getting a labrador puppy

Although certain health issues that Bulldogs may experience are congenital and beyond our control, others can be influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet. Some of the most common health issues faced by Bulldog include the following: Food allergies. Certain ingredients in their food can cause allergies in Bulldogs. This occurs when the immune system of some dogs identifies a specific protein, carbohydrate, or other ingredients in their diet as foreign and reacts to it as if it were a harmful substance. Food allergies in Bulldogs may present as dry, itchy skin, ears, or paws. However, intolerances do not involve the immune system but can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. We highly recommend conducting an at-home dog food allergy test like the 5Strands kit. This particular kit can test for up to ingredients and determine which ones may cause food intolerance in your dog. Once you receive the results, you can use the list to avoid dog food formulas that contain potential allergens. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BAS. This condition occurs in Bulldogs and other animals with shortened facial features that result in a pushed-in nose. Bulldogs with BAS may experience difficulty breathing, especially during exercise or in hot weather. Hip and elbow dysplasia. Bulldogs are prone to joint conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, which can cause discomfort and mobility issues. Skin conditions. Bulldogs are susceptible to several skin conditions due to the folds in their skin that can trap dirt and moisture. Common skin conditions include eczema or atopic dermatitis, skin fold dermatitis, interdigital pyoderma, and chin folliculitis. Bulldogs may also develop demodectic mange, a skin disease caused by mites. Eye conditions. Bulldogs are prone to several eye conditions, including cherry eye, dry eye, corneal ulcers, eyelid and eyelash abnormalities, and persistent pupillary membranes. Bulldogs may also develop cataracts at a young age. This condition occurs when Bulldogs develop excessively thick skin on their legs or nose, which can be uncomfortable and lead to infections. Bulldogs may develop allergies to certain foods, medications, or environmental factors such as pollen or dust mites. Allergies can cause skin irritation, itchiness, and gastrointestinal issues. Heat sensitivity. Bulldogs are prone to heat sensitivity due to their shortened airways and difficulty regulating body temperature. Bulldogs should be kept in a cool, shaded area during hot weather to prevent heat exhaustion. Gastrointestinal issues. Bulldogs may experience gastrointestinal issues such as colitis and chronic diarrhea, which can cause discomfort and dehydration. Bulldogs may develop deafness, which can be caused by genetics or chronic ear infections. Bulldogs require a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain energy levels and stay active. Feeding a Bulldog an inadequate or low-quality diet can lead to a lack of energy, sluggishness, and even obesity. Bulldogs that are less active or prone to weight gain may require a lower-calorie diet, while more active Bulldogs may need a higher-calorie diet to fuel their activities. Feeding Bulldogs the right food and portions is essential to maintaining their activity level and overall health. Require a diet that is higher in calories and protein to support their growth and development. They also need a balanced calcium and phosphorus diet for healthy bone growth. Feeding high-quality puppy food formulated explicitly for English Bulldog puppies can help ensure they receive the necessary nutrients during this crucial stage. Adult English Bulldogs. Require a diet that is lower in calories and protein to maintain their weight and prevent obesity. They also need a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to support their overall health and energy needs. Senior English Bulldogs. Senior dogs may require a diet lower in calories and fat to maintain a healthy weight and higher fiber to support digestive health. Senior dog foods often contain joint supplements to help mobility and joint health. Avoid common allergens. Bulldog often develops food allergies or intolerances, so it may be helpful if your dog food is free from common allergens, such as corn, wheat, chicken, and beef. Bulldogs can have sensitive digestive systems. Look for a dog food that adds probiotics to its formula. Dog probiotics support a healthy digestive system and immune system. Digestibility: Bulldogs can be prone to digestive issues, so look for dog food that is minimally processed, such as fresh dog food. Lower-quality kibble may contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and other ingredients that can be harder to digest and may cause digestive upset in some dogs. Joint support ingredients. Since Bulldogs are prone to common conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, look for dog food that contains ingredients that support joint health, such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Limited ingredients. Bulldogs with skin allergies or sensitivities may benefit from dog food with limited ingredients, which can help identify potential allergens. Look for dog food that contains a single protein source and a limited number of carbohydrates. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Bulldogs with skin conditions may benefit from dog food that contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can help promote healthy skin and coat. Look for dog food that contains fish oil, flaxseed, or other sources of these fatty acids. Easy-to-digest ingredients. Bulldogs with gastrointestinal issues may benefit from dog food that contains easy-to-digest ingredients, such as chicken, rice, or sweet potatoes. Avoid dog food that contains artificial preservatives or fillers, which can be difficult for Bulldogs to digest. Limited sodium content. Chapter 2: The Reviews. Puppies with allergies Physical Traits That Will Impact Your Choice Having a very short muzzle can present some challenges with lifting up and munching on food. English Bulldogs can also struggle sometimes with swallowing their meals, and with taking in sufficient oxygen while they are busy eating. Bulldog puppies often also have teeth that are overly crowded together in their smaller mouths. Rounded, triangular or other unique-shaped kibble are ideal, avoid the traditional large square bits. And if your English Bulldog puppy is still having a tough time with chewing, mix dry kibble with some wet puppy food. Portion sizes Begin by following the amounts listed on the packaging. How often to feed English Bulldog puppies Little and often is always the best approach when feeding a puppy. I start my puppies off with four meals a day, spread evenly over the daylight hours. Best dried food for English Bulldog puppies These three brands make some of the best food for English Bulldog puppies. You will notice each food is enriched with special nutrients, minerals and vitamins. Those that your English Bulldog puppy needs to develop healthily in every way. Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy dry dog food Royal Canin creates tailored recipes for the unique needs of different puppy and dog breeds. This has the same unique S-shaped kibble. Best canned food for English Bulldog puppies The best food for English Bulldog puppy can end up being a combination of dry puppy food mixed with a bit of wet puppy food. It also makes learning how to grab and chew the dry kibble just a bit easier! For both puppies and adult dogs, wet food can be more palatable than dry kibble. It is designed in a complete and balanced nutrition puppy formula. A great choice to mix with the Purina Pro Plan dry kibble, to help your English Bulldog puppy learn how to grasp and chew solid food! There are no artificial ingredients or by-products in this wet food either. Packed with vitamins, lutein, taurine and fish oils, your English Bulldog puppy will have the nutritional support to make the extra work of eating worth it. This is a great choice to mix with Royal Canin Bulldog puppy dry food for a little extra mealtime incentive! Best food for English Bulldog puppies with food allergies Treating food allergies in puppies often requires two phases: allergy testing and a limited ingredient diet. One of the known triggers for food allergies in dogs is grain. So the best puppy food for Bulldogs who have food allergies is often a grain-free diet. Plus DHA and plenty of vitamins and minerals to help with digestive support and immune system health. The kibble is a unique triangle shape which can be easier for your puppy to grab hold of and pick up. Best food for English Bulldog puppies with sensitive stomachs Finding the best dog food for English Bulldog puppies can sometimes be a challenge because of their unique anatomy. This can sometimes lead to digestive disruption. A limited ingredient diet may ease tummy upset, gas, diarrhea and other symptoms of a sensitive stomach. There is very minimal processing and no artificial additives of any kind. The kibble is both round and rectangular, offering a nice mix of shapes to help your English Bulldog puppy grasp it more easily. There is no corn or beef, both of which can be a source of digestive upset in puppies. This limited ingredient puppy food comes in two recipes: chicken and oats or lamb and rice. Both recipes include plenty of glucosamine and chondroitin, calcium and phosphorus. As well as vitamins and minerals to support healthy joints, bones and immune system. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. This food appeals to those who pay attention to where their food comes from. Halo contains fatty acids and antioxidants but no DHA like most puppy foods. This recipe also contains legumes peas , which are ingredients of concern in canine diets, as we mentioned in a previous review. However, as we mentioned earlier, those fancy terms are primarily for advertising, not an actual reflection of the nutritional quality of the food. Also, grain-free diets come with their own cause for concern due to the high legume content. Although pet food makers use various sources for protein, dogs tend not to care whether the meat in their diet is cage-free or what form it comes in whole, meal, or by-product. English Bulldogs are prone to obesity, which is not healthy for any dog but is particularly dangerous for this breed. Flat-faced dogs, including Bulldogs, are prone to breathing issues related to their unusual anatomy. Being overweight makes these problems worse. Most foods come with a suggested feeding guide, but to be safe, ask your vet to help you calculate the ideal daily calorie intake for your bulldog. Your food choice may be somewhat dictated by any emerging medical concerns your pup is experiencing. Allergies, with their accompanying skin and ear problems, are one of the most common issues. We listed several allergy-friendly diets on our list for this reason. Do Your Research Before You Buy A Puppy Yes, you want to feed your English Bulldog puppy a healthy diet, but food can only do so much if your little dog comes with a host of inherited medical conditions. Our best value pick, Purina One , is both cost-effective and convenient. Royal Canin Bulldog features breed-specific nutrition. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains is free of ingredients from China and loaded with nutritious extras perfect for the Bulldog. We hope our reviews of these puppy diets help you navigate the crowded landscape of the pet food industry as you search for the best option for your wrinkly baby dog. She got her first cat at 5 years old and at 14, she started working for her local veterinarian. Elizabeth spent more than 20 years working as a veterinary nurse before stepping away to become a stay-at-home parent to her daughter. Now, she is excited to share her hard-earned knowledge literally--she has scars with our readers. When not writing, she enjoys reading, watching all sports but especially soccer, and spending time outdoors with her family.Read more Advertisement. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Our team went out into the field looking for the best canine nutrition products in the world. Our winner for this year is Pupper, which topped our charts in terms of ingredient quality as well as science backed claims. English Bulldogs are an amazing breed. They were traditionally bred to herd cattle. Today, these stocky, gentle companions have become one of the top breeds for families. English Bulldogs are extremely affectionate and low-maintenance. They tend to love to cuddle up on the couch with you as you binge watch your favorite show. You may also be aware that your pup needs routine exercise, as this breed is prone to weight gain. Keep reading to learn about 25 of the best dog foods available for English bulldogs. Each of these foods are crafted using high quality ingredients that are not only nutritious, but also taste great. They also provide just the right amount of calories for weight management, a crucial factor for most medium breed dogs. Give your dog a wholesome meal every day of the week with Pupper Fuel Chicken Recipe. This all-natural grain-free food is loaded with nutrients to keep your dog energized, happy, and at a lowered risk of common health conditions like diabetes, heart problems, and obesity. Pupper Fuel is made with 13 active ingredients, all of which provide functional support for your dog's health. Chicken is a great source of lean protein that builds muscle and strength. Apples are loaded with vitamin C, fiber, and various antioxidants. The addition of ginger provides gingerol, a compound that offers powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Calories: The calorie content will vary depending on the recipe. For more information, please visit wefeedraw. Price: Get this nutritious, minimally processed dog food at wefeedraw. The company ensures customer satisfaction and offers assistance through their dedicated customer service team. An English Bulldog's diet should consist of a well-balanced, high-quality dog food that meets their unique nutritional needs, considering their size, energy levels, and potential breed-specific health concerns. We Feed Raw provides superior raw dog food made from human-grade ingredients, including a variety of proteins like beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, and pork. Their selection consists of raw meat, bones, fruits, and vegetables, formulated to deliver a balanced and comprehensive diet suitable for dogs of all ages and breeds. Pure and Simple, this dog food is free from artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers, We Feed Raw dog food delivers clean and wholesome nutrition that your pet will adore. Breed-Specific Blend: We Feed Raw dog food is formulated to cater to the distinct nutritional requirements of English Bulldogs, ensuring a well-rounded diet tailored to their needs. Their dog food for English Bulldogs is uniquely formulated to provide balanced and complete nutrition for your furry friend. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Bulldog Adult recipe is made with highly digestible proteins, high quality carbohydrates, and the optimal amount of fiber to support healthy digestion. This means less gas and less stool odor. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Bulldog Adult is also fortified with nutrients that support skin, coat, bone, and joint health. Each bite delivers omega fatty acids, vitamin E, taurine, and calcium along with other nutrients like B vitamins, niacin, and trace minerals. This natural, grain-free dog food gives your dog the fuel and nutrients he needs to make every day his best day. Each serving is loaded with protein, healthy fats, fiber, and naturally nutritious ingredients. Merrick Texas Beef and Sweet Potato is enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin to protect and support joint health, along with omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids for skin, coat, and heart health. It's also fortified with a blend of B vitamins, folic acid, and health-boosting minerals. This recipe doesn't contain any poultry ingredients, wheat, soy, corn, or gluten. It's also crafted without any artificial ingredients, including preservatives. This adult kibble is made with roasted bison and roasted venison, providing your dog highly digestible energy so that he's ready for walks, fetch, and every fun activity in between. Each serving also provides nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, and legumes. These foods are high in antioxidants, fiber, and other essential nutrients that nourish your pup. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free is also made with a blend of omega fatty acids, which work together to support a shiny coat and healthy skin. Because gut health is so important, this food is enriched with species-specific probiotics. The proprietary strain of K9 probiotics is specially developed for dogs to support digestive and immune health. It's made without high fat, high calorie ingredients, which help to keep your bulldog at a healthy weight. The recipe starts with deboned chicken along with whole grains and fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients. Each serving offers health-boosting carrots, cranberries, brown rice, blueberries, peas, and alfalfa. It also contains the brand's exclusive LifeSource Bits, which offer a precise blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support healthy oxidative balance and immune health. This veterinarian formulated food is proof that simple ingredients are the best way to nourish and support your dog's needs. The recipe is formulated with a single meat protein chicken , along with two types of potatoes and antioxidant rich blueberries. It's fortified with essential nutrients, including calcium for strong bones, vitamin E for skin and coat health, and glucosamine to keep your pup's joints free from aches and pains. This food is made with nine simple food ingredients that keep your pup satisfied and nourished. The recipe doesn't contain any grain, wheat, corn, or soy, which means no upset stomach! Instead, it's made with chicken, sweet potatoes, alfalfa meal, and fiber-rich garbanzo beans. Added probiotics support your pooch's gut health while also supporting a strong immune system. The recipe is crafted with lamb, menhaden fish meal, flaxseed, tomatoes, peas, and other wholesome ingredients. This adult dog food is supported by essential nutrients, including glucosamine, taurine, probiotics, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants. These nutrients encourage healthy digestion, a strong immune system, and healthy bones and joints. This all natural food is made with drool-worthy bison and beef, along with a mix of fruits and vegetables that will have your dog counting down the time until his next meal. Each serving is packed with lean protein, peas, flaxseed, apples, carrots, blueberries, cranberries, and spinach. These ingredients are natural sources of omega fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast Grain-Free is enriched with taurine for heart health along with vitamin C for a strong immune system and vitamin E for skin and coat health. This grain-free food is also fortified with B vitamins, zinc, calcium, vitamin E, and probiotics. It's made with a blend of lean protein, functional superfoods, probiotics, and other nutrients that support immune, gut, and joint health. Each serving provides wholesome ingredients like sweet potatoes, green beans, pumpkin, carrots, blueberries, and cranberries. To ensure your pup is getting all the nutritional support he needs, this Solid Gold formula is fortified with a blend of vitamins and minerals, including choline, zinc, vitamins A, C, and E, and copper. This all natural food is made with wild Pacific salmon that's caught using sustainable fishing practices. Salmon is naturally rich in omega fatty acids, protein, B vitamins, and potassium. While some dogs thrive eating grain-free food, it's not the best option for all canines. These grains are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and other health-boosting nutrients. It doesn't contain any wheat, soy, corn, peas, legumes, potatoes, or meat by-products. It's also free from artificial flavors or preservatives. This holistically balanced food provides the nutrition that your dog needs to reach and maintain optimal health. It's made with high-quality protein from chicken meal, along with healthy fats and whole grains. The addition of blueberries and guaranteed amounts of vitamin C and vitamin E ensure that your canine has a strong immune system. This natural food also contains healthy fats, including omega 3 fatty acids, along with whole grains that are rich in B vitamins, fiber, protein, zinc, iron, and other minerals. These ingredients also provide sustained energy to keep your pup going all day long. This food is specially formulated to meet the nutrient needs of medium and large breed dogs at all life stages. It's made with a holistic formula that features an optimal balance of protein, fats, carbohydrates, and fiber. It contains a healthy dose of omega fatty acids, which promote skin, coat, and joint health. This natural dog food also contains DHA for brain support, along with carrots, apples, peas, and blueberries that are naturally high in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. It's made without wheat, corn, soy, or other low quality ingredients that don't nourish your pup's health. This high quality kibble offers complete and balanced nutrition with a blend of wholesome ingredients. Each bite will leave your pup fulfilled, offering a mixture of venison, peas, sweet potatoes, and flaxseed. The addition of fish oil provides health-boosting omega fatty acids, which protect and nourish your dog's skin and coat. Give your dog the nutrition he needs with Orijen Original Grain-Free. Each bite is loaded with whole prey nutrition, including nutrient-rich meat, organs, cartilage, and bone. Orijen Original Grain-Free is also made with other whole ingredients, including peas, navy beans, pears, apples, butternut squash, and kelp. Orijen Original Grain-Free kibble is freeze-dried coated for a burst of raw flavor that your dog is sure to go crazy over. It's also fortified with zinc, vitamin E, probiotics, and even botanical ingredients like juniper berries and rosehips. This light adult dog food is made with fewer calories but doesn't cut corners on flavor or nutrition. Your pup won't even know that he's eating light food! It's formulated with pasture-raised lamb for quality protein, along with superfoods like pumpkin, chia seed, kale, blueberries, dried kelp, spinach, and others. Diamond Naturals Light Formula is also made with wholesome grains, including grain sorghum, brown rice, and millet. Diamond Naturals Light Formula is enriched with species-specific probiotics. This healthy bacteria supports healthy digestion as well as a strong immune system. Each serving also contains prebiotics and antioxidants to give your pup a daily boost of wellness. This grain-free kibble is made with easy to digest ingredients that won't cause tummy problems or other issues. Instead, it's formulated with omega-rich salmon, along with nutrient-dense carbs like pumpkin and sweet potato. The active nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber included in this food support your dog's immune, digestive, and overall well-being. This food doesn't contain any low-grade ingredients, including artificial flavors, poultry by-product meal, or preservatives. It's made without grain, wheat, corn, or soy, so you can feel extra good knowing that this food protects and nourishes your best friend. This food is made with animal-based proteins and offers an optimal amount of amino acids and other nutrients to keep your pup strong, healthy, and thriving. Not only is this kibble made with chicken and other meat-based ingredients, it also contains low-glycemic whole grains like flaxseed and millet, along with whole produce like apples and blueberries. Each of these ingredients are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that protect your dog's well-being. Each serving is fortified with nutrients like taurine, copper, zinc, potassium, B vitamins, and vitamin E. With this high quality, grain-powered dog food, you can nourish your canine's mind and body so that you both can enjoy many more years together. This kibble is manufactured in the USA and is formulated with an optimal blend of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that keep your canine energized and nourished. This nutrient-rich dog food is made with dual animal proteins from chicken and pork meal, which are flavorful and packed with plenty of muscle-supporting protein. It also contains whole grain and fiber from oatmeal and brown rice, along with peas and flaxseed. Each serving contains ideal levels of glucosamine for joint health, vitamin E for skin and coat health, calcium for strong bones, and taurine for cardiovascular health. This grain-free food is made with high-quality protein and field grown vegetables that are natural sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Each piece of heart-shaped kibble is made with chicken, turkey, potatoes, apples, and carrots. This dry food is also made with flaxseed, which is not only high in fiber, but is a great source of protein, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants. The natural recipe is loaded with glucosamine, chondroitin, biotin, amino acids, vitamin A, and probiotics for optimal digestive and gut health. This holistic dog food is made with clean, easy to digest ingredients that nourish your pooch with every bite. This kibble is formulated with responsibly raised chicken, along with other high quality ingredients including chicken liver, oat groats, flaxseed, along with fruits and vegetables like blueberries, sweet potatoes, and peas. Your dog's skin and coat will be healthier than ever with optimal levels of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. This wholesome kibble is also made with thiamine, zinc, copper, calcium, vitamin E, taurine, and other health-boosting compounds. It doesn't contain any artificial ingredients or preservatives, which means that you can feed with total confidence. While it's specially formulated for overweight dogs, this dry kibble doesn't skimp on flavor or nutrition. In fact, this food is made with a blend of 15 different superfoods, including whole chia seed, dried kale, dried spinach, dried pumpkin, dried apples, dried blueberries, and others. All ingredients are sourced from trusted farmers across the globe and are thoroughly tested for safety and quality purposes. This weight management kibble is made without any GMOs and also doesn't contain any wheat, corn, soy, chicken by-product meal, or peas. This dog food is formulated with quality ingredients that you know and can trust. This formula is designed to support all life stages for dogs of all sizes and breeds, including English Bulldogs. Inception Fish Recipe is formulated with animal and fish protein that supports your dog's lean muscle. The combination of whitefish and catfish offers health-boosting nutrients like protein, omega fatty acids, B vitamins, copper, phosphorus, and others. Each serving also contains fiber-rich oats, along with millet, milo, and ground flaxseeds. Inception Fish Recipe is made without wheat, corn, soy, chicken, or grain. It also doesn't contain low quality fillers, including legumes, potato, and harmful ingredients like artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. This balanced recipe is made with minimally processed ingredients that help your canine to thrive and be his very best. This complete and wholesome nutrition will keep your pup fit, happy, and healthy. Each bite is packed with tasty meat, fish, and more than 20 superfoods like carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, blueberries, cranberries, and blackberries. This adult dog food is fortified with prebiotics and probiotics to support healthy digestion and immune function. It's also formulated with L-carnitine for heart health and fat burning to keep your English Bulldog in tip-top shape. It also doesn't contain artificial flavors or preservatives. This adult dog food is ideal for pups with and without food sensitivities. Our Criteria for Ranking the Best Dog Food Choosing the right dog food is essential for your pet's health and well-being. With the plethora of options available in the market, it can be challenging to determine which dog food is best for your furry friend. To simplify this process and help you make an informed decision, we have established a set of criteria for ranking the best dog food products. These criteria are based on scientific research, expert opinions, and the specific nutritional needs of dogs. Ingredients Quality: High-Quality Protein: The primary ingredient should be a high-quality animal protein source, such as chicken, beef, or fish, to support your dog's muscle development and overall health. Whole Grains and Vegetables: Whole grains and vegetables should be included to provide essential carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Absence of Fillers and Artificial Additives: No Fillers: The best dog food should not contain fillers like corn, soy, or wheat, which offer limited nutritional value and may cause allergies. No Artificial Additives: It should be free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which can harm your dog's health over time. Meat Meal vs. Whole Meat: Preference for Whole Meat: Whole meat sources are preferred over meat meals or by-products, as they are less processed and retain more nutritional value. Digestibility and Allergen Consideration: Hypoallergenic Options: For dogs with allergies or sensitivities, hypoallergenic options that avoid common allergens like poultry or grains should be available. High Digestibility: The dog food should be highly digestible to ensure your pet absorbs the maximum nutrients from each meal. Life Stage Appropriateness: Age and Size-Specific Formulations: The best dog food should offer formulations tailored to your dog's life stage puppy, adult, senior and size small, medium, large. Transparency and Sourcing: Transparent Labeling: Brands should provide transparent information about ingredient sourcing and processing methods. Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing: A commitment to sustainable and ethical sourcing of ingredients reflects a brand's responsibility toward animal welfare and the environment. Health Benefits and Special Considerations: Support for Special Health Needs: The best dog food may offer formulations to address specific health concerns, such as joint health, dental care, or weight management. Customer Feedback and Reviews: Positive User Experiences: Customer feedback and reviews are valuable indicators of a product's performance, safety, and palatability. Price and Value: Affordability: The cost of the dog food should be reasonable and commensurate with its quality and ingredients, offering good value for pet owners. Recall History and Safety: Safety Record: Brands with a history of recalls or safety issues should be viewed with caution, as the safety of your pet is paramount. Final thoughts Choosing the right dog food for your English bulldog is easier than you may think. No matter which food you choose for your bulldog, you can have total confidence that your pup is getting all of the nourishment he needs with every meal he eats. When choosing dog food, consider factors such as your dog's age, size, activity level, any allergies or sensitivities, and consult your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations. What is the difference between dry and wet dog food? Dry dog food kibble is convenient, has a longer shelf life, and can help with dental health. Wet dog food contains more moisture and can be more palatable for picky eaters. Some owners choose to feed a combination for variety. Is homemade dog food a good option? Homemade dog food can be an option but requires careful research and balance to ensure your dog gets all the necessary nutrients. Consulting with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist is recommended. How can I tell if a dog food is of high quality? Look for high-quality protein sources, whole grains and vegetables, minimal fillers and additives, and adherence to AAFCO guidelines for complete and balanced nutrition. Checking customer reviews and consulting experts can also help. Should I choose a dog food based on my dog's breed? While some breed-specific formulas exist, it's more important to consider your dog's individual needs, age, and size when selecting dog food. What should I do if my dog has food allergies or sensitivities? If your dog has allergies or sensitivities, consult your veterinarian for advice. They may recommend hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient dog foods. Is grain-free dog food a better choice? Grain-free dog food isn't necessarily better. While some dogs may benefit from grain-free options, it's essential to ensure the food still provides balanced nutrition, as some grain-free diets have been associated with certain health issues. How often should I feed my dog, and in what portion sizes? Feeding frequency and portion sizes depend on your dog's age, size, and activity level. Puppies typically require more frequent meals. Follow the feeding guidelines provided on the dog food packaging and adjust based on your dog's needs. Can I mix different brands or types of dog food? Mixing different brands or types of dog food can be done, but it should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on the best way to transition your dog to a new diet. Should I be concerned about recalls when choosing dog food? Yes, it's important to stay informed about recalls. Check the FDA and manufacturer websites regularly for recall information. Brands with a history of recalls may be worth avoiding. What is the role of my veterinarian in selecting dog food? Your veterinarian can provide valuable guidance on selecting the right dog food based on your pet's specific needs, health conditions, and dietary requirements. How can I ensure my dog stays hydrated when feeding dry dog food? Always provide access to clean, fresh water. Wetting the dry food or incorporating wet food into the diet can also increase moisture intake. Can I give my dog human food as part of their diet? While some human foods are safe for dogs, it's essential to know which ones are and to avoid potentially toxic foods. Always consult with your veterinarian before adding human food to your dog's diet. Remember that each dog is unique, and their dietary needs may vary. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian and open communication about your dog's diet are key to ensuring their health and well-being. Related Content. It is very important to keep in mind that English bulldogs are somewhat different to most breeds. And correct feeding technics are of utmost importance during and after their full development. Your English bulldog puppy does not know anything about nutrition. He only knows what tastes good. It is up to you to know what and how to feed your buddy, so he will get everything he needs to stay healthy and happy. Best Diet for English Bulldogs Best Nutrients for English Bulldog Puppies Your English bulldog puppy needs proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals for uptime growth and health Your puppy uses proteins for growth and repair of muscles, bones and other bodily tissues. They are also used for production of antibodies, enzymes and hormones. Vitamins and minerals participate in muscle and nerve function, bone growth, healing, metabolism and fluid balance. English bulldogs also need plenty of fresh, clean water. Adequate water intake also helps prevent formation of urinary stones, which is a potential problem for this breed. Food Brands for English Bulldogs We recommend to new English bulldog families to avoid drastic changes in the food of the puppies. We recommend the puppy keeps using the same food the breeder used before delivery. In our case, we like to use Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy. We have used several other brands over the years. And, so far, Royal Canin has worked great for our puppies and adults. When feeding our English bulldog puppy, we take into consideration several factors. Such as the amount of protein and fat they should receive in the first few weeks of age. There are other brands in the market that may provide the same or similar amount of protein and fat. However, you should consider important things such as ingredients of the food, allergies it might cause. As professional breeders of English bulldogs, we always let our clients know about the food we give to our puppies. In addition to other supplements that we use. That way, the new owners of the English bulldog puppies can continue with the same process. But, we do understand that a lot of times people may decide to go a different route. Both for the type of food and feeding technics. Sometimes, based on what they may consider, it is correct or better for their English bulldogs. Or perhaps after receiving veterinarian advice. Our recommendation is to continue to use the one we use. Feeding Frequency for English bulldogs The number of times you feed an English bulldog puppy is also very important. The younger the puppy is, the more often one has to feed the puppy. For breeders, it is a lot of work due. Mainly due to the fact that we have to care for the puppies since day one. We have to rigorously continue feeding them at least every two 2 hours. Usually, when we release our puppies; they will be at least eight 8 weeks old. And they will be eating solid food. At this stage, it is recommended to feed the puppies three 3 times a day. Once in the morning, afternoon, and early evening. Sometimes due to a matter of schedule or advice from friends, breeders or veterinarians; families will feed the puppy two 2 times a day. This will make things a little easy for the family training the English bulldog. If this is the case, the correct amount of food should be provided to the puppy. Always based on their body weight as well as the age of the puppy. A feeding guide or table should be available to you on the bag of food you use. In most cases it is recommended for an English bulldog to be on the puppy formula for the first year of life and then a gradual change to an adult formula containing the same nutrients should be given. It is important to keep in mind that if you as an English bulldog puppy owner encounter any issues with your dog such as allergies or other common illnesses among bulldogs, then veterinarian advice should be taken. Should I give supplements to English Bulldog Puppies? This food will provide the puppy with the nutrients needed to have a long, healthy life. But as breeders, we use other things to supplement the diet of our English bulldogs so that we can keep them away as much as possible from common illnesses among them. The use of the right type of supplements from an early stage in the development of the dog is key when raising English bulldogs than with a lot of other breeds. This is due to the fact that English bulldogs have a weaker skeletal system and a lower immune system than other breeds. Having the presence of supplements will help the puppy to develop into a healthier adult. Eggs, cod liver oil, chicken breast, some vegetables are also great for them. Along with the food we use, we also recommend the multi vitamin NuVet. It helps with a lot of the common issues the English bulldog breed encounters during their life. For detail information on NuVet and how to order instructions, please visit our website and click on the link on top that says NuVet. If you think you still have questions about the right food to feed your English bulldog puppy or the correct supplement or multi vitamins you can use; please feel free to contact us. Remember that English bulldogs are the best breed in the world; therefor quality food, treats and supplements are ideal when having them as pets. Share this post.

Now, whether you already have a dog or have yet to pick him up, it would be good for you to learn what to expect this month with your Dood, both developmentally and as a new Doodle parent. However, as your puppy transitions to his forever family and home, socialization is more important than ever now. To help reduce the fear of the unfamiliar as he grows older, your job is to start helping your new companion meet a variety of beings, including babies and children, men, dogs, cats, and birds. It is also a good idea to introduce him to: People of all ages, including kids and older people. People of all appearances, including men and women. Different kinds of attire, including hats, sunglasses, and coats. Unfortunately, I know from experience that if he grows up without meeting kids when he is young, he may never feel comfortable around them as an adult. As a result, they may act out of fear and potentially hurt kids. As such, he may develop irreversible behaviors leading to antisocial behavior, fear, or aggression. Rather, it should just begin before that time. A good rule of thumb is to have puppy meet different people by 12 weeks of age. Expect your puppy to react with fear in different situations, which is a very normal part of puppy development. Offer them a variety of new experiences and reward your puppy for exploring them. By 12 weeks of age or so, they will begin teething. By the end of this month, he should have better control of his bladder and bowels. He may begin to sleep through the night without accidents or potty breaks — yay! Your Dood will need more and more food as he grows. Be sure to feed him times a day right now to support his rapid brain and body development. Before bringing your 2-month old puppy home, find out what food the breeder was feeding him and use that same food as he adjusts to his new home. After a few days, you can start making the switch to a different puppy food if you want. Feed your 2-month old puppy an appropriate amount of food. On the other hand, if he often leaves leftovers in his bowl, reduce how much you give him. Use our feeding calculator if you need and be sure to keep track of his growth using our awesome growth tracker! Related Content. If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More No one tells you what having a puppy is really like…until now. Find out how your 3-month old puppy is growing and changing and what you can expect from your week old Dood. By now, your puppy has been with you for a few weeks. How are you faring? Having a puppy is an adventure, right? I get it — really. But, my toddler is constantly helping me relive those difficult days if you know what I mean. I know kids are not like dogs. I really do! Doodles continue to go through astounding physical and behavioral changes right now. And as hard as some days are, your puppy really needs you and your leadership during this crucial development stage. Remember: This too shall pass. In the meantime, it might interest you to learn what to expect with your 3-month old puppy, both developmentally and as a Doodle puppy parent. It closes around 16 weeks. Here are some tips for facilitating socialization and making the most out of this brief window of opportunity: Continue exposing him to new people, places, things, loud noises, small crowds, etc. You can now bring him to private homes where you know the pets are vaccinated and healthy. Get him used to being handled by doing puppy handling exercises with your Doodle. While socializing Puppy, always keep things positive and upbeat. Reward him when he explores these new experiences without fear. Your puppy is growing, changing, and learning more each and every day. Continue to keep a potty routine. By the end of this month, he should be able to wait up to hours in between potty breaks. He will probably begin to sleep through the night without potty breaks or accidents in his crate. Doodle pups need more and more food as they grow; be sure you are feeding appropriate puppy food and an appropriate amount of it. You may even occasionally find a baby tooth lying around. Teething should slow down around the end of this month. At 12 weeks old, your puppy can go from four to three meals a day. He will be growing at an individual growth rate; be sure to keep track of his growth with our Doodle Puppy Growth Tracker! Your 3-month old puppy is still growing quite quickly. By the end of this month, your 16 week old will look less puppy-like and more like a small version of his adult self. Doodles start to get their adult hair now, so you may see longer, wavier, or curlier hair coming in. He starts to understand that he needs to go potty in an appropriate place during this timeframe, and some may even be fully house trained by the end of this month! Your Doodle is still actively working on social skills and learning from his pack members you! He will be very receptive to training with high-value rewards like food and treats. They seem to have boundless energy for romping, playing, and exploring. Your week old puppy will still sleep most hours of the day thankfully! What To Expect As A Doodle Parent Continue visiting the vet regularly for vaccines , deworming, and routine check-ups until your Doodle is 16 weeks old. Most puppies are especially mouthy during this timeframe, so you may still see or be the victim of excessive biting and chewing. Puppy training classes can help guide you through basic training, address behavior problems , and socialize your dog. Your puppy still lacks manners and self-control. Be consistent in your training i. Start looking into groomers in your area, and make an appointment for an introductory grooming session , once your Dood gets all his vaccinations. Lots of absolute joy, puppy-eyes, slobbery kisses, and swoon-worthy moments. And…you might get your sleep back or not quite yet! Continue providing a lot of puppy-safe toys to redirect undesirable chewing in an appropriate way. Continue to avoid giving him hard chew toys, bones, hard nylon dog toys, antlers, or hooves — all of which can damage soft puppy teeth. Brush him every day to avoid matting as he starts to shed his puppy coat , and trim his nails weekly. Instead, encourage the behaviors you want through high-value rewards. At the end of this month, your 3-month old puppy is looking more and more like a miniature adult dog, continuing to get used to new and unfamiliar experiences, and may even be fully house-trained. Distract him and you from some of the chewing with some cuddle time and positive attention. Find out about what to expect with your puppy from weeks. Wondering what the journey through every stage of Goldendoodle parenting is like? Then hold on to your dog leash! Things are about to get zoomie-worthy as we take you through what you can expect during the third month of Goldendoodle parenting. What does a Goldendoodle look like at 3 months? This is because Goldendoodles are a hybrid or crossbreed between two very different breeds—Golden Retrievers and Poodles. These two parent breeds bring a lot of variety to the mix. Also, the Poodle parent breed brings a wide range of sizes to the Doodle family. This is why there are such a wide range of weights and sizes for Goldendoodle puppies at this age. While our Goldendoodle puppy weighs about 9 pounds at three months, other Goldendoodle puppies can be much larger or smaller. In addition to Goldendoodles growing in size, they are also growing longer coats too. However, the coat is growing in length. Also, depending on the puppy, some coats are more wavy, some straight, and some curly. Regardless of the amount of wave or curl, at three months, puppies still have their puppy coat and have not blown their coats i. Sadie is an F1 Goldendoodle. This means she is a first filial generation from two different parent breeds. Her mom is a Golden Retriever and her dad is a Moyen Poodle. At three months, her hair has become a little wavier, but not much. They will look more like a Golden Retriever. Both are a-dood-able! Even after combing, at three months old, her hair fluffed in a cute, messy way. Read on for some helpful tips on parenting Goldendoodle puppies at this age. But while our eyelids are droopy our hearts are happy. What to expect at 3 months At three months, Goldendoodle puppies may be curious, playful, and eager. They are trying to understand their new home and new routines. And since many puppies are adopted around 10 weeks of age, at three months, they are probably becoming more comfortable and curious in their new surroundings. And curiosity and exploration go hand-in-hand with puppies putting things in the mouths. This is because a puppy uses his or her mouth to investigate the world. We gave our Goldendoodle plenty of safe chew toys like the one in the photo below. We also made sure she had a variety of textures to chew—soft materials like plush toys to tougher rubber toys like the Kong binky. As far as a typical day, Goldendoodle puppies at this age are pretty much a constant cycle of potty-sleep-potty-play-potty-sleep with eating added as bookends to the beginning and end of the day. Feeding nutritious puppy food is important to help them grow. And just as important to their growth is making sure they have plenty of sleep. Also, at this age, puppies are probably having some potty training success. And always give lots of praise for positive behaviors for potty successes. Now that you have an idea of what to expect, here are some things that we learned as we went through this stage of parenting a 3-month-old Goldendoodle. Maybe these tips can help you too. Caring for a 3-month-old Goldendoodle: Parenting tips Getting potty training down. Figuring out crate training. Sleeping through the night. Getting enough mental stimulation to satisfy all that Doodle puppy curiosity. For our family, we were doing zoomies trying to keep up on the potty training, getting the crate training down, figuring out a schedule for our puppy that worked with our own daily schedules, and just making daily life flow. If you can relate, these tips are for you! Contain the fun in one puppy-proofed space. But by 12 weeks, our Goldendoodle was learning to nudge open the puppy gates. It was time for a new plan. Teach the crate at a sloowwww rate. From the first day home, our puppy slept in a crate at night. Just as she was dropping off to sleep, we placed her in her crate and then placed the crate near us for reassurance. But how tiny is a tiny step? For example, the first tiny step for Sadie was giving her a treat when she poked her head in the gate to get the treat from our hands, which were inside the crate. Then, we treated her when she put her whole body in the crate. Eventually, we worked up to treating when partially closing the door, then closing the door and treating, etc. By taking it in tiny steps at a time and keeping the process positive, Sadie now loves her crate. Nap time? Potty time. Play time? Meal time? By three months, our Goldendoodle was really getting the hang of potty training. And, I think our family was figuring out the potty training routine too. Puppy has been playing and looks distracted? Puppy ate? Potty time in about 15 minutes. Puppy drank? Check your watch because potty time is not far away. Commonly, puppies who are under four months of age are NOT to be able to hold their bladders. Remember, to give yourself and your puppy lots of grace. Consider using a hands-free leash inside your home. This was one of the best hacks for keeping our 3-month-old Goldendoodle safe in our home. Plus, I could carry some treats along with me and reward good behaviors. Talk with your vet about ways to introduce your puppy to new experiences, socialization. Three months is prime time for new puppy socialization. So what can you do with your not-yet-fully-vaccinated puppy, and still keep them safe from scary diseases like parvovirus? For our family, we got creative and carried our puppy on our walks, took her for car rides, gave her plenty of interactive toys and games, introduced her to grooming tools, let her play in our backyard, etc. Additionally, because we have other vaccinated dogs in our family, she got dog-specific socialization with our fully vaccinated dogs. However, we did not take her to puppy parks, dog pet stores, allow her to walk on grass in highly dog populated places, or let her meet other dogs that we did not know whether or not they were vaccinated. Also, I was interested to learn the official definition of socialization, so I went to a respected veterinary resource. For more, their article is excellent. Have fun learning basic commands with your pupper. Goldendoodle puppies are smart! This is why it is so fun to start teaching them basic commands like come, sit, stay, and shake. One of the first games we played with our Goldendoodle was our version of the game Red Rover. To play, one person is at one end of the rug or room and the other person is at the other. When the puppy comes, the first person praises and rewards. Then, the second person repeats the same action. This is a great game for bonding and giving your puppy a little energy burn too. Introduce grooming basics, and enjoy this stage where hair is still easy to manage. If you researched Goldendoodles, you have probably read a lot about the importance of Goldendoodle grooming. This means you have some time to start slowly introducing hair care routines. We gave Sadie her first nail trim at three months. I use Millers Forge dog nail trimmers and have for 5 years now. Remember, things take time. Did you know that puppies sleep about 18 hours a day? This could make you think this puppy parenting thing is a breeze. But then there are those other six hours which are pretty much nonstop investigating, zooming, sniffing, chewing, and discovering for our curious Energizer bunny puppies. This is when new puppy overwhelm can set it in. At the beginning of puppy parenting, new parents are usually well-rested and ready to go! But then the bleary-eyed mornings and middle-of-the-night potty outings set in. What makes this stage of puppyhood more challenging? For our family, at three months we were putting the big three routines in place time—crate training, potty training , and sleeping through the night. Then after that, the schedule starts to flow. These smart, inquisitive, and friendly puppies are so eager to please. With your love, praise, time, and attention, Goldendoodles will want to please you and will quickly learn how to fit in with your pack. Do you want to look ahead at a 4-month-old Goldendoodle? Share 0 Shares A few more weeks have gone by and your once small and adorable Goldendoodle puppy has started to show some huge and obvious signs of growth and maturity. By now you and your beloved Goldendoodle puppy should be well accustomed to each other. Goldendoodles in general are very social and active dogs, they love to move around, make friends and be happy all day and by the 12th week, you might start to notice some pretty obvious signs of clinginess and mild to little separation anxiety. And this might actually be a crucial stage for the puppy. In this article, we provide you with all you need to know to handle issues like these and more on your Goldendoodle puppy. For the week-old Goldendoodle, one sure character trait to look out for would be clinginess. This can sometimes transition into separation anxiety. They are still both very tender and highly impressionable or docile, meaning they can easily be taught or trained. This is mainly because their brains are still pretty young and ready to soak up new experiences that they might come across as they age. Also expect a very energetic Goldendoodle by the 8 weeks mark. If properly cared for, your Goldendoodle should have a stronger system which means they can play as much as they want to and can pretty much be exposed to new environments that could further socialize them. Your week Goldendoodle should also have a stronger bladder and would have fewer potty breaks than the 8 weeks Goldendoodle. Putting a figure on it, expect your Goldendoodle to hold in urine for at least 2 to 4 hours. Another thing to expect from your week-old Goldendoodle is teething. The incisors are usually the first set of teeth to fall out during this period, after them, the premolars are more likely to come out next, and then the canines. And you might want to consider taking your Goldendoodle to your local vet for a thorough mouth check to be certain they are free from any dental health defect. You should also aim towards getting your Goldendoodle puppy a suitable chew toy to play with. Hard bones should be taken away from the week-old Goldendoodle puppy as it is most likely to cause damage to the puppy and ensure they feed on kibbles that are easy to digest. With that being said, The week Goldendoodle can be described as a much more playful and energetic version of the 8-week Goldendoodle. But they should be due for another round of vaccinations and immunizations that can further keep them healthy and strong. Take them for regular checks by your vet and ensure they follow their vaccination and deworming schedule. Vaccinations they can possibly receive at this stage include vaccinations for parvovirus, hepatitis, adenovirus, parainfluenza, lepto and distemper. Vaccinations like lepto can only be given to Goldendoodles above the age of 12 weeks and not below. They can also now receive other regular shots like rabies shots to help keep them immune to these harmful health conditions and defects. Next focus on socializing your Goldendoodle puppy more. If your Goldendoodle already has a decent start on socialization, consider exposing them to even more stimulating situations and experiences that could further help them. And if they do not have a decent start, create a foundation by introducing them to basic friends, neighbors, and people they would get to see more. Prioritize taking them to dog parks and organizing puppy play time with other equally enthusiastic dog owners for them to meet and make new friends with other pets as well as with people. Also familiarize your Goldendoodle with other surrounding textures, sounds and smells, and sights. This would further improve socialization for your week-old Goldendoodle puppy. Taking out time to socialize with your puppy can further strengthen the bond you share with them and make them more drawn towards you. The exact size your Goldendoodle retains at 12 weeks of age depends on a few factors. One of these factors is the exact size class it belongs to. Goldendoodles currently come in one of 5 size classes. These size classes range from standard size to medium size, to miniature size to petite, and even teacup sizes. A week-old Goldendoodle puppy from the teacup size would definitely be smaller than the week Goldendoodle from the Standard size. With that being said, expect your Goldendoodle puppy at 12 weeks of age to fall between 6 to 22 pounds in weight. Height can also vary relative to the Goldendoodle size class. So expect your Goldendoodle puppy to be between 8 to 12 or 13 inches tall. Just like the 8-week Goldendoodle, the feeding appetite of the week-old Goldendoodle is also large. In fact, you can say that both age groups of the Goldendoodle share the same feeding schedule or chart. The feeding schedule should be based on the overall size class of the Goldendoodle in question, so what you feed a teacup Goldendoodle should be a little less than what you feed a standard-sized Goldendoodle. It can be spread across a maximum of 3 servings each day. The Standard sized 12 week old Goldendoodle should have the largest food share of all size classes. It can be spread across 3 servings a day. The week-old Goldendoodle needs pretty much the same number of sleep hours a day to stay strong and healthy. Let them sleep at least 18 to 20 hours each day. Their bodies are rapidly growing and active and that consumes a lot of energy. Stick to dog walks that last a maximum duration of 10 minutes. You can spread this amongst 3 different time periods in the day totaling a complete 30 minutes workout each day. Give enough space in between workouts for the Goldendoodle to get enough rest. Asides from regular walks, you can also engage in light puppy activities like tug or even fetch. These are light exercise plans that can pretty much keep your Goldendoodle occupied. You can consider increasing its exercise load from 4 months 16 weeks and above. Training Your 3-Month-Old Goldendoodle Training and exercise go hand in hand, especially with the week Goldendoodle. If you gave your puppy an early start at 8 weeks to the 3 basic training aspects that are perfect for the puppy Goldendoodle, which are potty training , crate training, and basic obedience training, then by the 12th week, your Goldendoodle should have made considerable progress. The Goldendoodle is pretty smart, in another 4 weeks of consistent and proper training, he should understand basic commands, how to potty, and how to properly live in a crate or cage without any stress, Remember to always be patient with your Goldendoodle puppy and always make use of the positive reinforcement method of training to get the best results out of them. You would often find them running around the house or running in circles at random. This is a stimulating response to the excess energy that is trapped inside their tiny bodies. Another behavior that should stand out at this stage is their level of curiosity and willingness to explore. You might catch your puppy occasionally staring at the door and wanting to go out exploring. It is best to provide this to them but in a more controlled and safe environment where you can determine what your Goldendoodle experiences or interacts with. Your Goldendoodle should also be a lot more possessive with his items like toys or bones. You would often find them unwilling to share these items with their littermates. You can aim to curb this habit in the future. And the most noticeable behavior you might find in the week-old Goldendoodle is the presence of separation anxiety. Your puppy should be pretty much attached to faces they regularly see at home and as such should have a hard time coping on its own. This is why crate training is heavily recommended for the Goldendoodle. They are pretty much prone to puppy diarrhea which is why you should be very careful with the quality of kibble you feed your beloved Goldendoodle puppy. Over-exercising your Goldendoodle puppy can also cause stress even at 12 weeks of age. Do cut back on your training program if you notice they are being stressed. Separation anxiety can also become a health problem for your Goldendoodle if left unchecked. So do ensure your Goldendoodle is trained to be comfortable when alone. Ignoring the problem could only make it worse for the week-old Goldendoodle. Precautions For Raising The 3-Month-Old Goldendoodle Keeping your Goldendoodle safe, well-socialized, and well-trained should be your biggest priority during its 12th week. Give them all the required nutrients for that age range, ensure their toys are clean and safe for them to play with, and ensure they are well-trained. Grooming should never be overlooked. Final Thoughts Your Goldendoodle puppy is still at a very crucial point in its life, as such, they need all the love and emotional care it can get. Ensure you do all you can for them to grow up healthy, strong, and definitely loved. Related Posts:. There might be days or even weeks when it seems to regress, but as long as you stay calm and stick to the training schedule and daily routine, your doodle puppy will thrive. Remember, the younger your pup is, the shorter its attention span and the less it understands. A lot of the earliest work involves planting seeds for the future and maintaining that consistent routine. Many goldendoodles respond best to one or more of the following methods: Positive Reinforcement Your number one tool as a puppy parent is positive reinforcement. Scolding and punishment will make it fear you, which might garner very short-term results but will ultimately lead to long-term problems like destructive behavior, biting and excessive barking. Use a mixture of praise and toys as your primary rewards, with food used as big rewards and treats very occasionally. Clicker Training Many puppies respond best to clicker training, and many professionals use it. It combines positive reinforcement with a handheld clicker that you press whenever you reward your pet for following a command or behaving well. Very quickly, it starts associating the click with a reward, until the clicker itself becomes the reward and a treat is no longer required. Animals are territorial by nature, and giving your pup a little island of its own in your home is a great way to prevent unwanted behaviors. Remember, the crate is not a punishment. However, like every breed, they have their character quirks. Below is a list of the main issues doodle owners encounter and how to approach them. Jumping All dogs have the potential to get excited and jump up on people when they meet or greet them, but this can be scary for strangers and children. Teach your doodle puppy that it only gets a reward if it sits when greeted and this behavior will eventually become second nature. Stealing Food Every dog loves to eat. A clicker can be particularly good for this behavior. Mouthing and Biting Biting is natural for dogs, and they might use it as a way to get your attention in addition to it being a sign of aggression. Check out our training program to find out more.

They are intelligent, loyal and energetic dogs when grown, but require lots of training and stimulation to avoid boredom and become well-adjusted socially. While loving to their owners, they are often distant with strangers and can suffer from separation anxiety when their owner is away. It is highly unusual for the puppy's owner to care for them during this time and is best left to a responsible, reputable breeder. Your puppy's body will double in weight as their muscles, organs and bones develop. Nutrition During the neonatal stage, your German Shepherd puppy will get most of their nutrition from their mother's milk. At around 4 weeks you may wish to introduce a few kibbles mixed with warm water. Health During this time it is important to monitor your GSD for any infections, diseases or birth defects. Puppies are unable to urinate or defecate by themselves initially, so their mother helps them but may additionally require your assistance. Keep your vet's contact details close by and educate yourself thoroughly on this stage of puppy development. By the end of this period, your puppy will be mobile and will explore the world mouth first — be sure to keep choking hazards and toxic foods out of their reach. Behaviour During most of this time your GSD will be asleep or inactive, but they will soon be playing with their brothers and sisters. After weeks they will go through as much sensory development as a human baby does in a few months. It is important to avoid disturbing the puppies' mother as she will be likely be protective, but some interaction with the young pups is normal so they become used to human touch. This is a formative time for your puppy and will be when they learn to walk, play, bite, hold their bladder, and interact with others. In this time your GSD will develop a trusting relationship with you and will respond negatively to harsh treatment, so be sure be assertive and establish your dominance but avoid shouting. Nutrition During the weaning stage, you should slowly introduce into their diet a nutritionally complete dog food which is appropriate to your German Shepherd's large size and young age. This breed tend not to be gluttons and quickly work off any weight during exercise, but this time is crucial for developing healthy bones and joints so feed them the best quality food you can. You should also familiarise yourself with lists of toxic foods and plants to avoid and hide as your puppy will soon find ways to get into places it shouldn't be. If your GSD is a long-haired variant you should make them familiar with brushing early as this will become a daily necessity for their entire life. You must be careful to monitor play and not allow your puppy to play too rough or they may irreversibly damage their sensitive back legs and shoulders. Behaviour Due to the changes in their environment, your GSD will likely be under a significant amount of stress. It's important that you provide lots of attention and build your relationship early, but be careful not to allow your puppy to become dependent on your attention and presence. GSDs are often described as aloof since they are shy with strangers — it is important to socialise them with strangers early so that they do not become aggressive towards people and dogs they are unfamiliar with. Your GSD will be full of energy and already require lots of time exercising, playing and in training. Your dog will likely do well at puppy training school and will benefit from obedience training to help control them in public. Nutrition Your German Shepherd puppy's diet should be based around a high quality, nutritionally complete puppy food. It is particularly important that you make sure your pup has the right diet at this time to help them grow properly and avoid joint or bone problems later in life. Your GSD has a double coat which changes with the seasons: the bottom layer sheds in the warmer weather, but will need daily or weekly brushing to help it along. After around 8 weeks your puppy will be due for some vaccinations, so they will need a checkup at the vet and to arrange for boosters after that. Studies showed that dogs supplemented with a diet of bovine colostrum had a quicker and stronger immune system response to CDV vaccine as compared to dogs fed a control diet. Colostrum supplemented dogs maintained a higher antibody level even after 40 weeks. A diet supplemented with Colostrum helps bridge the immunity gap in puppies that occurs between 3 weeks and 5 months of age. Behaviour German Shepherds are unendingly loyal to their family but are distant with people they don't know, so familiarise them with friends, strangers and other dogs early. It is vital to teach your pup early to be patient with children who may not respect their boundaries and might otherwise provoke aggressive behaviour. It is important to provide your GSD with lots of sturdy, entertaining toys to stimulate them — a bored German Shepherd will destroy your furniture and backyard for fun. Recommended Articles. How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. Since puppies have a lot of growing to do, they require plenty of calories. You can reduce the amount of food per pound of body weight until they reach standard adult measurements. The specific amount of food to feed a German Shepherd can vary because different dogs are sized differently and have various needs and levels of athleticism. To learn more about specific foods and ingredients, check out this article on the best diet for German Shepherds. Three to four meals of puppy food a day is ideal for a month-old German Shepherd, as the food will be easily digestible and keep the energy high throughout the day. Feeding a puppy 1—2 large meals might make them feel sick, or they may be unable to finish it all at once. When it comes to how much food to give a 1—4 month-old German Shepherd, the recommended amount is approximately one cup g or a little more, depending on activity levels per meal. Be sure to spread meals evenly throughout the day, and avoid feeding your puppy before bedtime. The West Greenwich Animal Hospital recommends not feeding a dog three hours before bedtime because they may need to go out for a toilet break at night. Since their stomachs and bodies are getting bigger, they can generally handle fewer large meals than more small ones. So, you can reduce the number of puppy food meals to 2 or 3. Since the number of meals is reduced, increase the amount of food per serving to approximately 1. The meals should be spread evenly throughout the day to ensure your German Shepherd has consistent energy levels. My German Shepherd Willow at 4 months old 10 to 12 Months At 10—12 months, a German Shepherd begins to mature as its body continues growing. Split approximately 4—5 cups —1, g of food between two meals. However, this is just a recommendation — as mentioned previously, your dog may require more or less than this depending on their activity levels. Keeping the amount of food at cups , g per day may be sufficient, or it may be best to start feeding your dog more or less than this. For example, many active or working German Shepherds may benefit from 6 cups 1. Again, the specific amount is circumstantial. However, some dog owners make the switch earlier. Honestly, this is the issue with every new pet parent. Below is a German Shepherd feeding chart to help you learn more about giving your pooch the right amount of food at the right time. Remember, the below are simply recommendations, so specific amounts can vary by dog and activity level. Age Amount of food per day Amount of servings per day months 3—4 cups — g spread across multiple servings 3—4 3—4. Always check the packaging of the food you buy for a more detailed analysis. There are endless dog food options, so making the right choice can be challenging and stressful. The main protein source is chicken, and it promotes immune system health and digestive performance. Suitable for puppies up to 15 months, this dog food is the perfect solution for young German Shepherds with lots of growing to do! One of the main benefits of this food is that it comes in different sizes, including a pound 6. This dog food contains all the nutrients a German Shepherd puppy needs to grow and thrive. Blue Buffalo dog food has real chicken, fruits, and vegetables, so your pooch will surely enjoy the delicious taste! It comes in two flavors — a chicken meal with oats and a lamb meal with brown rice. Either contains enough high-quality protein to ensure your pup can grow as healthily as possible. Medium-sized dog breeds can continue eating puppy food until 18 months. Like with puppy food, there are many adult German Shepherd dog food options, so choosing the right one can be challenging. Check out some of my below recommendations to make your search a little easier. Best Breed Dr. Best Breed Dog Food aids digestion as it contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber. According to a study, musculoskeletal disorders and the inability to stand are the two most common causes of death in German Shepherds. Since puppies need specific nutrients to grow, their food differs greatly from adult dog food. Puppies especially need protein because it aids with the growth and development of cells. Without adequate protein in the diet , puppies are more susceptible to serious health issues, including: Weight and muscle loss General weakness Chest and abdomen issues German Shepherds can continue eating puppy food for the first year of life and beyond. Usually, 16—18 months is a good time for a dog to start eating adult food. The most important thing to remember is that adult food is never the right choice for a German Shepherd puppy that still has much growing to do. However, there are many other factors to consider when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd, like their general weight and activity levels. Weight and Size The weight of your German Shepherd will determine how much to feed it. The general rule of thumb is that the heavier your dog is, the more food it needs to stay fueled. The average adult German Shepherd is around .Pay attention to the general height and size of your German Shepherd to determine exactly how much food to feed them. For example, an underweight German Shepherd will need extra food to get back to a healthy weight, whereas an overweight one will need less food. As you can imagine, a highly energetic dog will need more food than a German Shepherd that lies around all day. If your German Shepherd is still relatively young, i. Health Health issues can affect the way a dog eats. For example, a dog with stomach issues might avoid food altogether. Other health conditions that affect how much a dog can eat include: Pancreatitis Infections Cancer Consider whether your dog is experiencing health issues when feeding them. For instance, if your dog is shedding too much, you need to change a diet that minimizes shedding. Age The age of a German Shepherd helps determine how much food should be eaten and how often. For example as mentioned earlier , younger dogs must eat smaller meals spread evenly throughout the day, while older dogs can have 2 larger meals. A vet can weigh your German Shepherd, ask questions, and listen to the heartbeat to determine a healthy diet plan. As Willow is now a senior dog, I like to take her for vet checkups every 6 months. In many cases, giving puppies homemade food over long periods can cause health issues down the line. A study by the National Library of Medicine concluded that a homemade diet given by the owner caused a puppy to experience various health issues, including vitamin D deficiency and NSH nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. You can give a small treat here and there, but human food should never make up the entire diet of a puppy. Below are some tasty examples! Eggs Not only are eggs beneficial for humans, but they can also be good for dogs if given in moderation. German Shepherds puppies and adults will receive plenty of nutrients from eggs, including protein and fats. The best and easiest way to give a German Shepherd an egg is to hard boil it. Avoid feeding a German Shepherd or any dog fried eggs too often due to the excessive oil. Hard-boiled eggs are usually the easiest for dogs to eat, but you can also try poached or scrambled eggs. Examples of dog-friendly fruits include: Bananas.

Listed below are answers to the most common questions I receive as you are preparing to take your puppy home: 1. What is my puppy eating? We are feeding your puppy PawTree. They have a multitude of other flavors you can try out after your puppy comes home too. You can buy this food by clicking the PawTree picture at the bottom of any page on our website. You can find out more information at www. We also encourage you to set your order to their EZship so you never run out. They also offer personalized food by filling out a pet profile so we encourage all families to head over to fill out their pet profile for personalized food plan as well as personalized bags of dog food when they arrive. How many times per day should my puppy be fed? We feed puppies, weeks old 3 x per day. We try to keep them on a schedule such as: a. Once the puppy reaches 12 weeks, we cut them back to eating 2 x per day, eliminating the noon feeding. Increase the amount you feed based on the recommendations you will find on the dog food bag as suggested by weight of the puppy. We do not recommend free feeding — give your puppy about 20 minutes to eat, then pick it up and put it away. Water should be provided at all times, except during the night. Wet the food for about 30 minutes prior to giving it to the puppy so it softens to aid in digestion. However, if you see loose stools it is almost assuredly overfeeding so back it off until the stool is firm and then slowly add back in. When can I start training my puppy? We like to see training start as soon as you pick up your puppy from my home, or your puppy arrives via car or airplane. We recommend transporting your puppy home in a crate that is lined with a bath towel. Feeding time is a fantastic opportunity to train as you can spend a few minutes several times per day with teaching the basic commands of sit, stay and come. We provide a helpful training booklet with detailed information on training on our Puppy Tips page. What size crate should I buy for my puppy? Most puppies that will mature to a medium size will need a large crate once they have reached maturity. Plastic crates are an option as well. If you have any questions please ask us. What type of collar and leash do I need and what size is best for my puppy? We like to buy the less expensive, adjustable-type of collars and a nylon leash. We do not care for the expandable leashes that allow the puppy to walk way out in front or way off to the side of you. The smallest setting for the collar would be about 8 inches and expanding out from there. We use small carabiners to attach the stretched chain between the collar and the leash. This will prevent your puppy from chewing your new leash. If you are reserving a small size pup then I would suggest an XS collar. Another option while they are very young is a slip leash style. Some families like to train in harnesses. This is also a tool you can use. Sizes will vary from company to company, but most go off of weight. Ask us the estimated weight of your future puppy at the time they will go home so you will have a rough idea of what to purchase. It is never a bad idea to weight to buy until you can size your puppy in person though as each harness will fit differently. You can play the radio softly if your puppy is in a different room from you as this is how they were raised with us. You have to find a system that works for you. However, keeping consistent for the first few nights will build a sleep pattern in your dog you will enjoy for its entire life. How many times per night will my puppy need to go out to go potty? We suggest you feed your puppy dinner no later than p. Make sure that you see puppy go potty and poop before putting him to bed for the night. If your bedtime is p. Then only if puppy is whining, let him out very methodically to potty no playing and put him right back to bed. How many times per day should my puppy need to go potty? Puppies will always go potty right away after they wake up and after they eat. If you take puppy out right after eating, see him go potty, then allow about 30 minutes of some free time in your home before making his world small using a temporary fence or leash. On average they can typically hold their bladders for 2-hours, but every puppy will react differently to stimuli in your home. Should my puppy have contact with other vaccinated dogs? We like to make sure other dogs have not only been vaccinated, but are also free of parasites. Worms of all sorts can live in feces and it just take a quick second for your puppy to ingest enough to get a parasite. This product should be alternated every 6 months. There are countless natural remedies as well as chemical based options you can find at your vet. We always prefer natural options first, but in some cases the chemical based products are needed. Check with your vet or trainer for their recommendations in your area. We strongly suggest topical or collar options only. How often should I give my puppy a bath and what should I use? We do not bathe our puppies unless they are dirty and we use baby shampoo or something gentle. We usually suggest people decide what they like in the look of their Labradoodle. Do you like the longer, shaggy look, or do you like the shorter, more manicured coat? If you leave the coat longer, you will need to keep it combed out and mat free. Do you have recommendations for where to stay when we pick up our puppy? We are located only 20 mins from Lebanon, Oregon. There are numerous hotel options in Albany, Springfield, or Eugene that you can explore. The difficult part is deciding which one will have the greatest positive impact on their well-being. The following are some of the top options for dog foods for your Labradoodle: Dry Food: Due to its affordability and accessibility, dry dog food is a preferred option for Labradoodles. The nutrients in high-quality dry food are appropriate for a different life stage of your Labradoodle. Dry food has the greatest shelf life when compared to other types of dog foods. Wet Food: Wet food or canned food is another option for owners. Labradoodles enjoy the variety of flavors in canned food that come in interesting shapes like other meaty foods. Owners may combine wet food with dried food because wet food alone is typically more expensive than dry food. While it can be costly, doing so guarantees that their pups receive high-quality food. If you only give the same food to your Labradoodles, they could develop picky eating habits. Hence, it makes sense to follow the advice of the majority of veterinarians to combine kibble and wet food with a ratio of 20 to .Make sure the food you choose is sustainable and highly recommended by experts. Ensure that it will suit your needs, those of your dog, your financial situation, and your way of life. The average price of a Labradoodle is already costly. Hence, it is important to choose the kind of diet that will also suit your budget. Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Labradoodle Dog owners must be aware of the foods that can be harmful, poisonous, or trigger an allergic reaction in their Labradoodles. The following is a list of some harmful or poisonous foods that you must never give your pet Labradoodle: Alcohol: There is no enzyme that can digest alcohol in Labradoodles. Hypoglycemia , metabolic acidosis , respiratory difficulties, or central nervous system CNS impairment could result from ingestion. Avocado: Avocados contain the fungicidal toxin persin , which has been linked to the death of many dog breeds, including Labradoodles. It can cause vomiting, loose stool, and heart damage when taken in large doses. Chocolate: The major alkaloid in cocoa and chocolates, theobromine , cannot be broken down by an enzyme found in the stomachs of Labradoodles. As a result, even small quantities of chocolate can cause toxicity. Additionally, they could become uncontrollable, have convulsions, throw up, and have diarrhea. Grapes and raisins: As a result of the tartaric acid found in grapes and raisins, Labradoodles experience diarrhea , vomiting, dehydration , and kidney failure. Unfortunately, even one full grape can cause fatal injuries and irreversible harm to Labradoodles. Onion, garlic, leeks, and chives: All of these vegetables contain N-propyl disulfide , which robs red blood cells of their ability to carry oxygen. Consuming these veggies over time may cause hemolytic anemia. It is frequently present in toothpaste, gum, candies, and syrups. Listed below are foods that may seem harmless but are actually hazardous for Labradoodles: Cooked bones: Cooked bones are prone to shatter into shards. They can hurt your Labradoodle as well as obstruct its mouth, throat, and stomach. High-sugar foods: Your Labradoodle is more likely to develop health issues, including diabetes, obesity, and teeth damage, if it consumes too much sugar from other dog foods. Avoid cheap dog food, which usually contains too much salt. Consuming too much salt can result in seizures, renal failure, diarrhea, and vomiting. If ignored, this results in gastrointestinal blockage and death. Bring your Labradoodle to the nearest veterinary clinic immediately if you think they have accidentally ingested any of the aforementioned foods. A smart technique to make sure that their nutritional demands are being satisfied is to switch to a new food. If you want to gradually introduce a new food to your Labradoodle pup, make sure to introduce it in little amounts every day. The timeline provided below will help you introduce a new food to your Labradoodle: Days. Dog owners often get bombarded with endless choices as well as countless adverts from the dog food companies, who all claim that theirs is the best. When it comes to dog food, the simple answer is no one food is best for all dogs. But the question is: which diet is the best for your Labradoodle? Luckily, there are many different options when it comes to dog food. The most popular manufactured foods include a complete diet dry , with or without a biscuit mixer and semi-moist. Some dog foods contain only natural ingredients. Then there is the option of feeding your dog a home-made diet. Some owners swear by a raw diet while others feed their Labradoodles vegetarian food. Within the manufactured options, there are many different qualities of food. Usually, you get what you pay for. Expensive ones are more likely to provide better nutrition for your doodle in terms of minerals, nutrients, and high-quality meat, whereas the cheap ones will most likely contain a lot of grain. Dried food also called kibble in the USA tend to be less expensive than other dog foods. They have improved a lot over the last few years, and some of the more expensive ones are now an excellent choice for a healthy, complete diet. Dried foods also contain the least fat and the most preservatives. Often semi-moist foods contain a lot of sugar and artificial substances, which is why some dogs seem to love them. Choosing the right food for your Labradoodle is very important. The diet influences his health, coat, and even temperament. It can have an effect on his health, coat , skin, energy levels, and temperament. There are several different types of food that you can feed your labradoodle — dry, semi-moist, canned, frozen, or freeze-dried are just some of the options. You can also feed him a home-made or raw diet. Many owners of labradoodle with allergies or skin conditions are now considering this option. Dry Dog Food for Labradoodles Dry food is a popular choice for Labradoodles, especially for large dogs who get through a lot of food. It is also less expensive than other dog foods. It is worth paying for a high-quality dry food as cheaper ones may contain a lot of cereal. It also means that you have to feed larger quantities to ensure your dog gets sufficient nutrients. Canned Dog Food for Labradoodles Canned food is another popular choice. Dogs also love them. They love the taste, and it generally comes in a variety of flavors. Canned food is often great mixed with dry kibble. If your labradoodle has lost interest in food and on a dry food diet, then you can add a small amount of canned food. Canned food tends to be more expensive than dried food. Many owners do not like the mess that it makes. If you store a part-opened tin in the fridge, then it can have an overpowering smell when you open the fridge door. Semi-Moist Dog Food for Labradoodles These are the commercial dog foods shaped like pork chops, salamis, burgers, or other meaty foods. They are the least nutritional of all dog foods. They are full of sugars, artificial flavorings, and coloring. You may give your doodle one as an occasional treat, but they do not provide the nutrition that your labradoodle needs. Freeze-Dried Dog Food for Labradoodles The frozen food manufacturers often make this for dog owners who like the convenience of it. You can store them for six months to a year. They do it to make sure that their pets are getting the right nutrition they need. Feeding your doodle a home-cooked diet can be time consuming and expensive. The tricky part is sticking to it once you have started with the best intentions. Raw food for Labradoodles If your doodle is not doing well on commercially prepared dog food then you might need to consider a raw diet. There is evidence that they are becoming increasingly popular among the Labradoodle owners. Raw food diets emulate the way dogs ate before the existence of commercial dog foods. After all, dry, canned, or other styles of cooked food for dogs were mainly created as a means of convenience. However, raw diets are not without controversy. Supporters of the raw food diet argue that a carefully planned raw diet gives the dog numerous health benefits, including a healthier coat, more energy, cleaner teeth, and get rid of bad breath and doggy odor. But the critics say that the risks of nutritional imbalance, intestinal problems, and food-borne illness caused by handling and feeding raw meat outweigh any benefits. Scientifically, the jury is still out. This is one of the most frequent questions that all the Labradoodle owners ask. But there is no easy answer. The correct amount of food for your labradoodle depends on several factors such as: Breed. Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids Labradoodle puppies, those younger than 12 to 18 months, generally require higher levels of protein and fat to accommodate their growth. Senior dogs also need high-protein foods to help fuel muscle. Other factors to consider include size and activity level. Understanding the different kinds of food available and the respective pros and cons will help you make the best decision for your dog. It requires minimal effort to prepare, but commercial brands offer clear instructions on which dog breeds benefit from their food. Most brands also provide different foods for different ages and sizes, which helps dog owners easily transition from puppy food to adult food. Thus, commercial dog food brands are a fairly popular option when it comes to feeding pets. The tools you need to evaluate a dog food brand are typically available right on the packaging. The most important thing to check when purchasing kibble is the first ingredient listed on the packaging. In high-quality food, you can expect meat to be the primary ingredient. Conversely, lower-quality foods contain high amounts of meat by-products, such as chicken meal. They also often contain cornmeal, soy and other unhealthy ingredients that can promote health problems. This label sets high standards for U. In general, AAFCO-recommended brands should be selected over ones that have not received their stamp of approval. Finally, dog owners need to choose between dry dog food and wet canned food. Dry kibble is usually the recommended option as it has higher protein levels and is better for digestion. Dry food also encourages dental health and helps maintain good breath. Wet food is typically easier to digest and can help with hydration, so many dog owners choose to mix it in with dry dog foods every now and then. Raw Diet A raw food diet is one of the most controversial dog food options out there. Advocates of this diet argue that it promotes overall canine health, but disbelievers claim the bacteria found in raw materials can be dangerous. Most raw food advocates follow the BARF Biologically Appropriate Raw Food diet, which consists of good-quality meat, vegetables and healthy carbs like sweet potatoes or brown rice. It typically also includes organs such as liver, kidney or spleen , as well as some extra ingredients to optimize a balanced nutrition and flavor such as herbs or fish oil. While there are subscription services available for raw diets, many dog owners choose to make the food themselves. Fresh Diet Dog owners who want the benefits of raw diets without the risks may opt to feed their dog a fresh food diet. Like raw diets, these foods are all-natural and include a healthy combination of proteins, carbohydrates, vegetables and organs. However, unlike raw diets, a fresh diet ensures all meats are cooked thoroughly. While these diets require more effort and tend to be on the pricier side, they let dog owners monitor ingredients without having to worry about unhealthy bacteria. Another food option involves combining different types of diets. Many dog owners give their dogs a steady combination of dry, hard kibble with fresh veggies and meats, simultaneously reaping the benefits of dry and fresh dog food. You can consult your vet for recommendations on health supplements. Some Labradoodles may have food allergies that affect the type of diet they can consume. If you notice any food allergy symptoms, such as rashes or reddened skin, you should try to identify the culprit as quickly as possible. A good way to test for allergies is to conduct an elimination diet. This requires getting rid of certain foods and then slowly reintroducing them one by one to see if your dog has some type of reaction. Common canine allergies include: Beef. As they grow you will move from four meals per day at 8 weeks old, to just one or two in adulthood. And you will want to use as much of their daily kibble as you can in training. Helping to strengthen the bond between you, as well as to teaching them which behaviors you want to see in your home. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy When it comes to feeding your new Labradoodle puppy there are plenty of options to choose between and a number of things to consider. Puppies grow up fast. The first thing to keep in mind is that puppies have different dietary needs to adult dogs. Getting too much of some nutrients, and not enough of others can lead to developmental problems. Growing pups digest food and absorb nutrients differently than adult dogs too. Their gastrointestinal system also works much faster than that of an adult dog. Puppy Nutrient Requirements Puppies need more calories than adult dogs, relative to their size. In fact, they need about twice as many calories in relation to their body weight compared to that of a full grown Labradoodle. Compared to mature dogs, puppies also need: more protein to support growing muscle more fat to fuel growth and a different mineral balance to aid in the rapid development of their bones. For example, one study showed that puppies fed a low phosphorus diet suffer from impaired appetite and growth, diminished skin and fur quality, and a disturbed musculoskeletal system. Too much calcium can also negatively affect bone development, by accelerating it. This is a serious joint condition that leads to painful arthritis and lameness. The smaller and younger your puppy is, the more often they need to eat, since their stomachs are too small for big portions. Labradoodle puppies that are 4 months or younger should have their food split into 4 meals a day. When they reach 4 and 6 months old this can be reduced to 3 meals. Knowing how much to feed your Labradoodle puppy can be tricky. So the feeding charts on the packaging are a good place to start. This basic pet calorie calculator can help determine how many calories a puppy needs. Overfeeding Labradoodle Puppies Canine obesity is a big problem for many dogs and the Labradoodle is no exception. Some Labrador Retrievers are known to have a genetic mutation that causes them to have an insatiable appetite. But there are plenty of genetically normal dogs who will always want more food. If your puppy is constantly hungry you can try giving him smaller, more frequent meals. In fact, for training purposes we recommend using as much of each of the meals rations as you can as training treats between meals. These days there are a lot of brands vying for space in the dog food market. So deciding what to feed your Labradoodle puppy might be the most difficult question of them all. Puppies that are 8 to 12 weeks old should continue eating the same food they were eating at the breeders. If you want to change their food, wait until they are fully settled at home. Then transition gradually to a different diet to avoid causing an upset tummy. You can do it over the course of a week, like this: Feed 1 part new food to 3 parts old food on the first two days. Equal parts old food and new food on days three and four. And three parts new food to one part old food for two more days after that. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Dry Food Most puppy parents choose one of the many commercial dry puppy foods available. There are many reasons why these diets also known as kibbles are so popular. They are. 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.

Height: 26 inches Ratio: .This should give you their height. For example, 26 inches times 0. Using the other example, .Since each dog is going to be different, you need to look at their overall body condition rather than a weight range. Fortunately, there are body conditioning charts that you can use to figure out if your German Shepherd is at their ideal weight. Just look at them from the side and from above, feeling for ribs and pelvic bones when necessary. Younger dogs will also typically be on the thin side before they fully fill out as adults. Years of line breeding has produced several distinct types of Shepherds. Show dogs are known for a sloped back in which the back legs are shorter than the front. This unnatural formation can cause back and hip problems along with an abnormal gait. German Shepherds bred for show will also be thinner than their hardworking cousins. As you can see in this picture, this is a show-bred German Shepherd with an obvious curved back and short back legs. Working dogs, on the other hand, are bred for a sturdy, straight back so they can work long hours without getting sore. They tend to be thicker than show dogs and will, therefore, weigh more, even at the same height. As you can see in this picture, this dog has a straighter back and longer back legs, so it has been bred for working. Something else I wanted to mention here is that, according to some sources, Black German Shepherds are larger than their bi-colored cousins, despite being otherwise the same. So, if you have one of these rare and beautiful creatures, you can follow the same charts that were listed above. If your German Shepherd is diagnosed by a veterinarian as underweight or overweight for their age, then the first thing you should do is ask him or her to help you figure out the underlying cause of the problem. This will determine what should be done next. Do you have a giant German Shepherd? What about a tiny one? Comment below to tell us more about it! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. American German shepherds have straighter backs then German shepherds. If you have a german shepherd and their lineages are close to their German roots they will have that arch in their back. As the German Shepherd growth chart suggests, a German Shepherd dog reaches full size and adult weight after one year. A growth spurt can occur between 1. The result of this late growth is an up to 10 percent increase in height and weight. Although you can consider a German Shepherd fully grown by one year, there may be additional factors that influence the growth of German Shepherd dogs. Is Your German Shepherd Healthy? Improper development can occur for many reasons. It could be as simple as your dog responding poorly to their dog food. Your feeding schedule and portions might not be sufficient. Your dog could also have a basic nutritional deficiency that you need to correct. Yet, being underweight or overweight can signify serious health problems. Weight loss can occur when the syndrome develops. Dogs typically show signs of EPI at between six months and six years of age. Parasites Dogs are highly susceptible to parasites. Deworming medication helps to reduce the risk. Yet, almost all puppies experience a parasitic infection at least once. Upon infection, your dog is at risk of serious weight loss and other troubling symptoms. Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes mellitus can affect any breed but has an above-average occurrence in German Shepherds. These dogs need insulin daily to accommodate for the inability to metabolize sugars. If your German has diabetes, severe weight loss can occur in a short period. Diabetes typically affects canines that are four years or older. It is the most common cancer in German Shepherds. Up to three percent will develop HSA. In most cases, this condition sets in at around nine to 12 years. Dietary Deficiency Do you have your German Shepherd on a raw food diet? Puppies often run underweight when receiving their nutritional requirements through raw meat. This diet is healthy and effective but needs monitoring, as not all dogs respond the same. Review the diet plan with a veterinarian and confirm there are no digestive or metabolic issues. Also, do not forget the importance of exercise! Clear Your Concerns with Coverage You put your heart into loving your dog like a child, but some things are out of your control. Health struggles can affect canines as much as humans. Even purebreds from AKC-certified breeders are not safe from serious health struggles both early and late in life. All you can do is prepare yourself to overcome complications. What if cancer happens? What else could happen? Peace of mind is great as a dog owner. Is coverage the answer? Get pet insurance quotes and see for yourself. Get Quotes for Your Cat Charitable Giving With every pet insurance policy we generate, we do our bit to help less fortunate animals across Canada and the U. Popular Articles. What is a healthy weight for your dog? Your tiny, cute German Shepherd puppy will likely grow into a medium-sized or large dog. Females will probably weigh in on the medium side, while males can get pretty big. GSD puppies experience a phenomenal rate of growth, especially before six months, so be ready. Just remember that dogs as big as male German Shepherds are at risk for joint problems because they grow so quickly, and overfeeding them can exacerbate those problems as they get older. Factors Effecting German Shepherd Size German Shepherd size is dependent on age, but there are many other factors too. Female Shepherds are smaller and lighter than males. How your dog is fed and exercised will play a part. In this article we will look at the height and weight of GSDs at different stages of their development. And at what you might expect your cute German Shepherd puppy to measure and weigh when they are a full grown German Shepherd Dog. German Shepherds are the third most popular dog in the USA right now, having been recently nudged down a place by the French Bulldog. The breed belongs to the Pastoral group of dogs traditionally used as herding dogs. Some shepherd breeds were also used to guard livestock. German Shepherd Dog size is linked to this important role. The German Shepherd temperament is also tied in with this purpose and has made them uniquely suited to work as a service dog. With the right training, German Shepherd dogs also make excellent family pets. Working German Shepherd Size Because of their dual purpose as both herding and guard dogs, they are one of the larger shepherd dog breeds. He also turned to refining them into good police and guard dogs, creating a very versatile breed still in demand as herding became less common. German dog breeds became unpopular during the second world war and lovers of the breed began referring to them as the Alsatian dog, to protect their dogs from anti-German sentiment. They are easily trained, so they make good show and work dogs. Specifically with weight and growth rate. Being overweight can be harmful to German Shepherd health, just as it can to other breeds. Black German Shepherd puppies weigh the same as pups of other colors Weight issues in adult dogs is not the only area of concern, GSDs are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which has been linked in some cases to overly rapid growth in puppies. They also suffer fromosteochondritis dissecans, disorders of the pancreas, panosteitis causing lameness, eye and ear issues, and allergies. And are vulnerable to bloat. In addition, some GSDs have deeply sloping backs and angulation in the legs that may be causing health issues. German Shepherd Puppy Size An average weight of German Shepherd puppies, according to a giant census study of dogs in Italy, is about grams or 1. A baby German Shepherd can range from 0. By about a week of age, they will weigh 1. This is one of the reasons why large breed-specific dog foods exist: to control the growth of these dogs in a way that will maximize their health and minimize joint problems. But up to 3 or 4lbs either side of that is normal. At this age most puppies are settled in with their new families and are on three meals a day. At this age pups can look quite gawky and skinny. Growth rate starts to really slow down now and many dogs will look a lot less puppyish than they did a month ago 9 month old German Shepherd puppy By nine months, your Shepherd will weigh between .At that point, the dog is about 90 percent of his or her adult weight. But in the coming months your pup will fill out, look less gawky, and may carry on gaining weight for another months. Bear in mind that this should be muscle gain, not fat, so keep an eye on that waistline! German Shepherd puppies generally stop growing significantly in height by nine months for males, eight months for females. Males may get an extra inch by 15 months and females slightly less than that by months. They reach their adult weight at 36 months. GSDs, like many larger breeds, are considered fully grown by about 18 months, when they have reached 98 percent of their growth. A golden shepherd golden retriever shepherd mix may be very similar but a shepherd mix dog where one parent is much smaller, will not. The answer is no, not really, though it is possible to harm your dog by overfeeding either as a puppy or an adult. German Shepherd dogs will no longer grow in height after 36 months of age, or three years. Dog individuals vary, just like human individuals do. You can ask your vet for a weigh in and a check up to discuss any concerns Average German Shepherd Height On average, male German shepherds reach a larger size when adult than females. So your girl German Shepherd is likely to be a little smaller than her brothers when she is full grown. The German Shepherd breed standard specifies that a good height for adult male German Shepherds is inches at the withers. For females, a size of inches at the withers is about right. How tall is a German Shepherd — length vs height These dogs are longer than they are tall. Fully grown male German Shepherd size is usually between inches tall and lbs. And adult female German Shepherd size is typically within inches tall and lb. However, you can expect your male GSD to weight about 80 lbs by 18 months of age, and 84 lbs by 36 months of age. Female German Shepherd weight is going to be less than male, the average weight at 18 months of age is about 62 lbs. But a good weight for females can like anywhere from lbs, and a good weight for males will be anywhere from lbs, depending on individual factors. Shepherds are often not as greedy as some other popular dog breeds, but obesity can still be a problem in this breed. Remember that exercise or lack of it is rarely at the heart of excessive weight issues in dogs. The problem is almost always too much food. Red German Shepherd Some slight weight loss may occur naturally in an old german shepherd. Older dogs may lose their sense of taste or smell and have less of an appetite than they did when young. However, there are certain breeds that are easier to train than others. Thankfully, German Shepherds fit into that category because they are very intelligent and quick learners. This includes house training , crate training , basic obedience commands as well as learning tricks. We recommend attending a puppy kindergarten class as part of your German Shepherd puppy socialization strategy. Once your pup knows their basic obedience commands, you can enroll them in Schutzhund training aka IPO. Partnership and teamwork between yourself and your dog are the basis for this type of training. Note that the Schutzhund environment is not a place for dogs with aggression issues, neither towards other dogs nor people! If they pass that initial level which includes a temperament test, they can move on to IPO 2 minimum age 19 months and IPO 3 minimum age 20 months. That said, protection dog trainers recommend starting training classes that include bitework and high jumps once your German Shepherd puppy is 12 months old. Dutch and Czech are two other languages that commands are frequently taught in. Stanley, my former long-haired GSD dog walking client, started going to Schutzhund training when he was a little over 12 months old. His owners practiced commands in German with him on a daily basis, and I remember getting a print out of his German commands as they asked me to use them on our walks as well. Lots, ha! German Shepherds need a minimum of 2 hours of physical exercise per day, but generally speaking, the more exercise you can provide your GSD with, the more they will thrive. Remember, German Shepherds are high-energy, athletic dogs bred to be active all day long, especially if they come from a working line! Physical Exercise Ideas for German Shepherds As far as physical exercise, this can be a mix of walks, runs, bike rides, fetch and playtime. This is Nala, one of my former pet sitting clients. She was crazy about frisbees and balls. One of my favorite ways of increasing the energy and calories a dog burns on a regular walk or hike is by using a doggie backpack. Mental Stimulation for German Shepherds Besides providing a good physical workout, dog backpacks also burn mental energy. As you probably know, bored dogs can quickly become destructive as they figure out ways of entertaining themselves. For example, chewing up your furniture and shoes, scratching doors, raiding your kitchen trash can or digging up your flower beds. So do yourself a favor and make sure your GSD gets plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog, and that applies to German Shepherds as much as it does to any other dog breed! Former GSD client Remi pooped after a long walk. Bottom Line So, how big does a German Shepherd get? Well, German Shepherds are medium to large size dogs, so they can weigh anywhere between lbs. That said, the average expected weight for a male GSD is between lbs, and the average expected weight for a female GSD is between lbs. Both reach sexual maturity somewhere between months and are considered fully grown at about the 2 year mark. Keeping that in mind, your GSD breeder should be able to give you a good general idea of how big your German Shepherd puppy will grow to be! Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Barbara is a trilingual, something dog lover, e-book author, founder, copywriter, dog nutrition blogger and editor at K9sOverCoffee. Post navigation.

Following the Labrador feeding chart by age will give you a rough idea of how much to feed your puppy. Labradors are known for their playfulness, and sweet disposition, and are good at fetch which is why you should provide them with the best nutrition to support their growth. Ensure that the food contains the right amounts of protein, carbs, fat, and vitamins. You should avoid feeding your Labrador puppy too much food as they are prone to joint issues, but also avoid feeding them less food as they will be malnourished and not reach their growth milestones. Continue reading to understand how much to feed a Labrador puppy. The amount of food that your Labrador puppy should eat depends on a combination of certain factors such as activity level, weight, type, and brand of food. Heavier and bigger puppies need to eat more food than smaller puppies, and dogs that have active lives will need more calories than those living sedentary life. Fortunately, all dog food contains a feeding guideline on the packaging to get you started. It is important that you create and maintain a feeding schedule for your puppy so that they can maintain a healthy weight and develop good habits. Consult your pet nutritionist or vet, to learn more about how much food you should give your specific Labrador. Labrador Feeding Chart By Age A Labrador can be fed between one and six cups of food depending on their level of activity, age, and type of food. The amount will differ from one puppy to the other as every puppy has there own requirements. Therefore, you should follow a feeding guideline that is indicated in the dog food brands or the one designed by your vet. As a Labrador owner, it is important to understand that the nutritional requirements of your puppy are different at each stage as they grow. Therefore, adult and puppy dogs should be trained to eat the correct amount at the right schedule. Ensure that you keep a Labrador puppy feeding chart with you. Calculating the Resting Energy Requirement RER of your puppy and doubling it can help you get the right number of calories to feed them. Feed your puppy a little amount, in the beginning, to ensure that they are ready to eat. If they are not ready, do not force the food on them. Be patient with your puppy and they will be on puppy food soon. The puppy will be relying less on the milk. When your puppy starts eating all the food you offer them, you can reduce the amount of water and increase the food amount. The puppy will start becoming active and start exploring away from the mother as they no longer rely on the mother. By the end of the week into week seven, the puppy will be able to eat just puppy food. Ensure that you feed them dry food that is full of healthy protein. They should be eating three to four times per day and need about 2 cups of food. Avoid free feeding the puppy as it may be hard to know exactly how much they are eating. Create a feeding schedule as early as possible and this will help them develop good habits in the future. Put the food out for only 10 to 15 minutes and take the bowl away if they do not finish. This can be tricky if you are working but it is important that you maintain their feeding schedule as this is a developmental stage. Three meals per day will help your growing puppy develop their digestive system and ensure that they are getting their nutrition. This is also the beginning of the teething stage and they will be biting a lot of things including hard dog food and chew toys. They should eat about two cups of food distributed over three meals. But you should still maintain feeding them two cups of food but can reduce the mealtimes to twice per day. Watch out for the amount of food your puppy eats to avoid them gaining weight. Also, ensure that they are getting enough exercise to burn off the food. So, you should transition them to adult food. Ensure that the switching process is done slowly to avoid causing vomiting and diarrhea to your puppy. Your Labrador can be fed once per day now and the amount reduced to about two cups of food. Understanding Labrador Puppy Nutritional Needs If you stick to feeding your Labrador high-quality food, be assured that they are getting all the necessary nutrients. However, it is useful to know the types of nutrients that they need and the ingredients to watch out for. Carbohydrates — healthy carbs are necessary for providing energy for your puppy. Sources like barley, rice, and oatmeal are great. Healthy carbs can also be found in veggies such as sweet potatoes, peas, and lentils. Fiber — it helps regulate the digestive system of your puppy and helps the stool become healthier and firm. Sources include spinach, chicory root, and beet pulp. Sources include fish oils, fish, canola oils, and fish. Vitamins and Minerals — are needed for improving the immune system which helps in protecting your puppy from diseases. Veggies and real fruits like cranberries and blueberries are great sources. The frequency of feeding your Labrador depends mostly on their age. Puppies need to eat three to four times per day while senior and adult Labradors can eat one to two times per day. Labrador is a breed that is motivated by food, meaning that the chance of them turning down food is low. Given their nature, it can be difficult to figure out whether they are really hungry or just food obsessed. Since they cannot regulate their eating habits, it is important that you develop a feeding schedule to prevent them from gaining weight. Both types of food provide your dog with the best nutrition they need to grow and develop. Also, check the label on the packaging and make sure that it contains the perfect balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Kibble is cheaper than wet foods and stores easily as it does not require refrigeration. It also helps clean the teeth by removing tartar and buildup when your puppy chews it. Wet food also provides balanced and complete nutrition for your Labrador. It provides more hydration to your puppy as it contains high moisture content. However, wet food needs to be put in the fridge once opened otherwise it will go bad. Some dog owners mix wet food and kibble to give their dogs the best of both worlds. Therefore, most premium dog food brands have different specially formulated puppy food. Puppies can be fed with puppy food until they are about 12 to 15 months old then transition to adult dog food. When transitioning your dog from puppy food to adult dog food remember to introduce the feed gradually for about seven to ten days by mixing small amounts of the adult dog food with the puppy food. Decrease the puppy food gradually every day with a simultaneous increase in adult dog food. This will helps the pup o adjust to the new meal easily. Experienced Labrador Retriever owners will tell you that not all puppies eat a lot. Studies also have indicated that puppies eat more when fed with other puppies or in a group. When the puppy gets to a new home, they might go off the food for the first few days. They might eat a few kibbles and then leave it. Your puppy may also prefer to eat from your hand and not the bowl. However, call your vet if your puppy refuses to eat for more than four hours. Call immediately if your puppy looks unwell. There are a few reasons you need to keep an eye on because they indicate serious problems: Your pup neither drink nor eat Diarrhea. Made with real meat and no artificial colors or flavors how much should a lab eat? Allergies Labs can also have allergies. Some dogs may be allergic to wheat, macadamia nuts, etc. It can manifest as a runny nose, high volumes of shedding, rashes on the skin, and so on. Different dietary needs are crucial, especially if they display allergy symptoms. Avoid all types of human foods. You can give your lab puppy supplements You can get great quality adult dog food and puppy kibble from companies like Royal Canin Labrador Retriever, Blue Buffalo, Canidae Grain-Free, etc. Only adult food must be given to labrador retrievers who have crossed 1. Your puppy needs 4 small meals consisting of half a cup of food per meal till he is 2 months old. From 2 to 6 months, he needs 3 meals daily consisting of 1 cup of food per meal. From 6 months onwards , you can give your puppy 2 meals daily of 2 cups of dog food per meal. Is This A Problem? Yes, this is a major problem! Fat dogs are adorable but also extremely unhealthy. An adult labrador retriever should weigh at most pounds. Labs that are fatter than this stand at the risk of obesity, arthritis , and other lifelong diseases. Refrain from feeding your labrador too many dog treats. Onions and garlic: surprisingly, anything in the onion and garlic family is incredibly toxic to dogs. Meat with bones: if not chewed properly, sharp edges can rupture the throat, stomach lining, intestines, and other parts of the digestive tract. Other human foods and beverages to avoid giving your dog are alcohol, sugar, citric fruits, and anything with caffeine. Your labrador retriever should weigh between 55 to 70 pounds at full adulthood. Male labs are heavier than female labs, so they can fall on either side of the optimal weight spectrum. Some healthy treats for your labrador retriever are cut fruits and vegetables. Carrots, celery, cucumber, beetroot, apples, bananas, and berries strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, etc. Dogs also love peanut butter! Veggies dipped in peanut butter also make a great snack for your dog. This is entirely up to you as dog owners. If you have the time and patience to cook meals for your dog, go for it. Store-bought food is easier and is filled with the right nutritional requirements for your lab puppy. On the other hand, with the right recipe, home-cooked food works, too. What Should I Do? A dog growling at you when you go near his food bowl is most commonly a trauma response or a way to protect his food. We often see this with rescues. House training your lab puppy is equally important to avoid food aggression. Labrador Retrievers get piddly after their meals. Dog owners must take out their lab puppy as frequently as they eat sometimes even more often to let their energy out and adult labradors less frequently. A lab puppy needs a ton of exercise. The amount of kibble you should feed your Labrador puppy will vary depending on their age, weight, and activity level. A good rule of thumb is to start with cups of kibble daily and adjust as needed. Best Dog Food For Lab Puppies: The best dog foods for lab puppies include those that are high in protein and low in fillers. The food you should feed a black lab puppy is the same as for any other Labrador puppy. A chocolate lab puppy should be fed the same food as for any other Labrador puppy. A 2-year-old chocolate lab should eat about cups of kibble daily. You should stop feeding puppy food to your Labrador at around months of age. At this point, their growth plates will have closed, and they will no longer need the extra nutrients found in puppy food. Labradors live for years. They start to slow down around 7 and may develop some health problems in their senior years. You should also increase their exercise level. Lab breeders feed their dogs high-quality dog food specifically formulated for large-breed puppies. A lab puppy should drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. This amount may increase as they get older and more active. A labrador needs at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This can be a combination of walking, running, and playing. Golden labs live for years. Chocolate labs live for years same like labs of any color. Labradors lose their baby teeth between 3 and 6 months of age. You can start to transition your puppy to eating twice a day at around 6 months of age. By the time they are 1 year old, they should eat only once daily. You should stop feeding your large breed puppy food at around 18 months of age. Why Are Labs So Hungry? Labradors are a very active breed of dog, and they need a lot of calories to fuel their energy levels. They are also prone to gaining weight, so keep a close eye on their food intake About The Author Shradha Kabra Shradha is a seasoned writer at Labradorandyou. Her experience as a pet owner and dog enthusiast drives her to create meticulously researched and fact-checked content, offering valuable insights on Labrador training, grooming, and health. Each article reflects Shradha's passion and dedication, enriched by personal experiences with her beloved Labradors, Tom, and Kurt. Whether exploring breed-specific training techniques or providing product reviews, Shradha ensures Labrador owners receive the most accurate, up-to-date, and trustworthy information, aimed at enhancing their companions' health and happiness. Table scraps and snacks There are so many different brands of Labrador food available! And so many different opinions on dog food generally. Not to mention the alternatives to commercial food. Labrador Feeding Guide The amount you feed your Lab will vary depending on his age and the type of food you are giving him. The Eukanuba Adult Breed Lamb and Rice food suggests these serving sizes: 40 — 45 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day 50 — 55 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day 60 — 65 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day 70 — 75 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day 80 — 85 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day 90 — 95 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day However, these serving sizes will change depending on the food you use, and only apply to dry kibble! Most experts agree that the best food for any dog is one that keeps him in excellent health at a reasonable price. And choosing the best dog food for Labradors is not straightforward. We will look at the different styles of feeding first. How to feed a Labrador — different methods There are currently two very different approaches to dog feeding that are popular with many Labrador owners. Both methods of feeding have their supporters and detractors. At one time a lot of dogs were fed on canned food with an added biscuit mixer. Nowadays, only a small number of dog owners still feed this way. What about BARF? At one time, raw feeding or what you probably know as the BARF diet was considered to be a cranky and extremist fad. But as interest in raw feeding has grown and more dogs are fed this way, it is becoming clear that they are thriving too. The majority of dogs are now being fed kibble and a substantial and the growing minority are fed raw. Labrador dog food choices — dry kibble By far the majority of Labrador owners nowadays, feed their dogs on kibble. That is the dried pellets of dog food that you can buy in pet stores and online. All major pet food companies now supply a dried version of their brands. Is kibble good for dogs? It is really only a very short time a couple of decades since almost all dogs were fed on canned meat. These are a lot less popular now. The effect that this shift away from wet food and onto dried food, has had if any on canine health remain the subject of intense speculation. Busy modern homes are pressed for time these days. So convenience is an important factor. Storage Not only is kibble convenient, it also stores well, even after opening. Provided that it is stored in an appropriate container and kept in a dry place. Most dogs nowadays are trained with food. But what comes out of a kibble-fed dog smells very unpleasant. These are additional bulking agents that are not fully digested and that pass through straight through the dog. These fillers mean that kibble fed dogs produce much greater quantities of poop and much smellier poop, than dogs fed on raw meat and bones. Kibble fed dogs may also need their teeth cleaning on a daily basis. There may also be a small increased risk of bloat in susceptible dogs fed on a dry food diet. Should I feed my dog raw meat? Over the last ten years a more natural raw diet of meat and bones has become increasingly popular. Some people now believe that raw meat is the best food for Labrador Retrievers and many other breeds of dog. This is despite some websites giving out dire warnings of the dangers of letting dogs consume bones. Unfortunately, raw feeding does seem to attract a few extremists. Plus, it can be tricky to find objective and unbiased discussions of the pros and cons of raw feeding on the internet. The pros and cons Raw feeding is quite a big topic. It is both complicated and simple. Complicated because we tend to worry about the nutrients our dogs are getting. Raw feeding is not as convenient as kibble feeding, It requires plenty of freezer and refrigeration space, a designated preparation surface, and good meat preparation hygiene. Just as with meat preparation for people. Small puppies are growing fast and are vulnerable to diets with a poor nutrient balance. It is very important you do your research before attempting to raw feed a small puppy. This is because raw fed dogs get messy. It is hard in this situation to keep raw meat juices containing pathogens, away from children too small to understand the importance of hand washing The important fact here is that there is no right way to feed a dog. Your family needs to be considered as a whole. The feeding method you choose needs to fit in to your lifestyle and current circumstances. I fed raw to my dogs for many years. But I did not do this and could not have done this, when my kids were little. Nowadays, I sometimes feed kibble, if circumstances demand it. But prefer to feed raw whenever I can. Remember, many dogs thrive on kibble, and many dogs thrive on raw. Choosing the best dog food for Labs may also depend on your own circumstances. If you have a small puppy you may be happier feeding kibble With children under five, it may be safer for you to feed kibble If your dog has a close relative that has suffered from bloat, he may be safer eating raw If your dog suffers from allergies, he might do better on raw Now may be the right time to feed raw for you, or it may be the right time to feed kibble. Your circumstances are unique so only you can decide. For those of you the majority that will be feeding kibble. Choosing the lowest price Labrador food may not necessarily be the cheapest option. As very often, you will need to feed larger quantities of the cheaper food. Biologically appropriate kibble? It is usually a reasonable option to choose a mid-range in terms of cost food and see how your dog gets on with that. If your wallet can stretch to it, we especially like the Orijen brand. Orijen is what my dogs have as training food, and when I am not able to feed them raw. So if you decide to switch brands, do it gradually over the space of a few days by adding a little more of the new food and a little less of the old, each day. How often to feed your Labrador Many dog owners continue to feed their dogs twice a day throughout their lives. Some people feed their dogs once a day after twelve months of age. We do know that there is an association between bloat and large meals. Though this may only apply to kibble Once daily feeding is probably fine if you decide to feed raw meat. But with kibble it may be too much dry food in one go. I recommend that you feed your adult dog morning and evening. How often to feed puppies The amount of food that your Labrador puppy needs to eat each day must be divided into several portions. But it will almost certainly give him diarrhoea and could damage his stomach as kibble swells after drinking. From eight to twelve weeks your puppy will benefit from four meals a day. Breakfast, lunch, tea and supper. Space the meals at least three hours apart to give him chance to digest them properly. And make sure the last meal is a two to three hours before his last trip to the toilet at bedtime. Once your puppy gets to three months old you can divide his daily ration into three portions, and by six months to two. Breakfast and supper. How much to feed a Labrador? Recommended quantities can be found on kibble packaging and these will vary quite widely from brand to brand. They are also often on the high side. If your dog is a little overweight, feed about a third less than recommended for a few days and then re-assess his appearance. Your dog may well need less food than you think. How long should a dog take to eat his dinner? I prefer my dogs to eat their meals up fairly quickly. Plus, he will eat more enthusiastically at the next meal if he is a little hungry. How to feed a Labrador slowly A much more common problem in Labradors, is the dog that scoffs his dinner in a heartbeat and then begs for more with pleading eyes. There is an association between bloat and rapid eating, so if you can slow down your dog a little, it is probably good thing. The best way to do that is by using a slow feed bowl. Provided there is nothing in there which is unsuitable. Giving leftovers to puppies Puppies need a very well balanced diet to grow up strong and healthy. Unless you are a very experienced dog owner and knowledgable about nutrition and the dietary needs of a growing animal, it is not a good idea to feed your puppy on household scraps. And complete puppy foods contain all the nutrients your pup needs to develop a healthy body. Dog feeding equipment and storage There is a huge choice of feeding bowls available. You can get some very cheap and colorful plastic bowls. I like stainless steel. But I admit it is quite noisy to handle and use. And not as pretty as some of the ceramic products. Think carefully before you buy raised bowls as some studies have associated these with bloat. Storing dog food Kibble is for the most part a convenient food source. To keep your food fresh, an airtight container is a better bet. We like the wheeled pet food storage bins and they enable you to move heavy quantities of food around without putting your back out! This slimline version fits nicely in a cupboard. Well worth thinking about, especially if you have several dogs to feed. There are also some gorgeous storage containers now that beg to be put out on display. Feeding Labrador puppies When you first bring your puppy home, your breeder should have provided you with a diet sheet, some food, and plenty of information on feeding Labrador puppies. It is really important to stick with his familiar food for the first few days. Moving home is traumatic enough for an eight week old pup without giving his tummy a shock too. If you have not been given any food or any information on how to feed a puppy then I suggest you call in to your local pet store and buy a small sack of kibble puppy food that is appropriate for his breed and age. Giving water to your Labrador Puppies and older dogs need water available to them at all times during the day. Provided that it is at least an hour since his last meal. Kibble fed dogs drink quite a lot of water, raw fed dogs may drink very little. This is normal. When feeding problems need veterinary help All puppies need regular veterinary check ups and when you take your puppy to the vet for his vaccinations. This is a great time to ask any questions you might have on his diet and welfare generally. All dogs may eat less in very hot weather. But changes in appetite, especially sudden changes, can be a sign that a dog is not well. Before adopting a Labrador Retriever puppy, many owners go to great lengths to deduce the optimal food for their pup. From raw feed to canned food from a local pet store, there are plenty of dog food options for owners to consider, but which is the best dog food? Whether you feed your puppy a raw food diet or commercial dog foods, there are lots of ways for your pup to consume a balanced diet. There are plenty of sources that will describe the benefits of one diet over another, but remember that no one knows your puppy better than you. The decision to feed your dog a diet that you think is best is yours to make. There really is no right or wrong answer when it comes to selecting a food for your puppy. Your pooch will likely enjoy eating wet food just as much as they enjoy commercial dog food. So long as you feed your pup an adequate amount of food, they are likely to live a long and healthy life. If you would like specific advice about feeding your individual puppy, you may wish to consult with your veterinarian or other dog food expert. When you first bring your puppy home, it can be alarming if your dog does not touch its puppy food during the first few days at home. Is this cause for concern? Noticing that your precious pup is not eating can be a frightening realization. Prior to being welcomed to its forever home, your Lab puppy was accustomed to living with its mother and siblings. Therefore, being uprooted from this life can initially be a startling experience for a dog. Fortunately, puppies should develop an appetite within a day or two of entering their forever home-they just need a short time to adjust to their new life. If, after a few days, your puppy is still not eating their dog food, it may be a wise idea to have your puppy evaluated by a vet. Feeding A Two-Month-Old Labrador Retriever Two months old is about the earliest point at which a Labrador puppy can be brought home by their new family. When a Labrador puppy begins to eat solid food, it will not be eating a ton of food. So, owners can start their Lab puppy off with somewhere around 0. As your puppy grows older and gets bigger, owners should look to increase the amount of food for their Labrador pup. By the time a puppy is nearing three months old, it should be eating well over 1 cup of food every day. Some puppies may be consuming close to two cups of dog food at this time. This increase in size means that their appetite has also surely grown since bringing them home. By the time a Labrador puppy is around 3 months old, it should be eating close to 1. Large three-month-old Labrador puppies can be away a substantial amount of food as they are near four months old. Some puppies will be able to consume around 3 cups of food daily at this point in their lives, but most will be eating closer to 2 cups of dog food every day. If your pup seems hungry and looks to be a healthy weight, there is no need for owners to be concerned about how much food their three-month-old Lab is consuming. Your precious pooch will start to look more like an adult with each passing day. Therefore, it is essential to feed your dog enough food to promote the weight gain that makes dogs thrive. Four-month-old Labrador Retrievers should be given at least two cups of food daily. The biggest, most ravenous Labs will eat close to 3. However, only dogs on the large end of the puppy spectrum will need to eat this much at this time. Average four to five-month-old Labs should eat anywhere from 2 to 3 cups of food daily. Labrador Retriever teenagers are characterized by disproportionate body parts, distracted behavior, and dispositions that range from silly to ornery. Therefore, getting enough food to support such development is imperative. A six-month-old Labrador will surely be able to eat at least 2. This will ensure proper growth for your pooch. As your puppy reaches the point in which it is 7 to 8 months old, continue to increase the amount of food that your puppy receives. Labrador Retriever puppies that are close to 9 months old can eat more than 4 cups of food daily. However, your furry friend is more likely to consume 2. Instead, your pup is likely nearing its adult size. So, how much food should ten to twelve-month-old Labs be eating? Puppies that consume quantities of food on the low end of the spectrum should be consuming at least 3 cups of food every day during this time. On the other hand, large Lab pups that are between 10 to 12 months old could be eating 4. If your puppy is on the brink of adulthood, it would be wise to consider weaning it off of its puppy food in favor of adult dog food. All Lab puppies should be offered adult dog food when they reach maturity, as such food replaces nutrients that are essential for puppies with ingredients that benefit adults. Whereas puppies should eat food that increases their body weight, adult Labs should eat food that maintains their weight. So, if you think it may be time to switch your Labrador Retriever to an adult dog food diet, consult with your vet and find a food that is best for your adult Lab. Of course, the mature size of your pooch will dictate how much food it can and should be consuming every day. Generally, it is advisable to feed an adult Labrador anywhere from 3 to just over 4 cups of food every day. Gauge the weight and appetite of your pet to determine the perfect amount for your furry friend. Though the above recommendation will be perfect for most adult Labs, there are some instances in which mature Labradors will require more adult food. Pregnant Or Lactating Labs A Labrador who is pregnant or lactating will require substantial amounts of food to nourish herself and her litter of pups. Therefore, owners should be prepared to offer vast quantities of food to their Labrador mothers. While a typical adult Labrador will consume 3 to 4 cups of food every day, Labrador mothers should be offered around 6 cups of food at least to keep up with their enormous energy requirements. If your mother Labrador snarfs this food down and still seems hungry afterward, be prepared to offer her additional food. Especially Active Labs If your Labrador is an athletic specimen, it may need to consume more than a typical adult Lab to fuel the exercise regime that such a dog is accustomed to. Dogs that receive more than one hour of daily exercise could be considered especially active dogs. Owners can begin by offering these pooches 4. If they still seem hungry, owners can increase the amount of food given to these dogs. Once a dog reaches the golden years of its life, it is once again time to switch up its diet. Senior dogs should consume food that caters to the needs of their aging bodies. These pooches can get away with eating a low-protein diet whereas such food would not be appropriate for puppies or adults. Given that senior dogs are usually not especially active dogs, they do not require as much food compared to adult and large puppies. Therefore, supplying a senior Lab with anywhere from 2 to just over 3 cups of food daily should be plenty for your pooch. Now that you know how much to feed your Labrador, you are likely curious about the number of times that your dog should be fed every day. Some may be looking for a quick answer about how often to feed a Labrador every day, but the truth is nuanced. When it comes to feeding your Lab, it turns out that Labs of different ages should be fed different amounts of food every day. Read on to discover the perfect number of meals for your Lab. An infant Labrador Retriever should have its daily food allotment broken up into at least 4 meals every day. This will help supply these petite pups with the energy that they need to get through the day. Lab puppies that are four to twelve months old do not require as many meals as their younger counterparts. However, these dogs should still receive three meals per day to support their rapid metabolism. Feeding one meal in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the evening is optimal. Adult Labs do not need to eat as many meals are puppies due to their slower metabolisms. Supplying an adult Labrador Retriever with two meals every day would be perfect for these dogs. Ideally, adult dogs will be fed one meal in the morning and one in the evening. When your furry friend reaches the point in their life where they are considered to be a senior dog, your pooch will have the slowest metabolism in their life. The slow metabolism for senior Labs means that these dogs do not need to eat as frequently as they did when they were younger. In fact, senior Labrador Retrievers can get by with eating a single meal every day. One to two meals per day is ideal for a senior Labrador Retriever. Owners can see if their senior Lab prefers one or two meals each day by allowing them to try each option. Is this because these dogs are prone to obesity or simply because there are so many Labs out and about? It turns out that Labrador Retrievers are more prone to obesity than many other dog breeds. Labs have evolved to be very active dogs. If owners fail to provide their dogs with proper exercise and feed their furry friends excessive amounts of food, there is a good chance that owners will end up with overweight dogs. Why Is My Labrador Overweight? If you are someone who owns an overweight Labrador, you are not alone. Overweight Labs are still lovable pooches, but they could stand to lose some pounds for their own good. Obviously, feeding your dog less food is likely to be one of the keys to helping your canine companion to lose weight. However, you may be wondering what else you can do to help your Labrador lose weight. Well, if you do not frequently exercise your dog, then this is a good place to start. Try feeding your dog its typical amount of food but increasing its exercise to see if it starts to lose weight. For those that are still struggling to get your pooch to lose weight, be sure to cut out table scraps and dog treats from the diet of your dog. Moreover, be sure that you are not free feeding your Labrador Retriever. Free feeding is acceptable for puppies when they are infants, but Labradors that are any other age should not be free fed, for this can also result in a chunky pooch. If you fear that your dog is consuming its food too quickly, there are plenty of feeding methods to help your pooch slow down. Obesity in dogs is a serious issue. We briefly touched on this subject when discussing the best foods for Lab puppies, and the same advice will apply here. Some owners feed raw to their Labs, while others may feed kibble. Does this mean that those who practice raw feeding are likely to own healthier dogs compared to those feeding kibble to their dogs? Of course not! High-quality dog food may take many different forms. A raw diet could provide your dog with all of the nutrients that it needs, but it is not inherently better for your dog than dry food or homemade food. Ultimately, owners know their Lab better than anyone else, so they should have the final say regarding what to feed their dog. Deciding what to feed your Labrador can be an overwhelming prospect. Consult A Veterinarian Inquiring with a trusted veterinarian about the diet of your Labrador Retriever will help an owner determine the optimal food intake for their precious pooch. They may also recommend certain dog foods that can be purchased to feed a Labrador. A feeding chart will provide information related to how much food to provide a Lab based on its age. A feeding guide may even break down how much food to feed a Labrador based on its weight. There are plenty of Labrador Puppy feeding chart options and feeding guides for adults. Finding a feeding chart that was created by a trusted source like the American Kennel Club can help you make an informed decision about how much to feed your furry friend. Ultimately, a feeding guide is a good place to turn if you find yourself in need of a quick answer about the topic of how much to feed your Lab. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, you can reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.

Call Morgan at for specific pup identification if you are leaning towards placing an early deposit. Please check back, we update our website daily! Please see our Deposit Page and our Transportation Page for information on getting your puppy. We love the English bulldog temperament, physique and expression, I just personally like it to be about lbs. We find the smaller sizes are more buoyant and playful and, though still very heat sensitive, are better able to cope with life in general. Downsizing an AKC breed takes time. Our girls all come from long lines of lb. We not trying for 20 pounders…our goal is to have healthy, beautiful babies that consistently mature at lbs. If you see a puppy that tugs on your heartstrings please call, or go to our deposit page for more information. In the last few years it has become clear that most people would prefer their puppy to be transported using our White Glove transport or Nanny Flight transport. Today, we have requests for our Puppies from all over the country. Because of this, the majority those requesting a Sugarplum Bulldog Puppy have also requested transport to their area of the country; those in Florida, for example, cannot easily make the drive to RI. As such, the majority of our Puppies have shifted to a transport model; this gets them closer to their new forever home. Because of this, we have come to the decision, that for the well being of our Puppies and for the benefit of our new Sugarplum Bulldog owners, we have developed a transport model for our pups using our Puppy-Mobile with direct transport to the pups new Forever Home! Our Mid-Western breeding home is co-owned by Sugarplum Bulldogs, and our partner. I realize that not having a chance to play with the Pups is disappointing to some, but please understand that our team are dedicated to the highest level of care for our little Pups. We truly feel that this new model is in the best interested of our Puppies and their new homes. Please feel free to ask me any questions…. Welcome to the Michigan state page on TrustedPuppies. Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, Michigan is renowned for its stunning lakeshores, vibrant cities, and variety of dog-friendly activities. Our goal is to connect you with the most exceptional English Bulldog breeders and puppies for sale in the region, ensuring you find the ideal companion for your family. Our site features a wide variety of reputable Michigan breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our MI breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. Discover the dynamic dog-friendly scene in Michigan, featuring inviting restaurants, spacious dog parks, and engaging dog shows. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the West Michigan Harvest Cluster Dog Show provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of English Bulldog canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. Michigan claims the 7th position in U. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable English Bulldog breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in Michigan. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your English Bulldog puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect English Bulldog puppy on TrustedPuppies.

Also called Miniature Labrapoos, Labradoodles, and Labradorpoos, the Miniature Labradoodle is a well-known hybrid breed in a smaller package. They are sweet-natured and smart, and they love to spend time with their people. They are affectionate with their family. They are also tolerant and compassionate, and they tend to be well-behaved around people of all ages and other pets. Labradoodles are generally healthy and should live to be 10 to 14 years old. These qualities make Miniature Labradoodles an ideal family dog that does well with other pets and children. Even the most inexperienced dog parents find this breed to be easy to train and eager to please. They are too gentle and sweet to make a good guard dog, but they can be useful watchdogs. They are small and fluffy, square and athletic. Long, furry ears are set on the top and back of their heads. Their muzzles can be medium to long. The Miniature Labradoodle coat varies a great deal, ranging from straight to loose curls, and usually kept about 4 to 6 inches in length. The coat may be one of three textures. They could have hair similar to fur in shedding dogs, they could have a more dense and non-shedding wool, or they could have more of a silky fleece. They come in a variety of colors: Gold. View fullsize Both our chocolate Labradoodle and our Poodle are beautiful dogs with excellent temperaments. They are our family pets. Because we begin with a Labradoodle and a Poodle, rather than a Lab and a Poodle, our puppies are much more likely to have the non-shedding Poodle coat. A F1b Labradoodle has been back-crossed to a poodle in an effort to insure a non-shedding coat. Even though most f1b Labradoodles shed very little or not all, it is impossible to guarantee that any dog even doodles or purebred poodles will not shed at all. Hypo- means less hypothermia is having a lower than normal body temperature. No dog can be said to be completely non-allergenic. Studies have shown that doodles are less likely to cause allergies, particularly f1b doodles. The ideal is to keep as much of the Lab head shape and super-friendly personality as possible while getting the non-shedding Poodle coat as well as the dignified, less vocal characteristics of the Poodle. Our Labradoodle methodology is quite simple. First, we get quality dogs. This is why we wanted to have pick of the litter for our Labradoodle and our Poodle and why we only obtained puppies from reputable breeders that we knew we could trust. Second, we try to treat our dogs Labradoodle and Poodle well. We feed our Labradoodle and Poodle high quality food with plenty of protein, and give them wonderful socialization and opportunities for exercise. We have 12 acres along the Enoree River with trails, additional property next to a Greenville state park, and property on Lake Hartwell giving us the opportunity to take the dogs kayaking. We recognize the importance of socializing young Labradoodle puppies so they will not be fearful as they mature. Our Labradoodle puppies have lots of opportunities to play with our children, and water games are definitely on top of the list. Labradoodles love the water and so do my kids, as you can see below. Third, we try to find appropriate families for our Chocolate Labradoodle puppies. To learn more about our process, check out this resource that gives a step-by-step guide between the application to receiving your puppy! A Chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle is not for everyone, and a puppy is not for everyone. If your family is not prepared for a Labradoodle puppy financially, time investment, etc. When can you get your puppy? Because we have only one Labradoodle mother and a couple guardian homes , puppies are available only occasionally. Contact us nathan crockettdoodles. We have a flexible waiting list and offer your deposit back if we do not have the ideal Labradoodle puppy for you within a certain window of time. Sometimes with mini Labradoodles we prefer to wait until they are a little older than 8 weeks because accidents tend to happen more easily with really small puppies. We will take several pictures of you with your Labradoodle puppy. We will send you the pictures for free place them on a USB thumb drive for you , and you will have full copyright privileges to all of the pictures to use at your discretion. You have the option of whether or not the photos appear here on the ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Although we never ship puppies, we will sometimes personally deliver puppies for a reasonable fee. Why should you consider getting a Chocolate Labradoodle from us? If a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy is right for your family, and if you are within driving distance of Greenville, SC, you may want to consider getting a chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle from us. If you read our Labradoodle puppy methodology and like what you read, you should consider adopting one of our puppies. We have a three-year health guarantee on each of our puppies if the forever home continues to feed TLC one year health guarantee on all others. How can you get a Chocolate Labradoodle or Labradoodle mini from us? If you think your family would be a good match for one of our Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppies, then start the conversation by emailing us at nathan crockettdoodles. You will have full access to all pictures and hold the copyright to make as many pictures as you desire. You keep all the pictures. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality collar. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality leash. We give you a bag of high quality dog food. We believe that you should give your new Labradoodle puppy or mini Labradoodle puppy the best food. Instructional materials about crate training and house training. Our goal is to do everything we can to assist in the house training and crate training process. A Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy or any puppy cannot be completely reliable in the house until the puppy is about 6 months old. The simple point is that no matter what some breeders tell you you will be partially involved in the house training process unless you buy an older Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle , but we want to help you with that process. A one-year health guarantee; extended to three years for all who continue to feed TLC. We are concerned with finding really good homes for our Labradoodle and mini Labradoodle puppies. Labradoodle Color To see a list of available colors, check out this page. At ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Ultimately we cannot completely control the color of puppies. Even though chocolate is the most desirable color, we sometimes have puppies of other colors even occasional merles. These puppies, will of course, also make excellent pets. These non-chocolate Labradoodle puppies are also available to great families, but we know that Chocolate Labradoodles are the most desirable. The Labrador Retriever has a short coat that sheds. By breeding the F1 Labradoodle back to an unrelated Poodle, the chances of getting the highly desirable non-shedding Poodle coat increase exponentially. Some F1B Labradoodles are bred back another time to a Poodle in an effort to guarantee a Poodle coat. If high quality dogs are chosen to breed that have the head shape of a Labrador Retriever it is possible to get a puppy that is very similar in many ways to a Labrador, but has the beautiful non-shedding Poodle coat. Both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are highly intelligent dogs, helping Labradoodles excel in smarts, train-ability, and a general desire to always please their owner. If you desire a family-friendly, kid loving, medium energy dog that is comfortable inside or outside, that loves the water and the land, you should definitely consider a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle. For more info about Labradoodle puppies or mini Labradoodle puppies, please email nathan crockettdoodles. Check out our sister site miniLabradoodlePuppies. We specialize in Chocolate Labradoodles and mini Labradoodles, but often we have other colors as well. Occasionally someone travels from Atlanta, Columbia, Raleigh-Durham or Knoxville, but our proximity to North Carolina and the popularity of Labradoodles in North Carolina make Charlotte and Asheville our most serviced locations. We also have some who are interested from distant states, but we primarily serve the Southeast U. With high energy, this breed is not for the faint of heart. While your Mini Labradoodle will be perfectly content to snuggle up on the couch with you, he needs rigorous exercise to ensure optimal health. Thanks to their Poodle ancestry, our Mini Labradoodles are whip smart — making them a breeze to train with positive reinforcement — but this is tempered by the easygoing nature of the standard Labrador. Sociable and friendly, our Mini Labradoodles for sale get along well with other dogs — but their high energy may make them a bit too exuberant when it comes to play! Mini Labradoodle Puppies Health Considerations Every breed of dog comes with its own unique health considerations. Though generally healthy and long lived — with an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years — our Mini Labradoodle puppies for sale are no exception. This will help you quickly identify symptoms and seek immediate treatment should an issue arise. They can also be short, dense, and sometimes harsh in texture, more similar to the Labrador. Like all doodles, Mini Labradoodles come with a range of coat varieties. Some take more after their Labrador parent—with straighter coats—and others have the tight ringlets of their Poodle parent. Most will fall somewhere in between, and nearly all Mini Labradoodle puppies have coats with minimal shedding. Initially, you will need to brush your Mini Labradoodle puppy around four times a week until his coat is established — at around eight to 12 months, you can reduce this to three times a week. You can take your Mini Labradoodle pup to the groomer for a trim between two and four times a year — with many owners opting for seasonal cuts — but should wait until your pup sheds his baby fur before taking him for his first cut! Meet Mini Labradoodle Puppies for Sale. Life Span Did You Know? Second-generation crosses could include a Labradoodle and a Mini Poodle or two Mini Labradoodles as parents. This hybrid dog breed was originally developed to create smaller potential service dogs that might be a good fit for people with allergies to dog fur. With a mixed breed, you can end up with any combination of traits from the parent breeds. Often, Mini Labradoodles are smart, friendly, and sociable dogs that are highly trainable. They are often found working as service dogs and therapy dogs and living as beloved family companions. Although they are not recognized by the AKC, the Mini Labradoodle is recognized by other canine registries. A Mini Labradoodle is a combination of two friendly dog breeds that crave human affection and are always happy to have company. These dogs also tend to have playful, energetic personalities and low prey drives. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their smaller size, these dogs can be injured by accidental rough play or accidental falls, so any interactions between young kids and puppies should be closely supervised. Miniature Labradoodles will usually bark to alert you when someone is at the door, but generally are not prone to nuisance barking unless they have been trained into it. It may not be a bad idea to train your dog to stop barking early on. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles may be initially wary of strangers, but tend to warm up quickly and will often be happy to make a new friend. Miniature Labradoodles are highly adaptable. Provided they get enough exercise, attention, and mental stimulation, they can adapt well to apartments as well as larger homes. They tend to do best in moderate climates, but can tolerate warmer or colder climates. As with any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Although they tend to have a fluffier coat, they are also smaller and may need to bundle up in some winter dog products to stay warm while out on walks in the cold. Mini Labradoodles are also very much companion breeds. They bond closely with their families and thrive on being near them, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. The health of the parents and good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of Mini Labradoodle puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done to help allay any concerns you may have. Miniature Labradoodles tend to be highly intelligent and eager to please. This generally makes them easy to train and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. In fact, their parent breeds are considered some of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. These dogs respond best to consistent training and positive reinforcement. Puppy training classes can ensure that owners of any experience level learn the latest training techniques and start building a strong bond with their puppy. Grooming requirements with a Mini Labradoodle can vary. On the Poodle side, you have a low-shedding, but high-maintenance, coat that needs daily brushing along with trimming and grooming every weeks. On the Lab side, you have a higher shedding coat that is more low-maintenance, requiring some weekly brushing or brushing a few times a week and intermittent bathing. Overall, Mini Labradoodles range from having a non- to low-shedding coat. They can have one coat type or the other, or a combination of both of them. So, you will want to be prepared for brushing a coat a few times a week and the possibility of more grooming needs. Regardless of coat type, there are some other general grooming tasks you can count on. Regular dental care for your dog will help prevent serious dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay later in life. This is especially important for dog breeds with floppy ears as they are more prone to developing ear infections. Miniature Labradoodles can be high-energy dogs. In general, they require daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity to be happy and healthy. Since they love to be around their family and can have an exuberant and outgoing personality, they will likely be up for more playtime if you are. This little dog may get tired more easily at times and could push themselves too far in their excitement. On the other hand, they may just keep going and going with no signs of slowing down. What is most important is making sure your Miniature Labradoodle gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. Fully-grown Mini Labradoodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Miniature Labradoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Labradoodle Article. Their incredible versatility of an easily trainable and adoring temperament as well as their social nature make them a perfect family pet. These beautiful, miniature versions are also commonly referred to as Australian Labradoodles, Mini Labradoos, and Mini Labrapoodles. The Mini Labradoodle is the smaller version of the equally amazing Standard Labradoodle that is a cross between a Standard Poodle and a Labrador, both purebred dogs. The standard-sized versions were bred to be guide dogs, and this trait is dominant in Mini Labradoodles as well. This designer breed is a dog of many talents. Mini Labradoodles are highly intelligent, affectionate, and as loving as can be. They can be trained for a myriad of dog jobs, and are quite the athletes when it comes to dog sports. Appearance and Grooming With two very different parent breeds, it can be difficult to know what each puppy will look like. Some litter pups take on more characteristics of the Poodle parent and others take after the Labrador more. Their low-shedding coat may resemble that of a Poodle : long, curly, and thick, or they may have fur that resembles that of a Labrador: short, straight, and dense with color variations of black, brown, chocolate, cream, golden, silver and white. This breed has a double coat which may require daily brushing depending on the thickness. They will also need regularly scheduled professional grooming appointments every 4 to 6 weeks. The size of Mini Labradoodles can vary quite a bit as well since they are a crossbreed of different-sized dogs. They may be smaller or larger depending on who they take after more. The typical size for these cuties is 14 to 16 inches tall with a weight of 16 to 25 pounds for a full-grown Mini Labradoodle. With both parent breeds being family-friendly, happy-go-lucky breeds, it is no surprise that this puppy will have the same fun-loving nature. Family and Companionship Perfect for families with children of all ages, the Mini Labradoodle is certain to fit in anywhere. This sweet dog will need plenty of love and attention, so staying away for long periods of time is not ideal for the overall emotional health of this breed. Because of their smaller size, they can thrive in all environments, be it a city apartment or in a rural setting with lots of lands. Keep in mind that your puppy will need lots of exercise and play so make sure you have plenty of places to let them run and sniff. Exercise Taking on the energetic tendencies of both parents, the mini Labradoodles are extremely active dogs who enjoy going for walks, running, and even swimming much like the Poodle. Like the Retriever, they love to play and retrieve things. Be prepared to keep them busy and spend at least an hour of active playtime with them each day. They can be pretty active chewers and seekers of mischief, so giving them something to play with is imperative. Training and Socialization Inheriting the intelligence of the Poodle parent will not only make this dog super trainable but also a wonderful option for a service or therapy dog. Its natural intuition makes it easily adaptable to people and places. However, it is very important to begin training the moment you bring your mini Labradoodle puppy home. You should start exposing it to new places, people, and other dogs as early as possible. Early socialization is paramount in the overall wellness of this unique breed. They are happy and healthy dogs that have amazing personalities. Our Mini Labradoodle breeders as well as our Puppy Agents interact with these pups daily to ensure they are socialized early and ready for their transition to your home. How big will my Miniature Labradoodle get? They will grow to a height between 21 to 23 inches and weigh between 55 to 80 lbs. What is the life expectancy of a Miniature Labradoodle? The average life expectancy is 10 to 12 years. What is the appearance of a Miniature Labradoodle? What is the temperament of a Miniature Labradoodle? They are spirited animals with a zest for adventure. They are full of love and affection and devoted to their humans. They have a playful and sometimes rambunctious side so creating boundaries and providing proper exercise will be important to keep these little ones in shape and out of mischief. Is the Miniature Labradoodle a good choice for first time dog owners? In fact, they are a perfect match for first time dog owners as they are super intelligent and easily trainable. They start learning at a very young age. Should I socialize my Miniature Labradoodle puppy? Though it is always important to socialize your puppy, please do so in safe places until the puppy has received all of its vaccinations. These little ones love people, but can exhibit a protective nature. Proper socialization will bring out the best of their sociable, easy-going temperament. How much exercise will my Miniature Labradoodle require? These are lively little pups with energy to spare they will need to have 30 to 60 minutes of vigorous activity per day, including walks and active play. Playtime and mental stimulation such as training exercises and interactive toys are recommended as well. How much food will my Miniature Labradoodle require? This breed is prone to obesity and bloating so proper nutrition must be shown from puppy and throughout adulthood. Because the sizes of these dogs vary so widely so will the amount of food they should get. Talk with your veterinary care provider about getting your little one on the right track. What type of coat does the Miniature Labradoodle have? Miniature Labradoodle coats come in many different colors and textures. They could have a shorter, double Labrador coat or a long, curly Poodle coat. Most of the time they fall somewhere in between while still showcasing those distinctive Poodle curls. What colors are the Miniature Labradoodles? They come in several solid colors including yellow, golden, chocolate, black, blue, brown, gray, and white. How often will my Miniature Labradoodle need to be groomed? This is a fairly high maintenance breed that requires frequent, brushing and regular trimming. They are excellent family pets, especially for active families. They are full of love and devotion and are always up for a new adventure. They do great with children. Is the Miniature Labradoodle hypoallergenic? Though not a fully hypoallergenic, they are a great choice for anyone that suffers from allergens. The AKC does not recognize mixed breeds. Mini Labradoodle Reviews.

We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Lab puppies are incredibly cute, but their teeth really hurt when they are puncturing your skin every time you try to play. No one likes to be bitten, so how can you get a lab puppy to stop biting? The best way to stop a Lab puppy from biting is through a combination of proper exercise, training, redirection, and the use of positive affirmation. Most owners attempt at least one of these methods, but it is the combination and use of all of them that will effectively curb unwanted biting. Keep in mind that before you can stop it effectively, you should know why Labrador puppies bite so much. Additionally, know when they tend to naturally stop biting. Only then can you effectively begin to work on preventing them from biting. Lab puppies use their mouths to explore their environment and gather important information. When puppies are growing their adult teeth, they will often chew to soothe the ache along their gums. Labs may also bite to play or out of fear and aggression. Biting for Sensory Information When a puppy bites something, they learn how hard they can bite it, what it tastes like, how it feels, and if they can bite it again. All of this information is stored in a mental catalog your dog looks back on when encountering a similar object. This learning process is very important for puppies to become well-socialized dogs. When a puppy bites another puppy too hard they will lose their playmate. Biting too hard can have negative repercussions! Biting for sensory information is a totally normal behavior for puppies and even adult dogs. Since they don't have hands to explore with, their mouths are the only option. However, if you don't want your dog's mouth on you or your belongings, there are ways to stop this biting but we'll get to that later! Biting for Teething As your Lab matures, their mouths will start to change. Once their adult teeth begin to push up through their gums, the teeth they were born with begin to fall out one by one. It is the same process humans go through when their baby teeth come in and are later replaced with adult teeth. Just like with humans, this process is somewhat painful and incredibly uncomfortable. To help quicken the process, puppies will chew on things to wear down the gum between the new tooth and their mouth. This practice is also very soothing for puppies, especially if they chew on something cold. Biting for Play vs Biting for Aggression In the wild, dogs and wolves play by wrestling around and biting one another. Since your dog sees you as a member of its pack, they will try to play with you in a similar way. Of course, this biting still isn't ideal, but it's important to know the difference between play and real aggression. When a dog bites out of aggression, it is because they are scared, or you are asking them to do something they really don't want to do. Biting out of aggression is important to watch and fix at a young age so you don't end up with an aggressive dog. The most significant indicator of aggressive biting is body language. When a puppy is being playful, their body and facial muscles are relaxed. When a puppy is biting out of aggression, their body will be stiff or frozen, their face will have a lot of tension in it, and their lips may be pulled back in a snarl or growl. If you are seeing a lot of aggression in your puppy, you should contact your Veterinarian to make sure they are not in pain. When a dog suddenly becomes aggressive, they may have an unseen condition that is causing them to lash out. If you get a clear bill of health, you should seek the help of a professional trainer to help you. As we said earlier, as your Labrador matures, they will start to develop adult teeth. This change usually occurs around 12 to 16 weeks of age; the process will reach its end at about 7 months. Therefore, if your Lab is biting to soothe its gums, then the biting should end around the same time their teeth have fully grown in. If your puppy is biting for sensory information and play, it will lessen as your Lab matures and begins to slow down. While there is no magic number that says when your Lab will calm down , it usually happens between the ages of 2 and 4. First, don't hit your puppy as punishment. They aren't doing anything wrong in their mind because biting is natural. You also can't decide when it is and isn't okay to bite. Doing so can cause great confusion. When trying to prevent your Lab from biting, a few tips can help you. Exercise, training, redirecting, and positive affirmations are your secret weapons against those adorable, tiny, sharp teeth. Exercise Exercising your Lab daily will cause them to be too exhausted to do anything but sleep, let alone bite you. You can exercise your Lab by playing fetch, going on walks, or using enrichment toys. Training First, I recommend formal fundamental training before attempting anything specialized. Training your Lab not to bite sounds complicated, but it can be as easy as slapping some butter and seasoning on. If your Lab is biting YOU, put some butter on your arms and clothes wear they like to bite you. Show the butter to your Lab, and when they lick at it, say "yes, kisses, yes. This associates the word "kisses" with the act of licking and the yummy taste your dog gets. The next time your Lab tries to bite you, say "kisses," they should start to lick you instead as they try for the yummy taste. If your Lab is biting furniture or shoes, there is another approach. Grab a spicy seasoning, like paprika or taco seasoning, and sprinkle it on the places your Lab chews. Then, the next time they go to chew it, they will get a nasty taste in their mouth and leave the thing alone! Redirecting Redirecting your dog to things they are allowed to chew on when playing is another way to avoid being bitten. Have some good chew toys handy whenever you are playing with your Lab. When your Lab starts to bite you, show them a chew toy and try directing the bite towards it. After a while, your puppy should go after its toys instead of you. This type of training takes time , but is proven to be very effective. Positive Affirmation When your dog does what you want, whether it's licking or going for a proper toy, make sure you give them lots of praise. Tell them how good they are and even provide them with a treat or two! Final Thoughts Biting is a natural part of a Lab's life, but it is crucial to decipher playful nips and aggressive ones. Playful body language is loose and relaxed Aggressive body language is stiff and snarling If you are seeing a lot of aggressive body language in your Lab, make sure they are healthy and contact a trainer A Lab will probably stop biting after they stop teething If your Lab doesn't stop biting after teething, they should stop upon reaching maturity between 2 and 4 years of age Exercise, training, redirecting, and positive affirmation are the best ways to stop biting NEVER hit your dog to stop biting. This awful biting time with puppies seems like it will go on for ever, but actually it only lasts a few weeks - mostly by the time the new teeth have come through, at about four to five months, the biting stops, and soon you will find you have a dog with a gentle mouth. You may not realize it, but your puppy is already being careful to some extent - if you have ever fed a puppy a raw chicken wing, for instance, you will know that he would be completely capable of biting right through your fingers, if he really wanted to. He is already pulling his punches, and now just needs your help to learn that human skin is more delicate than the thick fur of his mother and siblings. Your puppy sounds like he gets wound up and overtired the mad running around the house. This is the time a crate or quiet area can work wonders. Stay calm, keep giving him toys and chews to chomp on instead of your hands, refuse to interact with him when he bites you - even a second or two of no attention will help him to realize you really don't like it. Grabbing his cheeks and pulling him obviously doesn't work, he probably thinks it's some kind of game, and the attention you are inadvertently bestowing on him in that way seems to be making the situation worse.It will help if you teach him what you DO want, which is calm, gentle behaviour. Don't forget to praise him quietly and calmly when he is being good and quiet. I found holding one end of a chew such as a bully stick , so that we were interacting without him actually hurting me, helped. I also found that working out a routine was very helpful, so that we would go outside to play, then he would have his food, go out again to pee, then I would put him in his bed in the crate or behind a gate for a rest. Don't panic, this is very normal puppy behaviour, and I guarantee it will pass. You will get there. In a couple of months you'll be telling us what a delight he is.Consistency is the Key Puppies practice becoming aggressive as they play. They are enthusiastic about the entire play-acting stuff. Everything is part of the game. The most crucial aspect of the game is to create as much noise and seem as furious as possible. When puppies play, they bite, and occasionally when they try to coax their hapless owners into yet another game, they all growl or snarl viciously. Your dog will not only sound fierce, but he will also look fierce. His small face will be scrunched up, his lips sucked back, and his teeth will be seen. So, the reality is that all pups bite. And many puppy bites are painful. Some Labrador pups bite more than others, and biting a lot while growling or snarling is usual. Biting so hard that your eyes are wet and you occasionally break the skin is also bad. Puppies bite at hands attempting to pet them, at bare feet, and joyfully tug at clothing, all while trying to sound as vicious as possible. That is all normal. It also occurs in working dog homes when the dogs are kenneled or are not permitted unsupervised interaction with anybody other than their trainer or primary caregiver. That is not always the case in most young families. Everyone in many homes, especially while the puppy is a novelty, plays with the dog, and that may be rather physical. That excites puppies and tends to aggravate biting. Inexperienced puppy owners may sometimes unintentionally lengthen the biting period by rewarding the dog with attention when he bites. Want your dog to have the best name? How to Train a Puppy Not to Bite? A Labrador puppy is adorable on its legs. When that lovely puppy nips and bites, they suddenly appear less cuddly. However, while a puppy nip is unlikely to do a major injury when the Labrador is an adult and exerts full pressure on his jaws, this will result in a devastating bite. That is why it is critical to train a puppy not to bite so that it does not become a habit, and if he is caught off guard as an adult, he restricts himself from biting. As a result, you must be prepared to play the role of an Oscar winner for the sake of the child. The following are some methods that can help you to stop your Labrador puppy from biting. Use distance toys, like balls or tug toys, instead. When can a Labrador Puppy Climb Stairs? Click here to find out. Praise Appropriate Chewing Puppies like to chew, and giving the pup an outlet for their desire to have something in their mouth during times of frustration is a vital component of training them not to bite people. When you find the puppy chewing on a suitable thing, such as his toy, praise him. That will teach him that there are appropriate and inappropriate things to dig his teeth into. Teach Obedience Even though the puppy is young, practice simple instructions such as sit, stay, and look. That gets the pup to listen to you and provides you with a tool to get them to stop and calm down. Socialize Your Puppy A stressed puppy that has minimal contact with other dogs or puppies is more likely to develop biting inhibition problems. The approach is to immediately begin socializing with the puppy and have him play with other pups and dogs. Use a Houseline If your puppy nips at your hands when you go to pick him up or when he is overexcited, you need to find a better way to distract him. Using a harness and houseline a lightweight lead on your puppy indoors can be quite beneficial in these situations. Consistency is the Key When teaching your Labrador, it is also critical to remain consistent. It is unlikely that you will be able to drastically influence its behavior with just one training session. However, if you exercise it consistently over weeks and months, you will see considerably better improvements. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please note: We are not veterinarians and you use our advice at your own discretion. We always recommend that you consult your veterinarian whenever you have health-related conditions your furbaby is facing. With that in mind, as pet parents ourselves, we wish nothing but the best for your pet and their healthy and happy lives. When do Lab Puppies Stop Biting? Bringing home a little Lab puppy for the first time is very exciting. But as time goes on you may start to wonder if the biting will ever stop. I know I sure did when I first got my Lab. So, I did some research to figure out when my little guy would get over his biting phase. When do Lab puppies stop biting? As a general rule, a Labrador puppy will stop biting by the time it is 7 months old. At that age, your puppy will have all his adult teeth and will no longer bite due to teething. While the teething may stop at 7 months of age, your puppy may still bite for other reasons. Besides cutting teeth, they also mouth things as a way to explore, and they nip during play. Luckily, there are things you can do as a lab owner to curb that biting habit, even before the 7-month mark. Why Lab Puppies Bite If you are new to the world of young puppies, you may be surprised by how frequently your pup puts his jaws on something or someone! I can assure you, though, that the biting is completely normal. To some extent, the problem will stop by the time the puppy finishes teething at 7 months of age. Before this age mark, puppies are losing their baby teeth to make way for a full set of adult chompers. Provide him with ample chew toys. This will begin to teach him that biting people is not okay. In addition to teething, puppies bite and mouth things as a way of exploring the world around them. This is similar to the way human babies stick things in their mouths. It is their way of interacting with their surroundings. Being retrievers, lab pups are especially inclined to bite and grab things with their mouth. That is, after all, what they were bred to do! Biting is how your puppy interacted with his litter mates and mother during playtime. All the puppy had to do was nip at his brother or sister to initiate a game of tag and tumble. Unfortunately, your puppy is not going to get that same reaction when he nips at you. Redirect him to a fun toy instead. Things That Trigger Puppies to Bite Besides your hands, there are all sorts of things that can trigger a bite from your playful pup. Moving feet are a favorite target for puppies. Like with your hands, entice your puppy with a toy to pull their attention away from your feet. If they are persistent, separate yourself from them. Stepping over a baby gate would definitely do the trick. They can no longer target you, and the game stops. This is a clear sign to them that feet are not a toy. Another big trigger is excitement. A few things that might set him off are roughhousing and noisy behavior from kids or adults. Playing in a rough and physical way with your puppy encourages biting. If it escalates to this point, stop the interaction and give the puppy time to cool down. Next time, try to pet him more calmly. Throw a toy around and let him play with that instead. This same rule applies to children. Identify a toy for the child to use as they play with the pup. Keep games between the two short to avoid uncontrolled excitement. Teach your child what to do if a game does escalate into biting. An easy response to teach children is the tree method. Should your puppy start biting during play, teach your child to become a tree: Have them stand straight with their arms at their sides and have them look at their feet. The child should remain like this until the puppy calms down. By doing this, the child becomes boring to the puppy, ending the game as the pup loses interest. Teaching Your Puppy not to Bite Part of teaching your puppy not to bite is understanding bite inhibition. Bite inhibition refers to the puppy learning to not bite down too hard. Your puppy already learned some of this from their mom and litter mates. When puppies play and wrestle and one bites down too hard, the other pup will yelp, and play will stop. The same thing happens when nursing. If a pup bites down too hard on the mom, the mother dog will growl and move away. These things teach the puppy that biting too hard makes good things end. As new puppy owners, we can use this to our advantage. If he still tries to engage you, leave the room or step over a baby gate to separate yourself from him. After he has calmed down a bit, go back to playing with him. Repeat this process every time he bites down hard on you. Rather, begin with only the hardest bites. Use a toy and try to get him to bite the toy instead of you. Again, take it in steps. That is, putting his mouth on you, but not actually biting down. You have made excellent progress! Begin stopping play whenever your puppy puts his mouth on you at all. Related Questions How do I clean puppy bites? Clean the bite with soap and water, then apply alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Make sure to keep an eye on the wound and keep it clean as it heals. How do I punish my Lab puppy? Punishment is confusing and can teach your dog to be afraid of you. Instead, reward good behavior with attention and treats. When the pup misbehaves, simply ignore him or redirect his bad behavior. Trusted by millions of dog lovers worldwide. How to train a puppy not to bite Is it normal for puppies to bite a lot? Yes it is! Almost all puppies bite and some bite much harder than others. How long do puppies teeth and bite? With some exceptions, puppy biting will stop by the time your puppy has his full set of grown up teeth at 7 months. Fortunately, you can stop your puppy from biting long before they have cut all their adult teeth. Do puppies grow out of biting? If you do nothing at all, to teach a puppy not to bite, the biting would likely subside over the next few months. But its very easy to do the wrong thing, and actually encourage a puppy to bite more. And in those cases, play biting can become very rough and the relationship between a young dog and their family can break down. Do All Labradors Bite? Anyone who shares their home with a 10 or 12 week old puppy will tell you that Labradors bite! And I can reassure you that this applies to all Labradors in the first few months of life. Fortunately this is a phase puppies go through and not a permanent character flaw. And most adult Labradors are indeed very good natured dogs. And also at what is normal, and what is not. If your children are in tears at being bitten every time they try to play with and cuddle their new friend, you may be wondering if your puppy is becoming aggressive. You may even worry that your children might be at risk. Fortunately I can reassure you that this is not the case. While your puppy may frighten your children with his sharp teeth and growling. The way he is behaving now does not mean he will be a threat to their safety in the future. Happily, studies have shown that behavior in small puppies is not predictive of the way that they will behave as adults! Why Do Puppies Bite Children? Some breeders will not sell puppies to homes where there are small children. This is because puppies often bite children and teenagers harder and more persistently than they bite grown-ups. It is normal for small puppies to make small children cry, but before you rush your puppy off to the local shelter, bear with me a moment, because I can help with that. Children give off conflicting signals to the puppy. Fortunately there are lots of ways to make it easier on yourself and on your kids. In short, you need to be a little patient at this point, and it helps to know that this phase does pass quite quickly. And that it is completely normal for all puppies to bite a lot, and to bite children with particular enthusiasm! It has to be said, Labradors are even more bitey than some other breeds of dog during this stage in their development. In fact, retrievers generally tend to be very bitey as puppies. As can the pain of being bitten. Puppy bites do hurt. And sometimes they leave marks. Pain, bruising, scratching, little tooth marks on your toddler, these are all part and parcel of raising a puppy. Some very enthusiastic puppies will even draw blood on occasions. All this is normal, but I will explain what you can do about it. Perhaps the most serious concern that new puppy parents have, is the fear that their puppy is becoming aggressive. What really worries people is the snarling. When puppies play, they practice being fierce. They throw themselves into the whole play acting thing with huge enthusiasm. And they are brilliant at it. And the most important part of that game is to make as much noise as possible and to sound as angry as possible. So, all puppies growl or snarl ferociously when they play, while they are biting, and sometimes when they are trying to entice their poor owners into yet another game. His little face will be all scrunched up, his lips drawn back, his teeth showing. So he has no idea that he is frightening your children or that you are wondering if he is turning into a horrible aggressive and dangerous beast. Please do be reassured, that however fierce your ten week old puppy sounds. It is just a game. He is truly just playing. Normal Puppy Play Behavior So, the hard truth is, all puppies bite. And many puppy bites are quite painful. Some Labrador puppies bite more than most, and biting a lot, and growling or snarling at the same time is normal. So is biting so hard that it makes your eyes water, and even occasionally breaks the skin. Puppies bite at hands that go to stroke them, at bare feet, and happily tug away at clothing, all the while trying to sound as fierce as they possibly can. All this is normal. And you, quite naturally, will want to know exactly when it is going to stop! When Do Puppies Stop Biting? It also happens in working dog families where the dogs may be kennelled or at least are not allowed unsupervised interaction with anyone apart from their trainer or main carer. A study carried out on Guide Dog puppies in showed that simply rejecting interaction and refusing to play was enough to stop the puppies biting their adult puppy walkers. But, and it is a big but — in most young families, this is not always what happens. In many families, especially where the puppy is a novelty, everyone plays with the puppy, and often in quite a physical way. This gets puppies very excited and tends to make biting worse. Inexperienced puppy owners also tend to inadvertently prolong the biting phase by rewarding the puppy with attention when he bites. The more excited they get, the harder they bite. Rough physical play gets puppies excited, rubbing puppies tummies, chasing puppies, grabbing at puppies. All these things get puppies bubbling with excitement Noisy behavior can get puppies excited too, so children squealing, or crying, grown ups shouting or getting cross. You might not think you are rewarding your puppy for biting, but you probably are. Labrador puppies are particularly social and love attention more than most puppies do. Any kind of contact with you, or other members of the family, including physical contact, talking, shouting, even eye contact, all reward your puppy. And if you give him these things while he is biting, this will reinforce the biting behavior and he will bite more in the future Poor bite inhibition What makes the bites hurt more, is poor bite inhibition. So the next section explains what bite inhibition is and how you can help your puppy improve his. What Is Bite Inhibition? At just eight or nine weeks old , Labrador puppies are actually capable of crushing bones the thickness of your little finger, with their jaws. Your puppy has been learning to inhibit his bite since he was tiny. His mother and brothers and sisters all helped to teach him how hard he can bite without hurting them. This is where your training will come in. You can read more about bite inhibition and bite inhibition training in this article What About Puppy Teething? We mentioned teething earlier because people tend to associate biting with teething. So, is it true that puppies bite so much because they are teething? And how long will teething go on for? In fact, most problem puppy biting is simply play. Puppies may chew or mouth at fingers to help relieve the discomfort of teething, but this is not the major cause of the biting problems we find in homes with small puppies. Most puppies have their adult teeth by the time they are 7 months old, but biting does not usually last that long. He is growing fast and by 11 or 12 weeks those bites will hurt a lot more. The time to begin taking action is now! But for the time being, you need to put this image aside. Children under five are simply not capable of playing with a puppy under four months without getting bitten. So you need to supervise every interaction between them. Do put baby gates across doorways, even if you no longer need them for your children. Baby gates allow you to separate children and puppies when you are not free to supervise. Do show children how to stroke the puppy gently whilst you hold one end of a rawhide chew and let the puppy gnaw on the other end. It will end in tears. Playful Visitors It is not just children that play inappropriately with puppies. I have known grown men grapple roughly with a tiny puppy, rolling him around the floor, making growling noises, whilst the puppy gnaws on his knuckles. You can find out how to play safely with a Labrador in this article. Saving your sanity and enjoying your puppy If you were not expecting this, it can seem like a big deal, but supervision and some separation is essential if you are to keep your sanity, and your children are to dry their tears and carry on enjoying their puppy. With older children, you need to teach them how to interact with the puppy without getting him overwrought. Labrador puppies, like toddlers, are easily over-excited. And when they are over-excited they start to be silly. Your first job at this stage, is to keep your puppy calm. Your second job is to stop giving your puppy rewards for biting. Make sure the puppy gets no reward at all when he bites someone. Especially no attention. The next stage explains how you can do that. The process whereby the puppy learns to use his mouth gently on your skin — and it takes a little while. Bite inhibition is taught in stages. The puppy learns to reduce the power of his bites gradually. What to do when your puppy bites If your puppy bites and hurts you, remove your attention immediately. This is where baby gates can be really helpful. If you are playing with your puppy and he bites you, you can step over the gate, thus effectively removing all attention from him. All of a sudden his playmate has disappeared. What about squealing You may have heard that a puppy will stop biting if you yelp or squeal. And you can try this, because it does work with some puppies. But many puppies get even more excited by the yelping, and on others it has no effect. The strongest signal you can give your puppy is the loss of your presence and attention. What about punishment? Some people try and stop puppies biting by smacking them or shouting at them. There are several problems with this. Firstly, it tends to only stop the puppy biting the person who did the yelling. Which is of course the very opposite of what you are trying to achieve! You can find out more about the potential impact of punishing your Labrador here. What if you need to move a biting puppy? If you need to move the puppy away rather than stepping away from the puppy you may find he bites at your hands when you go to pick him up or take hold of his collar. Others bite when they are stroked or petted. We are fond of wiggling our fingers at puppies, petting them and rubbing our fingers in their fur, not behaviors that dogs really understand. And many puppies see fingers and toes as something to chase and play with. Hands are a particular target for puppy bites so teach your children to interact with your puppy using toys that he can tug and bite on, rather than playing with him using their bare hands. Distracting your puppy If you want to sit and pet your puppy, or your children do, use treats or hold a rawhide chew with one hand so he can gnaw on the end. Have your puppy wear a harness and houseline so that you can pick up the end of the line and move him to where you want him to go without his grabbing at your hands. Stage Four: Train Your Puppy Not To Bite This is where we teach the puppy to let us stroke and pet him, or handle him in any way we like, without him putting his mouth around our fingers. The best way to do this is with a clicker and some dog treats. But you can also use a word like YES instead of the click. And place a treat on the floor in front of him You see where I am going with this? Build up slowly so that you can touch him anywhere on his head or body, pick up his paws etc. All without him grabbing or mouthing at you. What do I do if he mouths at me? If the puppy grabs at your hand, you got too close. Make smaller hand movements further away from him until he ignores those, then bring the movements gradually closer. Stage Five: Playing Safely As puppies grow older biting can reappear. Puppies between six and nine months of age, are extremely boisterous, and may start nipping with their teeth during play. At this age, your puppy is more than half grown, and his size and weight are a significant problem if rough play is allowed. The secret to avoiding and resolving this issue is to change the way you interact with your puppy. And to ensure that children follow your example. Boisterous and excitable puppies must not be allowed to play rough games with small people. The consequences can be very unpleasant, and it is no coincidence that this is the age at which many young dogs are abandoned or given up to rescue. Here are a few more articles that you might find helpful:. Dogs , Puppy training Alex Andes Puppy Biting: What's Normal, What's Not, and How to Curb It One of the most common issues we see poor dog training advice given for is puppy biting and mouthiness, so we're going to give you the most standardized professional advice possible for this issue. There's a reason why it's discouraged for non-professionals to give legal or medical advice to strangers on the Internet. At best, their advice could be wrong; at worst, it could it be potentially dangerous. We so wish the same rules applied to dog training advice. Puppies go through at least two fear periods in their first year of life, so when those sensitive puppy brains are involved, it's especially important to follow professional instruction! They go through an uncomfortable teething process that lasts for months. They play hard with their siblings, often using their teeth to successfully instigate play and attention. Herding breed dogs are predisposed to nip, herd, and chase small, fast-moving things. Young children often get the brunt of this behavior. Retrievers are predisposed to picking up and holding anything and everything within reach, including your hands and arms. A word on what to avoid: Above all else, avoid physical punishment when it comes to puppy biting. I have heard people given terrible albeit, well-meaning advice over the years, from squeezing your puppy's mouth shut, to pinning them on their backs, to muzzling them to stop the biting. Physical punishments like this range from silly and ineffective to cruel and downright abusive. In fact, you can create fear and aggression in your dog using these types of methods. So, what should you do about puppy biting? When you bring a puppy into your home, it's your job to create fair, consistent boundaries for unwanted behaviors, including when it comes to teeth on skin. Note: You are not putting your puppy in a time out. That involves way too much time, talking, and attention to be an effective punishment. You are either ignoring the behavior or removing yourself from it. That means play is over, fun is over, attention is over. Be as non-dramatic as possible. If the behavior is hard for you to ignore, go behind a door or baby gate where your puppy does not have access to continue nipping at you. If your puppy tries to nip at you when you return, remove yourself again. You should see a major decrease in the intensity of biting as well as the amount of biting attempts within a few days. An Important Caveat: Some puppies find the act of a person walking away reinforcing. If your puppy seems to enjoy you removing yourself as a game of chase, you can alternatively use the side of your leg not your knee, please! You may have to block them multiple times before they stop trying; don't give up! And most importantly, still avoid yelling or using your hands — bitey puppies tend to find both of these things very exciting. Remember, it's normal for young puppies to explore the world with their mouths. Things to keep in mind: Be sure to give your pup attention and praise when they are behaving nicely! All family members and guests MUST be consistent in order for this to work! Be aware that even doing everything right, this behavior may not go away entirely until months of age. Remember, this is a normal developmental period in puppies. For extra-bitey puppies, or those that are biting after months of age, this blog will help give you some additional tips and recommendations. Why Does This Work? A behavior that doesn't get reinforced will stop. Your pup will learn that we don't react to biting with play, attention, or even a negative reaction. All of these things can be fun for a puppy. Your pup will learn to self-entertain. Once they realize the nipping isn't working, they will eventually redirect themselves onto something else. Your puppy will seek out appropriate ways to get your attention, like offering a "sit" or laying at your feet. A few other suggestions: It's also important to have a management place for your puppy, such as a play pen or baby-gated bathroom. It gives you a break from your puppy, and is a calm place for your puppy to settle down if he gets too wound up. Make sure your puppy has plenty of rubbery teething toys, is getting daily exercise, and is not excessively crated. If his needs are not being met, the nipping will take longer to extinguish. Make sure your puppy is eating three meals a day. Things we may think are punishing, like pushing your puppy away, yelling at him, etc, can be considered fun, play-like behaviors for your puppy and can encourage biting. When doing the above exercise, be as quiet and calm as you can. When should you be concerned about biting in puppies? You should seek out a certified professional if your puppy: Is growling, snapping, or biting when a person comes near a resource. Food, toys, etc Stiffens and stares at the person before biting. Is consistently biting and breaking skin. Barks, growls, or nips not in play at new people entering the home. Snaps or growls at children. What if it's not getting better? Remember, we do not expect this behavior to go away entirely until at least months of age. We also need to take into consideration a dog's breed, social history, and any medical conditions that could be contributing. For example, if a puppy has an intestinal parasite that's depleting their nutritional stores, we often see an uptick in biting. For extra guidance with extremely bitey puppies, or those that are still regularly biting after 6 months of age, check out these additional tips. Need professional guidance on your puppy biting issues? We offer private and group online dog training that's accessible from anywhere in the world. More details here , or contact us. Biting is natural to puppies. But Labradors do have a tendency to bite more often than other breeds. Labs were originally born to retrieve game for their hunting masters. Other Reasons Why Dogs Bite Besides playing, your dog may have other reasons why they seem too mouthy. Below are some of the most possible reasons why. Teething Teething pups often feel discomfort and pain when during this period. Their gums can get itchy. This is their way of relieving the pain and discomfort they feel. This can start when your dog is three to four months old. It can last for a long time, normally around six to eight months. Besides random objects and your hands, your pup may also suddenly bite their siblings. When they do, the other one tends to squeal and react. Curiosity Pups are still in the phase of exploring every little thing in their new world. And that may include you. They will feel your hand petting and caressing them, so they might get a little curious. Communication Dogs have very limited ways of communicating with you. One of these is through biting or nipping you. They might suddenly nip or bite you to let you know that they are hungry. This normally happens when they feel trapped or threatened. For example, your child has held your little pup a little too tightly. Your pup may react and say they are hurt, anxious, or in discomfort by nipping your kid. That said, never make your dog feel anxious or threatened. But truthfully, it can be dangerous once your pup carries this habit into adulthood. Young pups have fewer teeth. These are also underdeveloped and duller than when they turn into adult dogs. That said, when an adult Labrador playfully bites you, you may end up getting hurt. Worse, it can turn into an actual wound and you might need to go to the ER. It may be normal but it could also harm any children in the family. What you can do instead is to help them focus this behavior to certain objects. The best thing is to get them chew toys that they can bite, nip, and chew whenever they wish. Labrador retriever may stop biting when they stop teething. This should be around 10 months or so as they normally have their adult teeth by then. But if they do continue this behavior, intervene and start training them. How To Stop Biting Start when they are younger pups. So, even when your dog is teething, give them toys and stuff they can actually bite. If they start biting you, be firm and say no. You can also give them treats when they stop biting you and focus on the toys. Association is the best training method as well as positive reinforcement. So when will my Labrador stop biting, you ask? It may take a while but repetition can help your Labrador learn not to bite. I was born into a dog-loving family and have been a proud doggy mommy ever since I can remember. I love sharing my dog knowledge and love being an active part of the dog-loving community. Related Posts.