed them more often. When they are an adult or senior, the scheduling of feeding times will be easier because they will only eat twice daily. For a Golden Retriever puppy, the best feeding schedule is once in the morning, noontime, and in the evening. For example, you could feed their first meal at am, lunch at noon, then dinner at pm. Planning their mealtimes around your mealtimes will often make it easier for you and the puppy. Make sure to give them plenty of time after eating to got to the bathroom a couple of times before heading to bed. Hopefully, this will help them sleep for a longer period. After about six months, your Golden Retriever can go down to two daily feedings. This usually occurs once in the morning and once in the evening. They can usually last about 12 hours between meals. If it goes past 12 hours, they could become nauseated. Golden Retrievers can experience food allergies often caused from proteins in dairy or meat products. If your dog experiences symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or itching they may have a food allergy. They warn that feeding dogs any raw animal-source protein could cause illness because it has not gone through a process to remove harmful pathogens. However, a raw diet can be healthy if you are willing to go through the extra cleaning processes of the meat. This is a lot of work and difficult to do correctly and safely. We do not recommend it without expert veterinary help. Before starting a raw diet with your Golden, be sure to consult a veterinarian. Find one that is familiar with raw foods and can help with the proper handling of the foods. If you work hard to make sure your homemade foods are rich in the vitamins and minerals that a dog needs, then it might work for your Golden Retriever. It takes a lot more time to find recipes and make sure it has all the nutritional value of a store-bought dog food. If you are willing to research expertly formulated recipes internet is making it easier to do this , and take the time to cook for your golden then go for it! Consulting your veterinarian is a must before starting any homemade diet. A veterinary nutritionist should also review your plan before starting. Feeding your Golden Retriever table food is not the best practice but a small amount of dog healthy table food is fine. Some example table foods that are healthy for them are carrots, blueberries and plain yogurt. Just be aware that feeding them too much table food can throw their entire diet out of whack. They may not be getting enough vitamins and minerals like they do from their dog food. Conclusion Making sure your Golden Retriever is getting the right foods at the right amounts will help them live their best life. There are many choices of foods with all the right ingredients. Be sure to choose one that works best for you and your Golden. Consult with your veterinarian on which food will bring the most nutritional value to the health of your Golden Retriever. If your Golden is experiencing any health issues related to changing foods, visit your veterinarian. If this article was helpful, please consider sharing this post on Facebook with the button below! She is board certified a specialist in canine reproduction. In her day job, she is a leader in a small biotech where she and a team of veterinarians and scientists work to develop new medications for pets. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of this wonderful breed of dogs. She and her husband have 2 children, 3 dogs and one cat. They love camping and hiking and she can often be found with her head in a good book. Recent Posts. Read the full disclosure here. Being a large and energetic dog, your golden retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a golden retriever feeding chart. Knowing how much to feed your golden retriever is always tricky but essential for their well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your goldie. Most first-time owners think their puppies should be chubby. In truth, golden retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food. To encourage proper growth and development without making your pup obese, you will have to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. For example, cheaper foods use fillers and have a smaller amount of calories, thus you will have to feed more than you would when using premium large breed puppy foods. They are famously loving and playful family pets, always eager to jump in the pool or snuggle up with you on the lounge. They are patient and energetic dogs who are easy to train, making them excellent service animals as well as loyal companions. If you are bringing a Goldie into your family, you might also be aware of their reputation as food lovers. Your Goldie might want to eat anything and everything you put in their bowl — and maybe even anything left on an unattended plate. In this Golden Retriever feeding guide, Hypro Premium will take you through everything you need to know when it comes to food options for your pup. The best food for most young puppies is milk. If you are weaning a puppy, you can start to mix in a little dry kibble with their puppy milk to create a paste. You can feed this mix to your puppy up to four times a day, slowly reducing the amount of milk you mix in. Over time, your Goldie puppy will get more comfortable with solid foods, until you no longer need to include any milk in their diet. While chubby little puppies are cute, your Goldie should not build up too much excess fat once you start feeding them solids. Goldies go from a small 4kg puppy at 7 weeks old to an almost 30 kg adult dog in the space of only 10 months. At six months old your puppy will still be growing, but more slowly as they reach most of their body development milestones. This is why appropriate feeding in the first year of their life is vital to the overall health of your Goldie for years to come. Over time this can increase to up to 4 cups a day at 10 months old, though females should usually only need 3 cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy is often dependent on their size and sex. While they may have some growing left to do, it depends on your dog. Some Goldies will continue to experience growth spurts before their second birthday, while others will stay the same size. Large breeds can be at risk of growing too fast, which can make them more vulnerable to skeletal and weight problems when they get older. Golden retrievers are especially prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be avoided through diet control. You should feed your Goldie between 3 — 4 cups of food per day over two meals. Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs. This is important to take into consideration as you are establishing a feeding schedule for a Golden Retriever puppy. Puppies require more calories to support their rapid growth than adult dogs, but they also have much smaller stomachs, which means they get fuller faster. Because of this, puppies can easily overeat, especially Golden Retrievers. You can help your puppy avoid overeating by allowing them a short amount of time to eat, and then removing their bowl. All puppies grow a lot during their first year, but large breed puppies are more likely to suffer from negative health consequences as a result. In order to provide your Golden Retriever puppy with the most appropriate food to support their rapid growth, consider choosing a large breed puppy food. Goldie puppies need lots of protein, fibre, and fatty acids to support the development of their bodies and provide them with energy. These foods also take into account the difference in nutrient digestion between small and large breeds. Too much of these nutrients can cause your large breed puppy to develop skeletal abnormalities. So how much do you feed a Golden Retriever? Your adult Goldie could need anywhere between and 1, calories per day. The amount of food you feed your dog will be determined by a few important factors. The first thing to consider is the sex of your dog. On average, your male Golden Retriever will need slightly more food than a female dog. Senior dogs will usually be less active and so will need less food. Goldies in particular can have a lot of variation in the amount of food they need on a daily basis. No matter how much you feed your dog, it is ideal that you feed your adult Golden Retriever two meals a day at evenly spaced time intervals. Feeding your dog twice, once in the morning and again in the evening, can be useful for establishing a routine and avoiding overfeeding. This routine can also include exercise, and is useful for encouraging healthy behaviour around food and toilet training. Special Considerations Your Golden Retriever could be predisposed to several health conditions that are important to consider when you make decisions about their diet. Firstly, Golden Retrievers are known for their beautiful coats, but their skin can often become infected. Goldies love swimming, but this can cause problems if water irritates their skin. They can also be susceptible to atopic dermatitis, which causes extreme itchiness, resulting in licking and biting behaviours in dogs that can cause even more damage. For dogs prone to skin and coat issues, a fish-based diet can help alleviate symptoms. Fish contains plenty of fatty acids, which support coat and skin health, and rarely triggers any allergic reaction in dogs. Goldies often benefit from healthy grains in their diet, especially as avoiding them can actually leave your dog more vulnerable to nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy, or nutritional DCM. This heart disease is common in Golden Retrievers, and can be triggered by consuming too much grain-free pet food that contains legumes like lentils and peas. You should consider feeding your Golden Retriever foods that are full of grains and proteins like chicken or fish. These are the benefits and drawbacks of the three most popular options — wet food, a raw food diet, and dry food. Wet food can be a great option for dogs that need plenty of protein and fat, like working dogs or dogs with certain health conditions. It also hydrates your dog while they eat, which can be useful for dogs suffering from any illness. For dogs with highly restrictive diets, raw food prepared by you can be a great way to avoid allergens. You can have complete control over a raw diet, which does require a lot more work on your part, but can have great results. For instance, a Golden Retriever with heart issues should eat a low salt diet, which can be easier to achieve if you are preparing their meals from scratch. However, low quality kibbles tend to be made up of a lot of low quality fillers, which can be hard for your pup to digest. Whatever option you choose for your Goldie, make sure it is suitable for large breeds and contains high quality ingredients. This will help prevent degenerative health disorders in the long run. Your Golden Retriever will probably love food, and will probably try to eat anything you put in front of them, which means you need to help them avoid the negative consequences of overeating. Golden retrievers, like other large and active breeds, need plenty of exercise. Not only is this vital to their physical health, but it also ensures they grow up well socialised and mentally stimulated. As your Goldie grows from a puppy to an adult dog, the amount of meals they need a day will reduce as their digestive systems become more developed. Your dog will need two meals a day, once in the evening and once in the morning, from the age of 6 months.

Medicated dog shampoo Dry shampoo for dogs Do you find your dog smelling a bit unpleasant between washes? Does your dog have sensitive skin , which could do with less bathing? Or does your dog make a fuss when taking a bath? If any of these things are true, then dry dog shampoo might be the right product for you in between giving water baths. It cleans your dog gently, while helping her stay fresh longer. It is naturally derived from coconut and is mild, safe, and great for sensitive skin. There are no harsh chemicals and no sodium laureth sulfate. Oatmeal shampoo for dogs Does your Labrador have sensitive skin issues like dry flaky skin? Is her skin itchy? Do you notice your dog scratching and biting herself a lot? End her needless suffering with oatmeal dog shampoo. Oatmeal is a known soothing ingredient popular in shampoos and skincare products. It works great for sensitive skin because it is moisturizing and very gentle. The oatmeal and aloe ingredients are gentle enough for dogs with even severe allergies. This product is rich and thick and lathers beautifully. Natural dog shampoo Perhaps your dog is hyperallergenic and needs something extra gentle for her skin. It is soothing for normal, dry, itchy, or allergy sensitive skin. Best smelling dog shampoo Do you feel good after giving your dog a bath and she smells great? Want a terrific smelling shampoo with a scent that will stick around longer than most other dog shampoos? It lathers up really well without using up a lot of product. It rinses clean easily, thereby saving time and water. Puppy shampoo Puppies have sensitive skin and require a shampoo specially formulated for them. Your puppy will smell fresh and be very clean with this mild cleanser. It is made with all natural ingredients like buttermilk powder, colloidal oatmeal, honey, and beeswax. Best flea shampoo for dogs Is your poor doggy suffering from fleas, ticks, flea eggs, flea larvae, or lice? Well we can recommend a flea shampoo for dogs that should solve these problems. It contains soothing aloe, lanolin, oatmeal, and coconut extract. This formula should provide 28 days of control of pre-adult fleas. It is specially formulated for pets with allergies to grass, flea bites, and food. It is pH balanced for sensitive skin. To top it off, it smells of cherries and almonds. This is plant botanical based with high quality natural ingredients including oat proteins, aloe vera, coconut, vitamins. And it has fruit extract to calm inflamed, damaged skin. It is formulated for sensitive skin, which is great for dogs with allergies and other sensitivities. Dog conditioner Want a soft, luxurious coat for your dog? Why not get a special conditioner for dogs? It conditions well, washes out easily, and does not weigh hair down. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. Coat Type And Condition Labradors have a unique double coat consisting of a dense, soft undercoat that insulates them from cold weather and an outer water-resistant layer. This distinctive fur requires specialized care to maintain its health. One common issue among Labrador retrievers is shedding — they are notorious shedders! Regular grooming , including brushing and bathing with the right shampoo, can help manage this problem. For example, some shampoos, like Labs, are designed for breeds with double coats. These can penetrate both layers for thorough cleansing without stripping away natural oils. Besides keeping their coat looking sleek and shiny, using such products may reduce shedding by removing loose excess hair during bath time. If they have dry or itchy skin, opt for hypoallergenic or oatmeal-based formulas, which are gentle on sensitive skin. Skin Sensitivity Or Allergies This is quite common for this breed. Like humans, dogs can react adversely to certain ingredients found in shampoos. Consider hypoallergenic dog shampoos with aloe vera or oatmeal to minimize the risk. Oatmeal shampoo is an excellent option as it helps soothe dry skin while relieving inflammation caused by allergies. Remember that not all dog shampoos are created equal. Some contain chemicals or artificial fragrances, which could exacerbate or create new sensitivities. Look for dog shampoos containing ingredients like neem, cedarwood, or rosemary extract, known to repel fleas and ticks. Some shampoos also include topical flea treatments built-in, which provide an extra layer of protection against these pesky parasites. However, they may not completely eliminate them if your dog already has an infestation. Use additional flea and tick treatments as your veterinarian recommends in those cases. Go only for natural ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal, almond oil, or aloe vera-based dog shampoos with no chemical dyes or fragrances. Factors such as coat type and condition, skin sensitivity or allergies, and parasite prevention should be considered. For example, if your dog has itchy skin, y opt for a natural oatmeal shampoo that soothes irritated skin. Another thing to remember when selecting the right shampoo for your Lab is their age. Puppies require gentler tear-free shampoos, while adult dogs may benefit from shampoos that contain nourishing oils like coconut. Look for shampoos made with all-natural ingredients such as aloe vera, oatmeal, and essential oils like mint or coconut oil. Chemicals in some shampoos can exacerbate skin conditions like dryness or itching. Before choosing the best shampoo for your Labrador, consult with your veterinarian. They can also advise on any special requirements or allergies that must be considered when selecting a pet shampoo. Additionally, if other shampoos have caused an allergic reaction, your vet may suggest switching to a hypoallergenic dog shampoo like Earthbath Hypo-Allergenic Dog Shampoo. Do Labradors need a special shampoo? Labradors have sensitive skin, which makes them prone to skin allergies and infections. Therefore, it is best to use a specially formulated shampoo designed for dogs with sensitive skin. Mild, soap-free, hypoallergenic shampoo can help prevent skin irritation and allergies. How often should a Labrador be bathed? Bathe your Labrador once monthly or once every months. Overbathing can strip their coat of natural oils and lead to dry, itchy skin. Do Labradors need shampoo and conditioner? No, it is not necessary, but it keeps the coat soft and shiny. If you choose to use a conditioner, make sure it is specifically designed for dogs and is free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances. What do Labradors love the most? Labradors are known for their love of food and playtime. They also love spending time with their owners and going for walks or runs. Can I bathe my Labrador every day? No, it is not recommended to bathe your Labrador every day. How do I dry my Labrador after a bath? After bathing your Labrador, gently towel dry its coat and use a hairdryer on a low setting to finish drying its coat. Ensure not to use high heat, which can damage their skin and coat. Why do dogs lick you? Dogs lick their owners as a way of showing affection and love. It is also natural for dogs to lick themselves and others to clean themselves or show submission. Do dogs feel better after a bath? Yes, dogs can feel better after a bath, especially if they have been itching or have a skin condition. Bathing can help soothe their skin and relieve any discomfort. Do dogs like warm or cold baths? Most dogs prefer warm bath s, as cold water can be uncomfortable. However, ensure the water is not too hot, which can burn their skin. Is it OK to feed a dog once a day? Feed adult dogs twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. However, the feeding frequency can vary depending on age, health, and activity level. What Is Anti Shedding Shampoo? It typically contains ingredients that help to loosen the dead hair and make it easier to brush out. Here are some ways to deshed your dog at home: Brush your dog regularly. This is the most important thing you can do to control shedding. Brushing helps to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils throughout the coat, which can help to prevent matting and tangles. Use a deshedding tool. Various deshedding tools are available, such as a Furminator or a shedding rake. These tools can help to remove even more loose hair than brushing alone. Bathe your dog regularly. Bathing your dog helps to remove dirt, debris, and loose hair. Feed your dog a healthy diet. Consider using supplements. Several supplements can help to reduce shedding, such as omega-3 fatty acids and biotin. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to stop your dog from shedding so fast will vary depending on the individual dog. However, some things you can try include: Brushing your dog regularly. This one-stop shop shampoo and conditioner is from the renowned Earthbath who make great all natural pet products. Ingredients: The Mango-Tango is made up of purified water alongside a variety of plant-derived cleansers and conditioners. It contains aloe vera, Vitamins A, B, D and E, as well as glycerine, natural preservatives and mango essence. The mango scent is really refreshing. It lathers and rinses out easily. Why we recommend it: Again, you can always feel confident with Earthbath products and that you are using all-natural ingredients and there is nothing in the formula that might be harmful to your dog. And it still works! Why Use Dog Shampoo Products? There are 2 major reasons to avoid using human shampoo on your dog: Skin pH levels: Human shampoo tends to be marginally acidic in order to best clean our skin, which has a pH somewhere between 5. Dogs, on the other hand, have an alkaline skin pH of up to 7. Sensitive skin: Dogs are generally much more sensitive than humans as their skin only has between layers, in comparison to humans with layers. As such, our skin can take more of a battering from harsh products and chemicals while your dog will be more easily irritated. Such irritation leads to dryness, scratching and abrasions. If you do have to bathe your dog with human products — perhaps in a particularly smelly emergency with no pet products at hand — try to opt for mild formulations used on babies and children. This means asking what kind of coat they have, and what kind of additional care their skin and coat might need. Do they have a short coat, long coat, a double coat? Is it dry or oily? Dogs with short coats often just need a shampoo, while long hair and double coats benefit from conditioner to help with detangling and repair after brushing. But at the same time, if your dog has an oily coat, you will want to skip the conditioner as it will just exacerbate the problem. How is their skin? Is it sensitive, prone to allergies, already red and sore due to other problems? If your dog has sensitive skin, you are going to want to avoid products that may exacerbate the problem and maybe go for a hypoallergenic shampoo. You may also want to look for products with soothing ingredients for the skin, such as oatmeal or Aloe Vera. You may then also want to look for products that might help with any ongoing issues your pup has. Do they shed a lot? Some shampoos can help with that. Do they often get fleas? You can get shampoos that also have repelling qualities. Do they have a particular problem with body odor? There are shampoos out there that specialize in deodorizing. For an overview of Labrador grooming needs, check out our complete guide. Once you determine what kind of shampoo you need, you can then look at the products themselves. There are a few key characteristics to look out for. Characteristics Of Good Dog Shampoos And Conditioners pH Level The skin and hair of dogs have a neutral pH level, and so as not to cause damage to their coat, their shampoo and conditioner should also have a neutral pH. Look for shampoos that have a pH level near 7, which is neutral. For that reason, good dog shampoos should work to neutralize odors rather than simply mask smells with fragrances. You will know if your dog is not a fan of the smell of their shampoo or conditioner if they like to rub against things a lot after bathing. This is them trying to rub off the unwelcome smell. Natural Ingredients Just as it is true for humans, harsh chemicals absorbed through the skin can harm dogs. Dangerous chemicals should be avoided by choosing products made from all-natural ingredients. Key ingredients to avoid include phthalates, formaldehyde, isothiazolinones, and nitrosamines. Skin-Protecting Additives Just as you can buy shampoos and skin cleansers that promise to hydrate your skin and keep it looking fresh, dog shampoos will often include skin-protecting additives such as oatmeal, Aloe Vera, or vitamin E that is designed to moisturize skin and keep coats shiny. Medicated Shampoos If your dog has specific skin conditions, there may be a shampoo out there specially formulated to help. Identifying these usually requires consultation with your vet. Look out for shampoos that can help with parasitic or fungal infections, skin allergies, or seborrhea. Medicated shampoos are much more likely to include unnatural ingredients than standard shampoos, for good reason. They need these ingredients to do their job effectively. But there are a few ingredients to be wary of in particular, avoid anything that contains alcohol, as it can sting the skin and eyes. If you are looking for a medicated shampoo for fleas, check out our list of the seven best dog flea shampoos. The open hair follicles can also allow oils to escape and let contaminants enter the follicle, again, compromising their strength and integrity. Conditioner seals the hair follicles, locking in oils and protecting the hair from breakages. But whether your dog really needs conditioner depends on their coat. However, it is probably best to avoid conditioners for dogs with oily coats, as it can just make them even more oily and unpleasant to touch. Dogs with long coats and double coats that require a lot of grooming benefit from the use of a conditioner. When choosing a conditioner, you should look for similar characteristics to a shampoo: Neutral pH balance All-natural ingredients and no chemicals or additives Fragrance-free or only lightly fragranced. Bathing Your Dog Bath time with your four-legged friend is not just about choosing the right product; it is also about using it correctly. This means washing your dog with the correct frequency and in just the right way. How often you need to bathe your dog will vary from breed to breed and also depends on their individual lifestyle and habits. If your dog gets smelly in between full shampoo baths, opt for a simple plain water rinse in between. Dogs that spend more time indoors and rarely get dirty will require less regular baths. Depending on how smelly they get, a bath somewhere between every 2 to 3 months would be about right. Double-coated breeds, such as Labs, should really only be bathed every three months — or even less often — unless they get particularly smelly. Their oily double coats will dry out from too much shampooing, depleting the insulating, protective properties and waterproofing their coat has. Just as with humans, shampooing too often has a tendency to dry out the skin and hair, leading to irritation, scratching and in extreme cases maybe even lesions. The best way to prolong time between baths and keep your dog looking healthy and clean is to commit to a daily brushing schedule. Unlike humans who breathe in allergens, dogs absorb them through their skin. This can lead to irritation, scratching and eventually — in extreme cases — lesions. Tips For How to Bathe Your Dog You could just carelessly bundle your pooch into the bath, get them wet, lather, rinse and repeat. But of course, the best results come with a little planning. Before bathing, brush your dog to remove any tangles and debris caught in their hair. Prepare the room for bath time by assembling products ready to use, laying down towels or waterproof sheets and keeping treats on hand to reward good behavior. If they need to be restrained, use a muzzle or a specialist bathing tether. Introduce them to the water slowly by spraying their backs first and keeping the power on low, allowing them to get used to the sensation. Use a soft brush in the direction of hair growth to best lather in the shampoo and avoid any tangles. Use the brush again to gently clean the paw pads. Rinse thoroughly by wetting the head and face first before working your way down the rest of their body. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. At this point, some owners choose to use a specialist dog conditioner to seal the hair cuticle and keep the coat shiny and full of moisture. Once all shampoo and conditioners have been washed out, lift your dog out of the bath and wrap them in an absorbent towel. Avoid rubbing them dry as this can tangle their hair; blot the coat instead. They will probably want to shake themselves dry too. Make sure your dog stays in the warm until they are completely dry. The best shampoo and conditioner for your dog depends on the type of coat and skin that they have. For example, short-haired dogs with a relatively oily coat will do best with a standard shampoo, while dogs with long hair that needs a lot of brushing benefit from a conditioner. Dogs with sensitive skin can benefit from a hypoallergenic formula, while dogs that spend a lot of time in the great outdoors need a heavy-duty formula. But whichever shampoo you go for, try to choose something all natural that does not include any chemicals or additives that might hurt your dog. Earthbath does a wide range of shampoos and conditioners made from all-natural ingredients. They are gentle products ideal for most dogs, but you might want something stronger when dealing with a very dirty pooch. This is because the pH level of human hair and skin and dog skin and hair is different. Dogs are neutral while humans are acidic. This is why it is better to use a special dog shampoo, which has a neutral pH ideal for dogs. While it is preferable to use dog shampoo on dogs rather than any variety of human shampoo, baby shampoo is safe for dogs. It is fine to use human shampoo on your dog as a one-off, though make sure it does not get into their eyes. How often you should wash your dog depends on both their breed and their lifestyle. Dogs with longer hair are more likely to trap dirt and debris in their coat, and outdoor dogs need bathing more often than indoor dogs. As a general rule of thumb, consider bathing your dog every four to six weeks. It is only necessary to use a small amount of shampoo when bathing your dog, as the lathering effect allows it to expand and cover your dog completely. If you use excess shampoo, it can be difficult to thoroughly rinse. Exactly how much depends on the size of your dog and the thickness of their coat. Start with a small amount and add more as needed. Final Thoughts While the right shampoo and conditioner for your dog depends on them — their breed, type of coat, skin condition, and sensitivities — just remember that the right shampoo for them is not your shampoo! Dogs have very different needs, which is why they have their own products. It can also be nice to choose something that contains natural skin-soothing products such as oatmeal and Aloe Vera. All of their products are all-natural and designed to be gentle enough for frequent use. Tell us about your experience with dog shampoos and conditioners, what you love, and what you hate using the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Reviewed by Nelva J. Bryant Dr. Nelva Bryant, DVM, is a highly accomplished veterinarian with three decades of professional experience in animal welfare, public health, and zoonotic diseases. She has worked with airlines and the Centers for Disease Control to improve pet travel through veterinary oversight. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Veterinary Review Board Fact checked by Fact checked by Sarah Scott Sarah Scott is a fact checker with more than 16 years of experience in researching, writing, and editing digital and print media. She has verified and edited articles on a variety of subjects for The Spruce Pets, including pet behavior, health, and care as well as the latest trends in products for animals in the home. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. She also recommends finding a dog-safe shampoo made with natural ingredients. Our favorite dog shampoo is Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe , which is fragrance-free, lathers easily, and combines finely ground oatmeal with organic aloe vera for nutrient-rich skin treatment. But we identified several other shampoos that might be more suitable for your dog's skin and coat. Our Top Picks. Due to this, it was reasonably easy for us to find several great shampoos on the market that are perfect for Labrador Retrievers. Most good dog shampoos control shedding to some extent, so we had a wide range to pick from. However, we did manage to come to a conclusion. This excellent shampoo is no different from any of their others in terms of quality. This is a 2 in 1 product that also conditions while it cleans — which is great news for our Labrador Retrievers and their tendency to shed. A lovely addition to this product is lavender, which is a natural soothing agent that creates a calming therapeutic effect via aromatherapy. No expense has been spared here, and one of the most effective and powerful yet gentle natural cleansers on the planet provide the bulk of the cleaning power in this product — lemongrass. The huge lemongrass infusion in this formula demolishes any bacteria that are currently residing on your pooch which is what causes them to stink and leaves them fresher and cleaner than ever. Again, this is a 2 in 1 shampoo that contains a conditioner in the formula. Either way, this is an excellent product that is more than worthy of your consideration. This is a super gentle formula that has been created specifically to cater to the needs of younger pups. Despite being gentle and tearless, this is an effective 4 in 1 shampoo that cleans, conditions, nourishes, and protects against pests all at the same time. We assume this is because the compounds that are used in other deshedding formulas are incompatible with the tearless nature of this product. Start your puppy on this, and when they get a little older — transition to one of the adult recommendations on this page instead. FURminator DeShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo For Dogs As you might have guessed from the title, this is a product that has been designed specifically to deal with dogs that are causing their owners issues with shedding. The soap-free and alcohol-free formula gets its cleaning power from oatmeal, and the honey in the formula is excellent at promoting a healthy coat and will also provide a little bit of help in the shedding department but not as much as the two recommendations above. It might not have the bells and whistles of some of the other shampoos we have talked about today — but it gets the job done without breaking the bank. The huge amount of hair on a Labrador Retriever traps water and soap more than other single coated or short-haired breeds. Dog shampoo is not meant to be left on your pooch after the bathing session is over — all of it needs to be removed. You should be super careful when rinsing your Labrador Retriever to ensure that you get every single last drop of shampoo off of them before you take them out of the bath. Go over your pooch once with water like normal, and then give them a second quicker rinse to get any shampoo that managed to avoid your rinsing efforts the first time around. Give them a really good brushing before putting them in the tub and remember to give them a quick brush after bathing too. Get Everything Ready Before Bathing Our Labrador Retrievers are perhaps one of the few breeds of dog that have a reasonable chance of enjoying bath time. Labrador Retrievers can often see it as a fun experience instead of something stressful that needs to be endured. A super excitable soaking wet dog running around your home while you go and grab something from the other room is going to ruin your day, to say the least. The combination of a super smooth ceramic surface combined with a healthy dose of hot soapy water makes an already slippery situation even worse. This is one of the most common misconceptions we hear about Labrador Retrievers. Some people claim that black Labrador Retrievers shed less than chocolate or yellow Labrador Retrievers or the other way around. The myth seems to come from owners that have had more than one Labrador Retriever in their household at the same time. We suspect that they have noticed more hair from one their dogs than the other and as such the claim that different colored Labrador Retrievers shed different amounts. There is no real-world evidence whatsoever to back this claim up. However, you should never use a normal human hairdryer with a Labrador Retriever or any breed for that matter. Conclusion So there you have it, that concludes our review into the best Labrador Retriever shampoos on the market right now. Sean Green Pet. Reviews was founded by Sean Green, a devoted pet owner and champion of quality pet products. Sean is supported by a knowledgeable team of pet-loving writers who work together to provide you with a wealth of information about training and caring for your dog. Post navigation.

My fascination for this breed actually began as a child while growing up in Great Britain. The yearly outing with my father was one I looked forward to with much anticipation. Years later I married my husband, Gene. It was always my ambition to one day bring a boxer into our own family, to be raised together with our two young sons. In we ventured out to purchase our first American bred boxer. Both my husband and I consider ourselves very fortunate indeed to have been able to purchase a beautiful, show potential brindle bitch named Chelsea from Glenn and Zona Grupe of Glennroe Boxers. Attending shows together, Zona and I put four owner-handled majors in quick succession on our beautiful Chelsea. As our foundation bitch, she launched Telstar on its way to success. Much more, I might add, than my wildest dreams. Striving to do the very best we possibly can in every aspect of raising, breeding and showing our own dogs has enabled me to enjoy the benefits of knowing our achievements have come from our love and devotion for the Boxer. Showing and breeding has had additional perks. I have had the great fortune of meeting many wonderful people along the way. As a boxer breeder, I also derive a great deal of satisfaction when placing a pet puppy in a companion home, knowing that these buyers benefit not only from our philosophy of breeding a quality, healthy, structurally sound boxer, but also from having the joy and love of owning one. I still enjoy competing as an owner handler, and oddly enough, still feel that same overwhelming sense of accomplishment being on the other end of the leash when I finish the championship on one of my dogs. The feeling is no different than I felt in the beginning, some thirty years ago. We have answers. The cost of a Boxer puppy can depend on its coat color, eye color, gender, size, pedigree, as well as other factors. Am I going to be limited to choosing only local Boxer puppies? We apply a strict set of standards to all those who apply to join our network, which filters out the puppy mills and backyards breeders. You can take a look at these standards in our Breeder Pledge. They cover a lot of ground - from breeder knowledge to ethics, from legal compliance to cleanliness. And much more besides. Why is Uptown Puppies so different? When you search for Boxer puppies for sale in San Diego online, the results you see are usually the businesses and Boxer breeders San Diego who are spending the most on marketing. Because Uptown vets and examines all applicants, we list only the best of the best when it comes to Boxer breeders in San Diego. What are puppy mills, exactly? Folks who buy a Boxer puppy that seems unusually cheap may have accidentally bought a dog that was bred in a puppy mill. A puppy mill is a factory for producing Boxers for sale in San Diego - with no care at all about the welfare of the animals. A Boxer bought from a puppy mill may have behavioral problems, as well as health issues that could cost you a fortune in veterinary bills. Are there any Boxer puppies available now near me? Get in touch with one of your recommended breeders, and your dream San Diego Boxer for sale will soon be heading to your home. What are the origins of the Boxer breed? Boxers were bred from a mix of dogs including the German Bullenbeisser and the Bulldog in the latter years of the 19th century. They were first brought to America in the early s, and the breed quickly became loved for its bravery, strength, intelligence, and comical personality. Today, Boxers are hugely popular all over the world. What can I expect from the average Boxer? San Diego Boxers for sale are a mix of playful mischief, comical capering and wet kisses—traits that endear them to their families. But despite this friendly personality, Boxers for sale San Diego make watchful guard dogs. Are Boxers easy to train? Basic obedience and simple command such as sit, stay, come, fetch, down, and so on will be quickly picked up by your Boxer puppy. Are Boxers good with kids? They are. Boxer puppies San Diego are great family dogs and get on well with children because of their playful personalities. Once proper introductions are made, Boxer puppies in San Diego make loyal and loving companions for children.

In recent years, French Bulldogs, with their distinctive bat ears and adorable smooshed faces, have become a favorite breed among dog lovers globally. Just how popular? As Frenchies get more popular, so do their scammers However, as Frenchies soar in popularity, a darker trend emerges… The rising incidence of French Bulldog breeder scams. Everybody wants a Frenchie. A ton of people want to breed Frenchies. While you might save a few bucks on the puppy, it may lead to hefty vet bills down the line or, worse, heartache over a sickly pup. Sign 2: Lack of Health History Transparency A reputable breeder will always provide comprehensive health history for their dogs. Red flags to look for Unwillingness to share health records: Reputable breeders perform health tests and veterinary checks for their dogs and are happy to share these records. If a breeder is hesitant or refuses to show you these documents, be cautious. It might indicate the breeder is not honest or possibly trying to cover up health issues. A reputable breeder will educate potential buyers about these issues. If you encounter a breeder unwilling to share these details or offering suspiciously vague or inconsistent information, beware! Scammers, however, might show forged papers or offer none at all. Always verify these documents with the relevant dog breed registry to ensure their authenticity. Red flags to look for Absence of registration papers: If the breeder cannot produce any registration papers, it could be a sign they are not a reputable breeder or the dog is not a purebred French Bulldog. Forgery or alteration of documents: Some scammers might go as far as to forge registration documents. Look for signs of alteration or discrepancies in the documents. If in doubt, cross-verify with the issuing authority. Rushing the payment process: If the breeder is rushing you to make a deposit or pay in full without giving you enough time to consider, it might be a scam. Avoiding questions or concerns: A reputable breeder welcomes questions and understands that potential buyers may have concerns. You should always have enough time to research the breeder and make an informed choice. Slow down! Sign 5: Use of Emotional Manipulation or Sob Stories Scammers often resort to emotional manipulation or sob stories to rush a sale. Keep an eye out for these red flags: Red flags to look for Sob stories: If the breeder frequently shares stories designed to tug at your heartstrings e. While these situations can happen, they should not be used as a tool to pressure you into making a hasty decision. Creating a sense of guilt: If the breeder attempts to guilt-trip you into buying a puppy by suggesting the puppy might end up in a shelter or in a bad situation without your help, be wary. A reputable breeder has a network of fellow breeders and previous customers that they can rely on if they genuinely need help with rehoming a dog. Rushing the sale due to personal issues: If the breeder pushes for a quick sale due to personal issues like financial troubles or health problems, proceed with caution. Although these can be legitimate reasons, they may also be fabricated to create a sense of urgency. Sign 6: Poor Communication or Reluctance to Provide Information Communication is key in any transaction, and buying a puppy is no different. Reputable breeders are not only good at breeding puppies, but they also know how to run a business. Red flags to look for Delay in responses: While breeders may be busy, they should still prioritize communication with potential buyers. Avoiding direct answers: A reputable breeder should be able to answer your questions confidently and directly. Unwillingness to provide pictures or videos: A genuine breeder would be more than happy to share pictures or videos of the puppy, its siblings, and its parents. If a breeder refuses to provide these or only shares professional or suspiciously perfect photos, they might not be legitimate. Be wary of breeders who avoid answering your questions or are reluctant to provide detailed information about their dogs. A genuine breeder will always welcome your curiosity and inquiries. Sign 7: Absence of Verifiable References or Testimonials Check for testimonials or references from previous buyers. Reviews can easily be faked. You should try to get in contact with some of these people that have left the reviews if possible. Reluctance to connect you with previous customers: If a breeder refuses to connect you with previous buyers for feedback, it may be cause for concern. Genuine, verifiable feedback from satisfied customers is a solid indicator of a trustworthy breeder. Sign 8: Unusual Payment Methods and Requests Unconventional payment methods, like wire transfers or pre-paid debit cards, are a big red flag. Or they might pressure you to send a deposit through Zelle, Venmo, CashApp, etc. Reputable breeders will typically accept safer payment methods, like credit cards or secure online payments. Red flags to look for Requests for non-secure payment methods: If a breeder insists on payments through wire transfers, pre-paid debit cards, or gift cards, tread carefully. These methods are often untraceable and non-refundable. Be careful! Sign 9: Nonexistent or Suspicious Breeding Facility A quality breeding facility is vital for the health and well-being of the pups. Be cautious if you spot any of these red flags: Red flags to look for Refusal to show the breeding facility: A reputable breeder will be proud to show where their dogs are bred and raised. If a breeder refuses to show you the facility, it could be a scam. Poor conditions in the facility: If you do get a chance to visit or see images of the facility and the conditions seem poor or inadequate, this is a major concern. If a breeder refuses to show their facility, or if the place seems inadequate or suspicious, it might be best to steer clear. Look for a breeder with a facility that would make any puppy happy to be there. Sign Inconsistent or Incomplete Information about the Breed A genuine French Bulldog breeder will have an in-depth knowledge of the breed. If you spot gaps in their knowledge, this could be a sign of a scammer or an inexperienced breeder which is far from ideal. Your breeder should know a thing or two about Frenchies… Sign Refusal to Allow In-Person Visits or Video Calls Reputable breeders will typically allow in-person visits or video calls to meet the puppies and their parents. Scammers, however, may be reluctant or outright refuse. Seeing the puppy and its living conditions before purchasing is crucial. Sign No Screening of Potential Buyers Good breeders will want to ensure their puppies are going to a good home and will typically ask potential buyers several questions. No discussion about breed suitability: Reputable breeders will discuss whether a French Bulldog is a suitable breed for your lifestyle. Look out for this warning sign: Red flags to look for Always has puppies available: If a breeder always seems to have a new litter available or multiple litters at once, this could indicate a puppy mill, which is a type of inhumane, commercial dog breeding facility. Remember to always do thorough research and trust your instincts when choosing a breeder. Look out for these 13 signs of a Frenchie Breeder Scammer Unusually low prices Lack of health history transparency Unverified or non-existent registration papers Pressure to make hasty decisions Use of emotional manipulation or sob stories Poor communication Absence of verifiable references or testimonials Unusual payment methods A suspicious or nonexistent breeding facility Incomplete knowledge about the breed Refusal to allow in-person visits or video calls No screening of potential buyers Puppies available for immediate sale By being vigilant and conducting thorough research, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling prey to such scams. Remember: responsible dog ownership starts with the decision of where and whom to buy from. Stay informed, be cautious, and ensure your French Bulldog comes from a loving, responsible breeder who cares about their dogs as much as you will care for your new Frenchie. You can ask for contact information to personally speak with previous customers. Additionally, use online resources to look for reviews and comments about the breeder. Should I pay a deposit before meeting the puppy? Be sure to get a written agreement detailing what the deposit covers and under what conditions it is refundable. Report the situation to your local law enforcement and contact your bank or payment service to dispute the charges, if possible. You can also report the breeder to local and national pet organizations. They can provide guidance and potentially pursue legal action. Online Platforms: If you found the breeder on a website or app, report the scam to the platform. Want to learn how to find a reputable breeder? Learn more about what to look for in a French Bulldog breeder, as well questions to ask your breeder, and more! Notice a few things about this post. Posts like this are the bait they use to lure in unsuspecting people who desperately want a Frenchie puppy to engage with them. This can be one way to protect yourself and sniff out a scammer. If they post a photo on the internet claiming they have a new French Bulldog puppy available do the reverse image search to see if that same photo shows up other places online. If that photo appears elsewhere chances are you are dealing with a scammer looking for his next puppy scam victim. The results of the reverse image search will let you know if this supposed French Bulldog breeder posted an original, a stock photo or photo they grabbed from someone else. Their plan usually involves having you join their group or messaging them so they can start influencing you and beginning the process of scamming you out of money. A legitimate French Bulldog breeder will usually have a website and a phone number where you can talk to them on the phone. Most scammers have many Fake profiles which they can quickly discard once they have ripped someone off. Fraudsters on the internet are eager to play on your feelings and swindle you out of a lot of money for pups who are unwell, abused, or perhaps non-existent. The crooks behind French Bulldog scams know how strong attachment you would have to buy a French Bulldog puppy and will prey on that. They will usually utilize sleek photographs of French Bulldogs that they believe will attract you before stealing your cash in an elaborate puppy fraud. Similarly, they will promote free Frenchie pups to entice you. Even though the website seems to be trustworthy, proceed with caution. Plenty of the French Bulldog hoax sites I have seen use an actual postal address to seem legitimate. These identities are commonly those of totally innocent persons. If this happens run away and stop the conversation. The fact is that French Bulldogs are expensive. There is good reason for this. Scammers will pretend to organize distribution after you have transferred the amount. It is mainly accomplished by using a bogus shipping firm — usually using a different web scam disguised as a genuine courier service. Never try to purchase a Frenchie puppy available on the internet. Undertake the basic tests if you are concerned that the web page you visit is a fraud. Fraud French Bulldog Producers and Breeding Farms Although not a recent occurrence, Puppy farms are becoming more common, particularly for famous types that may be quite expensive. However, with French Bulldog puppies often selling for thousands of dollars, they are among their favorite varieties to utilize in their frauds. As a result, pups purchased from them are usually anti-social and fearful of humans. Several pups purchased from such producers struggle with ailments. Although they may seem fine when you initially acquire them, they may swiftly deteriorate and sometimes die when you get them if appropriate medical attention is not provided. The entire experience may be challenging and traumatizing for both the French Bulldog and you as the current owner. Therefore, if you want to bring a French Bulldog puppy into your home, how can you ensure that the producer you purchase from is respectable, licensed, and dependable? And how can you be certain that the dog you acquire is fit, socialized, and well-bred? In most cases, you can tell Bulldog puppies scam by the appearance of the advertisement and your first interaction with the vendor. They include; Tip 6: Forcing you To Commit Immediately Whenever it relates to temptation, scammers are geniuses and are knowledgeable on how to get you hooked. Some even ask for Pre-paid Gift cards. Never transfer money under duress. They will put you under pressure to make a deposit. They will often request that you send them the funds. Check if the amount is accompanied by a written agreement and inquire whether it is redeemable. If you find a French Bulldog sold for a ridiculously low cost, you should be wary. French bulldogs are a famous breed in the United States and Europe. The standard market forces paradigm is often used to determine puppy pricing. Therefore, would anyone offer one-third or less of the amount for a lovely dog? The response is no unless there is a swindle to be had. Then, when you contact them, you discover that the charged additional costs are high or that the rates increase as you contact them. They Will have that one-of-a-kind color or size Meanwhile, Blue, Sable, and Chocolate Brindle French Bulldogs are popular among fans, yet they are scarce. Several unscrupulous fraudsters will be aware of this as well. They enjoy the benefits of hard-to-find hues by stealing images from Google and passing them off as their own. You may always get recommendations from a competent breeder. Often these breeders are proud of their puppies and want their customers to applaud their efforts. Click on their Facebook page, click on their profiles and look for Red flags. It is fine to start with a messenger conversation but you should pick up the phone and talk to them. Have some questions ready to ask the breeder. Therefore, it is understandable to see where the French bulldogs were brought up and meet their parents, if not both. Examine the area where they are housed. Is it hygienic? Is it odorless? She must be clean, healthy, and happy. Take Your Puppy to a Vet for Examination Among the most tragic consequences of a Frenchie, puppy deception is when you hold the lovely fur-ball in your arms and are completely in love, only to discover that it is unwell or not the breed you imagined. Before seeing the youngster and its mother, make sure you are acquainted with the French Bulldog Breed requirements. Do not be scared to request documents for your dog and its parents. Similarly, do not transfer any funds until you have confirmed the authenticity of the documents. Organize a DNA test before taking the puppy home. I read Craigslist postings advising that a dog someone took home was infected with illnesses like parvo. These schemes are harmful to both the canines and the new owner. Ensure your French Bulldog is healthy before bringing it into your home. Fake Testimonials A review aims to provide social validation : you can receive information from other consumers about their experiences. Fraudsters are fully aware of this and have developed advanced tactics for generating phony online profiles and posting recommendations. Do they have any images of their dog or anything else? Do they have any other contacts? Must You Purchase from a Reputable Breeder? Skilled French bulldog vendors are mostly in great demand , with large wait times that might make other solutions considerably more appealing if you are not willing to wait. However, there has been a regrettable increase in unethical breeding techniques and puppy farms, where famous dogs are bred in substandard and sometimes hazardous circumstances for huge profits, with no genuine care or importance attached to the dogs. When purchasing a puppy, it is critical that you see it engaging with its parents and that you are aware of its pedigree. Unsafe mating may result in inbreeding and the merging of unsuitable breeds, leading to poor health ranging from trouble respiratory to disease susceptibility. If you need a purebred French Bulldog, you receive what you spend for, and although there may be a long wait and a somewhat greater price tag, you will be guaranteed a strong and productive Frenchie. According to the FTC, approximately ten per cent of respondents disclose these offenses, so the actual figure might be significantly higher. Sixty per cent of these claims said that the customers never got the dogs they ordered, while others acquired pets with health or hereditary issues and did not get paperwork for their puppies. Although there are Forums, Reddit sites, and other internet blogs devoted to exposing Bulldog puppy scams. The longer you wait before notifying, the more difficult it could be to bring charges or even find them. There are many venues to file French Bulldog frauds, including: com: The website gathers and informs on proven pet-selling frauds online and maintains a thorough database of current fraudsters. Inform them of fraud. The BBB is not associated with any government agency or company. While they cannot promote or support any particular services, they can provide a reporting mechanism for internet scams. In Summary Practically everybody shops online in the current digital age, even while looking for a new dog. Knowing what to ask makes it much simpler to locate a reputable breeder. Share on facebook. They know what to ask you and how to act to appear legitimate. What reasonable breeder would force you to pay for a puppy before being able to meet it? Often, scams will tell you the puppy in question is the last of its litter or that their phone is ringing off the hook with other people interested in it. Often, they will want you to wire them the money. Scam artists are magicians when it comes to pressure. Never feel pressured to send money. When you see a French Bulldog listed for a remarkably low price, you should be suspicious. Frenchies are one of the most popular breeds in the U. Puppy prices are often set by the traditional supply and demand model. So, why would someone charge one-third or less of the price they could get for a beautiful dog? Then, when you message them you find out that the rehoming fees are substantial or that the fees grow as you continue to message them. Many opportunistic scammers will know that, too. They take advantage of hard to find colors by borrowing pictures off Google and advertising these puppies as their own. With the website open, open another tab to Google, then drag and drop the image into the search bar and Google will scour the internet for duplicates. People that get scammed want to protect others and often will report a faker to the BBB or on Google Maps. You can always ask a responsible breeder for references. Reputable breeders want to be helpful and show off how happy the parents of their puppies are. Most breeders take pride in the quality of their litters and want their buyers to admire their work. Survey the area where the puppies are kept. Is it clean? Is it odor-free? Not only should she be clean, but she should be healthy and happy! Make sure you are familiar with the French Bulldog Breed standards before you meet the puppy and its mother. And you can always arrange for a DNA test prior to bringing the pup home. All too often I see warning posts on Craigslist that a dog someone brought home was ill with diseases like parvo. These scams are cruel to the dogs and the new owner. Make sure your French Bulldog is in good health before you commit to it becoming part of your family. With all the scams out there, finding your new French Bulldog puppy can be overwhelming, but keep in mind that nothing compares to the joy of a new dog entering your family. Avoid the risks to reap the rewards when it comes to buying a French Bulldog. Newsletter Signup. Pin1 1 Shares French Bulldogs are one of the most popular and highly sought-after breeds of dog on the planet. However, as with anything that has an ever-increasing high demand the opportunities for scammers to take your hard-earned money has also increased. New and creative French Bulldog puppy scams are appearing all the time, so in this guide I aim to keep it up to date as and when I hear of new scamming tactics popping up. Types of French Bulldog scams Scam websites The reason why so many people fall for French Bulldog puppy scams online is because this is the place people will often look first. Website scammers are willing to manipulate your emotions and scam you out of thousands of pounds for puppies that are sick, mistreated or even non-existent. The criminals behind these schemes no how much emotional investment you will have in getting a French Bulldog puppy and will play on those feelings. Typically, they will use ultra-cute photos of French Bulldogs which they know will appeal to you… before they steal your money in an elaborate puppy scam. Even if the website looks legitimate, be very careful. Often these addresses will belong to completely innocent people. When you contact the scammers about a Frenchie puppy, they will usually be very quick to offer you a discount and will use classic sales techniques to pull you in. Once you have paid the money, they will claim to arrange delivery. This will often by via a fake delivery company — sometimes using another scam website they have set up to look like a legitimate delivery business. Never buy a Frenchie puppy online. If you are worried that the website you are on could be a scam, perform the following checks. Browse around the website and look out for poor use of English language. Google the website and company name to see if you can find any online reviews or any third-party references to them. Never pay by bank transfer. French bulldog breeder scams and puppy farms Puppy farms, while not being a new phenomenon, are increasing in number, especially for breeds that are popular and can be worth a lot of money. Scam breeders and puppy farms do not care about for their dogs or the puppies in their custody, keeping them in isolated and unhygienic conditions often separated from their parents and without any real human contact. Because of this, puppies bought from them can often be anti-social and afraid of people. Many puppies bought from these kinds of breeders often suffer from illnesses and, while looking healthy when you first buy them, once you bring them home, they can quickly take the turn for the worse and can often die without immediate medical care. The whole ordeal can be incredibly stressful and traumatising to both the pet and the new owner. So, if you are looking to buy a French Bulldog puppy to be a part of your family, how can you make sure that the breeder you buy from is reputable, licenced and trustworthy? And how can you be sure that the dog you buy is healthy, socialised and well raised? There are a few tell-tale signs of a French Bulldog breeder scam. Most of the time you can figure it out by what the advert looks like and your experience when first contacting the seller. Be wary of immediate commitment and scarcity tactics Scammers want to get your money as quickly as possible, so they will immediately begin to pressure sell even before you speak to them. It is advised not to put down a despite to hold a puppy before seeing them, but if you do make sure that it is refundable. Does it look too good to be true? When looking at a puppy that is priced lower than the rest, it is important to ask why the breeder is willing to sell a puppy for a third of its recommended retail price, when they could easily get twice the amount for it. If these puppies exist at all, they are simply smaller puppies which may not be old enough to be separate from their mother which will grow into a normal sized French Bulldogs. Beware of hidden costs Even supposedly free puppies come with a cost. Often, these puppies may not exist at all and are a cheap trick to get people to transfer money over to them for nothing in return. Frenchie puppies are adorable, small and helpless, making it very easy for them to sell a sad story about them moving and being unable to keep their dog, or about how they were abandoned by their mother. Often going hand-in-hand with hidden costs, these stories are designed to get you to open your wallet faster, without looking deeper into the transaction. Always research the breeder If you have found a French Bulldog breeder online that you like the look of, be sure to check Google for reviews or feedback or warnings about the breeder. Often, victims of a scam will take to the internet to warn others. A useful trick to check whether the advertised puppies are what they saw they are, is to reverse-image search on Google to see whether the image has been used in other adverts. Insist on meeting the parents It is vitally important to meet the puppies before handing over any money to the breeders whatsoever, including any deposits. Always meet the puppies with their mother or both parents, and do not accept any excuses as to why their mother is present. Puppies, while still being old enough to be separated from their mothers at around 8 weeks old , they will still closely interact with their mother, who will be very interested in what is going on with her children. If their mother is acting uninterested in the puppies when they are interacting with you, or the puppies do not interact with her, then she may well not be their actual mother and simply be there for show. Also, be sure to see where the puppies were raised. If the puppies are afraid or nervous of their surroundings, they may have been brought inside from where they were actually raised. Be wary of anti-social puppies Puppies are naturally inquisitive and are always willing to go and explore and say hello to anyone new. However, if they are acting afraid or anti-social to people when you first meet them, that can be a sign that they have not been around humans for a prolonged length of time a sign of a puppy farm scam. Ask the right questions There is never a stupid question when buying a dog, and often the most obvious ones are the most important to ask. Handy Hint: Read this guide to what to ask a breeder for more questions to ask and things to look out for before you hand money over. Also, as French Bulldogs often suffer from hip dysplasia and other health conditions, pedigree breeders must have a certification of the health and conditions of the parent dogs. You can even request a vet of your choice to visit the puppies before handing over any money, to make sure that you receive a copy of the results. As soon as you purchase a puppy, even if you are sure it is from a reputable breeder, immediately take it to the vet for a check-up. Puppies that can appear healthy can suddenly take a turn for the worse once you get them home, with many suffering from Parvo an extremely infectious and often fatal disease. Do not buy a Frenchie puppy from a puppy farm It is often an instinct to want to rescue the puppy you have seen from the unsafe and unhygienic conditions its living in, but in doing so you are funding the continued practice of these unlicensed and cruel breeders. The one puppy you save will help to find dozens more who will grow up in the same conditions. If you are aware of a puppy farm scam or disreputable puppy breeder, then immediately report them to law enforcement and report the scam to the relevant organisations. How do I report a French Bulldog scam? Contact your local law enforcement and your bank if you have paid for the animal already as soon as you suspect you have been the victim of a scam. The longer you leave it before reporting, the harder it may be to press charges, or even track them down. Places to report French Bulldog scams include: PetScams. Report a scam with them. Better Business Bureau: this is a non-profit organisation that focuses on promoting reputable business practices throughout the USA and Canada. The BBB is not affiliated with any government agency or businesses. While they cannot recommend or endorse any specific businesses, they do offer a place to report online scammers. IPATA: the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association mainly focus on the trading and transportation of animals, they also have a page on internet pet scams , outlining what to look out for and provides contact details to report any suspicious breeders. They also have a list of known pet scammer email addresses and websites; which you can use to cross reference any breeders you are considering. How can I find a reputable breeder? It is always better to be safe than sorry when buying a French Bulldog puppy, especially if you want to make sure that they are completely healthy, socialised and well-bred. Because of this, most vets and breeders recommend to only buy from breeders found through referral or recommendation. Online out-of-the-blue breeders are often designed to scam you, but by contacting a known reputable breeder you will be directed to a number of trustworthy and fully licensed breeders. If you know someone who previously purchased a Frenchie puppy, ask for the contact details of their breeder. Even if that breeder does not have any puppies for sale, they will be able to recommend another breeder that can help you. Always go away and think about a puppy before purchasing it, and do not accept any pressure selling tactics to buy immediately — this could be a scam too. Related questions I hope this has given you a better insight into what a French Bulldog scam looks like and how easy it could be to be parted with money for a puppy. If you are getting a Frenchie, I recommend you spend a lot of time searching around my website, and pay particular attention to the pros and cons of ownership. They are not an easy breed to own, and you need to be committed and sure you can offer them all they need. Why get a Frenchie? However, by purchasing from a reputable breeder you can go a long way to making sure that you get a healthy and happy pup. Should you buy from a professional breeder? However, because of this, there has been an unfortunate rise in irresponsible breeding practices and puppy farms, breeding popular dogs in poor and often dangerous conditions for maximum profit, with no real care or attention to the dogs. Careless breeding can result in inbreeding and mixing incompatible breeds, which can lead to health defects that can range from difficulty breathing to predispositions to diseases. If you want a pure-breed French Bulldog, you get what you pay for and while that may involve a bit of a wait and a slightly higher price tag, you will be sure to get a happy and healthy Frenchie. If you are not fussed about getting a top-range bloodline, then it is highly recommended that you adopt from a local rescue centre, pound or shelter. Puppies and young dogs are often dropped off there, as well as older dogs who also need a loving home to get the love and attention that all these adorable pups deserve. Conclusion French Bulldog scams are on the rise. Be very careful. How to avoid French Bulldog Puppy Scams. There was a complete litter that we placed that each person told me their story of being scammed. As many of you are aware, scamming is abundant in the Frenchie world. Most of you only purchase a puppy a few times in your life, and they prey on people who are unsuspecting and who fall in love with a puppy. Never ever give a deposit for a puppy that cannot be reversed. A professional breeder will have taken the time to set up a secure way for you to pay. We use Stripe which is an online secure portal for credit card transactions. We do not receive your credit card information but use Stripe to process your payment. If the price seems too good to be true it probably is. I do my due diligence and let people know it is likely a scam. Unfortunately, I never know if most listen to me or not. Unprofessionalism abounds in the breeding world. Many people will just try it once, a few times, or even continue breeding without developing themselves professionally. I hear often that they saw the puppy, gave a deposit, and then were ghosted before the puppy was able to be picked up. My prediction is something happened to the puppy as there is a high mortality rate in Frenchie puppies compared to other breeds. The breeder likely decided to duck and hide instead of talking with the client. We also have a few litters each month as well so if something does happen we are usually able to provide you with another puppy. Remember puppies are not bicycles. They are biological systems that are not always predictable. Ask to meet the puppy live via FaceTime or Zoom. Scammers do steal pics and videos to make websites seem legitimate. You will even see our puppies pics on their websites. We recommend that you ask to meet the puppy live virtually via FaceTime or Zoom, so you will at least know that the puppy exists. Bringing in a Frenchie baby is an exciting time in your life. We just recommend you recognize the warning signs of scammers such as non-reversible payments, too good of a price, not being able to meet the puppy virtually, and even lack of professionalism in communication of breeders. Have questions about French Bulldogs? Please contact us. Call Us Now Beware of Scammers! There is only one way to stop scammers, and that is to not fall for their scams. If they are successful even a small part of the time, they will continue their nefarious ways. It is frequently brought to our attention that scammers continue to steal our pictures, videos, and website content, as well as those from other reputable breeders. This is generally something a scammer cannot do since they generally do not have any real puppies. If you are still in doubt, there are other steps you can take to protect yourself, but this is a good first step. How do Scammers work? We are updating this section because it seems that the scammers are getting more sophisticated, and if you are not very careful, you and your money will soon part ways — unfortunately, without a puppy to show for it. She contacted the three references that she was given by phone unfortunately they were throwaway phones. They made the payment into a bank account unfortunately one that had only been set up for this transaction. They were given a legitimate flight on which their puppy would be arriving, but unfortunately their puppy was not on that flight or any other. Update: It is certainly possible that a scammer could have a single puppy or older Frenchie and could use this single dog to perpetrate scams. The best way to avoid being scammed is to only deal with a reputable breeder who has been in the business for several years and has an excellent track record. Also, if you do not give any money up front other than a typical deposit , you will never lose any significant amount of money, even if you are part of a scam. Note: If you right-click on a picture, you can do a Google search and find out where the picture is originally posted on the web. Our Puppies Out of State The new technology we have makes it possible for French Bulldog breeders like us in northern Utah to have clients from every state in the union adopt our puppies. But, it also opens the door to unscrupulous people who will take advantage of honest individuals looking for a new companion. About a third of our puppies are adopted by clients who live close enough to our northern Utah home to come meet us and their puppies, or who fly into Salt Lake City, where we meet them with their puppies, but this means that we deliver about two-thirds of our puppies to every corner of the country with responsible puppy nannies. While the internet makes this possible, it also opens up possibilities of fraud. If scammers would use only half their ingenuity and efforts to do something productive instead of using all of it to scam innocent people, we would have a much better world, but, unfortunately, some never will, and a wise buyer will be very careful. Online Breeders If you decide to buy a puppy from an on-line breeder, please do your homework and make sure you are dealing with a reputable breeder — one who is honest, will treat you fairly, and will not misrepresent their dogs and puppies in any way. By the way, most reputable breeders who have been producing puppies for a while and have made a name for themselves usually do not have puppies immediately available, as they typically have clients waiting for each new litter. Of course, the money quickly disappears from the card — but the puppy never shows up!!! Also, some of these scammers will give references, but almost invariably they will only give e-mail addresses which could be someone else involved in the scam, i. Please do what you can to protect yourselves from scammers. Update: Some more sophisticated scammers are now using friends or partners in their scams who are purchasing throwaway phones to give positive referrals, so even talking to someone on the phone is no guarantee that you are talking to legitimate breeders. If you do find out about a scam.If you do find out about a scam, please report it to the proper authorities. A fraudulent add should be reported to the organization posting the add; if you lose money in a scam, report it to the police, the BBB, and others who might help put an end to the problem. Please do not let the few bad apples ruin the dog breeding business for all of us reputable breeders and all dog lovers everywhere. Looking for a Puppy? We have had some wonderful Frenchie puppies in the past: standard brindles, fawns, sables, creams; the more rare chocolates, blues, and lilacs in brindle and fawn; and the even more rare tan points and pure coats in black, blue, chocolate, and lilac. We also produce each of these glorious colors in pieds. We are confident we will continue to produce some of the best Frenchies to be found anywhere, as we continue to perfect our kennel. If you are in the market for one or more of these wonderful canine companions, please consider us. We will work very hard to insure that your experience in obtaining your wonderful Frenchie is a very transparent and enjoyable one — one that will result in many years of companionship and joy for you and your family. We have a waiting list procedure for our puppies, and we allow picks to be made by individuals on the Waiting List based on their stated preferences in the order of the dates on which our clients made their deposits to get on our waiting list. We are sometimes able to make some puppies available to clients who contact us who are looking for a puppy right away.

German Shepherds for sale in Iowa Regis Regal Specializes in providing world class German Shepherd puppies and trained adult dogs Serving Iowa with german shepherds since With over 30 years experience in the breeding and training of world-class German Shepherds from some of the top bloodlines out of Germany, here at Regis Regal German Shepherds we've been very proud to have sold our puppies and adult dogs to the residents of Iowa. We're a small family run operation with our main training and breeding facilities based in Spring Grove, Illinois, just next door to the state of Iowa. Because of the quality and pedigree of our German Shepherds there's been a demand for our dogs all over the world. The owner, Cynthia Kelly, has a lifetime of experience in creating the perfect family companion, service dog or therapy dog. Because of the lack of top quality German Shepherd breeders in some parts of the United States, we've carefully set ourselves up so that we can send our dogs direct to your home by use of a private courier service. German Shepherd Breeders in Iowa There are a number of great German Shepherd breeders in Iowa, from Des Moines to Waterloo, but have you considered looking further afield for the perfect puppy? At Regis Regal German Shepherds we produce a select number of puppies at any one time, and take the utmost care when raising and training them ready for ownership. You should not forget that when it comes to buying a puppy you also need to be mindful of other costs outside of the purchase or adoption fee. Send us a message or give us a ring on .Emotional support dogs are suited for both children and adults and have the ability to work with their owners in all types of locations. We have placed many dogs with children and teenagers in Iowa that suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and manic disorders. Service dogs provide a physical service to their owners. We have been incredibly successful in providing service dogs to children afflicted with Autism and Asbergers, as our dogs can help to enhance the verbal skills of non-verbal Autistic children and support their overall way of communicating. Some of our previous placements our dog courier service - we ship to your door in IA! You might find this a bit hard to believe but we actually ship right to your door, wherever you are based in the US! Such is the demand for one of our dogs we decided it would make things a lot easier for our customers if we could hand-deliver them right to you. For those people in need of a top class GSD, and who can't get to our premises, this is a bit of a lifesaver. We make use of a private courier service whereby they come to us and pickup the dog in their vehicle before making the journey to your home. Our driver is well trained in the handling and care of your dog on the trip, and due to their temperament our dogs always enjoy the journey! On rare occasions our dogs have flown out to their destination, again accommpanied by one of the Regis Regal team to ensure for a very smooth and calm trip. We also go through a very thorough process to make sure our dogs are going to the right kind of owner - at the end of the day it's really important that we can rest easy at night knowing they'll be going to someone that's going to love them as much as we do. Because of COVID we've held plenty of online meetings where you can ask us any questions about our dogs, and you can even get to meet-and-greet them virtually! Reviews from Customers based in IA We like to think we've made a lot of people in Iowa happy over the years that we've been in business. Take a look below at some of the feedback we've received to date. You can find more reviews of ours here too. She teaches amazing and helps you understand how to take care of the dogs. As well as the dogs are cute and have a strong learning behavior. As you can imagine this can change quite regularly - so please send us a message below, or give us a call on .We look forward to hearing from you! Your name. Lady This sweet momma came to our rescue with her two babies as a part of a neglect case. Lady enjoys her foster siblings but doesnt need to be with them. She doesnt mind her foster cat siblings and has been around kids! She loves to be where her foster mom is at all times! Lady is still a little timid when doing new things or going to new places. We are still working on going up and down the inside stairs to bed and kennel. She is 4 years old and is potty trained! Does Lady sound like she could be a part of your family?! This girl is an angel! She seems to be potty trained and is very well behaved! She likes to have her people near her but also likes to be in her own space where she feels comfortable. Her favorite is butt scratches and she will ask for belly rubs!! She knows sit, shake, down. Before throwing the ball, she has to sit. She gets so excited. She loves playing in water and will jump up to catch any water splashed at her. This girl is amazing on a leash too, she gets a little excited to smell every once in a while but once you pull the leash, she takes the correction and is back to your side. She is cat friendly as she avoids them at all costs. Could this girl be the right fit for you? She is ready for her furever family at anytime! Adult, Female, Large Lola Name: Lola Occupation: Showgirl Likes: Food, everything, everyone, puppy toys Dislikes: Being lonely, computer printers, world hunger This gorgeous beauty queen hails from the mystical small town of Fairfield, Iowa, where she was temporarily loved by the good people of Noahs Ark Animal Foundation, and where she won her first beauty title of Best Ears. Thanks to that experience, Lola has gone on to win other good doggy titles such as Most Energetic and Employee of the Month, with her foster family in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Lola is an 8 month old all white German Shepherd that would do best in a home that has experience with the breed and is prepared for puppy energy, such as a home with older kids as she can be a bit rambunctious at playtime and might knock down smaller children. She is housetrained and knows a few basic commands and tricks but would do best in a home that will continue her training to become the best version of herself. An obedience class would do her wonders as she is a very quick learner! Lola would also do best in a home that has someone there most of the day. She will not be adopted to a family that plans to crate her all day, as she is still trying to grow hair back on parts of her legs from being kenneled for long periods of time. Lolas foster mom works from home and Lola is only crated when everyone in the house will be gone, however she will most likely grow be able to be trusted to roam free alone in a home eventually. At night she is not crated but prefers to sleep with or near her people for instance the hallway outside bedrooms. Some nights she will make the rounds and sleep with everyone, to make sure no one in the family misses out on her cuddles! Lola is a very loving and delightful puppy that would make any family a very good companion that gives her returned love and attention. She told us that she is already very excited to meet you! I am a petite girl who enjoys freedom in the house but dont let my good looks fool you - I am a very smart girl and love to steal food when youre not looking! I am a polite GSD who doesnt jump on humans but I do like to bark when the mail gets delivered. I am potty trained and I know sit, stay, and will usually wait for my food if you tell me! I love squeak balls and love a good hard chew. Im not sure how I feel about other dogs - I see them at the groomers but I usually start to squeal. Im kind of picky when it comes to other dogs and Ive never met a cat before. Ive never met a stranger I didnt like and Ive even been around kids, old and young! I have a fenced-in backyard but I usually stay on a leash because I still havent mastered coming back when called. Im looking for someone who has patience and knowledge of GSDs and would love someone who can take me for a nice, long walk. Senior, Female, Large Mia Mia is a sweetheart of a gal looking for a forever home that will love and cherish her. Mia is great with people, kids, and dogs. Mia is super playful. She has a genetic condition called MegaEsophagus. Her throat does not push food down to her stomach. To help her eat, Mia must sit in a "Bailey Chair" to eat softened food. She must then sit for 30 minutes while gravity works its magic. Mia knows her chair and her routine. Mia must also drink from an elevated water dish. If she eats in any different way, she will likely regurgitate and may aspirate. Due to her condition, she underwent a gastroplexy with her spay. This means you will never have to worry about bloat with Mia. With attention to detail, Mia can live a long happy life. She will reward you with a kind heart and dedication. Mia is whip smart. Mia has basic obedience down and would shine in good citizen and advanced obedience classes. Mia's chair and supplies will come with her. He has been with his foster since June .He is heartworm negative and up to date with his vetting, including neuter. Moe gets along great with dogs. Although Moe has not been tested with children. We have no reason to believe that he would be a problem with them. We are not sure about cats. She was an owner surrender because she was not very nice to the feral kitties in the neighborhood. We will not place her in a home with cats. Nova is great with dogs and children. She is a lovely girl in the home, content to lay at your feet as you work or relax. Adult, Female, Large Pepper Pepper cam into our rescue with her sister and mom, life has not be kind to her. Pepper and her family were part of a neglect case in Oklahoma. Pepper is a very sweet girl, but she will need lots of love to get her confidence back up! Pepper does not mind cats and has been around kids. Pepper is approximately 2 years old and is potty trained. Because she is so shy and timid, she is still working on leash training. We would like Goldy and Pepper to stay together! Do they sound like they could be a part of your family?! A friends daughter fostered her and found her to be sweet. However, it didnt work with her other pets, so she took her back. Princess had a hard time at the shelter with a few incidents. I agreed to take her, and my friends daughter pulled her on the day she was to be euthanized. I picked her up in early April. At the time, she had heartworm. Treatment was completed. Shes probably due for a check on it now. The Dallas shelter had her as 13, but everyone here thinks shes younger. Maybe .When she was surrendered, she was in heat. They spayed her at the shelter. Since Ive had her, shes been sweet to others other than the growls at repairmen. She likes to lick people. Now the special issues she has. Princess has separation anxiety. Shes gone from Prozac when I picked her up to trazadone. The trazadone helps a lot. Acepromazine was too strong, but the boarding place I use sometimes gives her half doses if needed. I can now leave her for several hours without anything happening to the house. She became smart to my tricks to get her into the crate at night, so I leave her out now. She really doesnt get along with other animals. I was told that when I got her, so Ive left my four cats in bedrooms since she arrived. Thats a huge reason why Id like to find her a forever home. Im not skilled with dogs though, so maybe someone could help her overcome that problem. I understand that she was surrendered with another dog. I also go out of town a lot, so I end up boarding her. She is kept away from direct contact with other dogs. Its been mentioned that she has made a lot of progress since she started there. Shes less reactive when other dogs go by her pen. I think the best scenario for her would be with someone who is home a lot and has no other pets. She definitely loves her humans. The sweetest most gorgeous GSD mix who cant wait to find her new home! Rachel has had a rough start to life but that doesnt stop her one bit! Rachel has love for everyone and everything she does. We think she is about 2 years old but in those 2 years she was likely never inside. So know if you would like Rachel as part of your family that she will need training. She doesnt understand how house life works, whats acceptable and whats not. As her fosters we have taught her a few basics but with just a few short weeks with her she will need lots of attention in her new home. Shes a master counter surfer. She does great with the 2 young kids in her foster home ages 4yrs and 18months and also with the other 2 German Shepherds in the home male and female. We do not know how she does with cats or small dogs. I believe Rachel would benefit from having another dog in the house who loves to play as much as she does! She is so playful and full of energy she could go for hours! She is very much a Velcro dog, she will follow you step for step everywhere you go. This gorgeous girl is ready to share her sweet, smart and sensitive self with her forever family! Adult, Female, Large. My name is Ralf aka Ralfy aka Ralfy Palfy. My fosters gave me the last nickname because they say I will make someone a great Pal. You see, I was found on the side of the road barely alive after being hit by a car. I couldn't walk very well because my pelvis was broken in three places. But after visiting this place called the veterinarian, I started feeling much better. Unfortunately before my accident I had never met kind humans and still to this day, I'm very easily startled and scared of new people. It's going to take someone very special and patient to earn my trust. But once you earn it, I'm the sweetest and most gentle dog ever. I love love love chest rubs and ear scratches. But my number one love of all time is treats!!! I love all flavors so if you decide to take me home, don't be shy when shopping for me! I enjoy sunbathing and relaxing in my kennel. It's my safe place when I feel overwhelmed. I promise to love you if you promise to take the time to get to know me. I will do best in a quiet house with maybe 1 or 2 adults and an older mature doggy friend. I don't care much for traveling and prefer to be a homebody. I do love to play with doggy friends and don't mind cats either. I'm currently working on becoming more confident in public spaces. What do you say? Can you give me a shot? Ralf is kennel trained and potty trained. He is a local adoption only. His current foster is a trainer who is willing to offer two free sessions along with his adoption to set you both up for success and better help you understand what he will need and how you can help provide that for him. He is a Shepherd mix that weighs roughly 50lbs.

Mother Nature is in charge of the timing, late fall, early winter?? We love double doodle families!! Our puppies are amazing, they will melt your heart. We then keep the puppies an additional weeks to work with them on housebreaking, litter training, crate introduction, and socialization. We also provide tips and hints to help with training, and acclimating your puppy into your life. Typically there are 8 puppies per litter, although it is not uncommon to have more. Many times after the puppies are born, we have availability. We are more than glad to help you select your puppy and will share our knowledge of temperaments, coats, etc.Many of our puppies have gone on to to be service and therapy dogs, and of course, amazing family pets. It's common that after a family falls in love with their first Virginia beach goldendoodle, they come back for another! We have a Facebook group you can join by clicking on the Blue Facebook F on our contact us page. There you can see pictures of puppies from our past litters and see what people are saying about us. Again, dates are approximated as mother nature is in charge… Please let us know if you have any questions. Our email is bodiehack yahoo. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Virginia Beach Virginia and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted! Goldendoodles sport the signature scruffy Doodle-look with hypoallergenic coats. And their high intelligence levels can leave us completely baffled. So, where can you find reputable Goldendoodle breeders in Virginia and what are the key things to look for? Some offer Standard Goldendoodles while others specialize in smaller, Mini Goldendoodle pups. Unfortunately, Doodle scammers and puppy mills also want their piece of the pie while resorting to unethical breeding practices and borderline torturing the animals. So, how can you avoid supporting a puppy mill and what should you look for in a responsible Goldendoodle breeder in Virginia? Why is that important? Because extensive health testing helps breeders screen the parent dogs for any hereditary diseases, which can be carried onto the puppies. Not only will it cost you a ton of money in the long run, unhealthy puppies with genetic conditions often struggle with pain and severe discomfort throughout their lives. In addition to rigorous health testing, you want to double-check if a breeder provides a health warranty for their puppies. Most commonly, breeders offer a two-year health guarantee for genetic conditions. Keep in mind that even scammers and puppy mills often claim to hold certifications with the organizations we mentioned above. Please be aware of this and always check back with the organizations, as their member breeders are often publicly posted on their websites. Many Goldendoodle breeders in Virginia have customer testimonials posted on their website, but we urge you to do some more digging on online communities like Reddit, Yelp, Facebook , or here at Doodle Doods. Ask around amongst your friends, family members, or neighbors who have adopted a puppy from a certain breeder. They specialize in breeding Multigenerational Goldendoodles of all sizes for loving forever homes. All of their lines originate from AKC registered purebreds, and each of their breeding dogs has been carefully chosen for their excellent health, genetics, and wonderful temperament. What Makes This Breeder Unique? They raise their puppies with the Puppy Culture training and socialization program that sets their pups up for success. In addition to that, they introduce their pups to crate training, regular car rides, basic commands, regular body handling with the help of the ENS method , amongst many other things. Waitlist: Yes. We have answers. Dogs are just like any other pet - they need the right food to stay healthy and happy. With so many different food options on the market, it can be hard to know which one is best for your furry friend. The best way to find the perfect food for your pup is to talk to your veterinarian and experiment with different brands and formulas. With a little trial and error, you'll eventually find a food that works well for your dog's individual needs! Are there different sizes of Goldendoodle available? Have you ever wondered what size Goldendoodle is right for you? Well, wonder no more! There are a variety of different Virginia Beach Goldendoodle puppies for sale that you can choose from on our site. Goldendoodles come in four different sizes, each with its own set of benefits. There is no doubt that Goldendoodles are some of the most diverse dogs on the planet. This is thanks to their Poodle ancestors, who come in a dizzying array of variety. From black to brown, sable, golden, gray and more, you are going to be able to find a Goldendoodle who meets and exceeds your expectations. Their wavy and curly coats shed minimally, meaning Goldendoodles are some of the most low-maintenance dogs around. Can Goldendoodles be hypoallergenic? If you're someone who loves dogs but can't have one because of mild allergies, Goldendoodle puppies in Virginia Beach, VA may be the perfect pet for you. These pups are allergy friendly thanks to their curly coats that don't shed much. This means there's less chance of triggering allergies that could make you sneeze. So if you've always wanted a dog, but thought it wasn't possible due to your allergies, it may be time to reconsider. What is a Doodle and why are they so popular? Doodles are sweet, loving dogs who make great companions. They all have a little Poodle in them which is why they can be so nice and intelligent. They are smart and easily trained, and get along well with people of all ages, including kids. Doodles also have the benefit of being low-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them a perfect choice for those with allergies. What does multigenerational mean? When you cross a Poodle with a Golden Retriever for the first time, you usually don't end up with the ideal dog. It takes more than that to create a quality multigenerational Doodle. Standardized personality traits and physical features are more likely to be passed down when the dog is part of a multigenerational line. This is why experienced breeders know it's so important for breeders to produce Goldendoodles for sale in Virginia Beach, VA from multiple generations. Is it simple to train Goldendoodle puppies near Virginia Beach? Dogs that are easy to train are often the best for people who are just starting out. Golden Retrievers and Poodles are two such breeds that tend to be very intelligent and willing to please their owners, these traits are then passed along to the Goldendoodle. Although training does take some time, it is always worth it in the end when you find yourself with a well behaved Goldendoodle Virginia Beach! Should my family be considering Virginia Beach Goldendoodles for sale? Goldendoodles are bred primarily as companions, which means they love spending time with humans of all shapes, sizes, and ages! Do Goldendoodles require grooming? Yes, Goldendoodles do require regular grooming. Also expect occasional trips to the groomer for a trim if you don't want your dog's hair getting too long. Micro Goldendoodles Are you in the Virginia area and looking for ethical breeders that offer Goldendoodle Puppies for sale? Are you interested in having a playful puppy as a perfect family pet? If the answer is yes, you have found a great resource to take care of all your puppy needs. Why we choose grain free diets for our puppies Cows, goats, deer, elk, etc. Cows, goats, deer, elk, etc. Whereas, your dog has a single stomach made to digest meats and fats. Feeding your pup grains could cause them to miss out on important nutrients, causing them to become malnourished and have weakened immune systems. We recommend carrying this diet over into your home for your future puppy so that they can continue to grow and lead the healthiest life. You can visit or purchase Great Lakes Pet Food online at greatlakespetfood. We guarantee the genetic health of our Golden puppies for thirty days, and if you choose to use Great Lakes Pet Food the guarantee will be extended to a Two-Year Health Guarantee. As responsible breeders, genetic testing is done as part of our breeding program following breeding standards. We like to provide proper education backed with logic and science so that you can feel confident that your puppy is given only the best! Our Promise We are so happy that you are interested in our cute puppies! Here at Breezy Hollow Puppies, we promise to make this the best and easiest experience for you and your family. We take pride in our ability to provide excellent care to our happy puppies. We value giving the puppies nurturing environments that will allow them to be socialized and most of all the healthiest puppies. We keep our facilities safe and sanitary in order to provide the best pup for you! I started my business in with my family by my side. We reside on a beautiful farm in Dauphin County, PA. Our passion is preparing our puppies for loving homes and giving each individual customer a unique and easy sales experience. Breezy Hollow Puppies is a family breeder who strives to raise happy and healthy puppies. We would love to hear from you! Omar would love to find your new fur-ever friend! Feel free to contact Omar at with any questions, comments, or concerns!

All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. Vocality level 4 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament Few breeds so richly deserve their popularity as does the Labrador Retriever. When trained, the breed is obedient and amiable and tolerates the antics of children, other dogs, and other pets. The Lab is a calm house dog, playful yard dog, and intense field dog, all on the same day. Labs are eager to please, enjoys learning, and excel in obedience. It is a powerful breed that loves to swim and retrieve. Labradors need daily physical and mental challenges to keep occupied. A bored Lab can get into trouble! Upkeep Labradors are active and sociable dogs. They need daily exercise, preferably in the form of retrieving and swimming. Owners with swimming pools either must fence them out or be prepared to share the pool with dogs. The Lab coat sheds water easily. Weekly brushing is needed to remove dead hair. Health Major concerns: CHD, elbow dysplasia, OCD, obesity, patellar luxation Minor concerns: cataract, CPRA, hot spots, retinal dysplasia, hypothyroidism Occasionally seen: diabetes, entropion, distichiasis, tricuspid valve dysplasia, centronuclear myopathy, exercise-induced collapse Suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye, exercise-induced collapse DNA , centronuclear myopathy , knee Life span: 10—12 years History The original Labradors were all-purpose water dogs originating in Newfoundland, not Labrador. Not only did the breed not originate in Labrador, but it also was not originally called the Labrador Retriever. These dogs—medium-sized black dogs with close hair—not only retrieved game but also retrieved fish, pulled small fishing boats through icy water and helped the fisherman in any task involving swimming. Eventually, the breed died out in Newfoundland in large part because of a heavy dog tax. However, a core of Labradors had been taken to England in the early s, and it is from these dogs, along with crosses to other retrievers, that the breed continued. It was also in England that the breed earned its reputation as an extraordinary retriever of upland game. Initially, black labs were favored over yellow or chocolate colors. By the early s, the other colors had become more accepted. The popularity of this breed has grown steadily until the Labrador Retriever became the most popular breed in America in and remains so today. Related Content. For nearly 50 years we have produced English Labradors in the true style of the all-around dog they were meant to be. Our ultimate goal has been a beautiful dog conforming to breed standards with soundness of temperament and body. Our Labradors retain the hunting ability that has made them the supreme hunting retriever. This intelligent, well-tempered dog is a perfect family companion and service dog. We are pleased to not only have many of our On The Bluff Labradors in pet, show and hunting homes, but also used as guide dogs for the disabled and specialist for airscent detection. Our breeding program strives for perfection in every litter. We use the highest quality stud dogs with a background of multiple Grand Champions. We combine their linage with the outstanding genetics of our females. The result are not just cute, adorable puppies, but dogs that can be well trained, healthy companions for a lifetime. We have never lost sight of our initial goal to produce the perfect Labrador- in mind and body. Feel free to email us for additional information or to get on a waiting list for one of our puppies. Staffed by professional trainers- each puppy receives several weeks and hundreds of hours of individual lessons- Obedience Training, House Living Training, Group Socialization, and Outside Etiquette. We believe our unique training methods and individualized programs sets us apart from any other breeder. Here you will find many adorable pictures of our current puppies.

Moreover, in case your Labradoodle has any sensitivity, weight, allergy, or other health issues, the Purina Pro Plan product range has got you covered. So, if your Labradoodle is struggling with a food allergy, you might not have to switch to another brand altogether. Instead, you can switch the chicken formula for lamb or fish, for example. The same goes for grains. This makes it perfect for all Labradoodles weighing more than 70 pounds. Although the list is not short and has some rather tricky names listed, it does contain a lot of vitamins and minerals, and even added glucosamine, which is great for Labradoodles who are at a risk of developing joint problems like hip dysplasia. Labradoodle owners know how important a beautiful coat is! Dicalcium phosphate DCP has been linked to kidney stones and the calcification of soft tissue Contains soy, which may be difficult to digest, cause bloat and gas, and trigger allergies 2. Fromm Fromm has formulas for all stages of life, large and small breeds, for weight management, and offers grain-free and grain-inclusive variations. The main sources of protein are beef, chicken, turkey, duck, pork, salmon, tuna, lamb, goose, pheasant, quail, venison, rabbit, and whitefish. Chicken is listed as the first ingredient, but it also includes fish meal, duck, lamb, and chicken liver. This formula is grain-inclusive and uses whole grains like oat groats and barley. Likewise, other natural ingredients like flaxseed, alfalfa meal, and inulin provide additional fiber. Not only are the most important vitamins and minerals included, this dry dog food is formulated with prebiotics and probiotics. PawTree formulas are made from real ingredients and they offer a variety of different formulas, specializing in grain-free recipes, and formulas that are free from certain ingredients to minimize allergic reactions. Allergies and food sensitivities are a common concern for many Labradoodles, especially when it comes to certain proteins or even grains. Other highlights in this formula include apples, blueberries, coconut oil, salmon oil, and flaxseed. In addition to quality animal proteins and plants, this dry kibble also contains added vitamins, minerals, and even prebiotics for good tummy health. In fact, this recipe has been designed for reduced stool volume and also to keep those smelly farts at bay. Pros First ingredient listed is real duck. Packed with nutritious ingredients that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Perfect for Labradoodles who are allergic to chicken and fish. Ideal for overweight Doods. Supports good skin and coat health. Naturally occurring glucosamine helps support the joints. Designed to be easily digestible. No corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-products, or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Cons None! Victor Victor Pet Food has formulas suitable for all life stages. Additionally, they offer special formulas for joint health, weight management and performance, and grain-free and high-protein formulas. For some Labradoodles, the food sensitivity, digestion, weight management, and joint support formulas might be beneficial. Royal Canin Royal Canin offers formulas that many Labradoodle owners might find useful like special food for large breeds, formulas for food sensitivities, weight management, and digestive health. All of which Labradoodles are at risk of. However, as Labradoodles tend to inherit the health issues of both Labs and Poodles, this option might work well for your Labradoodle. Diamond As with other brands, Diamond offers a variety of dog food options for different needs. Labradoodle owners might find their formulas for weight management or sensitivity issues helpful. It contains a decent amount of fiber that helps with proper digestion, as do added probiotics. The key ingredients in raw dog food diets are: muscle meats, organ meats like liver, kidney, spleen, brain, sweetbreads, whole, powdered or meaty bones, raw eggs, dog-friendly fruit and vegetables, and sometimes dairy, like yogurt. Kirkland Kirkland is another popular dog food brand that Labradoodle parents love. It offers formulas for all life stages, weight management, and also grain-free and organic options. However, they do have other formulas with different protein sources Ingredients To Avoid In Labradoodle Dog Food You already might know that there are ingredients your Labradoodle should never eat. Naturally, responsible dog food brands do not include these ingredients, anyway. Related Content. Fruits and vegetables Labradoodles can eat Dairy If your Labradoodle is not lactose intolerant, he can eat some dairy foods in moderation. Dairy foods provide protein, calcium, vitamin D, A, B12, zinc, magnesium, and selenium. They build strong bones, reduce the risk of diabetes, and may improve heart health. Experimenting with small amounts of dairy foods is best to see what your dog can handle. Some dogs have trouble digesting milk but can enjoy small pieces of cheese or a blob or two of plain yogurt. My dog loves small chunks of cheese but cannot tolerate even a small spoonful of heavy cream — although she is okay with some milk. World of Dogz Commercial Dog Food Aside from the foods listed above, you can also feed your Labradoodle commercial dog food. Labradoodles can eat dry, wet, semi-dry food technically wet, too , raw, dehydrated, or freeze-dried food. However, you must be careful not to select a food package for a different breed with macro nutritional requirements other than Labradoodles. The most remarkable thing about commercial dog food is that it is far less expensive than homemade dog food and takes much less time to prepare, store, and feed. Labradoodles cannot eat chocolate, macadamia nuts, black walnuts, onion, garlic, grapes, or avocado. Standard market-packed sardines are the safest fish for dogs. Even onion powder in a broth can have this effect. Garlic Garlic can also make your dog anemic. Make sure any food you prepare contains no garlic flavor. Chocolate Theobromine and caffeine in chocolate and chocolate-adjacent products are toxic to dogs. Ensure you choose an organic brand. Nuts Some nuts can lead to weakness, vomiting, and tremors. Macadamia and black walnuts are the worst at this. Other varieties are also too high in fat. Avocado The avocado skin can result in vomiting and diarrhea, so your Labradoodle should be kept away from this fruit. Your dog can OD on alcohol. Sugar Dogs love sweet treats, but if you feed a sugar-rich diet, they will get fat. Yeast Dough If you bake bread at home, keep your dog away from unbaked dough. It can ferment in the stomach causing alcohol toxicosis, and the yeast can rise in the gut, causing a severe blockage. The first is to sit down and curate a Labradoodle diet that dodges the above. The second is to simply opt for packaged dog food. Specific fruits can be toxic to your Labradoodle — especially grapes and starfruit. You can feed your dog veggies — yet garlic and onion can be problematic. You can provide your dog fish — but not if it is completely raw. However, organic food is healthier than extruded kibble cooked at high temperatures which reduces its nutritional value. On the other hand, packaged dog food is easy to get, feed, and store. Wet Dog Food If your Labradoodle turns his nose up at dry kibble, you can try wet dog food as it contains much higher moisture content than dry food. Some larger dogs like it, whereas others prefer a bit of crunch. Take note, though, that canned wet food can be expensive for dogs the size of Labradoodles, as you will need to provide much more. Ensure you check the protein content, as wet food contains a lot of water. Dry and Wet Mix This is one of the most widely preferred Labradoodle food types, and you get the best of both worlds. Most Doodles who dislike dry or wet food like a wet and dry mix. Adding a few scoops of wet food to dry food changes the texture and palatability of the food, making it enticing to your dog. You can also add water to dry dog food making it easier to digest and more appetizing, especially if you have a fussy eater or a dog with general appetite loss due to illness. This gives your dog added variety — but remember to adjust the calories accordingly. You may also consider semi-moist dog food. You can use one of countless dog chow recipes to produce homemade dog food. Some dog owners enjoy home cooking for their dogs as it gives them complete control of what they feed them. However, preparing a homemade diet can also be expensive and is very time-consuming. Check out the directory of certified vet nutritionists from the American College of Veterinary Nutrition to help you find one in your area. Raw Dog Food Of course, if you grasp the idea of feeding chow made from leftover meat, you can always get your Labradoodle a prime Wagyu steak. A raw food diet consists of raw meat and organs mixed in — and raw bones. This method of feeding your dog has grown in popularity in recent years. You can prepare a raw diet at home, similar to a home-cooked meal except raw , or buy pre-prepared complete and balanced raw food, which is more convenient. While weighing up your options, you might want to consider the price of feeding a raw diet. Dehydrated Dog Food Dehydrated dog food also known as air-dried is often confused with dry dog food because it is technically dry. However, you must add water to get the food into the shape it is intended to be served. A dehydrated doggy diet is a healthy and minimally processed feeding option as it uses a low-heat and gentle drying method. It combines the convenience of dry food with the nutritional benefits of raw. It is easier to store and far more portable, but it can be costly. Freeze-Dried Dog Food Freeze-dried dog food is prepared at the factory and brought into its wet form, then freeze-dried into solids that dissolve in the water. It is dehydrated at a lower temperature. Once the food is put in a sealed package, it can take years to degrade because there is no moisture for microorganisms to survive. When you buy freeze-dried dog food, it is still raw. For example, a Labrador mixed with a Standard Poodle will need far more food than a much smaller Lab mixed with a Toy Poodle. A smaller adult female needs 1. A Labradoodle puppy needs 12 — 16 ounces of food per day divided into 3 meals initially and then 2 meals at 6 months old. Labradoodles tend to control their weight pretty well. However, some dogs may be food-motivated and greedy, especially if they carry the POMC mutated gene , which is responsible for an increased appetite in Labradors. Labradoodle Feeding Schedule You should consider the energy your dog expends during the day when creating a healthy feeding schedule for them. Mini Labradoodles, for example, will burn off energy more quickly than the standard variety. However, it is advised to offer one cup of dry dog food or its equivalent and then wait eight hours before feeding another cup to avoid canine bloat. When your Labradoodle is a puppy, you must split his intake into 3 or 4 meals. Feeding your pup can be slightly complicated because of your, and not his, schedule. Labradoodle Puppy Meal Plan Puppies need feeding more often, as they need extra calories for growth and to satisfy their energy requirements. Labradoodle puppies should be fed 4 meals a day up to 3 months of age, 3 meals a day up to 6 months of age, and 2 meals a day from 6 months to adulthood. Age of Labradoodle. Labradoodles are unique because they come in a variety of sizes and shapes. In general, Labradoodles need protein-rich foods that contain essential fatty acids like omega-3s. These will help keep their coats shiny and their energy levels high. Additionally, Labradoodles need glucosamine to help support healthy joints, as well as probiotics for digestion and immunity. Proteins Labradoodles require a lot of protein in their diets. Look for foods that have high-quality sources of animal proteins such as chicken, fish, and lamb. Look for foods that contain healthy sources of fats, such as fish oil and flaxseed. Carbohydrates When shopping for food for your Labradoodle, you want to look for foods with complex carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, brown rice, and oats. These will provide your pup with sustained energy throughout the day. Look for foods that contain essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin E, iron, zinc, and B Vitamins. These will help keep their immune systems strong and give them the energy they need. Overall, when shopping for the best food for Labradoodles, you want to look for proteins, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals. By doing this, your pup will get all of the nutrition he or she needs to stay happy and healthy! What Ingredients Should You Avoid? When it comes to dog food, you want to make sure you avoid ingredients like corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives. These can all be difficult for your pup to digest and may cause allergies or stomach issues. Additionally, you want to make sure you avoid any food that contains by-products or fillers as these are not nutritious and could potentially be harmful. Labradoodles can suffer from a variety of health issues, including joint pain, allergies, and skin irritations. Depending on the issue your pup is facing, you may want to look for foods that are specifically formulated to address these problems. Joint Pain If your pup is suffering from joint pain, look for foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin. These are natural supplements that help to lubricate the joint and reduce inflammation. Skin Irritations If your pup is suffering from skin irritations, look for foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fats help keep the skin hydrated and can reduce inflammation. Sensitive Stomachs If your pup has a sensitive stomach, look for foods that are easy to digest and have limited ingredients. This will help minimize the chances of any digestive issues or allergies. Ultimately, finding the right food for your Labradoodle is an important part of keeping them healthy and happy. By following these tips and understanding their nutritional needs, you can ensure your pup is getting all of the nutrition they need to live a long and healthy life! Best Labradoodle Puppy Food When it comes to the best dog food for labradoodle puppies, you want to look for something that provides high-quality proteins and carbohydrates. These ingredients will help support healthy development and provide your pup with all of the nutrition they need. Best Labradoodle Adult Food When looking for adult food, you want to look for something with protein and carbohydrates as the primary ingredients. Additionally, make sure the food contains essential vitamins and minerals as well as omega-3 fatty acids. Orijen Puppy Food Orijen puppy food is one of the best options on the market. It is made with high-quality proteins and carbohydrates, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Most Labradoodle puppies are ready for adult dog food around the age of 16 months. The dietary needs of growing puppies are different from that of adult dogs. For this reason, puppy foods are formulated specifically to support their rapidly developing bodies. Getting too much or not enough of certain nutrients can cause serious health problems and affect their development. Labradoodle Puppy vs Adult Food Labradoodle puppies need about twice as many calories relative to their body weight compared to an adult dog. They require more protein to support growing muscles and a different mineral balance for their rapidly developing bones. Puppies also digest food and absorb nutrients differently. Likewise, an adult dog should not eat puppy food. They contain too many calories for a full-grown Doodle and could lead to obesity or orthopedic problems, such as hip dysplasia. Swapping Puppy Food for Adult Food Once your Labradoodle has reached maturity, you can transition him to an adult formulated dog food. For the next few days, mix equal portions of each food. Finally, after several more days, serve only adult dog food. The amount you should feed a Labradoodle puppy depends on their age, weight, genetics, and activity levels. Portion sizes also depend on the type of food and how nutrient- and calorie-dense it is. Most commercial foods come with feeding recommendations on the label. Make sure to divide the total daily amount into multiple feedings spaced at regular intervals throughout the day. The smaller and younger your Labradoodle puppy is, the more often he needs to be fed. Puppies under three months are particularly at risk for hypoglycemia. After this, you can change it to two meals. Underweight puppies can benefit from staying on puppy food for a little longer than average. As there may be another underlying health issue contributing to their low weight. But in some cases, the Poodle parent could be a Miniature or a Toy Poodle and will be considerably smaller. The best way to determine if your Labradoodle puppy is the right weight is to run your hands down his sides. If the ribs are protruding, he may be too thin. Most people choose commercial dog food, but raw and homemade diets are becoming more popular. Puppy nutrition requires a delicate balance. If you decide to prepare meals, work with your veterinarian to ensure they contain everything a growing Labradoodle needs. If you are not sure whether your puppy can have eggs , or cheese, or some other human food as a treat, you can search this site for more information. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Dry Food Dry food or kibble is the most popular kind of commercial dog food. When choosing from the myriad choices available, select a high-quality formula made specifically for puppies. Choose a kibble that lists a quality meat protein as the first ingredient. Avoid brands that have large quantities of carbohydrates, such as cereals, corn, and soy, as well as any that contain artificial colors, sweeteners, and flavors. This will differ a little between brands, but as a general rule for your Labradoodle around 16 months is the right age to switch. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Wet Food While kibble is usually a better option for Labradoodle puppies, wet food does have some advantages. Loose stool can also be the result of a wet food diet. Labradoodle puppies require a diet formulated to support proper growth and meet their nutritional needs. Depending on the parentage, Labradoodles will reach maturity between 10 and 16 months. Once they are fully-grown adult dogs, they have different requirements and need adult dog food. Is kibble, cans, raw or homemade food better? Swapping Puppy Food Brands Moving into his or her new home is a challenging and exciting time for your Labradoodle puppy. Keep feeding what your pup is used to for at least two weeks. Then, slowly start mixing in the new food you have chosen for your pup. Labradoodle Puppy Diets Puppies have lots of growing to do. This means that they need more of certain minerals and nutrients for example calcium and phosphorus for bone growth. Your labradoodle pup will also need a higher amount of good quality protein. This is definitely not the case, though. This—among other things—can cause joint problems, such as hip dysplasia. Labradoodles are a cross between two breeds that are both already at high risk of developing hip dysplasia. The most important thing of all is to avoid overfeeding a Labradoodle puppy, as we will see later in this article. This is called hypoglycemia. Generally, a feeding schedule for your Labradoodle pup can look like this: 2 — 4 months: 4 meals daily 4 — 6 months: 3 meals daily 6 — 8 months: 2 — 3 meals daily Older than 8 months: 2 meals daily. Just make sure to divide the total daily amount onto multiple feedings. You can make slight adjustments to these amounts if your pup is looking a little slim or chunky. The number of calories your pup needs will also change as he or she gets older and heavier. There are a couple of different options out there. Commercial dog foods offer complete and balanced nutrition for your growing pup — this means that they have all the right nutrients in all the right amounts and ratios. If a puppy is fed an inappropriate diet, this could lead to long-lasting growth defects or other malnutrition diseases. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Kibble Kibble is the most popular type of dog food out there. There are only two things you need to pay attention to when choosing kibble: It should be designed specifically for puppies, and it should be high-quality. Research shows that higher-priced dog foods tend to have higher nutrient digestibility than lower-priced kibble — so it might be worth spending a bit more. Choose a kibble that contains a meat protein source as the first ingredient, and steer clear of ingredients like corn, soy, and cereals. Due to its high water content, the aromas and taste of the meat unfold better, making wet food the most palatable food there is. This comes at a bit of a cost, though: Wet food tends to be more expensive than kibble, and of course it spoils more easily. To get the best of both worlds of commercial dog foods, you can combine or alternate between kibble and wet food. The BARF diet consists of lots of raw meat and bones, as well as some veg and fruit. Supporters of raw feeding think that it will make your dog healthier, although there is no solid evidence for this yet. Raw meats are often contaminated with bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter. These bacteria could potentially cause diseases in your pup. However, this is extremely rare, as the digestive tract most dogs can handle these bugs just fine. This means that there is a lot less danger of bacterial infections from raw meats. Keep in mind that cooking for a dog is not the same as cooking for yourself. Avoid spices, onions, garlic, cooking oils, and too much salt. These are dogs that will always want more food and are prone to obesity. It can help to space out meals or add one or two feedings a day if your dog is constantly hungry. Another option is to make your dog work for small amounts of food throughout the day — be it with puppy training, food balls, or puzzles. The possibilities are endless. Features: Organic naturally sourced whole foods extend the lifespans of all creatures on earth. Pros: 1. Natural farm-raised salmon is the number one ingredient 2. No grains are added during processing 3. All ingredient work naturally sourced Cons: 1. Recipes Change Over Time 2. Avoid the monthly restocking trip for good and pick this up the next time you go out. Check this and learn more about it on Amazon here. This is the best dog food brand for sensitive stomachs in the industry. Fairly Limited Shelf Life 2. This dog food is the nuclear option for digestive health when your dog has already tried everything else. Find out more about this awesome dog food and see what other fur parent say about it here on Amazon! It has a nutritional density four times greater than dry dog food so you can keep years worth of it underneath the sink. The Honest Kitchen dehydrated dog food is the gold standard for extended storage dog food. Entirely Preservative Free 1. Must-Have Water To Prepare 2. Dehydrated dog food is inexpensive and lightweight but nutritionally dense. Learn more about this delicious and healthy dog food on Amazon here! Bulk Dog Food Discount Cons: 1. Merrick gives them a nice moist meal with chunks of real meat so delicious even a person might be tempted. Then check it out here on Amazon. It accomplished this by analyzing the diets of wolves in the wild. Primal Pet Foods Freeze-Dried Nuggets represent a complete nutritionally-whole raw-food diet program. Raw Freeze-Dried Rabbit Meat 3. Production Methods Mildly Inconsistent 2. Primal Pet Foods eliminate all the hassle and make giving your dog a nutritionally complete raw diet as simple as kibble and bits. Within a few weeks you should be able to tell if they would be content with changing to 2 meals per day. Some dogs will be happy with 1 meal per day from about the age of one year onwards. However this is a decision that should be made on a pup-to-pup basis. Your puppy will need to have access to plenty of fresh water. Our Labradoodles enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables. These include blueberries, apples, bananas, strawberries, pumpkin, beans, peas, and carrots. They also thoroughly enjoy eggs cooked or raw , tuna, sardines, and the occasional dollop of yoghurt. Our dogs enjoy a balanced and grain-free dog food, coupled with good quality fresh meats. If choosing to feed dry food, there are fantastic quality brands available. It is very easy to make food yourself for your dog when feeding your Labradoodle puppy. This enables you to give your dog a good variety of nutrients. You can search for recipes on the internet that would suit your dog, or ask your vet. Be aware of the additives that some pet foods may have in them. These can often have a negative effect on their long-term health. Raw bones are also fantastic for Labradoodles, including ribs and chicken necks. Ask your local butcher for a nicely cut dog bone suitable for the size of your pup. Your puppy will love a good bone to chew on, they are often obsessed with chewing anything and everything at this age! Bones are a great source of calcium, as well as acting as a fantastic tooth brush for dogs! We avoid feeding our dogs high-lactose forms of dairy, such as milk and cream, as these can cause gastrointestinal issues of varying severity. We also abstain from giving our pups lactose-free puppy milk. This is nutritionally redundant in the presence of a balanced diet. Our dogs do, however, thoroughly enjoy a treat of cheese or the occasional splash of yoghurt. Hypro Premium Australian made, ensuring freshness is a great option for your puppy. It is nutritionally balanced and high quality. Your puppy will be used to this already, having eaten it at our home. Another firm favourite is Vets All Natural, a rehydratable and biologically appropriate option that is mixed through raw meat. Labradoodles by nature are not greedy or voracious eaters, and will only eat if they are hungry. You can weigh your puppy regularly to keep a track of their growth. These include chocolate, grapes, raisins, avocados, onion, garlic, and all cooked bones this list is not exhaustive. Never feed your dog cooked bones as this can be fatal due to the bones splintering within the dogs intestinal system. For further questions, or for ongoing support after taking a Bluefields pup home, please contact us.

A thick-bellied and thick-legged cub of a Shepherd color with a long tail and dense fur can only be finally classified as purebred when the ears of a German Shepherd puppy stand up. The ears of a true German Shepherd are, according to the standard, erect, of the medium size, set high, with the ends directed forward and up, and not adjacent to the skull on both sides, even when a Shepherd dog is in motion or presses its ears or lowers them in a calm position. When German Shepherd ears stand up when excited, the distance between their highest points tips should visually equal the width of the auricle. Since the range of frequencies heard by a dog is much higher than that of a human, a German Shepherd determines the source of the sound and its direction and location instantly and accurately due to such an auricle at a distance of m depending on the pitch of the sound. Moreover, a Shepherd can hear the peals of thunder or the sound of a working chainsaw at a distance of km. The lowest sound for a human is 16 Hz, while the highest one is 20 thousand Hz. The upper limit of frequency fluctuations perceived by a GS dog as a sound is thousand Hz. Clear hearing is especially important for a German Shepherd as for a dog with high service qualities and no less high requirements for its work. Sensitive ears allow not only for relying on a Shepherd dog as an excellent guard but also for guiding it at great distances, giving commands at frequencies that are not perceived by the human ear or in an undertone. Their small ears are also imperfect — they are rather soft due to the underdeveloped cartilage that makes up the auricle. That is why there are separate German Shepherd puppy ears stages when they start standing up. The cartilaginous plate is covered on both sides with a layer of thin connective tissue that provides the main cartilage with growth and nutrition and is called the perichondrium. The perichondrium, on the contrary, is dotted with mini-hematopoietic capillaries and blood vessels. Through them, the cartilage receives necessary substances for its growth and compaction with the help of conventional diffusion literally, penetration by contact. In the same way, the ear cartilage of a GS dog is built on, and the perichondrium has semi-stem cells which, like bricks, are built into the cartilage tissue. Cartilage cells, in turn, produce collagen and elastin. This is due to the active work of all parts of the auricle cartilage and perichondrium. Up to 4 months, cartilage tissues are especially active, but by the fifth month, the growth of elastic layers and the embedding of stem cells decreases. Having reached a certain density, ear growth slows down, and in a short time, it almost diminishes. The metabolism in the auricle becomes so low that visually the ear seems to no longer grow. However, limited living processes in it continue throughout life. Otherwise, it would be impossible to restore the tissues of the German Shepherd puppy ears in case of damage. To do this, you need to feed the puppy a balanced diet with enough calcium and phosphorus. Excess calcium and phosphorus can adversely affect the formation of the ear cartilage and the development of the musculoskeletal system of a German Shepherd. We must not forget about the composition of the blood because it is the main food for the growth and strengthening of the cartilage plate due to the diffuse contact with it via the perichondrium. Not only nutrition but also the obligatory physical activity of a German Shepherd puppy, both at home and on walks , help improve the blood supply to the perichondrium. Under such keeping conditions, the ears of the Shepherd stand up on time and additional actions on the part of an owner are not required. The optimal age when the ears should stand up is 5 months. Do not be afraid if the ears are 1. This sometimes happens. You need to worry if the puppy is already 8 months old, and the ears still do not rise. If at the age of 12 months, the ears are still not on top, the question of a purebred puppy will emerge. Teeth and Ears It often happens that at 2- 3 months the ears of a Shepherd stood up, and at 4 they fell one or two at once This is a normal process associated with the change of teeth, when the body mobilizes all the microelements to build a strong dental system, pulling phosphorus and calcium front he cartilage in this direction. At the same time, the drooping ears should stand up. Hurry up! After a year, hopes to put up ears in a German Shepherd are melting exponentially. There may be, for example, a birthing crease, subluxation, or hematoma as a result of injury to the ear canal. Has your dog ever had ear infections or other ear problems? They can involve inflammation of the middle ear, otodectosis, or a forest tick attack. Have you noticed any allergic reactions in your pet? It may be allergic to dairy products or antibiotics. If antibiotics or immunomodulators were used, what did your dog get sick with, and how often? Infectious diseases significantly inhibit the development of a Shepherd dog and slow down growth and physiological formation, including cartilage tissues. The latter is in charge of whether the ears of a GS puppy will stand up or it will remain floppy-eared. In what conditions is the young Shepherd kept? When living in an aviary, a dog must have a warmed booth in winter to avoid hypothermia of the ears, leading to spasms of small vessels of the perichondrium and a dense canopy from the sun in summer — overheating also leads to spasms. Do you walk and talk enough to your dog? Each age demands its own supplements developed for puppies, and they are also divided by the size of the dogs: small, medium, and large dogs. The German Shepherd is a large breed! This is one of the most common problems in pedigree dogs, including German Shepherds. Diseases associated with the imbalance of hormones lead to problems with the immune system and prevent the body from proper formations of all organs and their functions. Overfeeding a German Shepherd as well as underfeeding leads to a deficiency of micro-and macroelements, which highly contributes to the timely formation of cartilage tissues by the age when the Shepherd should raise its ears. Have there been any stressful situations? Cortisol, a stress hormone, activates a defense mechanism that blocks the production of new cells including semi-stem cells in cartilage tissues , reduces blood flow, and forms a negative calcium balance in the body of a Shepherd dog. Very often, this problem is transmitted at the genetic level, and your German Shepherd floppy ears can be a result of it. When was the last vaccination administered? After vaccination, the body of a GS dog begins the active formation of immunity. The process requires the consumption of microelements and vitamins for biochemical reactions, so their deficiency is formed, similar to the condition after an illness. How often do you pet your puppy on the head? At your touch, the Shepherd dog instinctively lays its ears back, getting used to keeping them folded lengthwise from the base to the top. The result will be an acquired crease or scar along with the entire ear that keeps the German Shepherd ears down, and this will require cartilage adjustment. If the doctor sees it necessary, your pet will have to take a blood test, undergo an ultrasound, and possibly take some x-rays. Treatment Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will prescribe medicines most often — flavonoids, vitamins, glucosamine, calcitonin, thyroxine, iodine, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium , which normalize the composition of the blood and add the necessary building material to the body. It is important to carry out all the medicinal prescriptions under the supervision of a veterinarian. An overabundance of any element can lead to a deterioration in the general condition of the pet and its ears in particular. In addition to medication, the doctor will most likely prescribe an ear massage at home. The massage procedure is not complicated — knead the ear from the base to the very tip between the thumb and forefinger, helping to improve blood supply, for about 5 minutes, times a day. Be careful with the place where the ear is attached to the head! This place does not need to be kneaded, only the auricle itself! Though, the most favorable result will not be long in coming — the ears of Shepherd dogs stand up in just a week or two. It is worse if the veterinarian makes a diagnosis of the atypical defect of the ear cartilage. What does it mean? Is it safe for the health of the Shepherd? And is it possible to put ears on a puppy with such a diagnosis? Atypical Cartilage and Ways to Eliminate Consequences Atypical cartilage is a defect in the development of the ear cartilage, resulting from a damaged structure of ear tissues, and their inability to support the ear in an upright position. This often occurs in young dogs after the ears have stood up, and then an ear or even two has fallen off. The same picture can be observed in old Shepherd dogs — the ear or both fall off and then rise again. The reason is the same — deformation of the ear cartilage due to long years of life at old age. However, with the old GSs, it will no longer be possible to return the ears to a stable standing position. Nevertheless, it is quite possible to correct the position of the young German Shepherd ears — they need to be glued, allowing the cartilage to recover. Gluing is nothing more than the necessary support for the intensive synthesis of elastin a connective protein in tissues and its uniform growth over the entire area of the ear cartilage. Properly glued ears do not allow creases or folds, never stretch scars, and make it possible to fill these creases with full-fledged elastin within 1. In this case, the puppy or young GS should be given maintenance vitamin supplements containing gelatin. Good results are also provided by a steep bone jelly or soaked food gelatin, 1 tbsp before every feeding. Adding bone meal and sea fish to the diet is a good solution, too! Taping Ears Correctly Since when is it worth starting the taping process? Until months of age, cartilage correction is unlikely to be needed. It is better to use the support in the form of massage and, possibly, a garter to put two ears together from months of age so that they take the correct position on the head. Feel the ear from its base to tip. If a crease or scar is found, you need to tape the ear urgently! You can watch some videos to see how to tape German Shepherd ears correctly. To correct one non-standing ear if the cartilage is even and of good density, without creases and scars, you can resort to a cardboard or plastic insert that maintains the ear in the desired position. Watch some videos to see how to do that. In any case, do not despair! David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Aug 18, Share German Shepherds have a distinctive look that includes alert, erect ears. For most pups, the ear cartilage begins to harden around week 20, or when the pup is finished teething. At that point, it can take up to 20 weeks for the ears to stand up fully. This can vary by the individual, however. Like human ears, dog ears are made of cartilage. As they grow and gain nutrition, German Shepherds develop stronger and stronger cartilage to support those ears. Typically, puppies at weeks will have floppy ears that occasionally stand up but quickly fall back down. Around week 20, or 5 months, your pup is done teething and its ears will begin to harden and stand. Your vet may have some suggestions to help the process along. If your pup reaches 8 months and still has floppy ears, the chance of them standing on their own is slim. Some breeders try to breed for larger ears, leading to ears that are too heavy to stand up. If strong, alert ears are important to you, be sure to look for a pup with parents that have erect ears. If the ears sustain trauma during that time, it can cause permanent damage to the cartilage. If your puppy gets parasites, it can impact healthy development, which includes the hardening of its ear cartilage. Be sure to take your puppy to the vet regularly and have routine fecal exams to check for worms and other parasites. Your vet can recommend an appropriate deworming protocol for your growing puppy and treat parasites if they occur. However, if you want your puppy to have strong, alert ears, you can help the process along in a number of ways. In an effort to move ear development along, some owners will add supplements like calcium. Chew toys are also good for teething and keeping your puppy occupied. German Shepherds are strong, even as pups, so be sure to choose solid, durable chew toys that are safe and appropriate for your puppy. It should only be used as a last resort, however. If you use tape too early, it can hinder natural development. That said, if you wait until the seventh or eighth month, it may be too late to help. Glue the ends of the popsicle stick to the tape on both ears, horizontally. Once a week, remove the popsicle stick, foam, and tape. If the ears stand on their own, leave them. Related Reads:. However, some adult German Shepherds will have floppy ears. There are several causes for this. There is also a genetic trait in some German Shepherds to have floppy ears. When one or both of the parents has floppy ears, there is a strong chance that the offspring will inherit this trait. If this is the case with your dog, there is not much you can do about his floppy ears. Rough play. GSD puppies play rough , and a lot of times, this can affect their ears through nips and bites. Cartilage is not like the skin because it is not highly vascularized. You can support the healing times by offering him a healthy, balanced diet. You may even consider food specially formulated for German Shepherds. Ear infections. Because they have such dense fur, German Shepherds are highly susceptible to ear infections. The coat interferes with the air circulation of the ear canals, setting up the perfect circumstances for infections and mites. Signs of these problems include shaking the head and pawing the ears. The ears may go up for a bit during the teething process and then return to the floppy position. After more time passes, the ears should return to the upward position again. However, even after nine months, there are several methods that you can try that will assist in training his ears to stand. When your puppy reaches eight months old and still has floppy ears, you can try giving him chew toys to work out his jaw muscles. Chewing on toys will work his temporalis muscle, which is one of the muscles involved in supporting upright ears. Ear taping can be done at home, while surgical implants will need to be administered by a veterinarian in a sterile environment. The ear may be set in its position at this stage, and the procedure may not have much effect. Discard the hard plastic clip from the inside of each roller and only keep the spongy foam parts. Steps to Follow The first step is to insert the pencil into one of the rollers roughly one inch to create a handhold. Ensure it is well-covered, but do not use it so much that it oozes or drips off the roller. Then tape the ear into a fairly firm roll in an upright position. The roller must be placed inside and near the bottom of the ear flap. Remove the pencil from the roller. You will have to keep your puppy distracted for a few minutes until the glue has time to dry. The rollers will fall out on their own in roughly a week. You can remove them before this if you need to. Taping is intended to provide support to the cartilage of the ears so that it can form adequately and be strong enough to make the ears stand up. It is a painless procedure, but it can cause some discomfort for your dog. Additionally, if your German Shepherd is genetically predisposed to having floppy ears, no amount of taping will override his genes. His ears may perk up and flop back down during teething, which begins around 3 months old. Once teething is over, his ears will once again perk up. At this stage, they may be somewhere in the middle. One ear may be standing while the other is floppy, or both may be half-standing. You may even have a German Shepherd who has both ears fully upright at this age! If they are not, you will have to visit your veterinarian or breeder for advice on what to do. German Shepherd Ear Positions There are several German Shepherd ear positions that you will observe as your puppy grows from a newborn to 8 months old. First, he will have teensy ears from birth to 7 weeks of age. This is when his ears will flop to both sides. His ears will experience the flying nun position from 10 to 14 weeks. For this position, his ears will still be flopped to the sides but will be slightly lifted. Starting at around 14 weeks, his ears will be in the comb-over position where both ears will flop to one side of his head or the other. Anywhere from 15 weeks on, his ears will go into the seashell position. This position has the ears mostly upright but not quite all the way. At some point, one ear may flop over while one is upright in the one-up ear position. This position may be concerning because an ear that was previously upright suddenly flops over. However, it is temporary, and the ear will return to normal. Finally, once these stages have been cycled through, the ears will go into the perfect upright position. Note that not all stages will be experienced by every dog. Age in weeks. Bright eyes, strong profiles, and of course, those perky, attentive ears! When you first bring your German Shepherd puppy home, its ears will probably be floppy and droopy — at times, those ears may try to make a stand, only to fall back down again. What gives!? As your German Shepherd grows and gets the right nutrition among other things , the cartilage gets stronger and stronger. And voila — straight, pointy German Shepherd ears! But is it really that simple? Sometimes, yes. Sometimes, no. German Shepherd puppy ears can be unpredictable! The key is to be patient and give those ears time to develop on their own before stepping in. Those ears should perk back up after teething is over. If you want to learn more about the timing of teething and what to look for, check out this article on German Shepherd puppy teething. When went to visit my German Shepherd, Allie pictured above at 7 weeks old , her ears were floppy and undeniably precious. I brought Allie home at 8 weeks, and those ears still had their ups and downs, but by 10 weeks old, her ears were up permanently. So, the key is to catch it in time. This flip-floppy stage is completely normal. Genetics can also come into play when some breeders try to breed specifically for German Shepherds with larger ears. As a result, those big, oversized, heavy ears may be too much to stand up. If pointy, perky ears are important to you, then choose your breeder and puppy carefully. Make sure to check out the parents — how do their ears look? Any significant trauma to the ears during this time can cause permanent damage — which may also cause droopy ears. Try to have everyone keep their hands off those adorable ears as much as possible. Parasites: Yuck. Puppies need chew toys, as it exercises their jaw and their head and neck muscles. Those muscles are important for perky puppy ears. So, let your puppy chew, chew, and chew on the right things of course. If you need some ideas for durable dog toys that can withstand those chomping jaws, then check out this article for my picks of the best tough German Shepherd chew toys. Stick to a high-quality, natural diet instead. Cottage cheese and yogurt both have plenty of calcium without overdoing it , and chicken feet are a natural source of glucosamine, which helps strengthen cartilage. Give those ears time to develop on their own before you resort to taping. At the end of the article are some sources that go over common methods of taping. Note: There are several options that you can use for this — there are even foam dog ear forms. Thin, white surgical tape that tears easily. A 2-inch wide tape works well, and you can also get this at Walmart, CVS, or somewhere similar. Note: Do NOT use duct tape or electrical tape — these will do way more harm than good! An unsharpened pencil or popsicle stick. Adhesive — either skin bond adhesive or eyelash glue are good choices. Give those ears plenty of time to develop and get stronger before taking action. How old was your German Shepherd puppy when its ears finally stood up? Let me know below! Especially during the first six months, be extra careful not to aggressively clean their ears. They will be more prone to lesions in the ear cartilage at this time. Yet it would be understandable if you are reading this and feel dismay or even horror. How can that possibly be a good thing? But understand we are not talking about doing anything harmful or invasive. The techniques you are about to read about will not harm or hurt your German Shepherd puppy at all. They will simply support the ears to grow into the upright position without having to work so hard to get there — or stay there. You want to give your pup enough time to try to do this naturally. But you also want to intervene before the cartilage in the ears starts to harden usually around seven to eight months old , leaving the ear flaps in the wrong position. You will need the following supplies: Some type of surgical tape NOT duct tape or any super-adhesive tape. Foam roller inserts or foam pipe insulation cut to size. Two plain popsicle sticks or unsharpened pencils. Wrap the surgical tape around the outside of the ear to hold the insert in place. Be prepared for your puppy to find a way to paw off this strange contraption several times before they finally get used to it and forget about it. You want to leave this in place for a week and then remove it to check the ear position. You may notice the ears start to stand a little straighter week by week. But if you see them flop over again, you need to re-tape them until they are strong enough to stand up on their own. Ear gluing Another option you can try is puppy ear gluing. This is actually not nearly as awful as it sounds and is far easier to do than the ear taping method. Another perk of puppy ear gluing over taping is that you are not going to cut off any air circulation to the inner ear canal. The key is to pick some kind of fabric glue do NOT use super glue or super-bonding glue that may not come off. What you need to do for this method is to add a dab of glue to the outside of the inner ear flap about two-thirds of the way down from the ear tip point. Then press the two ear flaps together for 30 seconds to allow the glue to set. Wherever possible, if you have multiple dogs in your household, try to keep your German Shepherd puppy from playing rough games with the other dogs. Rowdy playtime can easily cause the ears to separate. The glue will wear off on its own after a while and you can observe if the ears are able to remain upright and erect when this occurs. If you need to, keep reapplying the glue until the ears are strong and stable to remain in the correct position without glue. It may take a few weeks or longer for this to occur. Do not worry if the ears are not in a perfect position. As long as they stay upright, the inner muscles and tissues will naturally self-correct over time. Surgery Certain situations may even require surgical implants, like when ear cartilage damage occurs. Massage the Ears Massaging the ears helps by increasing blood flow to the ears, helping your form strong ear: Muscles Cartilage Chew Toys Chew toys are not only great for keeping your pup occupied, but they can also be great sources of collagen. This will help build strong ear cartilage capable of holding the ears in the upright position. Chew toys also work the ear muscles. This will strengthen the surrounding tissues. This is especially true for dogs prone to health issues, like German Shepherds. Foods rich in nutrients like calcium and glucosamine will help your dog form strong and healthy ears. These nutrients are vital for developing sturdy ear cartilage. Stimulation Dogs communicate a lot with their ears. Just think of German Shepherds that are alert and focused on something, like an odd noise they heard outside. Chances are, their ears will be standing erectly. Stimulation like this encourages the use of the ear muscles. There are two areas where you will definitely want to pay closer attention. Bath time and during playtime with other dogs. Keeping water out of the ears will reduce infections and head shaking. Using a headband is an easy way to do this, and can also prevent injuries when playing with other dogs. What causes German Shepherds to have floppy ears? The most common ones include breeding issues, teething, cartilage development issues, trauma, and poor nutrition or hygiene. Breeding Pointy German Shepherd ears are among the top distinct features of the breed. Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to improper breeding practices. Teething Floppy ears are a common occurrence when the dog is teething. Developing cartilage German Shepherd puppies are born with floppy ears. As their bodies develop, their ear cartilage and muscles also develop up to the point that they are able to support the weight of the ears, keeping them upright. German Shepherd ears typically start to perk up when the dog is about 6 to 10 weeks old. They can also sometimes flop back down while the dog is teething only to stand up again. Trauma Trauma is a common reason for floppy ears in German Shepherds. Physical trauma caused by an accident or injury to the ears can cause one or both of them to drop. If you suspect trauma, visit your vet to address any wounds and prevent infection. However, their ears need to be kept clean in order to prevent infections that could cause their ears to drop. Dogs not getting enough calcium and vitamin D during puppyhood may have trouble keeping their ears up as their skeletal support structure is not developed properly. They should be well-aligned, symmetrical namely just as wide as they are tall , and carried upright. However, not all dogs will have perfectly standard ears and some may have ears that are too large, too small, too high, too low, or just ears that point in the wrong direction. In fact, there are at least 12 different German Shepherd ear shapes , each with their own distinct characteristics. German Shepherd ears will usually stand up at around 4 months of age. But this can happen as early as the 1-month mark, or as late as the 6-month mark when teething finishes. But more than anything, they tell you how the dog is feeling at any given time. The ears really are the window to the soul for not just GSDs, but all dogs. During this time, more calcium is being directed to the growing teeth, and away from the ear cartilage. When teething is over, and more calcium can be directed back to the ears, they will most likely stand back up again. This is especially true if your pup has sustained an ear injury in the past, and broke the ear cartilage as a result. German Shepherd puppies are especially prone to this during the first 6 to 8 months, since their ears are still developing. These injuries can occur during rowdy play with other dogs and people, or from excessive scratching. This will help their ears develop faster and stronger, and will help prevent ear injuries in the future. But in most cases, if you act fast enough, even the floppiest German Shepherd ears are capable of being corrected. Ear development can vary from puppy to puppy. If they stand up when the puppy is scared or excited or when they bark, you can expect to see fully erect years by the time they are six months old. Will my German Shepherd mix ears stand up? Depending on the genes they inherited, your German Shepherd mix may have erect ears or not. You can support their ear development by giving them chew toys, massaging the base of their ears, and giving them calcium and vitamin D supplements. The ear flap is the outermost ear and is often called the pinna plural is pinnae. A dog has two pinna — one for each ear. Each pinna can work independently of the other, which is part of what gives dogs such keen hearing. This is the same reason all German Shepherd puppies are born with their ears down and floppy. It takes time for the cartilage to form, thicken and then harden into the characteristic erect ear position of the German Shepherd. The ears might pop up as early as four weeks old only to flop back down around four months old. Not only is the cartilage in the outer ears still forming and hardening, but the many muscles, tendons, ligaments, and tissues that help the ears move and function are still getting coordinated as well. This is why it is wise not to get concerned about ear position or stability until after your German Shepherd puppy has finished teething. There is just too much growing going on to expect your little puppy to look like a full-grown adult dog yet. This video gives you some unique tips to help their ears get stronger and stand up without human assistance like some of the tips you read about in this article.