golden retriever puppies in north carolina

They Are Naturally Mouthy Golden Retrievers are a mouthy breed, to begin with, they are naturally inclined to pick up and hold anything and everything in their mouths. While it may seem like there is something wrong with your puppy to cause him or her to bite so much, rest assured, all puppies bite, not just Golden Retriever puppies. Play Behaviour When you see a litter of pups play together, they often nip and bite at one another. It is their way of socializing and initiating play. Your puppy will bite and nip at you during playtime with you because it is a natural behaviour to them. They Are Teething Many people associate puppy biting with teething, however when a puppy is teething they will resort to chewing and mouthing in order to relieve their pain. They may chew or mouth on your hands and fingers, but teething is not the cause of biting that every puppy owner experiences. Puppy biting is most often just play. To summarize, puppy biting is normal and should be expected as a puppy owner. In general, biting will naturally subside in Golden Retriever puppies around the age of months. This is around the time that their adult teeth have come in. Puppies at this age usually already know how to moderate their bite, and will not bite or nip at you as much as they did when they were younger. While biting anything and everything is normal behaviour to your puppy, it is not something that you want your puppy to continue to do. It is up to you to teach your puppy not to bite humans, especially children. Take a look at the common mistakes puppy owners often make, and learn to avoid them. Puppies who are excited bite more. Children often fall victim to the most puppy bites because they get very excited around puppies and this just gets the puppy going which results in biting. Any attention that you give your puppy after they bite you will seem like a reward to your puppy, and the biting will just continue. Yelling at your puppy, pushing them away, talking to your puppy, or even looking at them is giving them the attention that they want. Bite inhibition is when your puppy learns how to control the strength of his bite. Puppies learn this skill when they are with their littermates, which is why they need to stay with them and their mother until they are 8 weeks old. Playing with their littermates teaches puppies that biting too hard hurts and will end playtime. The puppy then learns to bite softer. When your puppy comes home with you, it is up to you to teach your puppy how to control the force of their bite. Biting down on the thick fur coat of his mother or littermates is a lot different than biting down on human skin. By not teaching your puppy bite inhibition, you will risk your puppy turning into a dangerous adult. Puppy bites are a lot different than adult dog bites. Once your puppy learns how to control the strength of his bite, eventually the bites become gentler, and in time, your puppy will learn to stop biting altogether. This is part of teaching your puppy bite inhibition. This is a way to mimic how puppies play together, when one puppy bites another puppy too hard, that puppy yelps in pain, and will walk away. In some cases, puppies could get even more worked up by the noise and keep on biting. This is when you need to walk away. When your puppy has calmed down, you can resume playing with your puppy. When your puppy bites you again, repeat the steps of yelping and walking away. Eventually, your puppy will learn to soften his bite, because biting too hard ends playtime. The following video discusses why puppies bite, how to teach bite inhibition and how to survive puppy biting. It is a good idea to have a few chew toys on hand to offer up as a distraction from your skin. Check out this list of the best teething toys for puppies. This will get your puppy to stop and focus on being obedient. A great way to solve boredom is by going for a walk with your puppy. How much exercise should you give your Golden Retriever puppy? A good rule of thumb is 5 minutes of exercise for every month that your puppy is alive. So a 3-month-old puppy should get 15 minutes of exercise a day, a 5-month-old puppy should get 25 minutes per day, and so on. This is in addition to and not instead of playtime. Bitter Apple Spray can also be used to prevent your puppy from nipping and biting at you. Before you interact with your puppy, spray it on your arms, legs, pant legs, or sleeves, anywhere that your puppy likes to nip at you. Once your puppy bites at you, he will get a bad taste in his mouth and will stop. Bitter Apple Spray may not work on all puppies, some may actually develop a taste for it. I know that when my Golden Retriever Ellie was a pup this stuff worked amazingly well, but as she got older she developed a taste for bitter things such as crab apples which are extremely sour and she once sucked on a vinegar packet that was lying on the ground! Reward Good Behaviour Every time your puppy stops biting and nipping at you, you need to see this as positive behaviour. Good behaviour should be rewarded so that your puppy learns that he did something good. Rewarding good behaviour with affection and praise is great, you can also use treats, or toys, sometimes the best reward for your puppy is just spending time with them. Be Patient and Consistent Owning a puppy requires a lot of patience! It is so easy to lose your patience at times, but you need to know that your puppy is learning what is right and wrong, and that takes time. It might not happen overnight, but as long as you remain consistent and patient, your pup will learn good behaviour. If your puppy is nipping at your pant legs or sleeves, chances are he is loving the tugging feeling and is actually already playing tug-of-war. Instead of using your clothing, redirect his attention to a rope toy. One thing to be careful of is being too rough with tug-of-war, especially when your puppy is going through his teething phase. A game of fetch offers your pup a distraction from biting, and Golden Retriever puppies naturally love to retrieve things. This is a great way to also teach your puppy to drop it, by offering a treat when your puppy drops the ball or rope toy. A well-socialized puppy will be less likely to exhibit any unwanted behaviours later on. Enrolling your pup in puppy kindergarten or arranging some play dates with other dogs who are friendly and vaccinated is a great way for your pup to learn social skills. Other dogs are sometimes the best teachers for a puppy because they will let your puppy know what is okay for play and what is not okay, in terms of biting and nipping. Always supervise your puppy while playing with other dogs. Yelling at your puppy will only make your puppy scared and confused as well as lose trust and respect for you. Common mistakes people make when their puppy is biting are pushing them away, clamping down on their mouths or spraying them in the face with water. All of these are a bad idea! Your puppy could see this behaviour as a form of play and continue biting and nipping at you even harder. If you remain calm and use a firm voice not yelling , your pup will see you as in charge. Puppies and dogs often exhibit the same behaviour as we do, if you get upset and start yelling, your puppy will just get even more excited. As unpleasant as puppy biting is, it is normal behaviour. Your puppy biting and nipping at you with a mouth full of shark teeth may seem aggressive, but it is most often just out of curiosity and play behaviour. Golden Retrievers are known for their calm and gentle demeanour, but there are rare instances where you may have an aggressive puppy on your hands. Puppies who have been taken away from their litter earlier than weeks, bad breeding, being abused, a chemical imbalance, and not being socialized are all reasons for aggression in puppies. Signs of an aggressive puppy include barking, growling, lunging at you or another dog, a stiff posture, and showing teeth. If you think your puppy is aggressive, it is important to work with a professional dog trainer or behaviourist in order to find out the reasons for aggression and work on correcting the behaviour before it gets worse. It is important to keep your calm and work with your puppy to teach him the important skill of bite inhibition, and to redirect his biting to more appropriate behaviour. Socializing your puppy, as well as rewarding good behaviour will all help to turn your puppy into a well-behaved dog. Have you tried any of the tips mentioned above? Do you have any other tips to stop Golden Retriever puppy biting? Share your thoughts and comments below, as well as any questions you may have. I would love to hear from you. Jenny I am the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ellie. She keeps me busy, and when she is resting, you can find me working on my blog. She is always close by though. I live in Stirling, ON Canada with my husband, and we both enjoy the never a dull moment life with our Ellie. Spread the love. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. Wish your golden retriever puppy would stop biting so much? Puppy nipping is one of the most frustrating things about raising a new puppy—their teeth are razor-sharp, it hurts when they bite, and they can ruin your clothes! But why do puppies bite so much? Puppies bite to learn acquired bite inhibition, or ABI. What exactly is ABI? He might leap up and bite you because you hurt him and scared him. But the important thing is this: how hard will they bite? This is where ABI comes in. So ABI is really important. Now the question is, how do they learn it? The only way for puppies to learn ABI is to bite, and bite often. The best teachers are other dogs. Next time they bite a little less hard and playtime continues. This is how they learn ABI. Obviously, it takes a lot of repetition of this scenario to happen for a puppy to learn not to bite so hard, but this is essentially how it works out. Yes, you will need to help teach your puppy ABI. You can do this two ways: Set up puppy playdates and take them to puppy kindergarten so other puppies can teach them ABI. You actually want them to bite a little bit and learn to control how hard they bite. That being said, letting them go on a biting rampage is not helping the situation, so here are five tips to help you stop your puppy from biting so much: 1. Socialize your puppy Other dogs are the best teachers of ABI so make sure to get your puppy in kindergarten and set up playdates with dogs that you know are vaccinated. Remove yourself from the situation Puppies can often be over-stimulated or over-tired. One thing we did with our puppy, Oliver, when he got in these moods was to go sit at our high-top table in the kitchen and ignore him until he calmed down or distracted himself with a chew toy. Exercise your puppy A tired puppy is a good puppy. Young puppies have weak jaws, so if they had dull teeth, a bite from them would be no big deal. Most adult golden retrievers bite out of fear and a professional can help you properly handle it. Puppy Biting vs. Chewing Puppy biting or nipping is when a dog purposefully bites you. As we already talked about, they need to do this to learn ABI. Puppy chewing, on the other hand, is when puppies chew on things to relieve the pressure in their mouths from their adult teeth coming in. Since puppies bite and chew for different reasons, you need to handle these problems differently. Mentally wear them by out by training them, going for long walks and letting them sniff around, and giving them puzzle toys or frozen kongs. Remember that a tired puppy is a good puppy. A: It can take up to six weeks or more for your puppy to learn ABI and what is appropriate to bite or not. If it takes longer than six weeks, just remember to be consistent with the steps to stop it and have faith that it will slow down soon. Q: Is puppy biting an act of aggression? A: Most puppy biting is a form of play. It helps them learn ABI. If you think your puppy is biting out of aggression, then you should talk to a professional. Q: Why are puppy teeth so sharp? Q: What is ABI? A: ABI is acquired bite inhibition, or the natural ability for a dog to not bite so hard. Q: Do all puppies bite? A: Yes! Instead, they need to learn to control their bite force, then learn to bite less. Have any questions about puppy biting? Let me know in the comments below! Related articles:. But much like other puppies, a Golden Retriever puppy has a tendency to chew and bite. So, how can you train your Golden Retriever puppy not to bite? Consistency is the key to teaching your Golden Retriever puppy not to bite. However, you have to train your dog to behave, and that includes keeping them from biting. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! Get up and walk away from the dog. Leave the room if you can. Focus on something else for a bit. And believe me, a Golden Retriever puppy or not always wants your attention! Now, you may not see immediate results with this method, but it will work over time if you remain consistent. Sending your new puppy mixed signals will only confuse him or her. You can pet your dog to reward them for not getting mouthy with your hand or fingers while playing. It can take a while to get to this stage, so be patient. When, your dog gets through an entire play session without biting, that deserves some extra love. Now, you have to be careful not to give too much attention when your dog does bite. If your Golden Retriever reverts to biting out of excitement or nervousness, immediately stop giving them attention. Turn away and ignore your dog like what you did before. Hopefully, they will get the message more quickly, so you can go back to playing without them biting. Use a firm tone rather than a cute tone you might use when praising your dog. When you say no, use physical signals to get your Golden Retriever to stop. Take your hand out of their mouth and move it out of reach. Make sure anyone who trains the dog uses the same firm tone. Tips to stop golden retriever pups from biting. Watch for Patterns Another way you can train your Golden Retriever puppy to stop biting is to watch for patterns. See if your dog tends to bite more at certain times of day, in the same room, or while playing with a particular toy. When your dog does bite, you can use other methods to get them to stop immediately. But after the fact, write down the date, time, and situation. If multiple people are training your dog, you should also log who your dog tends to bite. That way, you can see if there are patterns. Use Bitter Spray When you start training your Golden Retriever puppy, you may want to try using a bitter spray on your hands. Try this bitter spray Amazon , it works on your hands to stop chewing and biting and it also works on other things around the house that a new puppy might want to chew on like houseplants, furniture, etc. This can be an easy way to get your dog not to bite you. Now, this can be difficult if your dog bites other areas of your body, but it can help. You might get quicker results than if you only stuck to ignoring your dog. Have Lots of Toys Another excellent way to train your Golden Retriever to stop biting you is to use toys. You should be careful and use toys when your dog exhibits good behavior. But you can give your dog chew toys so that they have something they can bite. There is even a teething ring for dogs Amazon that you keep in the freezer and it provides something cool to chew on to help ease the pain during this period of your puppies life. Then, your dog will want to behave well when they play with you. Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! You can have a bag of small treats in your pocket that you use when playing with your dog. Whenever they go a long time without biting, you can give them a treat. You can also use the treats to distract your dog. If you know their patterns and when they usually bite, you can preempt that with a treat. Then, your dog can chew on the food rather than your hand. There are tons of treats out there, so go with something small. Try to avoid using treats as a bribe, and focus on making them a reward. That way, your dog can look forward to a treat for their good habits. Start As Soon as Possible Training your Golden Retriever puppy not to bite should start as soon as you bring your puppy home. If you wait until your dog gets into the habit of biting, it will be hard to break. You may still need to use various ways to train your dog, but it should be easier. Starting when your puppy is super young can also help them with other areas of their life. If you can train them not to bite, you will know how they learn best, which will help you train them for other things. It will also be harder if you use one method while your spouse uses another method. Everyone in your household should decide on how and when to train your Golden Retriever puppy. Use the same toys or treats, train your dog simultaneously, or use the same speaking tone. That way, your dog can learn from everyone rather than a single trainer. Then, you all can enjoy your Golden Retriever, and they can develop good habits. Final Thoughts Training a Golden Retriever to stop biting can take some time. You have to figure out when your dog bites and what triggers the biting. Then, you have to determine how your dog learns best and use that method to train your puppy. But once you find the perfect tool, your dog will learn to stop biting. You are bound to want to know when your biting puppy will grow out of this phase and how you can speed that process up. Biting, as you will have discovered is usually accompanied by lots of noise! Why do puppies bite? So why do puppies bite? My puppy is biting hard Puppies do bite hard and it does hurt. But I want to reassure you that even at 8 weeks old, your puppy has learned to moderate his bite in play. Puppies have powerful jaws designed to tear through flesh and crush bones. Those of you who feed your puppy a raw diet will know that even an 8 week old puppy from a medium sized breed can crush bones the size of your little finger. He is deliberately attempting to be gentle. Puppy Biting — Bite inhibition This ability, that your puppy has, to moderate the power of his jaws in play, is called bite inhibition. It is something that his mother started to teach him when he was just a few weeks old. And now it is your turn to take over and complete the training process. Growling and Puppy biting One thing that often worries people who have a new puppy in the family, is the growling that accompanies puppy biting. It sounds horrific. Great snarls and snaps accompany the biting and the puppy can appear quite demonic as he grabs onto your skin, or clothes. Tugging away with all the strength he can muster. Ninety nine times out of a hundred this is completely normal play biting. Is my puppy biting aggressive? You cannot determine whether or not a puppy is biting aggressively by how hard he bites or by the volume of the noise he makes. Play biting puppies bite hard and growl fiercely. Some puppies do occasionally draw blood. But these are not normally savage or crushing bites and the puppy is clearly enjoying himself. Fierce but fun! The play biting puppy will launch himself at the target of his bite. Whether it is your slippers or your fingers, with equal tail-wagging enthusiasm, hanging on grimly and grabbing repeatedly when the item is removed from him. All this, shocking though it may seem, is normal, and is not a sign that your puppy is going to be an aggressive dog! In fact some of the gentlest and most amiable breeds the labrador for example are the worst and fiercest play biters. The puppy that is a cause for concern is the puppy that is frightened. Because although puppies rarely bite through aggression, the nervous puppy may become aggressive as he matures Is my puppy afraid? A scared puppy may bite and scared puppies can grow into scared adult dogs so this is something you need to address quickly. You will know that your puppy is scared because he will try to avoid whatever it is he is scared of. A really frightened puppy will sometimes give off a distinctive musky smell. This hiding, and retreating, and the scared smell are warning signs that you have scared your puppy badly, or purchased a poorly socialised puppy. In this situation you need to get specialist help right away. Your vet should be able to advise you. For the vast majority of puppy owners then, biting is normal puppy behavior. Will my puppy biting stop naturally? To some extent biting is a phase caused by natural puppy playfulness and teething. Some puppies do stop biting with very little input from their family. Which is great. You may feel he should have grown out of it by now. We can physically prevent puppies from biting and we can train puppies not to bite. Both of these are good strategies. Or when children are getting upset, or visitors are winding your puppy up. Prevention usually involves interrupting the biting behavior, then redirecting the puppy into an alternative and more acceptable behavior, such as chewing on a toy. Or, it may involve temporarily separating him from his playmates. Interrupting the puppy biting In mild cases you may simply be able to put a toy in your biting puppy's mouth and get him tugging on that instead of on your fingers. If you are on the floor with the puppy stand up. And if you are standing up, turn and walk away from the puppy. This is where dog gates come in very handy with small puppies. A standard baby gate works fine for most breeds of dog. Managing the puppy You may have to pick up your biting puppy to remove him from the scene if he is biting your children for example, rather than you If he bites your hands and clothes as you try to restrain him, put him on the other side of a barrier or in his crate or puppy playpen for a short while. Although the puppy does learn from them, these are useful management techniques to enable you to control the situation. They help you to keep your puppy calm, and prevent the biting escalating through over excitement. Over-excited puppies Puppy play biting is directly linked to excitement. The more excited your puppy gets, the more and the harder he will bite. And the harder it will be to interrupt and distract him. Rough play excites puppies and noisy play does too. Children tend to squeal when they play and get very physical with puppies. One of the first rules they need to learn when playing with dogs, especially big dogs, is to stand up and stand still when the game gets too much. Limit such play and call a halt to it if your puppy is biting. With medium to large breed dogs, physical rough and tumble play is not a great idea. It can lead to dogs bowling people over or humping them, neither of which is very pleasant. Stopping play when it gets rough is a good management strategy and it is a form of training too. Over time, your puppy learns that biting and rough play loses him his playmates and that people simply leave if he is being mean. When do puppies stop biting? Many puppies have stopped biting completely by six months of age and biting is usually subsiding by the time that the puppy is heading towards five months old. This is if the puppy has been managed appropriately If people have been exciting him, or rewarding him for attention seeking behavior then biting can persist And it can be much more of a problem in bigger stronger puppies than in little ones. Training Puppies Not To Bite The idea of this exercise is to teach a puppy to accept being stroked and handled in any way, without touching us with his teeth. The event marker is a distinctive sound. Even around his mouth, without him making any attempt to bite you. You can also make it easier for him by starting this training when he is calm and not distracted. But for now, keep things simple. It can be a good way of getting the training started so that you have chance to say YES and give the puppy the opportunity to learn what you want him to do. Over the next few sessions, you can work on getting your hand closer and closer to the puppy. Until you are brushing the sides of his face without him making any attempt to mouth or bite at you Progress to touching and holding his collar, stroking his ears, grooming him, examining his paws and so on, all the time rewarding him for the correct behavior. Anytime the mouthing returns, back up to a point where he can succeed and move forward more slowly again Bite Inhibition Training Some experts feel that puppies should be allowed to mouth and even bite gently for a week or two before being prevented from biting altogether. Simply follow the instructions for managing your puppy above when he bites hard. But allow him to mouth you when he bites gently without much pressure. This is a great way to teach a dog excellent control over his mouth. After a couple of weeks of this, you can progress to the training exercise I outlined in the previous section. Older puppies that bite in play have often learned that this gets them a lot of attention. They have discovered that people squeal and shout and get quite cross. Sometimes these people push and shove the dog around which young dogs quite enjoy when they are playing. For these dogs it is important that you stop all physical play, with all family members If a puppy is biting hard at your hands when you try to interrupt his game. Or an older puppy is getting out of hand biting at clothing, you need to put your puppy on a harness and house-line a short trailing leash. This will enable you to control your puppy, and take him to a calming place, without handling him. You can just pick up the end of the line and lead him away. Older biting puppies are often bright and bored. And the best approach to avoiding future episodes of bad behavior is a structured programme of training and interesting activities. A professional dog trainer using modern positive training methods will be able to help you with these. Summary So now you know some tips on how to stop your puppy from biting. The first few weeks can be tough with a determined biter in the house, but you will get through this and come out the other side. A few months from now, this difficult period will be a distant memory In the meantime, focus on keeping your biting puppy calm, avoiding too much rough play, and redirecting his biting onto appropriate toys and activities. Spend some time on the training exercise set out above. Are you a proud new golden retriever puppy parent or considering getting a furry friend? While puppies are adorable and full of energy, they can also be a handful, especially when it comes to biting. This article will cover practical strategies to manage puppy biting and help you and your pup develop a solid and loving relationship. Thus biting is natural. Their bites will become softer as they practice and learn to manage their bite strength. They will eventually stop biting entirely. While biting is a natural part of the learning process, it is essential to train your puppy not to bite excessively. Here are a few tips to get you started: Providing Chew Toys for Redirecting Biting Behavior Providing chew toys is an excellent approach to help your puppy stop biting. When your puppy begins to bite you, remove your hand or foot and replace it with a chew toy. This teaches them that biting is acceptable, but only when done with toys, not people. It is essential to keep an eye on your puppy when they play with chew toys to ensure they do not consume anything toxic. By exposing your puppy to a variety of people, animals, and environments in a controlled and positive manner, you can help them develop proper social skills and reduce biting tendencies. Socialization helps puppies learn appropriate bite inhibition and establishes boundaries for acceptable behavior during interactions. Through well-planned socialization experiences, you can guide your puppy towards becoming a well-behaved and gentle companion. Employing the Time-Out Strategy for Persistent Biting Use the time-out strategy when other methods fail to stop your puppy from biting. If your puppy continues to bite, place him on a time-out for 30 seconds before allowing him to return to play. This teaches your puppy that biting is unacceptable and will result in a loss of playtime or attention. Again, use a gentle tone and avoid shouting or scolding your puppy. When your puppy plays gently with their toys instead of biting you, shower them with praise and perhaps even a tasty gift! This teaches your puppy that good behavior leads to beautiful things. Instead, concentrate on encouraging appropriate behavior and redirecting any inappropriate biting. Your puppy will learn to control their biting and play in a friendly and safe manner with time, patience, and positive reinforcement. This entails repeating the same commands, techniques, and rewards each time you train. When you do this, your puppy learns what is expected of them and how to get rewarded. On the other hand, if you are inconsistent, your puppy may get confused and unsure of what they need to do to please you. This can make training more difficult and frustrating for you and your puppy. So, strive to be consistent in your training. However, they can get nippy during their fun exploration of the world around them. The good news is that this is a natural habit for pups, and there are ways to deal with it. Puppies prefer to bite to initiate play, learn more about their surroundings, and adjust their bite pressure, especially when they are teething. These actions are part of how they play, interact, and learn about their environment. First, however, puppies must be taught how to control their biting pressure and redirect their biting to appropriate toys and chew objects, which we will discuss later. Puppy bites, for example, can become more painful and even harmful as they increase in size. Additionally, it might lead to destructive chewing if you do not divert their biting habit to appropriate chew items. As a result, it is critical to address this habit early on through regular teaching and positive reinforcement. Understand what motivates them and what makes them more likely to engage in biting. Adjust your training methods: Not all puppies respond to the same training techniques. Some may respond better to positive reinforcement, while others may require more redirection and distraction. Consider their energy levels: Golden Retrievers are known for their energy and enthusiasm. Be patient and consistent: Training takes time, and each puppy learns at their own pace. Be patient with your puppy and provide consistent guidance. Remember, every Golden Retriever puppy is an individual, and what works for one may not work for another. With a customized approach, you can effectively address biting behavior and set your unique puppy on the path to becoming a well-behaved and happy companion. So, most puppies begin to bite and mouth less frequently when they are 8 to 10 months old. However, this varies greatly depending on the individual pup. Some may stop sooner, while others may take a little longer. Golden retrievers, for example, love using their tongues. At the same time, herding dogs such as border collies or corgis may continue to nip at ankles as they age. Just keep working with your pet and providing the guidance they require to create positive habits! Conclusion As you begin the joyful road of raising your Golden Retriever puppy, keep in mind that training and socialization are essential for producing a happy and well-behaved dog. You can teach your puppy what is expected of them and create healthy behaviors that will last a lifetime using consistent and positive reinforcement techniques. Remember that each puppy is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. You will be rewarded with a devoted and well-behaved companion if you are patient and committed to the training process. Remember to give your puppy enough exercise and mental stimulation and to continuously reward positive behavior. You can help your puppy grow into a happy and healthy adult dog who will provide you happiness for many years by doing so. By the time your puppy reaches around three months of age, they should start to develop bite inhibition and learn to control the force of their bites during play. As you continue to interact and train with your puppy, you can gradually increase your sensitivity to the level of bites you find acceptable. By the age of four or five months, their play bites should no longer exert any force. Can I use physical punishment to stop my puppy from biting? Certainly not! To stop a puppy from biting, never use physical punishment. It is not only ineffective, but it can also be harmful and cause long-term behavioral issues. Instead, train your puppy using positive reinforcement techniques, including redirection, time-outs, and excellent rewarding behavior. What can I do? Puppies frequently nip and bite while playing with other dogs, but teaching them to control their bite force is essential. My puppy is teething. What can I do to stop them from biting? Teething is a normal developmental stage for puppies , and they naturally want to chew and bite things. Similar to what we discussed earlier. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Read the full disclosure here. Tasty finger! Your golden retriever puppy is as friendly as can be — great with kids, respectful of other dogs, and not overly attentive to your cat. Yes, golden retrievers are known for their good-natured demeanor, but they are still dogs — not so very far removed from their wild cousins, and they can be unpredictable when faced with stressful, disturbing, or frightening situations. One of our jobs as responsible dog owners, of course, is to keep our dogs safe, but we may not always be able to protect them, and we may not always be able to prevent them from biting through fear or when in pain. What is Bite Inhibition? Puppies begin learning this from their mother and siblings as soon as they start to tumble around with each other in play. If they bite too hard, they are scolded by their mother or alerted with a yelp from their siblings. Eventually, they learn how hard is too hard, and they use their teeth more gently in play. Human Sensitive or Advanced Bite Inhibition By the time your puppy moves into your home, they will have been using their bite inhibition skills for weeks. Your puppy needs to learn that human beings are fragile and should be treated with care. There are many professional trainers who recommend that you simply train your puppy not to bite. This seems like a practical course of action, and it does work — in the short term. Teaching a puppy not to bite will give you quick results, but it may mean they never learn how much force is safe to use on people when they are forced to bite in an emergency. So if they do eventually bite, they will know to hold back the pressure safely and will not cause anywhere near as much pain or damage as they otherwise might. Why is Bite Inhibition Important? Believe it or not, even the most gentle dog that has been trained from a young age never to bite, can react to certain triggers. Those triggers are fear and pain. Consider these situations: Your dog has been suffering from chronic ear infections and hates to have his ears handled. The neighbor stops by with her toddler, who immediately runs to your dog and fondles his sensitive ears roughly. What will he do? You and your dog are walking down the road like you do every morning when out of nowhere comes a huge dog who attacks your dog without thinking twice. You manage to pull your dog away, but in the process, your frightened dog bites your arm. Your sweet golden retriever has gotten themself tangled in some barbed wire while hiking. As you loosen the wire from her skin and fur, she snaps at you, biting your hand. You may never experience any of these situations. By teaching bite inhibition while your puppy is young, you will be far safer and ready for any of these situations should they occur. Teaching Advanced Bite Inhibition Following is a general guide to the bite inhibition skills your puppy learns and when, as well as where you should aim for their skills to be at certain ages. She will start the puppies off by teaching them how rough is too rough during nursing and play. These lessons begin when the puppies start nursing day 1 and continue until the day you pick your puppy up from the breeder. This works for some puppies, but for others, it just seems to arouse the pup and make matters worse. You will have to experiment to find out what works for you and your pup. You should withdraw all of your attention from your puppy for very hard bites. Do not over-correct your puppy so they become afraid of biting. After your puppy has calmed down, use a chew toy as a reward and let them chew it in your lap or lying by your side. This teaches you puppy that there are other ways to keep their mouths and teeth busy. By four or five months, all force behind play bites should be eliminated. Kids tend to play rough with puppies, and puppies will get rough right back. Your puppy needs to know that every human being is sensitive to their bites, not just you. It is a process that sometimes lasts months, depending on your puppy. Be prepared for this, and remember that long-term results in your adult dog are more important than curtailing puppy bites as painful as they may be. Supervise your puppy around children — If you have young children at home, you will have to think carefully about how you will protect them and your puppy. Little puppy teeth can cause a lot of pain, especially when your pup is still learning to control those urges. Young children can also cause a lot of pain to small puppies. Always supervise very carefully when your pup and children are together. A tired puppy is a happy puppy — It will be much easier to teach bite inhibition if your puppy is not bouncing off the walls. Make sure they get enough exercise every day. Not only will this help with training, but it will also help prevent all kinds of other destructive behavior. Conclusion Teaching bite inhibition to your golden retriever puppy is a gift you give to your pup that will last forever. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Golden Retrievers are notorious for this, and it often lasts so long that people wonder if it ever stops. Consider how sociable and friendly they are by nature. Why is this habit so difficult for them to break? Golden Retrievers follow their basic instinct to bite because of their history with hunting, chasing, and even biting in some situations. Why Do Golden Retrievers Bite? Golden Retrievers start to explore the world with their mouths and eventually start to enjoy chewing on whatever they can get into their mouth. It strengthens their gums and teeth, but it is not a behavior most people want to encourage. This breed is also more inclined to bite things because they were bred for hunting and retrieving small game. Aside from following their instincts, there could be other reasons that they are nipping at you or your possessions. Some dogs bite when they are scared, need help, or are in unfamiliar environments. Biting is a natural reaction for many situations. Still, it must stop before it turns into a habit. Golden Retriever litters typically stop biting around 8—14 weeks old. The pain conditions them not to bite without a threat. Keep Them Active Dogs who are mentally and physically stimulated are less likely to have behavioral issues. Exercise them daily. When playing, keep the sessions gentle. However, do not do this while they are still being trained. Image Credit: Photology, Shutterstock 3. Socialize Them If possible, enroll your dog in obedience classes as soon as possible. Some dogs feel threatened more easily than others, and they may act out around other dogs if not properly trained and socialized. Introduce them to new people and animals as often as possible. Positive Reinforcement The best form of training is with positive reinforcement. Use lots of praise and treats whenever your dog is acting in a way you want them to. You cannot afford to skip this type of training because it is the most effective. The older they get, the bigger a sign it is that you need to fix the problem. If you continue to allow your dogs to bite people , animals, or objects, someone is going to get hurt. She attributes her passion for the environment and all its creatures to her childhood when she was showing horses on weekends and spending her weeknights devoting her attention to her pets. She enjoys spending most of her time in Michigan playing with her two rescue cats, Chewbacca and Lena, and her dog, Clayton. Read more Advertisement.

This mix results in an intelligent, loving, and outgoing dog who enjoys being around people. They enjoy the company of both humans and other animals. They are generally good with children, although they may become overly excited if not properly socialized from an early age. Overall, Bichpoos make wonderful pets for families and individuals alike. The Bichpoo breed tends to have the best traits of both parent breeds. This makes them easy to train for tricks and obedience. They are also low-shedding, making them a good choice for people with allergies. These pups enjoy spending time with their owner and do not like being left alone for long periods of time. They make great companions for family life or individuals who are looking for an affectionate furry friend. Bichpoo Puppies Health Considerations Though generally very healthy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around 12 to 14 years — our Bichpoos for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Bichpoo puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. While these conditions can be costly to treat, the good news is that they can often be effectively managed with proper care. Finding a Bichpoo puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. The coat is hypoallergenic and does not shed, making the Bichpoo an ideal choice for people with allergies. Although the coat does not require much maintenance, it is important to brush it regularly to prevent mats and tangles from forming. In addition, the coat should be trimmed every few months to keep it looking its best. Meet Bichpoo Puppies for Sale. The Bichon Poodle is a designer mix which has a Bichon Frise mother, and a purebred miniature poodle father. This mix works well for small homes or apartments, because both pure breeds, before breeding, are small, and they retain that. The Bichon Poodle also does little shedding, much like both parents. Why not go for one of the best combinations of purebred dogs? Why go for huge dogs which do more than just shed, but cause havoc in some homes? Go with the Bichon Poodle puppies for sale, and you will see how they love companionship and are easy to groom. Designer mixes sometimes are about looks, but this Bichon Poodle not only looks beautiful, but is a smart, friendly, loving dog that will be a joy for any family. If you want a smart dog that appeals to the eye, the Bichon Poodle dog for sale here on Purebred Pups is the perfect choice for the family. Some dogs are just-plain untrainable from the beginning. However, these puppies are happy, incredibly smart, affectionate, and easy to train. It comes from the original breeds. Do you want a pet for your children? If you want a safe pet that will require little hard work from you, why not go for a socialized purebred pup from us? The Bichon Poodle is a loving dog which fits in perfectly with any family or home. It has a gentle personality perfect for any family with children. Full grown, our Bichon Poodle ranges in height from inches, and weighs between pounds, fitting well into any home. And they are homely not just in personality; they are the lowest shedders of any breed. It also has soft, loose curls that the purebred poodle sometimes has. The colors vary from solid cream, white, to apricot, and often have a mixture of two colors. The Bichon Poodle has little trouble with other animals as well. Purebred Pups is a specialized breeder, offering some of the best pups who will fit perfectly into any home. The dogs for sale here provide a joy and happiness to family life, while requiring little hard work in maintaining them. Bichon Poodles Dogs for Sale. It is considered a designer dog breed. The mix originated in Australia and started appearing in the late s. The goal was to breed a low or non-shedding dog that was sturdy and active with a temperament for families with children. The Bich-Poo is charming, affectionate, highly intelligent, and eager to please. They tend to get along well with other pets and with children, which makes them a great fit for families. Bich-Poos are also alert watchdogs. They can be prone to excessive barking, but training and socialization as a puppy can curb this tendency. Although they will alert you as a watchdog, they are more interested in making friends, so will not make a good guard dog. Bich-Poos are highly adaptable. They do well in apartments or larger homes as long as they get enough exercise and fit right in with families with children, other pets, or both. They do well in most climates and, as with most dog breeds, caution should be taken with extreme heat or cold. With this first generation cross, many of the health issues associated with the parent breeds are often not a concern. However, there is always the potential for inherited issues. Some of the potential breed-related health concerns are allergies, patella luxation, and progressive retinal atrophy. Because they are a small dog breed, they are also prone to breaks and fractures if dropped. This designer dog breed tends to be highly intelligent. That, paired with their eagerness to please their owner, makes them quick learners and fairly easy to train. They tend to be a good fit for owners of any experience level. Novice owners may want to enroll in obedience and training classes to ensure training and socialization is going as it should. A professional trainer can also help you put a plan in place to eliminate any potential issues with separation anxiety or the nipping that can become a common fear or anxiety response in small dogs. A Bich-Poo will often have a soft and curly coat. If their coat takes on Poodle properties, then it will be low-shedding and hypoallergenic. Common coat colors are typically light, like white or apricot, but can appear in other colors like tan, brown, black, or gray. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks is also a good idea for a healthy coat. You will also want to trim their nails monthly and clean their eyes and ears regularly. Although small, these dogs are robust and energetic. They tend to have bouts of high energy and require regular exercise throughout the day. Although they are active dogs, moderate levels of exercise will be enough to tire them out. Regular exercise, like daily walks and active playtime, will help immensely when your pup gets a sudden spike of energy and starts racing. Some of their energy bursts can seem endless, but, due to their smaller size, they do tend to tire quickly, so these bouts of energy will likely be on the shorter side. After that, your Bich-Poo will likely be ready for a nap and some cuddles. Keeping your dog well-exercised and engaged is key. A bored dog is one that can become restless and start to whine, chew, or bark. This designer dog breed usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and can weigh between pounds. A Bichpoo will generally live between years. Featured Bich-poo Article.

Meet Our Dogs Our dogs are more than just pets — they are family! Our dogs grow up in a loving, family oriented environment and are socialized from a young age. All of our moms and dads have passed genetic testing specific to their breed. Nora is just a happy girl with a happy heart and she passes this on to her sweet puppies! She loves to be loved and gives it right back! Margot is a Bernese with a big heart! Ivy lives with friends who have been guardians for several of our girls. They describe her as sweet, quirky, and the biggest lap dog ever! Ivy insists on being close to her people, preferably touching! Bebe is goofy and affectionate, loving and silly, very much a Bernese. She is so engaged and careful with her babies, an adorable dog and Mama through and through! She is a talker like her Mama, loves the family bunny, and adores her family. Millie loves to learn and is proud of her accomplishments. Millie makes her guardian family laugh and the favorite part of her day is when the whole family is together! Pure sweetness with just a dash of mischief ; that would be Pumpkin! Rosey is such a good mix of love and affection, adventure and playfulness, with just a dash of mischievousness! He has a wonderful fleece coat with big waves. Flynn is a sweet and energetic little guy, he has no trouble keeping up with the big dogs! He has produced stunning traditional tricolor litters with some of the prettiest coats we've seen! Rocky is as sweet as he is mischievous! He also fancies himself a lap dog - which is a small problem at pounds! He is a lover with the most soulful eyes! He is playful, curious, and full of energy! Sully is a "moyan" poodle which is a small standard poodle. He weighs 27 pounds and when bred with a Bernese he will produce mini - medium tricolor bernedoodles! Full of love and cheer, he keeps us on our toes! Max is one of the happiest guys we know! Arlo Male tricolor standard poodle Arlo is the epitome of a standard poodle, goofy, goofy, goofy, and intelligent! He is truly a delight, fun-loving, and energetic. Arlo is the master of the head tilt and its so cute to see his babies following suit with impressive head tilts of their very own! Every one of these girls truly made the world a better place and we are so grateful to each and every one of them! As a full time Breeder, you have to have a lot of dogs. We usually breed our dogs when they are around 18 months old, and we will breed a maximum of 3 times. If you think about that, as soon as a Mama has her first litter you need to have a new puppy in the line up so she is ready for her first breeding as your 3 year old girl is retiring. As a result we quickly had a house full of retired dogs - not a good business plan! We buy the dog, pay for all testing and medical care, but she lives with another family. All of our guardians live very close to us and we give them all the support they need. When the girl is ready to have a litter, she comes to our house to have her pups and stays with us until the puppies are weaned, usually about six weeks. Of course their guardian families come to visit too! After 3 breedings, the dog is spayed and she officially becomes the guardian families forever dog! You did such a good job, we are so lucky we found you! We kept Mala from our first litter from Snow White. Thank you for making such sweet babies! Belle has such a fun loving spirit which she passed onto each of her beautiful pups! Thanks for all of your hard work Belle, you did a wonderful job! Ramona produced a pot-potpourri of stunning, colorful puppies. She had litters as big as her heart! Thank you Ramona, you did an amazing job! Shelby is fun loving and lively! We loved delivery days with Shelby as she always gave us beautiful and unique pups! You did a great job Shelby, thank you! Willow is a delightful Bernese, her personality encompasses the best of the breed. Willow, you made so many families happy, we thank you! We love her eyes and freckles! Koda, you left a wonderful legacy, thank you! Coco loves and lives life large! She always had big litters and handled them with grace and ease. Thank you Coco - you absolutely rocked it!! They allowed us to use Grisz to sire a few litters over the years. Thank you Snow, you made the world a better place! Love you. Beazus only produced one puppy and she was a loving and attentive mama! Her daughter, Ramona, is now having her grandchildren for us! Bella is a little girl who always had big, beautiful litters! She was so patient and loving with every single one of those pups! Thank you Bella! Chama is sister to Clarke and cousin to Snow White. She produced cuddly, adorable tricolors every time! Chama, you are wonderful, we love you! Zena is a stunning Bernese from Russia. Now her daughters will be having puppies! We love you! Sicily came from Italy. Thank you Sicily, we love you. She made gorgeous babies and loved them to pieces! Thank you Stella. Georgie is spunky and loving. She adored her puppies and was a fierce Mama! We owe a special thanks to Georgie for our Bernedoodle, Spicy Tuna!! Lily is the happiest of girls! She brought love, energy, and tail wags to every puppy. A loving Mama who is now loving life! Kahlu is from the first litter we had. Kahlu had such unique puppies, every litter brought new surprises! Sophie produced beautiful big litters everytime! She brought so much fun and love to every single puppy! Thank you, Sophie, you are special! Brooklyn Standard Poodle Retired Nov. Brooklyn is a beautiful tri-color standard poodle. She had big colorful litters every time! Thank you for bringing so much joy to the world Brooklyn! Clarke, you made a lot of families very happy! Thank you! She loved her puppies so much. Thank you Bailey, you did an awesome job! Gabi is so full of fun and adventure, love and affection! She surprised us with lots of colors, patterns, and unique pups! Gabi, you left your mark! Parker is our big Panda Bear! Parker always had small litters and a huge heart. You did good Parker, thank you! Several of her pups are service dogs. Zoli, you have made a difference in the world. Tragically we lost Cru, and my heart still hurts for her. Cru will forever be at the heart of Ranch House Bernedoodles. Meet the Family Over the years myself and our grown up kids have owned at least 6 doodles and they have all been exceptional. Now we hope to bless other families with the same quality of loving pets that we have enjoyed. We live in Montrose, CO and we are excited to breed bernedoodles. Our goals for our puppies are a great temperament, good health, loving and fun personalities, and high intelligence! We work hard to assure you are getting a wonderful new family member, not just a pet. Check us out on Facebook and Instagram! About Bernedoodles Bernedoodles are the perfect family pet! A low to non-shedding, low-allergy coat makes the Bernedoodle an extremely low maintenance addition to any household. Their teddy bear appearance will melt your heart while their smart and lovable personality makes them the perfect companion. More info Our Home Our home is located in the beautiful and growing town of Windsor in Northern Colorado, just an hour north of Denver and 45 minutes from the Wyoming border. Picturesque mountain views and access to an endless number of hiking trails make this a wonderful place to live and play with our family and dogs. Our Family My husband, Steve, and I have been married for 10 years. Steve is a fireman and I am now staying home with our sons: Luke- 4. We are enjoying the wild and crazy life we have with three boys within two years of each other! Before staying home with the boys and focusing on dog breeding, I was a special education teacher in Fort Collins and still occasionally sub in the district. Steve and I are very active in our church and community, and enjoy spending time with our extended family. We are love to hike, camp, paddle board, and just play outdoors. We have thoroughly enjoyed embarking on our own breeding journey for the past 4 years. We are not only passionate about raising healthy and well socialized puppies, but also about helping each client find the perfect puppy. My mom generously helps and guides us whenever we need advice and we enjoy earnestly researching and learning from her about what goes into breeding high quality dogs. We love breeding Bernedoodles as they are the perfect family dog! View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Cherry Hills Village Colorado and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups! Welcome to Alpine Bernedoodles, we are located in beautiful southwestern Colorado in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. I have been a Veterinary Technician for over 16 years and it is my passion to produce exceptional quality Bernedoodles. I am committed to breeding for excellent health, confirmation and sound temperament. My bernedoodles are bred with responsibility and integrity to be cherished family companions. Every puppy is raised with attention to physical and mental health, and nurtured with love and care. We cannot guarantee size or color but we will deliver a beautiful, happy healthy puppy. We are accepting applications for future litters. Please visit our Purchasing information page regarding our waitlist policies and application process. Now is a good time to start planning for your next best friend. Cannot recommend Alpine Bernedoodles enough! Our trainer at puppy class raves about how lucky we are to have such a smart trainable pup. Kathryn was great throughout the process sharing pictures and providing information to help us pick our pup and made it so smooth in getting her. The Kingery Family, Washington Today was a great day because we welcomed home our new puppy! She instantly lit up our home with joy! We adore her! They are amazing! The Priehs Family, Michigan I fell in love with bernedoodles about 3 years ago or so, I have wanted one for along time. It was important to me to find the right breeder of this breed as there are alot that are not. I had the most enjoyable experience from the day I sent in my deposit to this day. I love all the new friends I have met watching our puppies grow together. Kathryn is super great to work with! This puppy has changed our house. Less stress, more love. And I thought we were in pretty good shape before, so that says alot. The Heidemann's, Idaho Big day for the Porter family! We love Minna Hayley so much, we had to have Rocket Noah too! Marley and Logan and Kathryn sure make some awesome pups! This was a surprise to our kiddos, hence the tears The Porter Family, Colorado Kathryn, it was lovely to meet you and your husband. Thanks so much for everything! Thank you, Kathryn Hadfield for everything! What a wonderful experience it has been finding you, Alpine Bernedoodles, and this perfect little guy! The Cowgill's, Wisconsin Colt Mack has been such a joy! He is so sweet, happy, smart, and adorable! We are always asked about him when we are out in public and everyone always says how cute he is. People actually think he is a Bernese puppy because of his markings. His coat gets more beautiful every day. It is shiny and wavy and has not faded a bit! It has gotten much thicker and fuller and is gorgeous. The Dutton Family, Colorado We had a fantastic experience with Alpine Bernedoodles, well worth waiting for the perfect dog for your family! Finley has a hilarious personality and could not be smarter or more lovable. She was sleeping through the night after one week and we had her potty trained in two weeks using the bell method — they are SMART dogs. She is a favorite of everyone she meets and has not met a stranger yet. Alpine Bernedoodles has been there for us every step of the way if we have questions, and we love knowing there is a Facebook group for additional support if we need it. We could not be happier with our puppy and suggest Alpine Bernedoodles to everyone we meet! The Bogenreif's, Texas From the moment our puppy arrived we knew we had made the right choice with Alpine Bernedoodles. She arrived happy, beautifully cared for and well behaved. We would highly recommend Alpine and Kathryn to everyone! Thank you for giving us our perfect Scout! She melts our hearts and makes us smile all the time. Her fabulous looks are only enhanced by her amazing personality. She is so sweet and very spunky and she literally stops traffic wherever we bring her. Timber Ellie is the best pup we could ever ask for. She loves cuddling on the couch, politely sitting at the kitchen table with us, and hiking all around Colorado while winning over the hearts of everyone she meets. Timber has a beautiful, silky coat and a fluffy teddy bear face. She is like a person with how smart she is and how well she listens to us. We love her tri-color markings that are still there even as as she approaches 2 years old…and no shedding! Thank you so much for our furry family member! The Meyer Family, Colorado.

Temperament: Eager to please, loyal and affectionate. Their thick fur often sticks out in all directions and can grow long enough to cover their eyes. Despite this scruffy appearance they have sweet endearing eyes that will quickly earn your love and affection. However just by looking at a German Shepherd Poodle mix you can see their strength. As both parent breeds are sturdy and muscular this mix will also have an athletic build. Their beautifully sculpted bodies and long tails give them an undeniable aura of strength and confidence. Height and Weight These mixes can weigh anywhere from lbs. Their weight can vary a lot and will depend on which parent breed they inherit more genes from. As both parents are tall their height is slightly easy to predict — they are typically inches in height. Colors and Coat There is not much color variation with these pups. Shepadoodles can be either black, cream, tan, sable or gray. Their fur can be wavy like a German Shepherd or curly like a Poodle. If your pooch inherits the fur of a German Shepherd they will probably shed a bit more. But if you are lucky enough that your dog has the curly coat of a Poodle then they will shed very lightly and may even be hypoallergenic. Regardless of the texture of their coat, it will be medium length fur that is soft to the touch. The German Shepherd Poodle Mix hybrid was originally developed in the s to be used as military police dogs for the U. Both the German Shepherd and the Poodle originate from Germany. Poodles can come in three sizes standard, mini, and toy but most German Shepherd Poodle mixes are bred with a Standard Poodle parent. Chew toys can greatly help reduce separation anxiety with these dogs. These bundles of energy would happily play all day long if you were willing. They love running around, hiking, fetching balls and especially playing with toys. They are one of the most playful breeds in existence and they will always be in search of a new playmate. German Shepherd Poodle mixes are friendly and loving souls that will quickly become another member of your family. These affectionate pups love to be the center of attention and will happily snuggle up with you on the couch. This dog will quickly become your second shadow and will always be with you. Because of their strong attachment to their humans they often develop separation anxiety and cannot be left alone for long periods of time. This breed is extremely hardworking and can diligently perform any job you train them for. German Doodles are extremely intelligent and are ready to work if you are willing to give them a job. These dogs rarely bark. However due to their protective nature when someone new approaches your house they will bark. They are a bit aloof with strangers and it will take a while until they can trust them. However once a stranger has proven themselves worthy this mix will give them their unfailing loyalty and demand their affection. These protective pups will keep your children safe and will be their best friend. They form extremely strong bonds with their family members and are friendly and playful. Caring for a German Shepherd Poodle Mix Beyond their high demand for exercise and mental stimulation the German Shepherd Poodle mix is a fairly low-maintenance breed. These intelligent pups are easy to train and have low grooming requirements. Their diet is also fairly easy to manage as they will eat just about any food that you put in front of them. Because they are so easy to care for this breed would make a great choice for first-time dog owners. Exercise Requirements The biggest part of caring for them is keeping them active. These strong athletes love to exercise — running, hiking, swimming, playing fetch, or skilfully completing agility courses are all favorites. They need at least hours of exercise each day in addition to their daily walks. Because these dogs need plenty of time and space to run all the energy out of their bodies, they do not typically do well living in an apartment. Apartments are far too small for these gentle giants and they need lots of space to roam around outside. If you are not dedicated to properly exercising your German Doodle they will become cranky. These dogs love their active lifestyles and they get bent out of shape when they do not get to run around as much as they want to. They will most likely express this to you by chewing on your belongings. If they inherit the fur of their German Shepherd parent, they will have thick, long, wavy fur that falls out frequently. Regardless of the texture it is recommended that you brush these dogs times per week. This helps to stop it becoming tangled and matted. While you are brushing your dog you should check their skin for any abnormalities. This breed is prone to sensitive and dry skin so you will want to examine them for any irritation, redness, swelling, rashes or bald spots. Feeding and Diet This breed can vary a lot in weight depending on which parent breed they take after. Smaller hybrids will only need about 2 cups of food per day, but if your dog is on the larger side they will need 4 cups of food per day. If you are unsure then it is best you speak with a veterinarian to make sure your pooch maintains a healthy weight. Make sure you spread their meals out over meals per day. They can suffer from bloat so make sure you space out their eating times. Also they can easily become overweight so make sure to feed them a diet that is low in carbs and high in protein. Hip and elbow dysplasia are not uncommon because of how often these dogs are running around. Osteoarthritis is also common in this mixed breed. Closely watch your dog for any signs of discomfort or pain while they exercise and alert your veterinarian with any concerns. Other possible health issues involve bloat, allergies and hemophilia. Having pet insurance could save you from the headache of going to the vets with reimbursement for every vet bill from now on! Like other mixed breed dogs , the German shepherd and standard poodle cross inherits traits from both parent breeds, which means the dogs can range in size, weight, appearance, and temperament. These dogs can have the coarse, dense, black and tan coats that German shepherds are known for, or sport curlier, low-shedding coats that are the hallmark of their poodle parent. Both German shepherds and poodles are known for being active, intelligent breeds and the shepadoodle remains true to his roots. He's a dog that needs a lot of exercise, consistent training, and because shepadoodles descend from two working dog breeds he'll be happiest with a job to do. Appearance Just like German shepherds and standard poodles, shepadoodles are large dogs. Full-grown shepadoodles stand 22—28 inches tall and weigh between 60—90 pounds, but that's where the mixed breed's consistency ends. These pups can look totally different from one another, depending on which parent they take after more. Courtesy of teddy. But it's certainly possible to see the poodle influence in their coats, too, says Sally Hammond, director of Doodle Dandy Rescue in Texas. Temperament Though German shepherds and poodles differ in appearance, these distinct breeds do share some personality traits. Hammond says both were developed as working dogs and are prized for their intelligence, athleticism, trainability, and need for mental stimulation. As a German shepherd and poodle mix, shepadoodles embody all of these characteristics. Hammond says a well-exercised and well-trained! He needs an owner who can keep him busy and engaged so his sharp mind doesn't become bored. A shepadoodle is no different—these are not dogs that like to spend a lot of time alone, and their families should be prepared to meet their social needs. Living Needs When it comes to the best environment for the shepadoodle, Hammond says the more space, more interaction, more exercise, and more training, the better. Poodles are known as champion barkers , she says, and German shepherds will sound the alarm when there are deliveries or noise from neighbors. So if you don't want passive aggressive glances from neighbors in the hallway, think twice before bringing a shepadoodle into your unit or commit to training them not to bark at passersby. But even with a yard, you shouldn't expect your shepadoodle to entertain himself. Shepadoodles are high-energy dogs that love running , hiking , and swimming. This is not a dog that will be satisfied with a quick walk around the block ; expect to devote a few hours a day to helping your shepadoodle burn off his energy. And because they're so energetic, big shepadoodles might be a little much for a family with small children. Care To keep a shepadoodle mix happy, he needs plenty of exercise—both for his muscles and his brain. The breed excels in agility , obedience, and flyball. Hammond also suggests nose work for these dogs, in either a formal or informal setting: "Take them outside on a leash and let them smell things," she says. Training is essential. Not only are shepadoodles highly intelligent and eager to learn new things, but without adequate mental stimulation the breed will get bored and exhibit some unwelcome behaviors like chewing or barking. Get a trainer and keep up the training. As with all dogs, always use positive reinforcement methods and reward your shepadoodle's good behavior. Another constant of shepadoodle care is grooming. Whether he inherits the German shepherd's flat, coarse coat or the curly poodle locks, he'll need to be brushed several times throughout the week. If you have a curly-coated shepadoodle, you'll need to schedule regular appointments with a professional groomer, too. Remember keeping up with nail trims , routine dental care , and monthly preventives to protect against fleas, ticks, and heartworm disease are also an essential part of caring for your shepadoodle. Check and clean his ears , too, especially if he spends a lot of time swimming. Health Shepadoodles are fairly healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 10—14 years. But they are susceptible to some health issues inherited from their parents. Poodles are prone to progressive retinal atrophy , a group of eye diseases that cause the retinal cells to degenerate, leading to blindness. The diseases can be diagnosed in puppies and older dogs and, while it causes no pain, there is also no treatment. Your vet may recommend antioxidant supplements to delay cataracts and prolong vision. It's a progressive disease that targets the spinal cord and causes hind limb weakness and paralysis; lack of balance and dragging hind feet are the earliest symptoms. There is no treatment or cure for degenerative myelopathy. Hip dysplasia is also commonly diagnosed in German shepherds. It's a condition that causes the joints in the hip to grind because the joint and socket do not fit together. Common treatments include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and surgery. Perhaps the biggest shepadoodle health condition to be aware of is gastric dilatation volvulus, or bloat. This is a life-threatening condition when gas stretches the stomach, causing it to twist and cut off blood to the stomach. Both poodles and German shepherds plus other breeds with deep chests and thin waists are prone to bloat. Gastropexy, a preventive procedure that involves stitching the stomach to the side of the body, is sometimes recommended for bloat-prone breeds. History After the first documented "doodle" dog a Labradoodle was bred in the s, demand for the designer breed took off. This led to interest in crossing poodles with other breeds, such as—you guessed it—German shepherds. And, without formal breed registration, little is known about how the breed originated. But the shepadoodle's parent breeds both have rich histories. Poodles originated as hunting dogs in Germany and are the national dog of France. German shepherds are another German breed and have a long resume as working dogs for militaries and police departments around the world. Fun Facts The shepadoodle isn't the only popular and loved! German shepherd mix. There's also the Gerberian shepsky a German shepherd and husky mix , the golden shepherd a German shepherd and golden retriever mix , and a sheprador a German shepherd and Labrador retriever mix. There are a lot of popular poodle mixes out there, too, including the goldendoodle a poodle and golden retriever cross , Bernedoodle a poodle and Bernese mountain dog cross and Yorkie-poo a poodle and Yorkie mix. Was this page helpful? Shepdoodle Description The Shepadoodle is not a purebred dog. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. He is almost 11 months old. His dad was a German Shepherd and his mom was a Standard Poodle. He weighs about 76 pounds. Bailey is a kind and loving dog. He loves other dogs and kids. He is very shy in meeting new people but once he decides he likes the person they become almost like his friends as my family calls it. Everyone loves meeting him! He at weeks-old was super quick to learn sit, shake and down. House training was a breeze with him. All and all I would say he is an amazing dog who is vocal and is to smart for his own good! Bailey is a big goofball I laugh at him everyday! He loves all people and other dogs. Very obedient, he excels at any type of training. We get his grooming done every 3 weeks. Kyser has been a joy to have in our family, even when he is having a "Kyser bratty moment" everyone still loves his goofy personality and sweet temperament. His owners call him.We've had her for just over a month now and couldn't be happier with her; she fit right into our family of two kids and two other dogs. The variance of weights may be attributed to the contrasting sizes of its parent breeds. Their height may range from 22 to 24 inches. The German Shepherd Poodles have a medium-length coat. It may inherit either the curly type coat of the Poodle parent breed or the wavy type coat of the German Shepherd. The coat colors can be a mixture of gray, black, cream, tan, and sable. The Poodle German Shepherd mix features the energy and courage of the German Shepherd breed in a subtler way. You would appreciate its loving nature and energy as you play together. The German Shepherd crossed with Poodle dogs is intelligent. This trait enables faster training and easier acquisition of skills and commands. These dogs can become service dogs if trained appropriately. This crossbreed tends to be a great family dog. It needs to be around people most of the time. If left unattended, it may develop separation anxiety and other negative psychologic disposition. It is crucial to be selective in choosing where you would get the dog. A responsible breeder must be knowledgeable about the breed and the optimal conditions where he grows the dog. Aside from thorough research of canine resources and breeders, it is optimal to visit the home of the breeder or the kennel of the venue. You can also inspect how the parent breed is living. You must observe the cleanliness, odor, and other factors for the living conditions of your future family member. Applies to all dog food recalls in the U. Another important variable in buying the crossbreed is good communication with the breeder. The professional breeder can help you if you encounter some problems. These sources have inconsistencies and unreliability. If you are doubtful of breeders, you could check out a few non-profit rescue centers for particular dog breeds. The German Shepherd Poodles may shed lightly to moderately, based on the dominant genes between their parent breeds. Brushing is beneficial in developing your bond with your dog as well as its aesthetic value. It is worth giving some time instead of becoming frustrated when the dog gets ill. It also aids in removing loose hair. You may opt to use of a slicker for untangling mats or knots in the fur. The slicker brush is capable of penetrating the thick layers of the double coat and enable a wonderful grooming session. The coat of the German Shepherd Poodles needs two to four times of brushing per week. Its active lifestyle contributes to becoming more unkempt faster than other less energetic breeds. Daily brushing is necessary during the seasons of undercoat shedding. I advise that you groom the dog on a flat surface or clean table. It is better to do the activity in a tranquil and peaceful environment to reduce the chances of irritability. It is essential that you apply gentle touches and as minimal pressure as possible. Poodle crossed with German Shepherd dogs are mainly odor-free and pristine. Their bathing schedule maybe once every two to three months. Human shampoo is prohibited. You should only use a shampoo formula that is hypoallergenic and neutral pH. In grooming the Poodle mixed with German Shepherd dogs, you must also pay attention to the small parts such as the teeth, nails, eyes, nose, paws, and ears. You should look thoroughly for signs of eye, nose, or ear infections. If you are unsure of clipping the nails, I advise that you set an appointment with a local groomer. The nails are important parts of the dog, and they easily chip off by accident. The procedure for brushing the teeth of the German Shepherd Poodles is the same for brushing your own teeth. You will need some extra time to allow for familiarity to settle in. You must conduct the activity in a gradual manner. Its health status and risk factors depend on genetic inheritance and environmental factors. The parent breeds Poodle and German Shepherd have a variety of differences in health predilections and benefits. Below is a list of the usual health problems observed in the combination of a Poodle and a German Shepherd: Hip and elbow dysplasia: This condition occurs often in heavy dogs. It is caused by the displacement of the thighbone and hip joint. Perianal Fistula: This illness occurs mainly in the parent breed German Shepherd. This happens when the skin surrounding the anus drains and communicates with an internal cavity. The wounds on the anus may cause foul smelling discharge and infections. Tick and flea infestations: This condition is mostly caused by poor grooming habits. This is also a reminder of how crucial grooming can be. Osteoarthritis: This degenerative disorder is a result of aging. It leads to difficulty and pain when utilizing the affected joint. In German Shepherd crossbreeds, the most affected part is the spine. Hemophilia: This is a blood disorder that manifests as prolonged wound closure and healing and excessive bleeding. It is incurable but manageable. It is important to notice this early on the life of the dog. One of the primary prevention methods you can do is having consistent schedules with the veterinarian. These visits will allow you to track the course of health problems. These visits can also help reassure you if you notice some suspicious signs that need to be addressed. A minimum of an annual checkup is recommended for dogs with no warning signs. Poodle Crossed with German Shepherd Food Requirements Achieving the best health status for your dog is dependent greatly on the nutrition that you provide. The quality of the dog food is crucial in the overall diet plan and the difference between worst dry dog food and best dry dog food is huge! The amount will vary from one dog to another, heavily based on its weight, level of activity, size, and age. The general amount of food suitable for an adult German Shepherd Poodle mix dog may vary from 2 cups to 4 cups of high-quality kibbles. It is advisable to divide the food servings into two meals each day. The size of the pooch should dictate the choice between the best dry dog food for small dogs and the best large breed dry dog food. When it comes to age, appropriate recipes for whelps, like best puppy food brands , will help your furry pal thrive. Once they enter their golden years, the best senior dry dog food will help to keep their brittle bones stronger! Some essential minerals for the development of puppies are calcium and phosphorus. Calcium is crucial in the growth of strong bones, teeth, eyes, and joints. It has a vital role in the immune system as well. Phosphorus is needed for the proper development of joint and bones. Below is a list of the recommended dry food for the Poodle crossed with German Shepherd dogs. It contains deboned and rich chicken with peas, blueberries, sweet potatoes, and apples. It has a savory flavor that your dog will truly love. It helps in the joint and hip function due to the chondroitin and glucosamine supplements. Dog For Dog Food : This recipe is rich in amino acids for strong and lean muscles. It has high-quality protein and a hefty amount of carbohydrates to sustain the energy level of the dogs. It contains essential vitamins and minerals as well. It includes nine simple key ingredients. It has a meat component that ensures a tasty and adequate amount of animal protein. It does not have any unhealthy additives. This brand has a 4, 12, or pound bags available. Natural Balance L. It has a mild and selected mixture of protein and carbohydrates to help in digesting the food more easily. The carbohydrates in this formulation may be garbanzo beans, brown rice, potatoes, and peas. It also features the right amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for a shiny and healthy coat. You should consult with a veterinarian if you have more inquiries about the nutritional needs of the dog and if you want to have a detailed diet plan. It is better to monitor the food intake and food reaction of your dog to assess the nutritional status. Your pooch may otherwise suffer from a nutritional imbalance, which can be fixed by giving them Nutra Thrive dog food supplement or any similar product. Naturally, talking to the vet is essential before resorting to food supplements so make sure you make an appointment prior to buying them. They need to have an adequate amount of physical activity of at least one hour. To capture the attention of your dog, you will need an adequate combination of mental and physical stimulation for this mixed breed. The dogs will enjoy jogging, playing fetch, and hiking. One activity that you can include in the exercise period is a chewing activity. It can rebound when compressed, allowing a more dynamic playtime for the dog. You can fill the tire walls with treats. On some days, you would choose to stay at home and allow your dog to play inside the house. You would need to have a playpen with adequate space. It has a coating finish for preventing rust build-up. It can be assembled more easily. You can also use this with non-climbing small animals. Poodle Crossed with German Shepherd Training The German Shepherd crossed with Poodle dogs has a boundless potential to become therapy and service dogs, particularly in the military. You will need proper training for effective behavior and skill acquisition. They can be very adept to agility training. The training sessions could be stressful for the dogs, so it is crucial that you are there for them to boost their morale. Here are some tips on training the German Shepherd Poodles: Positive rewards-based system: This system is one of the most effective among the techniques. Dogs tend to learn better in a gentle and supportive atmosphere, as humans do. Positive words and gestures will help reinforce learning and avoid discomfort and other negative emotions. Never hit your dog: This action will affect your bond with the dog. The dog could see you as a threat and attack you. It may develop antisocial personality traits. Limit the duration of the training sessions: Misbehaviors often result from long periods of training. If you do this technique, your dog can focus better on the training periods. Take advantage of its young age: Puppies learn the fastest among the age range of dogs. You need to be consistent and reasonable when training puppies. A good training period can boost the relationship between the owner and the dog. There are available experienced dog trainers that you may contact if training proves to be extremely challenging. These family-friendly dogs enjoy the company of the little ones. It is important to set an example for children in how to treat the dog with respect and love. German Shepherd mixed with Poodle pups may crave attention. You should set aside some time to attend to their needs, because this may contribute to the development of separation anxiety. You can subject the dog for early socialization. This process will help in achieving better adjustment and more loving family dynamic. It will help the dog distinguish between good and bad stimuli and emotions. It can also make them feel at ease with the new environment, especially when you acquire them from another home. These dogs can be a wonderful addition to your family. They would bring excitement to the household, and they help cultivate the spirit of closeness. Life Span Did You Know? These dogs are loyal, intelligent, and loving. They bond closely with their families, are protective of them, and are affectionate with them. The American Kennel Club does not recognize the Shepadoodle, but they are recognized by other dog registries. Shepadoodles make great family dogs. They are playful and energetic, and they get along well with children and other dogs. Their high prey drive can be a challenge with smaller pets in the household. They do well with pets that are part of the family unit and they were raised with, but will need extra socialization and training in other cases. Because they are naturally protective, they are initially wary of strangers. If they have been properly socialized, they will warm up once introduced, but it may take a little bit of time before they are comfortable. They also tend to bark to alert you, which can become a nuisance if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. Shepadoodles are moderately adaptable dogs. Because they require so much daily exercise and mental stimulation, they do not tend to do well in apartments. They are better suited to homes with fenced yards where they can run. They do well in most climates, but are sensitive to heat. Because they bond closely with their families, are protective, and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies, so make sure you are asking them about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. The Shepadoodle is an intelligent dog that picks up on things quickly and responds well to training. They are lifelong learners that love learning new things. Generally, they are easy to train, but they do require a confident, respectful, and firm leader that can provide structured, consistent training. This can be a challenge for first-time dog owners or owners that do not have experience training a large dog. Because of this, puppy training classes or a professional dog trainer are recommended. A Shepadoodle coat will either be non-shedding like the Poodle or low-shedding if they take a little bit more after their GSD parent. Either way, they will need daily brushing to remove tangles and prevent mats and professional grooming every weeks. Trimming nails once or twice monthly keeps them from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks and careful cleanings when needed can help prevent ear infections. Daily dental care along with cleanings at the vet as needed can help prevent dental diseases later in life. Shepadoodles are high-energy dogs that need a lot of daily activity and a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and extra activity are usually enough for them. A fully-grown Shepadoodle usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. Some Shepadoodles have weighed in at over pounds, so you will want to meet the parents to get a better idea of what size to expect once your Shepadoodle is done growing. Shepadoodles were developed in the s by the United States Army. The goal was to create a highly intelligent service dog that did not shed much. Featured Shepadoodle Article.

Puppy Supplies Welcome to Buck Family Farm, a place where our love for Golden Retrievers has evolved into a passion for providing families with affectionate, intelligent, and healthy Golden Retriever Puppies. Our goal is to make sure your next family pet is everything you expected and more. Our Dogs Our family specializes in raising Golden Retrievers of all coat shades who enjoy our spacious 20 acre farm. It is important to us that each dog gets special attention and care each day. Our family-style setup allows our dogs to have the luxury of running free and romping around to their hearts' content while playing together and with our family. Also, since this is our at-home classroom, someone is always available to play ball or give a much needed scratch on the belly and pat on the head. Genetic testing is also performed on each dog to help us make wise choices for the best pairings and to produce puppies with the best probability of excellent health. Of high importance however, is taking into consideration the temperament of each of our Golden Retrievers to produce a well balanced and friendly companion, who exhibits all of the classic traits of the breed. Puppies Buck Family Farm puppies are AKC registered, vet certified, have first shots, are wormed and will come to your home with a 1 year health guarantee and a first bag of puppy food. We also send a blanket with mommy's scent and all appropriate NYS paperwork as well as copies of parents' health clearances. Our desire is to make your experience with us and our puppies everything you expected and more. Puppy Applications If you are interested in purchasing a puppy from our farm please fill out an adoption application to help us get to know you a little better. When your application is accepted you will have the opportunity to place your name on our waiting list for an additional fee. This ensures a courtesy call when a particular color, gender or litter of choice has arrived. You will then have the opportunity to place a deposit on one of our puppies. You will receive a courtesy notification of the litters' arrival and have opportunity to place a deposit. However, deposits that are not submitted promptly will affect your pick-order. Deposits are usually non-refundable. Placing a Deposit Once a new litter is born and determined to be healthy and thriving, we open them for deposit. First, to those on our waiting list, and then to families who have pre-approved applications. We choose puppies at 5 weeks of age in the order that deposits were placed. Please contact us for Paypal, zelle and Venmo handles. Visiting We frequently update pictures of all puppies on a regular basis. You will not be allowed to visit the puppies or parents until mommy is settled in and feeling comfortable with visitors. At 5 weeks of age we have adopting families visit our farm and choose their puppy. Puppies are chosen in the order that deposits were placed. Homecoming At 8 weeks of age and after veterinary examination, puppies will be united with their forever families! Contact: nitrogoldens yahoo. A good dog breeder is registered in a breeders association and breeds according to the rules and guidelines of the respective breed association. In addition to participating in beauty and performance shows at dog shows, this also includes health checks on their breeding dogs. These papers show which ancestors were involved in the development of the puppy and whether inbreeding was carried out. What makes a serious dog breed? A reputable breeder is dedicated to their breed and usually only breeds this one breed. The prices that dog breeders charge for their puppies mostly flow back into dog breeding. A profit is hardly achieved with good and species-appropriate husbandry. How do I recognize a reputable breeder? First, make sure that the dog breed leaves a clean and well-groomed impression. The following points can also help you buy puppies from a reputable dog breeder: Do all animals look lively and healthy? Do the puppies grow up in the family instead of having to live in a kennel outside? Are the parent animals on-site? Are you allowed to visit the puppies several times? Is the breeder interested in your living conditions? Would they like to know as precisely as possible where their puppies will live? Does the dog breeder take special measures to give their puppies a good start in life? For example, do the puppies get to know car journeys and train journeys? Are they used to other pets and children? Does the breeder grant themself a right of repurchase in the event that the buyer wants to give their dog back? These points are indicators of a reputable breeder. In addition, you should make sure that the puppies are not over-vaccinated and dewormed before buying. Worming treatments in particular can cause permanent damage in puppies that cannot be justified by a potential benefit. If the dog breeder is critical of your questions, that is also a good sign. Golden Retriever Breed Overview Golden Retrievers are attractive dogs with an energetic temperament and soulful gaze with expressive dark eyes. Due to their balanced psyche and benevolent disposition, they have gained a reputation as ideal family companions, and their ineradicable passion for water and craving for retrieval make them indispensable for hunting. Golden Retrievers are medium-sized, well-proportioned dogs. Although their exterior is regulated by a single standard, there is a division into 3 types in the breed: English. Dogs of this type are easily recognizable by their wide skull, powerful legs, and very light, almost white coat. Dogs of this type are distinguished by an elegant constitution and graceful posture. Tall, thin dogs of rich dark color. To choose the right pet, you should study the breed standard. Then it will become clear what the perfect Golden Labrador looks like. Of course, the puppies are still too small, so it is rather difficult to assess their conformation. When choosing, first of all, pay attention to the following signs: The Coat. Labradors have dense and coarse guard hair without waves and feathers, a thick and soft undercoat. The AKC standard allows only 3 colors: cream, golden, dark golden, and light golden. A small white spot on the chest is not considered a fault. Expression of the muzzle. It depends to a certain extent on the eyes. In golden Labradors, they are brown or hazel, expressing intelligence and good nature. The eyes should not be cloudy or heavy. In puppies under 12 weeks of age, the iris is blue. The lighter the shade, the lighter the eyes of an adult animal will be. Body type. The back is short and straight, without dips or bulges. Puppies that are overly light, weak, gaunt, or overweight should not be chosen. A characteristic feature of the breed is a thick tail at the base and tapering to the tip, reminiscent of the tail of an otter. During swimming, the tail plays the role of a rudder. During a game, the puppies cheerfully lift it, but never bend or throws it on its back. Labradors are prone to hip dysplasia. For instance, you may want to get the essential things for your puppies like grooming tools, food, and shelter. Caring For a Golden Retriever Puppy Golden Retriever puppies from good breeders do not leave for new homes until they are 2 months old. Therefore, in the early days, pets really need the attention and care of their owners. To avoid digestive problems, puppies should first be fed what they ate at the breeder. And it is better to introduce all new products gradually and in small quantities. At 2 months, golden retrievers should receive food times a day, and when they reach 1 year they are transferred to double feeding. Until the golden puppy has received all the vaccinations, it cannot be taken out for walks. Therefore, before the end of the post-vaccination quarantine in the house, it is better to remove the carpets and cover the floor with disposable floor pads. These platforms will help you connect with people who have Golden Retriever puppies for sale or adoption near you. It can be a great alternative in looking for your future pup within the comfort of your home. AKC Marketplace is your trusted resource to help make a lifetime of responsible dog ownership safe, happy, and healthy. They help over 21, animal shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies advertise their homeless pets to millions of adopters a month, for free. They pride themselves on connecting loving families with new furry friends and have happy customers all over the nation.

Exercise, Growth, and Joints Exercise Labradors not only love exercise, they need exercise. We all look forward to taking our puppy for a walk, however it is important not to over-exercise your puppy. In natural play, puppies will romp until they are tired and then stop to lay down for rest. When walking a puppy on a leash, they cannot stop when they normally would for rest. Too much exercise or walking can severely damage their bone and joint structures irreversibly. This should be taken seriously. THE RULE is: No more than 5 minutes of exercise for every month of age So that means, at 2 months old 8 weeks , your puppy only needs to exercise or walk for 10 minutes per day. At 3 months of age 15 minutes of exercise and so on. If you walk your puppy too far too soon, your puppy may develop hip and elbow dysplasia as they get older. Labradors have been known to develop dysplasia younger than other breeds of dogs. In many of these cases, it is often due to environmental factors such as over-exercise, running on hard or strenuous surfaces such as concrete or sand , continual jumping or agility work. Things to avoid with your puppy: No jumping in or out of car, especially larger cars. Lift the dog or use a ramp. No throwing balls or frisbee great distances for your puppy to chase. The sudden stopping and over reaching with the front legs is dangerous. No agility, jumping or flyball before years old Do not let other dogs knock or push the puppy over continually, includes body-slamming Avoid much stair climbing which can increase the risk of dysplasia No fast turns or roll-overs Good exercise: Swimming is great, since there is no weight-bearing impact on their joints. Remember, labradors love water! Walking on leash, for no longer than the recommended length of time for their age Self-directed play is an overriding rule for any puppy under 18 months old. The majority of exercise should be free play, exploring, and noodling around Hide and seek games are fantastic, as the dog can move at its own pace looking for its toy or treat or you. Size is a factor as large dogs, especially ones that like to play with paw whacks, can inadvertently injury a young puppy. Supervised play is critical. You need to teach the puppy a release command. All these games are forms of exercise for puppies and are a great way to help your puppy learn useful lifelong skills and qualities. Growth plates and bones: Development and injury Growth Plates Growth plates are soft areas that sit at the ends of the long bones in puppies and young dogs. They contain rapidly dividing cells that allow bones to grow longer until the end of puberty. Growth plates gradually thin as the hormonal changes approaching puberty signal the growth plates to close. In puppies, this closure normally completes between 18 to 24 months old in labradors. After sexual maturity, the growth plates calcify and the rapid cell division ends. The growth plates become a stable, inactive part of the bone, now known as an epiphyseal line. Dogs bones are held together with muscles, tendons and ligaments soft tissue. In an adult dog, if a joint experiences a stress such as bending the wrong way or rotating too much, the bones will hold firm and soft tissue will be pulled, resulting in a sprain or tear. Why this matters so much, is that unlike a sprain, injuries to the growth plate may not heal properly or not heal in time for the puppy to grow up straight and strong. Injury to a growth plate can result in a misshapen or shortened limb, which creates an incorrect angle to a joint resulting in yet more future injuries when he grows up, including dysplasia. These xray images show open and closed growth plates in a puppy and adult dog. Bone Strength In addition to having soft growth plates at the end of long bones, puppies bones in general are softer. Spiral fractures of the tibia lower leg bone are very common in puppies. A spiral fracture is where the bottom half of the bone twists in the opposite direction of the top half. Any exercise that puts torque twist on a bone puts the puppy at risk of a fracture. For an example, movements such as twisting and turning suddenly can cause these type of fractures. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This is where we recommend you read our Health and Genetic Testing page, where we talk about hip and elbow dysplasia. It is critical that you, as a puppy owner, understand as much as you can about hip and elbow dysplasia, how you can help prevent it, and what your breeder should be testing for. On the other hand, an underfed or malnourished puppy or dog is also at higher risk of injury. Muscles mass directly influences strength, likewise inadequate calcium and nutrients affect bone density. A body condition score of about is healthy for a young puppy. Once an adult, the ideal body condition score would be about 5 for a healthy, fit labrador. Sterilisation Desexing In larger breeds, sterilising young puppies at a young age has shown to increase the risk of joint disorders and injury. We recommend sterilisation occurs between 24 months old for this reason. This recommendation is outlined in our Health Guarantee. We discuss this more under Desexing or Sterilisation. Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors are amongst the most popular family pets in the UK thanks to their loyalty, gentle nature, and intelligence. Like most dogs, they thrive with regular exercise, keeping them healthy and happy. How much exercise does an adult Labrador need? A healthy adult Labrador generally needs at least 80 minutes of high-quality exercise per day. Of course, when setting exercise goals for dogs with existing health issues including obesity , you should consult your vet first. What types of exercise are best for Labradors? When we say high quality, we mean just that. Try and incorporate off-lead time into their exercise routine and take a ball or toy to play fetch with — running will help to raise their heart rate and burn off more calories. How much exercise does a Labrador puppy need? For their first three months, your puppy will get enough exercise from tearing around the house, playing and causing chaos. How much exercise does an old Labrador need? At an advanced age, your dog will have less energy in general and be more likely to suffer from health issues that may limit their mobility. Be observant — being the loyal companions they are, Labradors will push through a lot of pain to keep up with you. Watch for excessive panting, changes in their movement, and exhaustion as signals that they have overstretched themselves and adjust their activity accordingly. Can you over-exercise a Labrador? Labradors have the capacity to build up incredible fitness that will see them on the go all day long, but for most, there is a limit on how much they can do. Gradually increase their activity levels, using a PitPat to check in on their progress. How far can a Labrador walk? A working Labrador could be expected to cover many miles every day through the undergrowth and even water. However, your pet Labrador will have slightly different stamina, depending on how much exercise they are used to. Getting out and about with your Labrador keeps them happy and healthy and can be a highly rewarding experience for you both. Download our app for free to see if PitPat is for you. You might also like Single page Single page Top 10 most active dog breeds Got energy to burn? Single page Single page 10 ways to exercise your dog indoors Whether you find yourself stuck indoors because of the weather or for any other reason, your dog still needs plenty of exercise. Here are our top tips for exercising your dog indoors. While naturally athletic and full of energy, they need to be well exercised in order to expend their high energy. Labrador needs to be trained and exercised from the time they are puppies, otherwise, they can become destructive and difficult to control. A well-trained and healthy Labrador can also excel as service and guide dogs. In fact, the military and the police consistently use Labradors in search and rescue, hunting and as performance dogs. To realize the full potential of a Labrador they should be exercised regularly and correctly as puppies. In this article, we will show you how you can exercise your Labrador puppy so that it grows into the perfect companion for you. To learn more about this fascinating field, be sure to check out our in-depth article, Labradors as Service and Therapy Dogs. They were ideal for the task as they can run chase and swim in some of the most difficult conditions. This quality, combined with their strong sense of smell and sturdy body structure, makes them ideal for demanding physical work. While currently, they are the most popular choice as indoor family dogs, they are genetically programmed to handle high-energy activities. Their bodies crave lots of physical activity and if they are not given opportunities to expend their high energy they can become destructive. Labradors Gain Weight Easily Labs are strong and sturdy dogs and, consequently, tend to be voracious eaters. A lack of exercise can easily cause them to put on the extra pounds. An overweight Labrador is prone to all sorts of health problems and excessive weight may lead to issues like heart problems, hip, and joint damage, increase blood pressure, etc. An obese Labrador cannot be a helpful member of your family, nor can it achieve its full physical potential. To have your Labrador mature into a good companion and be of service, he must be in good health. Involving your Lab in activities that fit his genetic makeup is the key to keeping him in good health. Hyperactivity and destructive behavior A lack of activity can cause your Labrador to become bored and can result in hyperactive behavior. If they have not been exercised well from the time they are puppies it may lead them to become disobedient and uncontrollable as mature dogs. Their naturally pleasant personalities can turn sour with excessive barking, restlessness, and hyperactivity. Most owners become puzzled when their Labradors exhibit personality problems, unaware that the cause of this is rooted mostly in the lack of proper exercise and properly expending energy as puppies. Loss of Muscle Mass Since Labradors are genetically muscular and well-built, lack of exercise can harm their natural body shape as they lose muscle tone. This can also lead to impaired organ function and can also have an impact on their nervous systems. After their first three months, however, you will need to provide avenues for expending their ever-increasing energy. After 3 months of age, a puppy needs a minimum of at least 45 minutes to 1 hour of exercise per day. As the puppy matures, you can gradually increase his activity levels. At 4 months old, begin with 5 minutes of planned, regular exercise per day. After that, increase his exercise gradually by 5 minutes for each additional month of age. When your Lab hits its first year, you can also consider a well-planned exercise regimen in addition to his daily natural playtime. This dedicated exercise time will become increasingly necessary as your Labrador moves into adulthood. With his increasing levels of energy, it may become increasingly difficult to control him. Walking is a low impact exercise and can easily be done almost anywhere. No equipment is necessary and most owners can engage in this activity along with their puppies. All puppies enjoy running. It may be too early for the puppy to run with you but you can certainly do a few minutes of running a day with the puppy so that he gets used to it. While most dogs are on a leash you will also see that some owners manage to train their dogs to run beside them without a leash. This is achieved by training the dog when it is a puppy. So some early running is advisable but not too much in the initial months. It is an excellent activity and is loaded with lots of adventure for your puppy. Regular hiking trips on a mountain trail or through forested areas can bring great joy to your Labrador puppy as there are a lot of interesting scents and scenes that are exciting for them. Just be aware that may be difficult to keep them on the path at first as they will be eager to chase after anything that moves. Labradors are natural swimmers and their bodies develop excellently if swimming is added into their exercise regimen. Swimming is a full-body exercise and strenuous enough to expend all the energy of the puppy. Initially, you should limit the swim time in order to ensure that the dog does not overtire itself. Swimming also cools down the puppy and they get a lot of pleasure playing in the water. Related: But is it true that all Labradors are naturals when it comes to water? Playing fetch. Lab puppies love to play fetch. All Lab owners inevitably find this out and it is often the most preferred type of play for your dog. Labradors, with their natural retrieving trait, usually take to this game early on. All you need is their favorite toy to throw and a lot of space for the puppy to run and fetch the toy. Usually, owners use toys like balls or sticks but the beauty of the activity is that almost any object can be used for this game. Agility training. This exercise is more for puppies whom the owners would like to prepare for competitions. Agility training involves activities such as the puppy going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. This requires a proper agility training course and the puppy has to be trained to engage in the activity. It is advised that Labrador owners wait until the puppy is at least one year to start agility training activities. It is a common sight to see dogs and owners playing Frisbee, in playgrounds and yards. Frisbees is an exciting activity for your puppy that engages all his muscle groups. It includes jumping, leaping and running, all of which are important and healthy activities for a Labrador. This also involves their favorite pastime, retrieving, which Labrador puppies will enjoy. Ensure that the Frisbee is light and flexible as it can harm the puppy if thrown with force. How to Exercise Your Lab Puppy Indoors While most owners can take their puppies outside for exercise, some may not be able to do this. This could be due to extreme weather conditions like rain, snow or heat, or just the lack of accessibility to open areas, such as if you live in an apartment complex that does not have a pet-friendly facility. It can be difficult in these cases to ensure that the puppy gets the exercise it needs but there are ways to get around this inconvenience. Here are some ways you can exercise your puppy indoors. Use a treadmill. While it may seem surprising for many, a puppy can be trained to use and enjoy a treadmill. While it may not happen immediately, you can get the dog used to the treadmill slowly. Start with getting them used to the sight and sound of the treadmill in action. Briefly put the puppy on the treadmill. Try this for only around 5 minutes at first and then increase the time gradually. Once the puppy gets adjusted to the activity you can increase the pace for an adequate workout session. Play fetch. It can be tricky when you play fetch indoors as space is constrained and there could also be accidents and breakage of valuables. So it is best to prepare a fetch course for the puppy. Clear out parts of the house so that there is a clear path for the puppy to run without breaking or hitting anything. You may not have enough room in your place to create a long running path but that is okay. It may be difficult to do for one hour and may become boring for the puppy. It can be combined with other indoor activities to provide adequate exercise time and fun. Obstacle courses. Since an indoor exercise area can be limited you can maximize your indoor space to do more with it. An ideal way to accomplish this is with an obstacle course. You can create an obstacle course with everyday objects and supplies found around the house. For example, old tubes and cardboard boxes for tunnels, chairs for jumping across, stools for climbing, etc. Plan out your own course in a way that makes the puppy to crawl, jump, run and climb. Initially, the puppy may not get the idea but with effective use of treats and encouragement can help it learn. While not necessarily the best exercise for the puppy, it is certainly good for the overall strength and muscle building. The neck, jaws, legs, and torso get a good workout with some intense tug of war activity. It is also great fun for both the owner and the pup. A good way to start a tug of war is to wait until the puppy is biting or chewing a non-food object — anything that will not encourage the puppy to chew on inappropriate household items. Hold on to one end of the object and start pulling. The puppy usually cannot resist pulling off the object from your hands. This will lead to a tug of war and the more you engage in it the puppy will find it thrilling. Hide the treat. This is another fun activity and will keep your puppy active. You can take any treat that the puppy likes, have them smell it, and then quickly run with it and hid it in hard to get a place like under the rug on a slightly high chair or table or behind a door. When you hide it does ensure that it is not impossible by slightly difficult to reach. If it is impossible to reach the puppy may lose interest in the game. Also, ensure that you do not place in areas that can be potentially risky of the puppy. Other than these you can come up with many fun games to keep your puppy active, like playing with bubbles or playing hide and seek. The two puppies will naturally play and exercise with each other. Depending on the age you can have longer durations but do not engage in any exercise before the first 3 months are completed. In the fourth month, you can start with 5 minutes of playing, throwing the ball, or walking. Walking is easier if the puppy does not yet know how to do fetch. Continue doing this at approximately the same time each day so that the dog is accustomed to and ready for the activity. Choose a schedule that works best for you and that you can keep consistently — such as after you come home from work or early in the morning. In the fifth month, you can increase the time to 10 minutes. Do not worry if the exercise is not continuous in the beginning. Maybe you can get the puppy used to the leash and lightly jog along with it. In the sixth month, you can increase the time to 15 minutes with a greater intensity of activity. By this time you will also notice that the puppy has gained a lot of energy and can do the activities with vigor. Following this pattern, you can increase his exercise time a few minutes each month so that by the fifteenth month the puppy will be getting an intensive 1-hour exercise daily. Choosing Activities for Exercising the Labrador Puppy Most new Lab owners are unsure about which exercises to choose for the puppy. The best course is to initially try out a variety of exercises. Maybe you can switch activities every three days. Try walking a few days, the other days jogging and then throw and fetch. As you progress and the puppy engages in more activities you will find a few that the puppy enjoys the most. When that is identified try to include those more. Always remember that mental stimulation is equally as important as physical activity, so come up with interesting activities and add variety every once in a while. Do not force the puppy to do activities that they dislike. Also, if some days the puppy does not seem energetic or is sick you can skip those days. The activity should be tiring but not exhausting; a good way to gauge this is to check if the puppy is enjoying the activity and is fully involved. If its interest seems waning them maybe it is time to stop or change the activity. Keep It Fun Puppies only want to have fun. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. Also, include an ample amount of both physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will be the result. If the puppy seems ill or in pain, it is best to not exercise that day. You can choose a milder form of activity like a leisurely walk if you are unsure. Slow and steady is a good rule to follow. Have the right equipment for exercise whether it is a toy or a leash and take adequate safety precautions While swimming is an excellent exercise, do not force the puppy into water. Let him get used to the water gradually before making him swim. Initially, if the puppy cannot swim, a life jacket or any floatation device could be used for safety. Do not take the puppy outdoors if the weather conditions are extreme. Avoid exposing the puppy to any extreme weather condition be it rain, heat or snow. Do activities indoors on those days. In warmer seasons, early morning and late in the day are ideal for outdoor activities. Try to take the puppy for outdoor exercise during those times to avoid overheating. Keep plenty of water available if you are engaging in outdoor activities. Take frequent breaks, especially if the activity is too strenuous or is new to your puppy. Check the puppy for scrape and bruise after the activities. In the activities, if the puppy hurts itself take necessary steps for its care. Check with the vet before you start on an exercise regimen and keep the vet updated on your observations If you have the puppy on a leash try to not jerk or pull on the leash suddenly. It can hurt you as well as the puppy. Do not pull on the leash too hard to curb the puppy from going towards any object or animal, instead, you can physically pick up the puppy and move away from the distraction. When running or walking on remember that the paws of the puppy may need time to toughen up and may hurt sometimes. Pavements can be very hot on summer days even after the heat subsides, so be alert to how the puppy reacts. Because puppies are covered in fur, watch signs of excessive panting or wet paw prints sweat glands tend to be near the paws Try to have softer surfaces for walking or running like a lawn or soft sand. Too much of anything is never good — including exercise. There is an active debate going about the optimum amount of exercise for puppies. While everyone agrees that exercise is necessary the limits have not yet been clearly defined. It is better to err on the side of safety. A good 15 minutes to one hour depending on the age of the puppy is recommended. Beyond that, it depends on the fitness and endurance of the particular puppy and the activity itself. It would also be better to split up the time between morning and evening. This will ensure that you do not overtax the puppy. Do remember also that the puppy will be active during the day too so too much activity may tire out the puppy and lead to injuries as well. There is no easy approach or any hard and fast rules. It is better to let common sense influence your decisions in this matter. Also, talk to a vet and get his or her opinions as they will have greater insights into the condition of the puppy. No, if you are feeding a balanced and nutritious diet then the exercise alone does not warrant increasing its food intake. In fact, this may have adverse effects and lead to unnecessary weight gain. It is better to also seek advice from your vet in this matter before changing anything. If a Lab owner is unable to properly exercise their puppy then it would be better to hire someone to do this. While the owner is the best person to exercise with the puppy, life situations and work-related inconveniences can lead to an inability to exercise the puppy. In such cases, someone who will properly care for your puppy, like a relative, a family friend, or an agency that offers such services can be given this responsibility. Exercising your Labrador puppy can be a fun activity but what also matters is the bonding and enjoyment that result from this activity. A good exercise regimen benefits the owner as well as the puppy. So commit today to exercise your Labrador puppy and watch it grow into a good-natured, happy, and healthy dog. And just like us, their cardiovascular system becomes more efficient the more its used. The benefits of exercising your dog are many. Exercise helps your Labrador grow more blood vessels and effectively oxygenate his body, as well as build muscle and strengthen his bones. It also helps with weight control to a certain extent. Firstly, he will tend to get bored and will be bursting with pent up energy. Your lab will expend all that energy by resorting to destructive behaviors like chewing and digging, and barking excessively. So, how much exercise does a Labrador need? Generally speaking, however, a healthy, adult Labrador needs an hour of exercise every day. If your dog is the relaxed kind, 45 minutes will do, while a really energetic dog could work out up to 1. Labradors, like all dogs, love to explore. Even a quick hike or walk around a nature trail will be great exercise. Just make sure you have the right hiking gear for your labrador. Just their normal playtime will tire him and give him enough of a workout. This is five minutes of structured exercise per month of age, until your puppy is grown. And that should be enough to keep him fit and burn off excess energy. There are plenty of games you can play with your dog which double as exercising. Tug-of-War is a great form of play and exercise. This can be played indoors—as long as you have enough space—or outdoors. A couple of tips to keep it safe. And if your Lab especially a puppy grabs any part of you or your clothes, stop the game for a time before trying again. Another good idea is upgrading a rubber ball to a Frisbee. Balls tend to sink and roll away, but Frisbees hold air much longer, making them a very fun toy for your Labrador. See if you can teach your Lab to jump and grab the Frisbee midair for even more of a workout. A low impact game which is a great brain teaser for your Lab is finding the treat under the cup. Start by having your dog sit and show them a piece of their favorite treat. Hide it under a plastic or Styrofoam cup right in front of them. Once your Labrador has gotten the idea of how it works, rub a piece of treat over three cups to keep your dog from cheating with his nose. Then place the treat under one of the three cup and ask your dog to find it. Labradors were bred to be full of energy and want to work. They need lots of regular exercise. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Whether young or old, big or small, yellow, black, chocolate, from field lines or show lines, your Labrador needs exercise. It will keep their heart and muscles strong, their mind stimulated and their weight under control. But how much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors Are a High Energy Breed The Labrador Retriever is a high energy working breed, initially bred for very physically demanding work retrieving game for hunters. This would involve all day hiking, running and swimming in sometimes difficult conditions. So Labrador Retrievers were bred to have lots of energy and be very active. And though their main role in life today is as a family pet, they still have those same genetics that made them suited to their original role. Dog Ball Thrower. Yes, you can throw a tennis ball extra far with the Chuckit, but two reasons why I love it: 1. In this state they will often resort to destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing…and will often be very restless, may bark excessively and try to escape your home and garden at every opportunity. Insufficient exercise can also lead to weight problems with Labradors. Excess weight is a problem because it can lead to all sorts of problems such as damage to their joints hips and elbows , heart disease, increased blood pressure and increases the risk of diabetes. So a lack of exercise leads to behavioral problems, hyperactivity and possibly an assortment of health problems. However, as a general rule of thumb, a normally healthy adult Labrador Retriever will need 1 hour of exercise every day. The more relaxed Labs just 45 minutes per day, the more energetic 1. This can be made up of running, swimming, playing fetch , jogging alongside you…anything that goes beyond a gentle walk. But if the first consideration is your Labradors age, how much do puppies and the elderly need? Nice for long runs with your Lab. If you have older dogs or children, the puppy may well try to keep up with them and over-exert themselves, playing to exhaustion and damage their developing joints. So keep an eye on them and interrupt play if need be, to give them plenty of rest. Once they are fully grown, they can go out for much longer. The 5 minute rule should be sufficient to keep your lab puppy fit, burn off excess energy yet not over-exert them and cause possible developmental issues. Continue the 5 minute rule until your puppy is at least one year of age where you can then begin to exercise them more vigorously. This is highly dependent on your labs overall health and can vary wildly from one Labrador to another. Some labs may need to slow down from the 7th year onwards, while others remain extremely active beyond their 10th year. As Labradors get older, many develop arthritis, dysplasia and other health issues that can prevent a Labrador from enjoying or needing exercise as much as they used to when young and healthy. They will likely still try to chase a tennis ball all day and hike mountains just to please you, even if it may be doing them more harm than good. Try not to put them in this position. As your Labrador ages, you need to be more observant , looking for changes in their movement, excessive panting, slowing down, feeling tired. And during grooming sessions and massage, check for any painful spots indicative of sore joints or other problems. We noticed Linus was stiff getting up in the morning and decided to try adding glucosamine to his diet. We saw a noticeable difference a few days later and an added spring in his step. If your Labrador tears around your home like a tornado. If your Lab displays any of the restless and destructive symptoms described above, try increasing their levels of exercise for a few days and see if their behavior problems improve. However, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket you might want to check out PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher. Over-exercising very young and elderly Labradors can do more harm than good. For your adolescent and adult Labrador, exercise them well. As a general rule of thumb, aim for 1hr per day and scale this up or down depending on your Labradors individual needs. This could mean 45 mins for the more sedate and elderly, or 1. And at the end of the day, think of it like this: You have the best exercise machine to rival that of any gym to keep you fit and healthy yourself. And hey, what fun!!! What better motivation and need is there to keep yourself in shape? Do you mostly agree with the above? Please let us know in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Just like us, Labradors need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Whether you have a young or old dog, they all need to get the blood flowing to stay healthy and live long happy doggie lives. Regular exercise with your Labrador is very beneficial for you both. Exercise stimulates neuron growth in the brain, encourages the production of endorphins with a known mood-boosting effect , helps strengthen your bones and muscles, improves blood pressure, and can significantly help with depression. Are you having a hard time figuring out how much exercise your lab needs? Answers vary drastically from one dog to another. The amount of exercise to give your Labrador depends mostly on the age of the dog. The key to taking your Labrador puppy out for exercise is to be patient. Some labs are athletic, and thus need more exercise than others. Also, certain Labradors are genetically programmed to be energetic and have high metabolism rates, whereas others are more laid-back. Here are some exercise guidelines a new lab owner can follow to make sure their dog gets the right workout. With older dogs or children, a lab puppy may well try to keep up with them and exhaust themselves before they reach their adult size and stamina. Hold off on structured games and other forms of heavy physical activity for the first three months. This will set the stage for long-term, healthy exercise habits. This rule states that you should take your Labrador puppy out for at least five minutes of exercise per month of age up to twice a day until he or she is fully grown. This can be anything from a walk around the block to a run in the dog park. How old your dog is will make a difference in their stamina. To determine how much exercise your dog needs, first take their age into consideration. Labs that are four years old and above need between one and two hours of exercise per day. The truth is Labradors can lead a perfectly healthy life with just an hour of daily active playtime. The Labrador Retriever was bred to retrieve game for hunters. That means they naturally love to play fetch. All you need is a toy for playtime and room for running around. Tug-of-War is less cardio-oriented but helps with muscle mass and body structure in growing dogs. Plus, they love it! It requires that you prepare your puppy with a proper agility training course. Agility training is great for completing a total-body, structured workout, while also providing mental stimulation for your labrador. This involves activities such as going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. You will need to train your lab to engage in the activity and this involves proper instruction. Find one that fits his size and abilities, as well as your own personal comfort level. Either due to space or having a small yard, it may be difficult to get their puppies out every day. The good news is that, with a little creativity, indoor exercise can be just as viable and fun! Here are a few ideas you can try at home. Try Treadmill Training Sessions With Dogs A dog can be trained to use a treadmill and enjoy it, but the experience will take time. Build an Obstacle Course for Your Labrador Use everyday things found around the home or office to create an obstacle course. It also boosts their energy levels and problem-solving skills. For example, you might use old boxes and trash bags to make a tunnel, chairs or stools to jump across, and other furniture for your puppy to climb. At first your puppy may not catch on, but with effective use of the treat and lots of encouragement, you can help it learn as it goes. Hide-and-Seek With a Treat! Hide a treat around the house, and let your puppy work to find it. As you hide treats around the room, remember to make sure they are not hiding somewhere that is unreachable. Tip 2. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. All dog breeds respond positively to lots of physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will flow. Tip 3. Make an Exercise Routine and Schedule for Your Dog Lab owners, take note: maintaining the health of an adult Lab is all about consistency. And this starts with walks at a young age. Take regular walks with your dog, no matter the weather conditions. Walk at the same time each day in order to create an exercise pattern that both you and your dog can stick to. Maybe you can get the puppy used to a leash and casually walk through your neighborhood with it. That way, you can vary the activity occasionally. In six months, increase the amount of time your dogs are running to 15 minutes. This keeps their energy high and stops weight gain as they mature. Conclusion As a dog owner, your foremost responsibility is protecting the health and safety of your pet. Insufficient exercise causes health problems in dogs , like hip dysplasia especially those already prone to hip or joint problems. Share on. Tweet on Twitter Puppy exercise requirements vary between different types of dog, and as a puppy grows the exercise they need will increase. It is possible to give a puppy too much exercise so I will give you a puppy exercise chart, as a guide to how far a puppy can walk at different ages. Taking your new puppy for a walk We all look forward to the day we can take our new puppy for a walk. For many people, daily dog walks is a huge part of why they bought a Labrador in the first place. Others already take quite small puppies for quite long walks and are surprised to discover that many experts believe this to be a bad thing. So just how much exercise does a puppy really need? How much exercise does a puppy need? This rule of thumb says that a puppy should have no more than five minutes of walking for every month of his age. So that would be fifteen minutes a day maximum for a three month old puppy, twenty minutes for a four month old and so on. This concern about excessive exercise has arisen because it is widely believed that exercise is a factor in the development of serious joint disorders. Especially in larger breed puppies such as Labradors Breeders are particularly concerned about hip dysplasia, a serious and complex disorder of the hip joints, that is believed to be influenced both by inherited factors passed from dogs to their puppies and by environmental factors In addition to factors influencing growth rates, the stresses and strains placed on the vulnerable growing joint by excessive exercise are believed to be a contributory environmental factor in the development of inadequate hip joints. It seems likely, that a puppy that had inherited a tendency for poor hips, could have its soft and still forming hip joints made a good deal worse through prolonged or hard exercise. It is also possible that a puppy that has inherited excellent hips, will come to no harm whatsoever through hard exercise. On the contrary, a certain amount of free running exercise is a good thing Running off-leash A Norwegian study published and which included labradors, showed that puppies given the opportunity to exercise off leash in a park before the age of three months were less likely to develop hip dysplasia HD , not more. Stair climbing The same study showed that puppies that had to climb stairs on a regular basis during the same period were at increased risk of HD You can read about this study in Science Daily. So what does this study tell us? Well, it is only one study, but it suggests that playing in a natural way, with other pups or simply running about at their own speed is probably going to benefit a small puppy Strenuous exercise Whereas more strenuous activity such as climbing hills and stairs, may not be such a good thing at a very young age. Another study has suggested that running hard for a retrieve, may not be great for joint health either. And some breeders also prevent dogs from jumping for the first twelve months to reduce impact on the shoulder and elbow joints. This may be especially important for some of the heavier breeds of dog, and those that are slow to mature. How far should my puppy walk? But how does that translate to distances walked? If you like to think in distances rather than time, a mile is around steps for an adult human and takes about twenty minutes at a moderate walking speed. So a maximum walk for a four month old Labrador might be about a mile. And of course if you are walking out and back again, that means not taking the dog more than half a mile from your home or car, whichever is your starting point. With young puppies, you need to keep a balance. Think about the overall energy your puppy is expending rather than focusing on walking alone. Walking is only one form of exercise and is no more valuable or important than games or training exercises. If you have been to visit a friend with your five month old pup and their dog has played for half an hour in the garden with yours, your dog does not need a walk as well. It is the total exercise that counts. How much exercise is too much? And you are bound to know of someone whose puppy had far more exercise than this and came to no harm. However taking a puppy for long walks or asking him to negotiate very steep or uneven surfaces when he is little, is probably a bad idea. Beware of letting a puppy play for too long with an older dog that does not want to stop. And keep an eye on children who may inadvertently exhaust a puppy by encouraging him to play when he needs to sleep. Crating your puppy when he is tired or overexcited, will enable you to make sure that your puppy gets some well deserved down time. Summary Young puppies need the time and space to run about freely, and free running exercise is beneficial. You do not need to attempt to prevent puppies playing in the garden, trotting about the house or playing with another young puppy for a while. Provided that the puppy is free to stop and rest whenever he wants. As far as we know at the moment, formal exercise — walking on a lead — for example, is probably best restricted using the five minute rule as an approximate guide. And strenuous exercise such as stair climbing, and chasing balls should be limited or avoided altogether in puppies under three months of age. Remember, an adult dog can become an amazing athlete, but like all athletes, fitness and stamina are best built up in gentle stages if injury is to be avoided. Do talk to your vet about exercise at your first appointment with your puppy. We are still learning about hip dysplasia. Research is ongoing, knowledge increases all the time. Your vet should be up to date with the latest information regarding the optimum amount of exercise for your new puppy. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was originally published in and has been extensively revised and updated for References Slater et al. Diet and exercise as potential risk factors for osteochondritis dissecans in dogs. Am J Vet Res. Sallander et al. American Society for Nutrition. Krontveit et al. Risk factors for hip-related clinical signs in a prospective cohort study of four large dog breeds in Norway. Learn more » While Labrador Retrievers are a popular companion dog worldwide, they were initially bred as sporting dogs and have retained a lot of their working prowess even after the shift to companionship. AKC compliant breeder Ruffwood Labs emphasizes that exercise is not a value of time exercised but exertion. Puppies According to Ruffwood Labs, Labrador puppies need to be walked for around 5 minutes for every month of life. So, a minute walk would be appropriate for a four-month-old puppy. However, not all walks are equal. Take into account the terrain that you will be walking on eg. The most important part is not the length of the exercise but the quality of it. Puppies are being walked to help with socialization and lead skills rather than a need for exercise per se. Let them guide the activity- sniffing and investigating or running around madly for a few minutes. They will usually stop and sit or lie down if they need a rest, let them do this. Additionally, Ruffwood Labs warns against overexercising your puppies. Hip dysplasia is multifactorial and genetics, diet and exercise all play a part. Ruffwood Labs recommends that Labrador puppies not be vigorously exercised and kept away from stairs to avoid causing damage to their delicate, growing joints. Once they are mature, by 18 months, they will be able to engage in more vigorous exercise and start to go jogging with you if you wish. Your average labrador would enjoy around 1 to 2 hours of exercise a day but this can be divided into manageable time slots. Exercise also includes brain stimulation such as training and scent work. So your morning and evening walks can be supplemented with training sessions at home too. Labradors love to swim and this can be a great form of exercise for them. Get creative, play games, use puzzle feeders and have fun together building your bond. If you see any of the following signs while exercising your Labrador, stop the activity and let your dog rest. Damage to the Paw Pads Some dogs get so absorbed in their play that they accidentally put excessive strain on the paw pads. Even though paw pad injuries are typically painful, some dogs will ignore the very clear sign that they need to stop to continue playing. Soreness or stiffness will typically become visible once your dog has rested up following their play session. Image By: SeventyFour, Shutterstock Behavioral Changes If your dog is not quite themselves or behaving oddly, especially around the time you would typically exercise, this is a good sign that something is wrong. Your dog may be feeling under the weather, or maybe you went a little too hard the day before. If the problem persists, contact your veterinarian to rule out any medical diagnoses. Injury or Heat Intolerance If your dog is injured during play or starts showing signs of heat sickness , you should halt play immediately and bring them to a veterinarian. Prompt treatment is of the essence with these kinds of situations. Final Thoughts Exercising your dog is a critical component of being a dog owner. So, it makes sense to learn as much as you can about how to properly keep your dog healthy before you get one. So, keep that in mind before bringing your new dog home.

So, what is a Labrador Terrier Mix? A Labrador Terrier Mix is a designer dog breed that is a result of crossing a purebred Labrador with one of the Terrier breeds. Since the Lab and the Terrier are two very different breeds with very different traits, it is important to know what to expect with this breed before you decide to get one. This article will cover all the information you need to know about the Lab Terrier Mix, including their health, lifespan, and how to take care of these Mixes. With such diversity, it is difficult to predict how big a Lab Terrier Mix puppy will get. The size of a full-grown Lab Terrier Mix will depend on the size of the Terrier that was crossbred with a Lab. For instance, mixes between the Lab and the American Pitbull Terrier can get as tall as 24 inches and weigh as much as 90 lbs. Others, like the mix between a Lab and the miniature Rat Terrier are a lot smaller in size, weighing about 10 to 15 lbs and with a height of about 10 to 13 inches. Appearance As it is with size, the appearance of the Lab Terrier Mix is highly dependent on the specific Terrier breed that was used to produce the Mix. Coat Whilst the Lab comes in three main colors — black, yellow, and chocolate — Terriers will come in a wide variety of colors. This means your Lab Terrier Mix puppy can take on any color, depending on the colors of the Terrier parent. For instance, American Staffordshire Lab Mixes can be brown, black, or brindle, while American Pitbull Lab Mixes can be brown, black, white, tan, yellow, or brindle. Image from Instagram: louis2therescue Lifespan The life expectancy of Labs is about .Without suffering from any health conditions, a Lab Terrier Mix will live for 10 to 14 years. A few will even make it beyond 14 years. Some of the common health problems that affect Lab Terrier Mixes include: Allergies Most types of Terriers are very susceptible to allergies. Dog allergies usually affect the respiratory system, the skin, and the digestive system. With this condition being common among Terries, there is a possibility that the condition could get passed on to your Lab Terrier Mix as well. Left untreated, conditions like PRA can eventually lead to blindness. Joint Problems Labradors are also at a high risk of developing joint problems, such as patellar luxation and hip and elbow dysplasia, which could also affect your Lab Terrier Mix. The condition is very common to Labs, leading to swollen joints and lameness, both of which will put your Lab Terrier Mix at risk. Fortunately, many of these conditions can be prevented by having the parents screened prior to breeding. Lab Terrier Mixes require a protein rich diet for proper muscle growth, since they are typically active dogs. This food is highly nutritious, with lots of protein, and conforms to human-grade safety standards. When feeding your Lab Terrier Mix, you should stick to manufacturer-recommended portions to avoid the risk of overfeeding your canine buddy, which can lead to obesity. Exercise Labs are very active due to their working dog origins, while Terriers are generally feisty dogs. When you combine the two, you get a very energetic dog that requires lots of exercise. Most Lab Terrier Mixes will be okay with an hour of exercise every day. If possible, engage your four-legged buddy in physically intense exercises, such as playing fetch or going on hikes, rather than a leisurely walk on the beach. Vet Visits Even with a proper diet and lots of exercise, it is still advisable to visit the vet regularly for checkups. This way, potential health concerns will be detected early enough and treated before they become actual problems. Your vet will also provide you with additional tips to help you take the best care of your furry buddy. Temperaments Of Labrador Terrier Mixes A post shared by Shaina Spasari shainaspasa Before bringing a new pet home, it is good to know its temperament and personality. This will help you determine whether they will make a good companion for you and helps you provide them with the kind of care they need. Temperament Most Lab Terrier Mixes are very loyal and loving. This can be attributed to the Lab genes in the mix since Labs are well known for their affection. Their Terrier ancestry can also make them protective, which means the majority of Lab Terrier Mixes will make good guard dogs. Actually, their highly energetic nature makes them good playmates for kids since kids are equally energetic. However, you should always make sure that all playtime between the doggie and your kids is supervised by an adult. Energetic Lab Terrier Mixes have a lot of energy and will require lots of physical activity. This is not the kind of dog that you can leave it indoors all day long. Their physical requirements mean that Lab Terrier Mixes will be most comfortable in homes with a yard where they can run around without restrictions. It is still possible to keep a Labrador Terrier Mix even if you live in an apartment, provided you are an active person who loves the outdoors. Do Lab Terrier Mixes Shed? The moderate to excessive shedding means that your Lab Terrier Mix will need daily brushing sessions. Removes loose hair: reaches through the topcoat to remove loose undercoat hair without cutting skin or damaging the.FURejector button: just push the button to release hair with ease. When you have a shedding dog in your house, it is totally normal to have dog hair all over the house, which is why you need a vacuum. A bath every quarter is enough unless your dear Fido has really dirtied themselves while playing outside. Not only does this shampoo not contain harsh chemicals, but it also has a patented Pharmasome technology that will keep your four-legged buddy smelling fresh for longer. Professionally formulated mild yet effective soap-free formula is ideal for.Many pets right after a bath they try to find a.Labradors will get along well with Terriers, especially if they have been raised together or if both dogs were socialized from an early age. Both the Lab and most Terriers have very high energy levels, which makes them compatible. Some Terriers, such as the Kerry Blue Terrier, are great swimmers, while others. When Terriers are mixed with swimming dogs like the Lab, they will be great swimmers as well. Most Terrier Mixes are loving and playful and will make good family dogs. There are some, however, that can get aggressive, which makes them unsuitable for families. Bull Terrier Staffordshire Terrier Most of them have ancestry that traces back to the United Kingdom where they were typically used in the herding of livestock and to control vermin populations. Some can weigh as little as 3 pounds 1. Regardless of how small or big they are, Terriers are spirited dogs with bold personalities and fearless natures. They also tend to love barking, digging, and playing. Just like any dog who gets early and proper training, they can be a great addition to any household. Popular Lab Terrier mixes There are about 30 Terrier breeds out there, the possibilities for creating a Lab Terrier mix are also endless! Despite their size — 13 to 18 inches 33 to 46 cm in height and 10 to 25 pounds 4. They love to please their person so they should never be left alone. You can find them in shades of black, red, apricot, blue, and tan, sometimes, with a combination of white. Although small Jack Russells are known for their high-energy levels. These quick and determined dogs will keep you playing all day! These dogs require assured owners who know how to socialize them properly, especially around children and strangers. These intelligent and self-assured dogs are used in search and rescue and are known to also excel at dog sports and agility. They typically stand between 17 and 19 inches 43 and 48 cm tall and have a short, easy-to-maintain coat. During their 12 to year lifespan, there are a few health issues you need to be aware of including skin allergies, heart disease, and hip dysplasia. Lab Bull Terrier mix The Bull Terrier is a medium to large-sized breed standing at 21 to 22 inches 53 to 58 cm in height and weighing between 50 and 70 pounds 22 and 32 kg. They have a short low-maintenance coat that comes in a variety of colors. Typically living between 12 and 13 years, health concerns with this breed include patella luxation, heart murmurs, and congenital deafness. This is a lively breed that is loyal to its humans but is often not great with other dogs. They need lots of stimulation, management, and training in order to avoid unwanted and destructive behaviors. This breed has a lifespan of around 12 to 14 years. These dogs have a short low-maintenance coat and they come in a range that includes around fourteen different colors. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a lively breed that will require a lot of exercises. They do have a stubborn streak so training may need an issue but if socialized early they can be great family companions. A mix of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and a Labrador Retriever will likely look very similar to a Labrador but slightly shorter and stockier. These relatively healthy dogs have a lifespan of between 12 and 15 years, although they are known to be prone to allergies. They have a wiry short coat that is typical of terriers and come in a dual-color including blue and tan or tan and grizzle. These cheerful dogs have a good work ethic and need lots of exercises. They are okay as a family companion as they tend to get along with children but they are not so great with other pets. Lab Fox Terrier mix There are two types of Fox Terriers with head shape and coat being the main difference between the two breeds. Both types of Fox Terriers are of medium size with an average height of 15 inches 38 cm. Smooth Fox Terriers have, as their name suggests smooth thick fur and a wedge-shaped head. Their smooth, dense coasts shed very little and they will need to be brushed only occasionally. On the other hand, Wire Fox Terriers have a dense coat like coconut matting, which has a wave or crinkle to it. These dogs will need their hair stripped, or plucked, regularly at a parlor. What does a Lab Terrier mix look like? While the look of a Lab Terrier mix can vary greatly, this crossbreed will typically have a short, stocky body with straight strong legs, an elongated muzzle, a medium-length droopy tail. Their head will be in good proportion to their body with a black nose, brown expressive eyes, and a smiley quizzical expression. Their ears will either be short, erect and folded like the Terrier or floppy and pendant shaped like the Labrador Retriever. How big do Lab Terrier mixes get? An average-sized dog, the Lab Terrier mix will typically be smaller than a Lab but bigger than the Terrier parent breed. A mal Lab Terrier mix will be bigger and heavier than its female counterpart. You can expect male Terrier Lab mixes to weigh between 27 and 50 pounds 12 and 22 kg with females coming in at around 20 to 45 pounds 9 and 20 kg. A male dog will stand between 13 to 17 inches 33 and 43cm tall with a female being between 13 and 15 inches 33 and 38cm tall. Coat of the Labrador Terrier The coat of the Lab Terrier mix will normally be of a medium length, straight, and very dense. The coat can come in a variety of colors including solid black, brown, or white, or a combination of these colors. Their playful and happy demeanor will make them a great companion for children. That said, this intelligent breed is easy to train. They can easily read your mood and will listen intently to instructions, although they may not always obey. As a result, they need a firm pack leader who is prepared to train them from a young age and keep training varied to prevent boredom from setting in. However, they do enjoy the attention that comes with training and will respond well to treats and positive reinforcement. If trained and socialized properly the Lab Terrier mix will be a friendly social dog that takes well to children, other pets, and strangers. That said, one thing to be aware of with a Terrier Labrador mix is climate as these dogs will not do well in extreme cold or heat. Exercising a Lab Terrier mix As both parent breeds of the Lab Terrier mix are extremely active, this dog needs to be exercised daily. A half an hour walk every day, as well as a variety of games at home, will keep this breed happy and healthy. Games can include fetch, hide, and seek and tug of war. This breed will also enjoy visits to the park and doggy daycare and may enjoy swimming, thanks to the Labrador Retriever parent. If given the required exercise this breed needs on a daily basis they can adapt well to a range of home environments, even apartment living. Feeding your Terrier Lab mix Although highly active, you still need to be stick with feeding this breed only the required amount based on their height and weight. This breed will love eating and the Lab parent makes them at high risk for obesity. Stick to the best quality dry dog food to avoid your dog putting on extra weight while still providing them the nutrients they need. Will a Lab Terrier mix shed? It is difficult to tell if your Lab Terrier mix will shed as the parent breeds are so vastly different in this regard but typically this crossbreed will be a moderate to excessive shedder. As a result, this breed is not hypoallergenic and is not recommended for an owner with allergies. You will likely need to brush your dog once a week with a firm bristled brush. You can also wipe them down with a damp cloth to make their coat shiny while checking their ears for any debris and dirt build-up. Also, be sure to brush their teeth from a young age. How long does the Lab Terrier mix live? The life expectancy of this hybrid dog breed is between 10 to 15 years. While typically healthy, if not given the required exercise, obesity, and a number of more complex health issues can set in. These include mobility issues such as Intervertebral Disc Disease which affects the spine, Hip Dysplasia which can lead to arthritis, and Patellar Luxation which causes knee joint discomfort. Due to the Labrador Retriever parent, this mixed breed can also be prone to getting ear infections. Finding a Lab Terrier mix breeder Be sure to always look for a reputable breeder that you can trust is not overbreeding the parent dogs. Always ask for the health documents for both parents as well as your puppy so you are aware early on of any possible health issues. This breed makes for a perfect companion dog and is a good choice for first-time dog owners. Just be sure you are willing to provide your dog with plenty of exercises as this breed is not a good choice for someone that wants a purse or lap dog. With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners. When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events. Leave a Comment. A Lab Terrier mix is a crossbreed dog, mixed between the purebred Labrador Retriever and a purebred terrier. Labs are famous for their loving temperament and intelligent mind, and terriers are adored for their feisty, tenacious personalities. That said, determining what a Lab Terrier mix is in particular could be difficult, because while the Lab is a specific breed, there are a multitude of Terrier dog breeds he could be combined with. The Labrador Retriever Labs are beloved for their family-friendly nature and trainable personality. Bred originally for water retrieving in Newfoundland, Canada, the Labrador Retriever is a well-built dog that comes in three standard colors. These colors include yellow, black and chocolate. The Lab is highly energetic and puppy-like, even into adulthood. His coat is thick, dense, weather-resistant and shedding, and he has sweet brown eyes and floppy ears. Most people love Labs because they are so friendly and outgoing. Labrador Retrievers know no strangers and get along well with people of all ages as well as many different types of pets. They require lots of exercise, socialization, and plenty of space to play and run during the day. Labs make excellent companions for young families and first time dog owners. They grow to be between 25 and 80 pounds, .Terrier Dogs Terriers come in all shapes and sizes, with different coat types, temperaments and personality traits. While there are several different Terrier groups currently listed, each group contains dogs of different sizes, shapes, and breeding history. They are known to be feisty, animated, energetic, and loyal. Terriers come in all sizes, from less than 6 pounds to over 60 pounds. And this brings us to the crossbreed controversy. What You Should Know About The Crossbreed Controversy Crossbreed dogs are very popular, but there are some things you should know before investing in one. But it is important. A crossbreed, also known as a hybrid or designer dog, is a dog that is the direct offspring of two purebred parents. Different generations of cross breeding can help determine predictability with the dog, but for many first and second generation hybrids, predicting things like temperament, health and appearance can be left up to genetics. This is part of the controversy of crossbreeding dogs. Originally, crossbreeding was left up to experienced breeders who were working to create a new breed. It takes generations of crossbreeding and perfecting for a dog to be considered a purebred, and most first, second and third generation crossbreeds were generally not sold. However, over the past couple of decades, hybrid dogs have become very popular. It started with smaller poodle mixes like the maltipoo and yorkie poo, but has now spread to most any type of dog combination you can think of. Today, some of the most popular crossbreed dogs include Labradoodles, Bernadoodles, Cavapoos, Maltipoos, and other doodle dogs. However, the Lab Terrier Mix is not far behind in popularity. Many people are finding they enjoy the combination of sweet and spirited, outgoing and feisty, and these are all traits many Lab Terrier mix dogs embody. So, what are some of our favorite Lab Terrier Mix dogs available? Both the Scottie and the Lab are popular dogs, and for good reason. The Scottish Terrier is a symbol for Scottish class, and is beloved by enthusiasts for his independent nature. Combining a Scottie and a Lab is likely to leave us with a pleasant, loving, and loyal dog who is both adorable and spunky to boot. Though they are intelligent, training a Scottish Terrier Lab Mix could be tricky. These mixed breeds could be stubborn and get bored easily. They will require an owner with lots of patience and an owner who knows how to keep training sessions short and fun. A popular family dog, this mix has the potential to be hypoallergenic and is incredibly tolerant of children. He loves being with his family but is also fine left to his own accord, making him the ideal family dog for those with busy or unpredictable schedules. Beautiful both in appearance and temperament, the Irish Terrier Lab Mix makes a playful, fun-loving companion for young families and those with children. This is also a dog who becomes very bonded with his people and will enjoy learning new tricks and ques. While independent, the Irish Terrier Lab Mix requires plenty of early socialization and lots of training, especially considering his potential to have hunting instincts. This mix could also potentially be territorial round other dogs of the opposite sex, so monitering him will be nessiary. The Wheatador is a family-favorite, combining the beloved soft-coated wheaten with the intelligent and loving Lab. This is a Lab Terrier Mix who is full of personality and pep, and will do well in homes with owners who have flexible schedules. Sensitive and friendly, the Wheatador will try his best to please you, so use positive reinforcement methods during training and refrain from punishments and scolding. Wheatador dogs will need consistent exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day to stay happy and healthy. A Cross Between: The Boston Terrier and the Labrador Retriever Average Weight: 20 — 50 Pounds Average Temperamental Traits: Athletic, outgoing, fun-loving, affectionate, and loyal Average Lifespan: 11 — 15 Years Common Health Issues: Hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, obesity, intervertebral disc disease, patellar luxation, brachycephalic airway syndrome, and ear infections. When it comes to Lab Terrier Mix dogs that are ideal for families, the Boston Lab is high on our list. This crossbreed is athletic, playful, loyal and eager to please. He is quick to learn, though he can have a stubborn streak. Described as a self-thinking hybrid with a fun-loving and family-oriented personality, the Border Lab is ideal for those with a more open schedule. He will thrive in families who can take time to train and care for him, and owners who are patient with his sometimes ornery behavior. However, this is a trainable dog all-in-all that is well-mannered when properly socialized. Like most dogs, the Border Lab does best with positive reinforcement training including treats and praise. While the Fox Terrier Lab is an outgoing, independent, and loving family companion, he might be problematic for some first time dog owners. Combining the high energy of the Fox Terrier and the enthusiasm of the Lab may be a bit much, so the Fox Terrier Lab Mix will do best in homes with experienced dog owners who understand how to harness all that energy. That said, when properly trained and socialized, this Lab Terrier Mix does well with families of all ages. The Rat Terrier specifically is known to be feisty and mischievous, and these traits may make training somewhat challenging for the owner of a Rat Terrier Lab Mix. However, when trained and socialized at an early age , and when using positive reinforcement like treats and praise, most owners fall head over heels for this clever and unique hybrid. The Labrastaff is one of the more popular Lab Terrier Mix dogs on this list, and many people adore him for his loving nature and infectious personality. A combination between a Labrador Retriever and an American Staffordshire Terrier, the Labrastaff will need plenty of exercise, training and socialization throughout his lifetime to grow up happy, healthy and well rounded. Despite his potentially intimidating look, the Labrabull is a Lab Terrier Mix who is surprisingly gentle. In fact, he is easily frightened and will need lots of love and patience from his family to help him feel safe and at ease. We suggest finding a breeder that specializes in the unique mix you are looking for, and who understands the background of each purebred parent breed. Most reputable breeders will also be able to offer you a health certificate with your puppy that proves he has been health screened and cleared of any serious health issues. Remember, while some experts say that cross breeds are healthier than purebreds, your Lab Terrier Mix could still be susceptible to any of the same health issues as his purebred parent breeds. You may unwittingly be contributing to a puppy mill, and you also have a more likely chance of winding up with a sick puppy. Going through a rescue or shelter to adopt your Lab Terrier Mix is usually a fraction of the price of going through a breeder. Better still, rescuing a dog helps reduce the number of dogs in shelters, opening up space for other incoming dogs in need of a home. Many shelters will also have their dogs health screened, and some even offer free initial vet visits. Furthermore, most shelters and rescues have their dogs undergo behavioral testing to ensure they are adoptable and end up with the right family. When looking for the best dog for your home and lifestyle, consider your lifestyle and what you want to get out of your companionship. Do you have children or other pets? Do you live a busy lifestyle? Do you enjoy outdoor adventures or do you prefer staying in? Do you have a backyard? Do you live in an apartment? Make sure the type of Lab Terrier Mix you choose fits into your unique lifestyle, and will get along well with other members of your household. Last but not least, regardless of which type of Lab Terrier Mix you choose, make sure you have plenty of time, patience and love to provide him with. Which of the above Lab Terrier Mix dogs are your favorite? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below. Thanks for reading. Jen Jones Jen Jones is a professional dog trainer and behavior specialist with more than 25 years of experience. Well known for her intuitive and compassionate approach, Jen adopts scientifically-proven, reward-based methods, encouraging positive reinforcement over punishment. Jen specializes in obedience training, behavior modification, and puppy socialization. Her innovative methods, particularly in addressing anxiety and aggression issues, have been widely recognized. Their damp cloth Terrier Lab Hybrid Health Problems Although the hybrid is typically healthy, there are still instances wherein the breed member has inherited health issues from one or both of the parents. This is why the health history of the parent breeds are so important. While all dogs have the potential to inherit and develop genetic diseases, some breeds are more susceptible than others. You could avoid having to worry about these if you chose to adopt a puppy from the start. A reputable breeder must be honest about the health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances are made so that a dog is proven to be tested from and cleared for a particular condition. On the other hand, here are the health conditions that some Terrier mixed with Lab dogs has experienced: Intervertebral Disc Disease — is a disease that also affects the spinal cord over time. It is not apparent until a trigger presents itself. Symptoms can range from mild pain to paralysis. Hip Dysplasia — it is a heritable disease in which bones either do not fit the joint or grow at different proportions. It may lead to arthritis and usually goes unnoticed most of the time. Ear Infections — it is the inflammation either in the inner ear or the middle ear of the dog, both of which are caused by bacterial infection. The best course of action to prevent these diseases is to have them regularly checked and have a document of their health history. You can also ask your trusted veterinarian more about these diseases and what are the small ways you can do to reduce their risks. Aside from their food, make sure that your dog is always hydrated by keeping their water bowl full all the time. It is essential to monitor their eating patterns since this hybrid is prone to obesity. Make sure that they only consume the right amount of food that is right for their active lifestyle. Some of the ways in choosing the right dog food are to look at their ingredients. To help you get started, here are some of the best dry dog foods of for highly active puppies: Merrick Grain Free Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food — This brand is packed full of chicken protein and industry-leading levels of Chondroitin and Glucosamine. This brand has such a good taste that even the many picky puppies appear to like it. Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Puppy Food — This brand offers a nutritionally balanced kibble that is available in two flavors. High Prairie contains bison and venison while Pacific Stream includes a variety of fish species. The puppies who have digested it have appeared to be healthier, exhibiting high energy levels and a shinier coat. Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Puppy Food — This brand is considered a premium puppy food but is available at a very reasonable price point. Most puppies digest the dog food with no problem. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Puppy Food — This brand is made from an impressive collection of ingredients which includes farm-raised chickens and several fruits and vegetables. The recipe is designed for small and medium puppies, but the manufacturer also produces a large-breed formula under a different name. Aside from its taste and exceptional ingredients, dog food also promotes a healthy coat. It also provides dogs with higher energy levels. Because of this, it is full of great-tasting proteins, nutritious fruits, and vegetables. This brand will keep your puppy healthy and happy. Most puppies also appear to love the taste of this dog food. Whether you have a giant or a miniature breed pooch, you want to make sure that they stay happy and healthy. That is why you should avoid giving them the worst dry dog food. If your furry friend is still a cub, check out the best puppy food brands on offer right now. If your goggie is a wise, elderly dog-grandpa, give them only the best senior dry dog food , and keep their brittle bones safe! Every mixed doggo carries the genes of their beautiful, one-of-a-kind parents. So, you might want to try your luck with the best dry dog food for small dogs or the best large breed dry dog food and see which one they like better! Lab Mixed With Terrier Exercise Requirements This breed will be at its best behavior if they can exercise regularly every day. A daily walk for at least an hour mixed with some games at home will keep the Lab Terrier Mix fit and healthy. They can get accustomed to apartment life if they are exercised well daily and if they could explore their place a little. They are not in favor of areas with extreme climates and would do well in moderate climates. Because of its Labrador Retriever parent, the Terrier Lab mix will enjoy splashing around in water especially in the summer. By then, you can take them out to swimming with you. Some of the games that will keep them amused for a long time include fetching the ball, tug of war, and hide and seek the type of games. The Lab mixed with Terrier is a family dog that loves to please, so make sure to include him during family outings. They are also advised to have at least minutes of physical activities as a daily requirement. Lab Terrier Mix Training Since the Lab Terrier mix is a hybrid which produces naturally intelligent and playful dogs, you will not have a hard time training them. Their own eagerness to learn is also a factor which makes them very active during training. Like most dogs, they must also undergo training at a young age because they tend to become more stubborn as they grow older. If left alone and bored, they can become destructive. While positive reinforcements are highly encouraged, make sure that you only give them the right amount of treats because they have a high risk of obesity. Since this breed is an intelligent dog who loves physical challenges, more exercise can help in their ease of training. Socialization with others is also an important component to make sure to take them out to park or visit doggy daycare to get them around as many people and dogs as possible. To help you get started with their training, here are some of the essential commands that every dog must obey at a young age: Sit — the typical obedience command that you can teach your dog. Use this command in different situations so that your puppy will learn it fast. Come — this command will help you keep the dog out of trouble. It can also be used if you lost your dog at a safe distance of if you lost the grip on the leash. Down — this command can be a difficult one since it shows submissiveness of the dog. While teaching this to your dog, make sure to keep a positive and relaxed tone. Stay — this command is a form of self-control for your dog. Leave It — this is another self-control and obedience command. Upon its mastery, it can help you keep your dog safe from potential harm brought about by its curiosity to explore possible dangerous things. Terrier Labrador Mix and Families While the Terrier Lab mix will have no trouble getting along with your kids and anyone else in your family, there are also some things to consider. Keep in mind that these dogs are moderate to excessive shedders. They also have a high physical exercise requirement, since they are very active dogs. They also have a reputation for chewing on the very things that you told them not to chew. However, these dogs are one of the most loyal and friendly companions. They are a livewire of energy and are highly sociable, enjoying the company of dogs and other pets. Since they like to be active, you should not buy them if you only intend to treat them as a purse dog or lap sitters. The coats of Labradors are very beautiful and are in yellow, black, or chocolate color. Their fur is thick and short and is an all-weather coat. Terrier Dog Overview There are many breeds in the Terrier family. Most of the Terrier breeds originated from Ireland and Great Britain. A recent study has shown that those from the hunting group originated in 19th century Europe. Today the terriers are grouped according to their function like hunting, size, etc. The DNA of the Terriers is filled with hunting and killing skills. They can never be tempted by any real or perceived threat. Their boldness and fearlessness would always get the better of them. Terrier dogs are very quick learners. They get along well with children if they are given proper and supportive training. These dogs are very loyal and it is great fun to exercise or have fun with them. The combination of two popular breeds has given way to one of the finest designer dogs. This crossbreed is relatively a new breed, as a result, there is nothing accurate to tell about this breed. Although the Labrador Terriers are designer dogs, it is unfortunate that they finally end up in shelter homes. As not much information is available about this breed it is better to consult any shelter home or breeder if anyone is considering adopting this crossbreed. As is in the case of most of the mixed breeds it is very difficult to exactly specify their size. Male dogs weigh between 27 to 50 pounds while females would weigh between 20 to 45 pounds. Their height from the front paw to their shoulder while standing on all fours could be between thirteen to seventeen inches. The females might be visibly smaller than the males standing between thirteen to fifteen inches. The coat of the Labrador Terrier will be dense, and straight. Their hair is of medium length. Both the parents have opposite coat shedding characteristics. So, it is difficult to predict which shedding trait the Labrador Terrier dog will inherit. The colors of the coat will be generally black, brown, white, or a combination of these colors. Their furs are bi-colored or solid. Labrador Terrier dogs have a short and sturdy body but in proportion with their body. They have very expressive brown eyes. Their ever-smiling face is a quite well-known character. When they raise their eyebrows they can convey a quizzical look. The nose of the Labrador Terrier dog is normally black. The ears can be floppy like that of the Labrador or small and erect with a floppy tip like that of the Terrier. Their legs are straight and strong with rounded paws. The tails of this crossbreed are medium-sized and are held low away from the body. Food Habits of Labrador Terrier Dogs The food consumption of this mixed breed depends on a lot of factors like age, health, etc. Other than food always ensure that their bowl of water is kept full so that they are always hydrated. It is necessary to monitor their diet regularly as this breed is prone to getting obese just like the parent. Ensure that they consume only the right amount of food that is required for their active lifestyle. We love our pets to be healthy and happy always. That is why we should avoid giving them unwanted dry food. If your pet is a puppy give him the best puppy food available. But if he is a grandpa then go for the best senior dry food which could keep their bones brittle. Whatever you experiment with his food always consult your vet before you change his diet. Exercise Requirements for Labrador Terrier Mix Just like their parents, the Labrador Terrier Mix is also the happiest if he is given exercises regularly. A daily walk combined with some games at home will keep him active and joyful. Being an eagerness bound dog he will even wait for you at the door when it is time to go for his daily walks. If you are staying in an apartment make him get accustomed to the space available and train him according to that. This breed favors a moderate climate and would find it difficult to thrive in extreme climates. Labrador Terrier Mix breed has inherited the trait of swimming from its Labrador parent. He loves to have a splash in the water especially in summers. His favorite games are fetching a ball, tug-of-war, playing hide and seek, etc. This breed is a family dog, so he will just love outings with the family. So it would not be difficult to train him. They have a nature-filled with eagerness to learn which will make them active during training. Like all dogs, they should also be trained at an early age because they will otherwise tend to become stubborn as they grow older. If left alone they tend to become bored and destructive. Although they will listen attentively to all your commands sometimes they will be a time when they will just not obey. He loves to please people so he will respond well to your training as long as he gets all the attention. Training for this breed should always be only with positive reinforcements. Do not pamper him with overdoses of rewards or treats as this may lead to obesity. Since this is an intelligent breed that loves physical challenges, regular exercises will only ease the training. Socialization should be taught at an early age. Take him to parks, beaches, or doggy care and teach him how to mingle with other people or dogs. A quick brush, with a firm, bristled brush, once a week is all that is needed. If you need their coat to be a little shinier then a rub down with a soft damp cloth is all that is needed. This breed loves attention so grooming every week should be done just as a ritual for them. Ritual grooming could be as simple as checking their nails, checking their ears, or just simply grooming down their coat. Wiping their ears gently with a soft damp cloth will remove any dirt or debris. It is better to get them used to brush their teeth from an early age. Let them be trained so and always reward them for doing this good behavior. This practice will only ensure that they do not develop any bad habits later when they mature. How does the Labrador Terrier get along with the family? Every pet gets along with the family on how we train him. He should be taught early on how to accept the general rules of the house. Being highly active, they have a huge need for exercise. He is always eager to please his owner and family and hence would always try to grab your attention. They have a clingy nature to their family and hence he would get bored when left alone. Never buy this crossbreed just for lap-sitting. He is a high wired dog and cannot just be kept idle for long. Also, he stands a heavy risk of getting obese quickly so keeping him active is the best option. Energetic and tolerant they make the ideal playmate for children. Saying that it does not mean that you can leave your children without any supervision with your dog. If no adults are free to be around when your child is playing with your pet then it is better to keep him kenneled. For them, it is fun to pull at his ears or tail but for the dog, it will not be easy. Labrador Terriers should be taught early on how to mingle with other dogs or pets. If he has been trained on how to interact with other animals then he will behave friendly with them. Health problems faced by Labrador Terrier Mix All dogs have the potential to inherit genetic health issues but some have the risk of facing these problems more. For crossbreeds, it is very important to always check the health of the parents. A reputable breeder will always maintain a proper health record of all his breeds. So if you have adopted your pet from the start then you should not be facing any problems. Also, you should take your dog to the vet immediately after you have adopted him to know what exactly his health status is like. A Labrador Terrier mix dog has a life span of up to ten to fifteen years. They should undergo regular checkups to monitor their health condition. Some of the health problems they could face are : Hip Dysplasia — This is an inherited disease where the bones do not fit into the joints or form at different proportions. This may lead to arthritis. It is always better to stop your pet from getting any disease. So always take him for regular checkups and try to maintain a health record. Take the help of your vet and ask them for suggestions to avoid your pet from facing any health issues. If proper training is given from an early age everything would work fine. But just like all dog breeds they also have their pros and cons. Here are some of them Pros of getting a Labrador Terrier Mix Intelligent and easy to train — Just like their parents they are always eager to learn and so it is easy to train them. This combined with their intelligence makes him an excellent pet. Social skills — They are extremely friendly and can get along well with children, people, or other pets. Early socialization would make them the favorite among all. Moderate maintenance requirement — Even though they have high exercise requirements their maintenance is moderate or sometimes even low. This is because they shed very less. Regularly scheduled brushing will prevent their coat from getting untangled. Cons of getting a Labrador Terrier Mix High exercise requirements — As both, the parents are highly active this crossbreed requires a lot of exercises. If they do not get the required exercise then they have the chance to develop any dog diseases. Separation anxiety — This dog loves to be in the company of its family and is a very affectionate dog. If they are left alone they become bored and tend to develop destructive behaviors. Risk of obesity — Even though this breed is highly active yet at the same time they just love their food. Because of this, they tend to become obese quickly. So regular and proper exercise is required to prevent them from obesity as otherwise, this will lead to other health problems. Some of the most fascinating ones are : Rat Terrier Lab Mix — He is a handsome fellow, small to medium in size. His lean body is covered with a short dual-colored coat. The coat color black, tan, apricot or red or sometimes in a combination with white. This breed comes in a miniature size and their height could be between ten to eighteen inches. Their typical weight could be ten to twenty-five pounds. The life expectancy of this dog varies between ten to twelve years on average. This mix makes a good companion and is always an adventure game. His energy level is very high and always loves to be in motion. You just cannot see him as a couch potato or lazing around. Early socialization and training would make him a good companion for children. But he should not be left along with other dogs. Bull Terrier Lab Mix — This crossbreed is a lively dog that must be kept busy always to prevent him from getting bored. If not he will develop destructive traits. They grow to about twenty-one to twenty-two inches tall and weigh about fifty to seventy pounds. This breed has a short coat and has a plethora of colors. They are considered to be low maintenance dogs. The Bull Terrier Lab mix is loyal dogs. But do not give them any canine siblings as they show their bratty behavior then. Therefore he should be trained early and well. With positive behavioral training, he could be taught well-polished manners. The American Labrastaffies are similar to the Pitbull Terrier. He will stand at seventeen to nineteen inches tall and live twelve to fifteen years. Their coat is short and soft and easy to maintain. Labrastaff is a sturdy medium-sized dog who is intelligent and self-assured. His agility and adaptability to any situation make him a good search dog. This breed has a sparkling personality but those cross-bred with the Pitbull will have temperament issues. He can be kept happy and friendly with just moderate exercises. His potential guarding instincts are very high so early socialization, especially with children, is required. He grows to fourteen to sixteen inches tall and weighs about 24 to 38 pounds. His life expectancy is twelve to fourteen years. They have a short coat which comes in a rainbow of fourteen colors. He has a considerable high energy level and hence would require a lot of exercises to burn up his energy. Positive training is the only way for him as he is stubborn by nature. Harsh methods and a very strict regime will not work with him. The Smooth Fox crossbreed will be medium-sized. They stand at 15 inches tall with a wedge-shaped head. The life expectancy of this breed is twelve to fifteen years. Their fur is smooth and thick with mainly white, black, or tan markings on the coat. This breed is a relatively healthy dog. The Wire Fox crossbreed has a wiry coat with white and brown colors about the ear and face. They stand at fifteen inches tall and weigh about 16 to 18 pounds with a life span of 12 to 15 years. This dog is attention seekers and will do anything to catch your attention. He is always alert and ever ready to jump. They have the crazy habit of running behind any moving objects be it even a toy. Border Terrier Lab Mix — This crossbreed is a cheerful agile guy standing at 15 inches tall. He weighs 11 to 16 pounds. They live on average for 12 to 15 years. They have a typical short terrier coat. The coat is wiry and not smooth. It comes in dual colors blue-tan and grizzle-tan. He will do just fine with children but you should be careful if he is left with other dogs. Conclusion A Labrador pet is an evergreen choice for every dog lover. But the cost of owning a pedigree can sometimes be out of reach for a few of them. On the other hand, a Labrador mix can be something closer to owning the original pedigree but at a lesser cost! The crossbreed will be as much fun as the Labrador itself. We also have a choice to make by getting a mix that would not grow as big as a Labrador but at the same time suitable for our house. The general rule is that crossbreeds will live healthier and longer than pure breeds. If we choose the right Labrador mix then we could get a breed that inherits the best traits of the Lab. Additionally, we could also get a dog with the additional inheritances received from the other parent as well. While trying to find a new pet the first step you should do is to find reputable breeders. They generally have the best breeds with them and would never take a risk on their welfare. Hence you can trust that they would never overbreed the parent breeds. Also, check that they have the proper documents including vaccine schedules and health records. Meet the breeder personally so that you can ask them all about the needs of your puppy. They could also guide you on how to raise your puppy. Going to a breeder and meeting the puppy will also help you decide if you ready to raise a pet. Otherwise, the next thing to do is to check out with the local shelters and rescue homes where sometimes you could be lucky to find that perfect pet. The only point to remember while adopting a pet from the shelter or rescue home is that please ensure that their health record is perfect and they have been temperament tested too. If possible it would be worth it if the shelter home would allow you to take the dog on a trial basis for a week or so. This would give you time to decide if he would fit into your home and vice versa too. Last but not least is that before you go to a breeder or shelter home it is advisable to research and find out about the breed you are planning to adopt. This will help you in clearing whatever questions you have in your mind about raising a pet. But whatever said and done the Labrador Terrier Mixed dog is always fun to be with. So enjoy!! Inspire Dogs Home Click to rate this post! Tweet on Twitter There are many different Lab Terrier mix breeds. In this article we will look at some of the features that Lab Terrier hybrids have in common. And show you how to raise your mix breed puppy to be a happy, healthy member of the family. What is a Lab Terrier Mix The friendly Labrador Retriever is a sweet-natured, intelligent, sociable dog who is a definite people-pleaser. Equally lovable but in stark contrast in terms of temperament and appearance, are the diverse array of dogs in the Terrier group. This is a varied group, but they do have some general traits in common. They also make loyal, loving, pocket sized pets. So what happens when these two different breed types combine? Are you thinking of bringing a Lab Terrier mix dog into your home as a pet? Terrier Lab hybrid possibilities! The tricky part is predicting how these characteristics will emerge. In fact, no responsible breeder will guarantee the personality of any mixed breed dog. The best anyone can do is consider each breed in turn, and realize that a cross breed canine will be a singular combination of several possibilities. The best of both breeds, the worst of both breeds, or a glorious mashup of the two! Overview of the Labrador Retriever breed Labs are a medium size dog with an impressive energy level. The friendly, smart-as-a-whip Labrador Retriever breed originated from hunting stock in Newfoundland, Canada. There they enjoyed success helping fishermen with their arduous, labor-intensive work. Today a high canine IQ combined with a natural people-pleasing personality makes Labs go-to dogs for search-and-rescue and law enforcement work. As well as being a popular choice for service dog duty. Labs love everybody, or so it seems, and they make good pets for children and families. Labradors have beautiful coats are come in three distinct colors: yellow, black, and chocolate. Given all of their positive qualities, it no surprise that Labs are an enduringly popular pet breed. Overview of the Terrier breed There are several breeds with the Terrier group. And a recent study found that dogs from within the hunting group originated in 19th century Europe. Modern terriers are commonly grouped according to their function such as hunting or size. Dogs from individual groups vary greatly in size, from around 2 to 3 pounds all the way up to 50 pounds and more. What many Terriers have in common is a history steeped in animal control killing vermin such as rats, etc. They have a bold streak in their personality and a dash of fearlessness that can sometimes get the better of them. However, on the whole Terriers are quick learners capable of getting along well with children when given the proper positive and supportive training. They are also very loyal pets, and great fun to exercise, train and relax with. Rat Terrier Lab mix The handsome, small to medium size Rat Terrier is a companion animal that is always game for his next adventure. He has tons of energy and loves being in motion. Being a couch potato or purse dog is just not in his DNA! But the Rat Terrier loves to please his humans so he should take well to consistent and supportive training methods. Early socialization and training should render him a good companion for children. Although he should not be left alone with other dogs. Colors that include black, red, tan, apricot and blue sometimes in combination with white. Rat Terriers are a relatively healthy group, but issues such as heart and eye disease, patellar luxation, and hip dysplasia have been known to crop up. The latter two conditions are common among Labs, so it is important to have your pup tested for these issues. This compact Rat Terrier comes in a miniature size ranging from 10 to 13 inches as well as a standard size of 13 to 18 inches. Their typical weight range is from between 10 to 25 pounds, and life span varies between 12 to 18 years on average. When you mix a Lab with a Rat Terrier the resulting pup could grow anywhere between these two sizes, and reflect any traits of either personality. Bull Terrier Lab mix The Bull Terrier is a lively dog that must have an outlet in order to stave off boredom and any subsequent destructive behavior. Bull Terriers are loyal dogs but giving him other dogs as canine siblings is not recommended. And with positive and supportive behavior management training he can learn to polish up his manners. This Terrier sports a short coat that comes in a plethora of colors and is considered to be low maintenance. Bull Terriers have issues with heart murmurs, congenital deafness, and patella luxation. The average Bull Terrier hovers right around 21 to 22 inches tall, and weighs from 50 to 70 pounds. Bull Terriers have an average lifespan of 12 to 13 years. A Bull Terrier Lab mix could display any of these traits, or any of those of a Lab. They will range somewhere in size between the two as adults. What you can be sure of is that this mix will need human company for most of the day, and thorough socialization from puppyhood. American Staffies are a very similar dog to the Pitbull Terrier. The American Staffordshire is a sturdy, medium size pooch described as an intelligent and self-assured dog. His agility and adaptability make him a natural for search and rescue duty. The American Staffordshire has a sparkling personality that hardly ever dims, and she can be counted on to be a loyal friend. However there are concerns with these Pitbull related dogs about temperament. The American Staffordshire Terrier is both muscular and agile and has an attractive form that is stocky in the front, tapering to an impressively lean backside. American Staffordshire Terriers have a few medical conditions to be aware of. Hip dysplasia and heart disease are on the serious end of the spectrum. In addition immune system weaknesses can lead to allergies of the coat and skin. Luckily there are screening tests that can identify affected dogs as well as those carrying the gene responsible for the condition. American Staffordshire dogs have a soft, short, easy-to-maintain coat that sheds minimally. American Staffordshire Terriers stand between 17 to 19 inches tall, and live 12 to 15 years on average. Due to potential guarding instincts, you would need to socialize your puppy very carefully, especially to children and strangers coming into the home. It would also be important to meet the American Staffordshire Terrier parent, to get an idea of what temperament they may inherit. They are not the same breed as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Solid, heavy and strong. And at 14 to 16 inches tall, he is a bit smaller than his American Staffordshire brethren. This lively dog needs lots of exercise to burn up his considerable energy. Traditional training may be an issue for the Staffordshire given his stubborn nature, so positive reinforcement training is advised. On the other hand, this smart dog can be gentle with children provided that supportive, early socialization and training is provided. Staffordshires have a short, low-maintenance coat that comes in a rainbow of 14 colors. The Staffordshire Terrier stands approximately 14 to 16 inches tall and lives on average for 12 to 14 years. Males weigh between 28 and 38 pounds, with females a tad under that at 24 to 34 pounds. A Lab mixed with a Staffie could display any of these tendencies. And will probably look like a shorter, stockier Lab with any number of potential color combinations. Their fur and coloration, as well as head shape are two of the main differences between them. Smooth Fox Terriers are a medium size breed with an average level of energy. They average 15 inches tall and have a wedge shaped head. Their smooth, thick fur sheds seasonally. It is mainly white, with tan or black markings randomly decorating the coat. Although they have a short torso, these amazing animals have the grace of a gazelle. Owners can expect their Smooth Fox Terriers to live an average of 12 to 15 years. The majority of these dogs are relatively healthy animals, although allergies and patellar luxation are typical issues. The Wire Fox Terrier is named for his dense, springy low-shed coat. His wiry coat is predominantly white with brownish coloration about the ears and face. Health issues to be aware of include patellar luxation and deafness. This dog really, really, wants to be your BFF: he can never seem to get enough attention! The Wire Fox Terrier is always alert and spunky, ever ready to jump into playful action. This means that daily exercise and activity is a must. Like cars, other animals, etc. Like the Smooth Fox Terrier, the Wiry Fox Terrier is a medium size, medium energy dog who can be expected to live an average of 12 to 15 years. Males weigh an average of 18 pounds, while females average 16 pounds. Wiry Fox Terriers stand approximately 15 inches tall. You should prepare for your Lab Fox Terrier mix to potentially inherit his strong prey drive, and start recall training early. Border Terrier Lab mix The Border Terrier is a cheerful, agile little guy who stands anywhere between 11 to 16 inches tall. They have a typically short terrier-type coat, although it comes with wiry, not smooth fur. Dual color schemes on the coat include blue and tan and grizzle and tan. The Border Terrier will do fine with children but can be tricky with other dogs. They are a relatively healthy group, although allergies can crop up. Border Terriers stand around a foot to 15 inches tall and live for 12 to 15 years on average. Males typically weigh 13 to 16 pounds, while females range from 11 to 14 pounds. Your Lab Border Terrier mix could inherit aspects from either parent, but is likely to be somewhere in between in terms of height. Lab Terrier cross temperament Knowing the kind of temperament a potential companion animal will bring to your home is crucial to forming a lasting bond. Too often dogs are surrendered because of incompatibility issues. A situation that could have been avoided with just a little research and a few well-placed questions. Your Lab and Terrier mix will inherit her disposition from her parents. Will she be more like an affable Lab, eager to please and friendly almost to a fault? Or will she take on the spicier nature of the Terrier types? Then again, your pup may inherit the best or worst qualities of each breed, or she may be endowed with a mosaic of contrasting personality points. Whatever camp you fall into, remember that there is no guarantee what sort of temperament your mixed breed dog will be blessed with. You must be happy with either temperament and the training requirements they could have, before you decide to commit to a Lab Terrier mix. Lab Terrier mix — how big do they grow? Your cross breed will be within the ranges of his parents, depending on which Terrier and Lab are bred together. So, how big do Labradors get? Male Labs range from 22 to 25 inches tall, while females tend to average 21 to 24 inches in height. Likewise, males usually weigh more than females. A typical male Lab will range from 65 to 80 pounds and females typically weigh in between 55 to 70 pounds. Terrier Lab mix general health Allergies are common among the different types of Terriers. Allergic response occurs when the immune system reacts to common substances allergens as dangerous, resulting in an extreme physical response. Dogs with allergic skin reaction are at risk for skin infection, hair loss, and scabbing. Dysplasia occurs when a joint and its socket fail to align properly resulting in a painful grinding and rubbing motion versus a smooth movement. Unfortunately the outcomes of these disorders can include severe pain, distress, and loss of function for your pooch, as well as costly surgery. Eye disease is also a concern with Labs. Cataracts pose another concern for Labs. Cataracts affect the eye lens by obstructing incoming light resulting in compromised vision. The Labrador parent must be hip and elbow scored, PRA clear and have a clear eye test of less than a year old. The Terrier parent must be tested for any health conditions relevant to their breed too. Lab Terrier hybrid lifespan Labrador Retrievers have a life expectancy of approximately .In general you can expect a healthy, well cared for mix breed pup to survive for around 10 years up to 12, and maybe a bit beyond. Smaller dogs and mixed breed dogs tend to live a little longer on average, so this gives your pup a good chance of a slightly increased time with you. Your mixed breed dog is at potential risk for any of the health issues that face her parents. Health testing should be done for the issues that impact both parent breeds. In particular look for Labrador hip and elbow scores and eye tests. Terrier Lab cross puppy Working with a responsible breeder is one of the most important things that you can do to minimize unhappy surprises. Conscientious breeders will help you to learn what you need know about health issues. As well as ancillary concerns such as temperament, grooming, etc. For example, hip dysplasia is just one of the serious health issues which impact Labs and some Terriers. And this is where a responsible, knowledgeable breeder comes in. Remember, your mixed breed dog can inherit any aspect of either parent. So it makes sense to understand all health implications before making a lifelong commitment to a mix breed dog. Keep in mind that all puppies are individuals in their own right, and even littermates can exhibit vastly different traits. Is a Labrador terrier mix right for my family? However, they will provide loyal and friendly companionship year after year. Many Terriers can be a handful of live-wire energy, and in general they should be watched when in the company of other dogs. They like to be active and should not be considered a purse-dog or bought with the intention of having it be a lap-sitter. Should I buy a Terrier Lab hybrid? Your Black Lab Terrier mix, Yellow Lab Terrier mix, and Chocolate Lab Terrier mix has the potential to inherit these and other typical breed qualities from each parent. Are you prepared to handle and live with the characteristics that both Labs and Terriers bring to the table? If the answer is yes, the next step is to find a responsible breeder in your area, and begin the happy process of adopting a new four-legged forever friend! Do you have a Lab and Terrier cross breed? How do I choose the right Lab Terrier mix for me? What is a Lab Terrier Mix? A Lab Terrier cross is a mixed breed dog with one Labrador Retriever parent, and one terrier parent. The main point to note here is that the Labrador Retriever is a specific dog breed. In fact, the AKC recognises 31 different terrier breeds! All terriers share some common traits in appearance, temperament, and care needs. But, there are some key differences between them too. Mixed breed dogs can inherit any traits from either parent. So, Lab Terrier mixes have a lot of scope for variety, even puppies from the same litter. None are yet recognized as official breeds in their own right. But, they are growing in popularity, and are becoming a more common sight across the world. An Amstaff Lab mix can come in a huge variety of colors thanks to the influence of the Staffie parent. They will often be very well muscled, and will need lots of daily exercise, as well as socialization from a young age. This little mix will usually be eager to please, active, and will fit right into a family home. This mix will be lively, clever, and alert. If socialized well, they will suit most households, but might be prone to chasing small pets and young children! The Rat Terrier parent breed comes in two sizes standard and miniature , so the size of this mix will depend which size is bred. These little dogs may also have quite strong chase and hunt instincts. Mixes may inherit the egg-shaped head of the Bull Terrier parent. Their colors can vary quite a bit, but their coat will almost always be short and dense. Expect moderate to heavy shedding with this mix. This mix will usually be a medium sized dog. They will form very strong bonds with their close family, and will love homes that can dedicate lots of time and attention to their care. Most of the time, this combo will produce a black Lab Terrier mix. But, occasionally, some other shades can show up. These dogs are friendly, loyal, and energetic, despite their smaller size. So, if you want a large Terrier Lab mix, this is the one to go for. Airedale Terrier Lab mixes will likely need more exercise than smaller mixes, but will be just as alert and intelligent. Make sure to watch out for health issues that can impact larger dogs, like hip dysplasia and bloat. This little combo will be loyal and playful, affectionate especially with close family members. The mix may inherit the more wiry coat texture of the Border Terrier parent. Either way, this mix is likely to be smaller than a standard Labrador. It will be friendly, lively, and courageous. Because there are so many different terrier breeds that can be used in a Lab and Terrier cross, the appearance of one can be very different to the looks of the next. Even their sizes can vary! Some may be smaller, like those with the Border Terrier parent, but others may be much larger, like the Airedale Terrier Lab hybrid! Terrier breeds come in a huge variety of different colors. Generally, a lot of people favour the Labrador colors when choosing their mix. The Lab comes in three colors: black, chocolate, and yellow. So, if your heart is set on one of these shades, try to mix your Labrador with a Terrier that has the same color coat. The Labrador Retriever breed generally grows from .But, with terriers there is a lot more variation. The smallest terrier breeds might only grow to around 15 inches tall. But, the largest the Airedale Terrier grows up to 23 inches, weighing 50 to 70 pounds! Mixed breed puppies can take after either parent, but they will usually fall somewhere in between the sizes of their two parents. So, if you cross a Lab with a smaller terrier breed, there is more room for variation in size. Mixing a Lab with a similar sized dog is more likely to give you a predictable adult size. Do Lab Terrier Mixes Shed? Labradors are a high shedding breed. They will shed moderately all year round, and heavily during shedding season. Shedding in terrier breeds varies with their coat type, as does their grooming needs. And, as we know, mixed breed dogs can take after either parent, or be a perfect mix of the two. So, you should look into the specific terrier parent being used to find out the likelihood of your mix shedding. But, if they take after the Lab parent, they will shed a lot. Labrador Retrievers and all terrier breeds are known to form strong bonds with their families, including young kids that they grow up with. As long as your mix has been socialized well, they will likely love kids. And, thanks to the common playful natures, kids will usually love them too! Socialization is important to ensure your mix inherits the friendliest temperament possible, and shows no aggression around kids. But make sure young kids in your family are taught how to interact with your mix, especially if they are a smaller hybrid that could be easily hurt during rough play. On top of this, be aware that many terriers have strong chase and hunt instincts. If your mix inherits these, they may be prone to chasing and nipping children. Labs are known to be one of the friendliest breeds out there. If you raise a Lab Terrier mix with cats, they will likely get along well. However, terrier breeds, as we know, can have very strong chase and hunting instincts. So, they may chase your cat quite a lot. In worst case scenarios, chasing can end in aggression. So, you should socialize this hybrid well to cats if you have them at home, and make sure your cats always have a route away from your dog. Labradors and terrier breeds are very energetic. A mix between the two will need plenty of exercise every day, and will be happiest with a job to do. But, smaller mixes will need less exercise than larger mixes. And, a Lab Terrier cross is also bound to enjoy curling up with you on the couch after a busy day.

Menu Welcome to Dry Creek Poodles. We are two sisters specializing in raising beautiful, pure-bred Standard and Toy Poodles. Our families have raised Poodles in Central Valley for over 25 years and know that both the Standard and Toy Poodle make a perfect friend and companion. Our goal is to produce healthy and sound Poodle puppies with wonderful temperaments. We do extensive health testing on all of our breeding dogs, and take extra measures to promote the health and well being of our pups. Click here for more info. We strive to produce pups that will be the perfect family companions. Poodles might be known for being show dogs, but this breed is very versatile. The Standard Poodle was originally bred for hunting and retrieval but we have also found that the Standard and Toy Poodles make wonderful Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs, and thrive in many types of environments from living in the city in an apartment to running free in wide open country. And as they love to run, make great jogging partners! This breed is very intelligent, eager to please, wonderful with children, and make great watchdogs as well! If you're looking for a Standard Poodle Puppy for sale, look no further! Allie finished in 6 shows, 3 majors, from the Bred By Exhibitor class! He is champion number 7 for his sire, Birdsong Roses for Giacomo. Allie will continue as mom's bed dog. Look for his beautiful loving pups in the future. Finished at 13 months. Quality Poodle pups are available in most colors. Zamora's Poodles were the TOP toy poodle breeder in the US in , and consistently in the top 10 show breeders every year. More are currently being shown. Health, temperament, body type and good coats are our goals. We are always happy to speak to anyone about the breed, help you with questions you may have about your poodle or a prospective purchase or adoption. It is best if you can find a local breeder when seeking a poodle companion, not have one shipped in sight unseen and we are happy to help you find someone reputable in your own area. Please view our puppy photos, which include some photos from satisfied pet customers. Your new Zamora puppy will reflect quality you can be proud of. Zamora's Lasting Impression Ch. They are bright companion dogs and are considered one of the easiest to train. They thrive best when they have full-time or close companionship. Toys can vary in size. Some are Teacup size tiny toy , some right at the 10" size, and some larger, considered small Minis or oversized Toys. Zamora's Mocha Mania Ch. Zamora's Little Red Raider Ch. Zamora's Reddi N Willing Ch. The larger Toys are heartier and work out best in active homes and homes with children. These diminutive Poodles are usually not recommended for households with children under eight years of age. Zamora's Got the Action They require professional grooming, usually once each month, but in exchange you will have a dog that does not shed. They are often described by their owners as having a temperament like a young child rather than a dog! Gail's Pet Food Tips:. Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.Top 30 Smartest Dog Breeds In The World If you're a dog lover, you've probably heard the age-old debate: which dog breeds are the smartest? While all dogs have their own unique intelligence and personality, some breeds have proven to be consistently brilliant over time. In this guide, we'll explore the top 30 smartest dog breeds ranked, from problem-solving whizzes to trainable and intuitive pups. We've done our research to provide you with an updated and informative.These pooches are joyful, lively, eager to please dogs. They are adventurous, kind, family-oriented pups who love hiking, swimming, canine games, sports and any, and all, family activities. These puppies are merry and bouncy little marshmallows. They are cuddly and sweet pups who love running around, playing, making friends and are very enthusiastic learners. The breed is divided into 3 recognized categories: Toy Poodle; Mini; Standard. Although they differ in size, one thing is for sure: they are glamorous companion pets. Questions about Poodle puppies for sale in Northern California? We have answers. Give me an overview of Poodle puppies for sale in Northern California. Poodle prices vary based on a few different variants, which include the experience of the breeder, color, size, etc. Do your breeders arrange travel for Northern California Poodles out of state? Yes they do! They can even send your little pooch by airplane to you. Due to the fact that our network is so large and still growing , there may even be a Poodle breeder in your area! How do you screen miniature Poodle breeders in Northern California? In order to keep our best intentions for your puppy, we have very strict standards with regards to breeding facilities, breeder experience, animal care, and more. The terrible truth of puppy mills for miniature Poodle Northern California? Breeding centers that are professional provide a beautiful and happy place for puppies. Puppy mills are awful places that are produced with one thing in mind - to make a profit for the owners. Dogs and puppies are treated badly and puppies that come out of these places often cost owners thousands in vet bills because of health problems. Are there any miniature Poodle puppies Northern California for sale now? There definitely are! Poodles are a very common breed and you will surely find one very soon! Just begin your Poodle search below! We will help match you with the best breeders according to all the things you like and want, and before you know it, you will be ready to bring home your new best friend. What kind of dogs are mini Poodle puppies Northern California? Poodles belong to a group of formal dog breeds. Poodles are also super-smart. The Poodle can do dog sports and activities easily, and are agile, obedient, and can track herds. They are also great assistance dogs. Today, puppy scams that happen online are as common as any scam out there. Just take a peek at some of our reviews and recent puppy alumni to see how well our whole process is working!

Some of these you can help prevent, while others are out of your immediate control. If your GSD carries the genes for ears that lie down, instead of standing erect, then more than likely they will have floppy ears. This means they may have ears that never stand up and are floppy for life. Breeding Some breeders choose to pair parents that both have large, erect ears. And some buyers and owners prefer this larger style of ears for show or aesthetic purposes. But, there is some theory that breeding a German Shepherd with larger and larger ears might contribute to ears that stay flopped over. Always see the parents of the puppy you buy from the breeder on the premises to see their appearance. Physical Damage or Accidents Puppies are active and mischievous and can get into plenty of trouble. This includes physical damage or accidents that have the cartilage or muscles in their ears. If this happens their ears may suffer long-term damage and not stand up naturally on their own. So watch out for a rough play that might lead to ear damage. And, if your pup has been in an accident that hurt their ears, take them immediately to the vets. Improper and Poor Nutrition German Shepherds need balanced nutrition during crucial growing stages, including vitamins and minerals that aid in cartilage and muscle development of their ears. You should ensure your dog gets the right nutrition from the start to avoid any issues. Along with Vitamin D, calcium helps strengthen the cartilage to aid in building a strong foundation for the ears to stand up later. Neglecting Ear Cleaning Puppies still need ear cleaning when dirt and build-up are overly present. Dirty ears that become neglected can inhibit proper growth and cause discomfort for your dog, causing them to excessively scratch their ears which can cause damage. This could cause them more harm! Instead, wipe away the dirt from the skin of the ear with a warm, damp washcloth or use special ear cleaning wipes. A dog with one floppy ear and one ear upright is totally normal. Occasionally, your German Shepherd might have one floppy ear and one ear standing upright. If they are a small puppy then they are most likely growing and the one ear down still needs time to go upright naturally. These are some of the best techniques that will help their ears to stand up. They only need to sit inside the ear enough to support cartilage growth. Make sure you check for any creases or folds in their ears before moving on to the next step. Repeat in the other ear. Make a Popsicle Support Now, take the popsicle sticks and place them at the top of the foam rollers both ears should have foam rollers in them at this point. You might need another pair of hands to help with this, so ask your family or friends to help. Take the self-adhering waterproof tape and place a medium-size piece across and around the two foam rollers and popsicle sticks. This ensures even and symmetrical growth. Make a bridge across their ears instead. If your German Shepherd puppy is 9 months old and their ears still flop over, please see your vet for further assistance. When in doubt, get your vet to show you what to do for their ears. Your puppy might become annoyed with the tape on their ears, so they may need close supervision and even some distraction during the taping process. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a German Shepherd that has floppy ears and putting them at risk to have any unnecessary surgery to get their ears to stand up can cause them pain. Speak to your vet about the side effects and pain associated with ear implants. You can help prevent floppy ears in your dog by taking the appropriate steps to keep them healthy. The top ways to help a GSD with floppy ears include: 1. Feed them a high-quality food Giving your dog the proper nutrition for optimum growth is a necessity, especially when they are puppies and growing rapidly. Choose a puppy food with the correct ratio of nutrients and vitamins to ensure they get the correct building blocks for development. When you choose to give them treats, pick ones from this list of the best healthy dog treats for German Shepherd puppies. Provide them with the proper chew toys Chewing helps to strengthen the muscles that surround the ears. Or worse… Injure them. Learn to play and discipline a German Shepherd puppy the right way to avoid accidental ear injuries or damage. German Shepherds with ears that are floppy are a joy to own, no matter their age! Floppy ears are adorable and give your dog even more character. Go on, and find out what makes your companion the happiest dog on the planet! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. It commonly occurs anywhere from eight weeks to six months. So, any German Shepherd parent would know that these adorable dogs have floppy ears when they are just puppies. However, stronger cartilage will be developed as you give them the proper nutrients. It might mostly occur as a response to your call or noise in the surrounding area. It can be a result of poor nutrition or slow development. Your German Shepherd needs abundant vitamin D, calcium, and protein. Lacking these nutrients in their diet will result in weak cartilage. Switch to better food or visit the vet for a checkup. They are still incredibly cute, anyway! If you want to ensure that you have a pooch with perky ears, make sure to look for parents with standing ears. Do all German Shepherd ears stand up? Even if you have already, you can know whether your pooch will have floppy or perky ears when it grows. It can compromise their health and adversely affect their growth, including strengthening the cartilage. Regular checkups and fecal exams can help prevent or abate that problem. Your vet can give your dog deworming medicines to see that your growing furry friend is free from parasites. Any traumatic injury to the ears can cause permanent damage and prevent the ears from growing strong enough to stand. It can be caused by a child pulling its ears and rough play among its littermates. Regularly monitor your pup and keep anyone from playing with its ears when they are in its developmental stage. But there are things you can do to help it get strong and healthy ears. These steps will also protect the ears from possible damage. Get high-quality food for your puppy to boost their development. Cheap foods usually have more fillers that contain negligible nutrients. Keep the puppy away and safe from other puppies that play bite with their ears. Educate your children and everyone else at home on how to handle the puppy carefully and gently. Giving your puppy chew toys will give their head, jaw, and surrounding muscles some exercise. It can lead to better ear development. Make sure to buy durable ones, as German Shepherd pups are stronger than you think! Clean their ears gently if you notice dirt. Keep your dog happy! A happy dog is a healthy dog. It will have fewer or no health problems if you keep the dog fit. Using the tape too early or during its growing stage can harm its natural development. However, the 7th to 8th month might be a little too late. But that may not be true for all, as some German Shepherds are just built differently. Their looks come second when you experience how good of a companion they can make. But the young ones carry cute floppy ears that eventually stand up. Some take longer. Remember that floppy ears do not affect their health negatively. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Aug 18, Share German Shepherds have a distinctive look that includes alert, erect ears. For most pups, the ear cartilage begins to harden around week 20, or when the pup is finished teething. At that point, it can take up to 20 weeks for the ears to stand up fully. This can vary by the individual, however. Like human ears, dog ears are made of cartilage. As they grow and gain nutrition, German Shepherds develop stronger and stronger cartilage to support those ears. Typically, puppies at weeks will have floppy ears that occasionally stand up but quickly fall back down. Around week 20, or 5 months, your pup is done teething and its ears will begin to harden and stand. Your vet may have some suggestions to help the process along. If your pup reaches 8 months and still has floppy ears, the chance of them standing on their own is slim. Some breeders try to breed for larger ears, leading to ears that are too heavy to stand up. If strong, alert ears are important to you, be sure to look for a pup with parents that have erect ears. If the ears sustain trauma during that time, it can cause permanent damage to the cartilage. If your puppy gets parasites, it can impact healthy development, which includes the hardening of its ear cartilage. Be sure to take your puppy to the vet regularly and have routine fecal exams to check for worms and other parasites. Your vet can recommend an appropriate deworming protocol for your growing puppy and treat parasites if they occur. However, if you want your puppy to have strong, alert ears, you can help the process along in a number of ways. In an effort to move ear development along, some owners will add supplements like calcium. Chew toys are also good for teething and keeping your puppy occupied. German Shepherds are strong, even as pups, so be sure to choose solid, durable chew toys that are safe and appropriate for your puppy. It should only be used as a last resort, however. If you use tape too early, it can hinder natural development. That said, if you wait until the seventh or eighth month, it may be too late to help. Glue the ends of the popsicle stick to the tape on both ears, horizontally. Once a week, remove the popsicle stick, foam, and tape. If the ears stand on their own, leave them. Related Reads:. Especially during the first six months, be extra careful not to aggressively clean their ears. They will be more prone to lesions in the ear cartilage at this time. Yet it would be understandable if you are reading this and feel dismay or even horror. How can that possibly be a good thing? But understand we are not talking about doing anything harmful or invasive. The techniques you are about to read about will not harm or hurt your German Shepherd puppy at all. They will simply support the ears to grow into the upright position without having to work so hard to get there — or stay there. You want to give your pup enough time to try to do this naturally. But you also want to intervene before the cartilage in the ears starts to harden usually around seven to eight months old , leaving the ear flaps in the wrong position. You will need the following supplies: Some type of surgical tape NOT duct tape or any super-adhesive tape. Foam roller inserts or foam pipe insulation cut to size. Two plain popsicle sticks or unsharpened pencils. Wrap the surgical tape around the outside of the ear to hold the insert in place. Be prepared for your puppy to find a way to paw off this strange contraption several times before they finally get used to it and forget about it. You want to leave this in place for a week and then remove it to check the ear position. You may notice the ears start to stand a little straighter week by week. But if you see them flop over again, you need to re-tape them until they are strong enough to stand up on their own. Ear gluing Another option you can try is puppy ear gluing. This is actually not nearly as awful as it sounds and is far easier to do than the ear taping method. Another perk of puppy ear gluing over taping is that you are not going to cut off any air circulation to the inner ear canal. The key is to pick some kind of fabric glue do NOT use super glue or super-bonding glue that may not come off. What you need to do for this method is to add a dab of glue to the outside of the inner ear flap about two-thirds of the way down from the ear tip point. Then press the two ear flaps together for 30 seconds to allow the glue to set. Wherever possible, if you have multiple dogs in your household, try to keep your German Shepherd puppy from playing rough games with the other dogs. Rowdy playtime can easily cause the ears to separate. The glue will wear off on its own after a while and you can observe if the ears are able to remain upright and erect when this occurs. If you need to, keep reapplying the glue until the ears are strong and stable to remain in the correct position without glue. It may take a few weeks or longer for this to occur. Do not worry if the ears are not in a perfect position. As long as they stay upright, the inner muscles and tissues will naturally self-correct over time. Surgery Certain situations may even require surgical implants, like when ear cartilage damage occurs. Massage the Ears Massaging the ears helps by increasing blood flow to the ears, helping your form strong ear: Muscles Cartilage Chew Toys Chew toys are not only great for keeping your pup occupied, but they can also be great sources of collagen. This will help build strong ear cartilage capable of holding the ears in the upright position. Chew toys also work the ear muscles. This will strengthen the surrounding tissues. This is especially true for dogs prone to health issues, like German Shepherds. Foods rich in nutrients like calcium and glucosamine will help your dog form strong and healthy ears. These nutrients are vital for developing sturdy ear cartilage. Stimulation Dogs communicate a lot with their ears. Just think of German Shepherds that are alert and focused on something, like an odd noise they heard outside. Chances are, their ears will be standing erectly. Stimulation like this encourages the use of the ear muscles. There are two areas where you will definitely want to pay closer attention. Bath time and during playtime with other dogs. Keeping water out of the ears will reduce infections and head shaking. Using a headband is an easy way to do this, and can also prevent injuries when playing with other dogs. What causes German Shepherds to have floppy ears? The most common ones include breeding issues, teething, cartilage development issues, trauma, and poor nutrition or hygiene. Breeding Pointy German Shepherd ears are among the top distinct features of the breed. Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to improper breeding practices. Teething Floppy ears are a common occurrence when the dog is teething. Developing cartilage German Shepherd puppies are born with floppy ears. As their bodies develop, their ear cartilage and muscles also develop up to the point that they are able to support the weight of the ears, keeping them upright. German Shepherd ears typically start to perk up when the dog is about 6 to 10 weeks old. They can also sometimes flop back down while the dog is teething only to stand up again. Trauma Trauma is a common reason for floppy ears in German Shepherds. Physical trauma caused by an accident or injury to the ears can cause one or both of them to drop. If you suspect trauma, visit your vet to address any wounds and prevent infection. However, their ears need to be kept clean in order to prevent infections that could cause their ears to drop. Dogs not getting enough calcium and vitamin D during puppyhood may have trouble keeping their ears up as their skeletal support structure is not developed properly. They should be well-aligned, symmetrical namely just as wide as they are tall , and carried upright. However, not all dogs will have perfectly standard ears and some may have ears that are too large, too small, too high, too low, or just ears that point in the wrong direction. In fact, there are at least 12 different German Shepherd ear shapes , each with their own distinct characteristics. German Shepherd ears will usually stand up at around 4 months of age. But this can happen as early as the 1-month mark, or as late as the 6-month mark when teething finishes. But more than anything, they tell you how the dog is feeling at any given time. The ears really are the window to the soul for not just GSDs, but all dogs. During this time, more calcium is being directed to the growing teeth, and away from the ear cartilage. When teething is over, and more calcium can be directed back to the ears, they will most likely stand back up again. This is especially true if your pup has sustained an ear injury in the past, and broke the ear cartilage as a result. German Shepherd puppies are especially prone to this during the first 6 to 8 months, since their ears are still developing. These injuries can occur during rowdy play with other dogs and people, or from excessive scratching. This will help their ears develop faster and stronger, and will help prevent ear injuries in the future. But in most cases, if you act fast enough, even the floppiest German Shepherd ears are capable of being corrected. Ear development can vary from puppy to puppy. If they stand up when the puppy is scared or excited or when they bark, you can expect to see fully erect years by the time they are six months old. Will my German Shepherd mix ears stand up? Depending on the genes they inherited, your German Shepherd mix may have erect ears or not. You can support their ear development by giving them chew toys, massaging the base of their ears, and giving them calcium and vitamin D supplements. The ear flap is the outermost ear and is often called the pinna plural is pinnae. A dog has two pinna — one for each ear. Each pinna can work independently of the other, which is part of what gives dogs such keen hearing. This is the same reason all German Shepherd puppies are born with their ears down and floppy. It takes time for the cartilage to form, thicken and then harden into the characteristic erect ear position of the German Shepherd. The ears might pop up as early as four weeks old only to flop back down around four months old. Not only is the cartilage in the outer ears still forming and hardening, but the many muscles, tendons, ligaments, and tissues that help the ears move and function are still getting coordinated as well. This is why it is wise not to get concerned about ear position or stability until after your German Shepherd puppy has finished teething. There is just too much growing going on to expect your little puppy to look like a full-grown adult dog yet. This video gives you some unique tips to help their ears get stronger and stand up without human assistance like some of the tips you read about in this article. I get a lot of emails about taping German Shepherd puppy ears. The majority of these emails come from people who are jumping the gun and worrying too much. By that, I mean their pups are 3 or 4 months old and they are starting to panic because their puppy's ears are not standing. I tell these people that they need patience, they need to wait until their pup has finished teething. I caution these people not to jump the gun and tape the dog's ears too early or in the wrong way. I know people who have screwed their dog's ears up for life by doing this. I have had puppy customers who go ballistic on me and panic. So I issue a word of caution here. With that said, the other side of the spectrum of taping ears is something that many people do not take seriously until it's too late. When ears are taped at 7 and 8 months, there is very little chance of it working. This is an unfortunate fact of life. German Shepherd puppy ears can come up between 8 weeks and 6 months. If they are not up when the dog is through teething this varies from dog to dog but in general between 16 weeks and 20 weeks of age , I tell my puppy customers to get very interested in their ears. While it's not time to panic, it is time to sit up and take notice. The first thing to do is make sure that your puppy is in good health. This means no intestinal parasites. Take a stool sample to your vet to have it analyzed. It's also important to make sure the pup is getting good quality food. We feed and recommend a raw diet but if you do feed a commercial diet, I strongly recommend researching all the options available and feeding the highest-quality food you can afford. View our list of all-natural kibble alternatives. In fact, a lot of times, a pup will have both ears up and all of a sudden, they will come back down when the pup starts to teeth. Many owners panic when this happens. But not to worry, I have never seen a pup whose ears did not go back up when this happens. If a pup does not have his ears up by 5 months, I strongly recommend that you get involved with taping your dog's ears. Use the thin white surgical tape the kind that's paper-thin and tears easily. The 3M Micropore tape, 2" wide, works well. I like to use women's hair rollers. Take the plastic out of them and just use the foam. Wrap the ear around the foam and tape them into a tight roll. In a vertical position. Take a popsicle stick and attach it to the top part of both ears. In a horizontal position. The pup is going to tear the tape or stick off the ears several times. The key is to continue to re-tape the ears. Sooner or later, the pup will forget the tape and ignore it. About once a week, take the tape off and see if the ears will stand on their own. Continue to re-tape until the ears stand. If the ears are not up by 7 or 8 months, they are not going to come up. The ears should look like this once taped. The same dog with ears now up. I have seen ears that did not stand, which in my opinion would have stood had they been taped. So this process is not something to take lightly. I also need to say that many ears will be a little weak right after taping but with time, they will strengthen. So when an ear does not stand perfectly after taping don't panic. Just have patience and see what happens. You will really not have an idea exactly what you have until the pup is 12 months old. When ears do not stand, there are ear implants that can be surgically added. I have no experience with this and do not know anything about them. If you are unlucky enough to have a dog whose ears will not stand, I would point you toward a vet that has some experience in this area. I don't think it's something that normal small animal vets know how to do well. In my opinion, too young to tape. The material to use to tape German Shepherd Ears The pup with its ears taped I prefer taping German Shepherd Dogs ears after the dog has finished teething. This usually means the dog is older than 4 - 6 months. Maybe waiting another month would have been a better idea for this puppy.