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Made from genuine leather for durability and style Soft padding for extra comfort Strong and secure brass hardware Handcrafted for a luxurious look and feel Available in various sizes and colors Cons: Higher price point compared to nylon collars May require more maintenance to keep the leather in good condition The Soft Touch Collars Luxury Real Leather Padded Dog Collar is an excellent choice for those who prefer a classic and elegant look for their German Shepherd. Made from genuine leather, this collar is both durable and stylish. The soft padding ensures your dog's comfort, while the brass hardware provides a secure and strong leash attachment. Although it's pricier than nylon collars and may require more maintenance, this handcrafted leather collar is a luxurious option for your German Shepherd. These top 5 German Shepherd collars each offer unique features and benefits. However, the other collars on this list also provide excellent options depending on your preferences and budget. By considering the specific needs of your German Shepherd and your desired features, you'll be able to find the perfect collar to keep your furry friend safe, stylish, and comfortable. With numerous collar options available, it's crucial to consider specific factors to ensure you select the best collar for your loyal companion. In this article, we'll discuss the top five factors to consider when buying a collar for your German Shepherd. Size and Adjustability The first factor to consider when selecting a collar is the size. German Shepherds have an average neck size ranging between 18 to 24 inches, depending on their age, sex, and individual growth. Measure your dog's neck using a soft tape measure, allowing for two fingers of space between the collar and the neck for comfort. It's also essential to choose a collar that is adjustable. Adjustable collars usually come with a buckle or sliding mechanism, making it easy to modify the collar's size as needed. Material and Durability While German Shepherds and shepadoodles share certain traits, their collar needs can differ. German Shepherds are strong, active dogs that require a collar made from durable materials. Common collar materials include nylon, leather, and metal. Nylon collars are favored for their durability, affordability, and ease of cleaning. Leather collars, on the other hand, present a timeless aesthetic and robustness but may demand more upkeep to maintain the leather's quality. Metal collars, like choke chains or prong collars, should be approached with caution and only implemented under the direction of a skilled trainer. Choose a collar that can withstand your German Shepherd's strength and energy while remaining comfortable for daily wear. Safety Features Safety should be a top priority when selecting a collar for your German Shepherd. Reflective or brightly colored collars can improve visibility, especially during early morning or evening walks. Some collars also come with breakaway features, which can be beneficial if your dog gets caught on something while exploring. If you're concerned about your German Shepherd wandering off or getting lost, consider a collar with GPS tracking capabilities, like the Fi Collar. This advanced feature allows you to track your dog's location in real time and provides peace of mind. Collar Type There are various collar types to choose from, including standard buckle collars, martingale collars, and head collars. Each collar type serves a different purpose, and it's essential to choose the one that best suits your German Shepherd's needs. Standard buckle collars are the most common and suitable for daily use. Martingale collars are designed to provide more control for dogs that tend to pull on their leash, while head collars are ideal for dogs that require additional guidance during walks. Style and Personalization While style may not be the most critical factor, many dog owners enjoy selecting a collar that reflects their dog's personality or matches their aesthetic preferences. Collars come in various colors, patterns, and designs, allowing you to choose one that suits your taste. Additionally, many collars offer personalization options, such as embroidery or engraved tags, which can display your dog's name and your contact information. This adds an extra layer of security and can help reunite you with your dog if they ever get lost. When choosing a collar for your German Shepherd, considering factors such as size, adjustability, material, safety features, collar type, and style will ensure you select the best option for your furry friend. By keeping these factors in mind, you'll be able to find a comfortable, durable, and secure collar that meets your German Shepherd's needs and keeps them safe during their adventures. The Fi Collar is a smart collar that not only provides the durability and comfort German shepherds need but also offers cutting-edge technology to help you keep track of your dog's activity and location. This feature is particularly helpful if your German shepherd has a tendency to wander or if you're worried about theft. Activity Monitoring The Fi Collar also monitors your German shepherd's daily activity, helping you ensure they're getting enough exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You can even set daily activity goals for your dog and monitor their progress through the Fi app. Durability and Comfort German shepherds require a collar that can withstand their strength and energy. The Fi Collar is made from high-quality materials, such as chew-resistant bands and a secure metal buckle, ensuring it will last through your dog's adventures. Plus, the collar is comfortable for your German shepherd to wear daily. Customizable and Stylish The Fi Collar is available in various colors and sizes, so you can choose the perfect fit and style for your German Shepherd. Get the Best German Shepherd Collar Today When it comes to finding the perfect collar for your German shepherd, the Fi Collar offers the best combination of durability, comfort, and advanced technology. Keep your loyal companion safe, healthy, and stylish with a Fi Collar. Don't wait any longer! Get the best German shepherd collar for your furry friend today by visiting Fi's website and discovering the Fi Collar difference. Your German shepherd deserves the best, and Fi is here to provide it. Conclusion: In the journey of caring for a German Shepherd, attention to detail makes all the difference. Recognizing the importance of accurately determining the neck size goes beyond mere aesthetics or the fit of a collar. It's a testament to our dedication to their comfort, safety, and overall well-being. As we've explored in this guide, understanding the 'German Shepherd Neck Size' holds significant value, impacting various facets of their life and health. As responsible guardians of these noble canines, it's our duty to ensure that every aspect of their care, no matter how nuanced, is meticulously addressed. In doing so, we not only foster a stronger bond with our furry companions but also ensure they lead a life marked by comfort and dignity. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Want to know more about TryFi. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. However, the average measurement is around 11 to 14 inches, so you should pick the collar size accordingly while adding around 0. Top 3 Collars for German Shepherd Puppies on the Market When it comes to pet collars, there are several options on the market. However, choosing the right one for German Shepherds puppies can be quite tricky. PetSafe Martingale Collar Kicking off the list with this collar from PetSafe, which is one of the overall best options on the market. This collar is a martingale one, which is specifically great for most untrained German Shepherd puppies, which are popular for their playfulness, curiosity, and eagerness to run around. The PetSafe collar features a high density nylon webbing construction, which makes it practically indestructible no matter how hard the puppy pulls it. Additionally, the buckle of the collar is quite sturdy and reliable while making it very easy to put the collar on and off. The collar comes in various sizes, including a small size that is suitable for German Shepherd puppies in addition to a strap width range that extends from 0. Top Features Excellent for hyperactive and curious puppies Highly recommended by vets and trainers 2. Blueberry Classic Collar This one is a classic collar that is ideal for relatively trained puppies that are generally calmer and more composed. Blueberry used high density polyester while making this collar, which makes it durable and reliable while taking your dog on a stroll. The collar has a strap width of 0. We also like that it comes in a huge variety of vibrant colors, so you can choose the ideal one for your little doggie. Top Features Available in a variety of amazing colors The D-ring is relatively large for easy attachment to leashes and harnesses Accurate and reliable sizing chart for referencing Helpful Dog Health Resource: Note: Our Health is 1 Priority. It should be no different for your dog. But you need to help him. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health is the answer. This handy guide will help you recognize the symptoms of the health problems above. Get the knowledge to stay ahead of these terrible issues that can rob your lovely dog from vigor and life. This collar has a genuine soft leather construction, giving the collar a remarkable level of durability while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing look. Additionally, the collar has a rolled design that keeps the collar comfortable to wear. Besides the standard leather colors, the collar is also available in various color options to match your taste. As for size options, the 12 to 14 inch one should be ideal for most German Shepherd puppies, but there are several other sizes for unique cases. His online resource contains Hundreds of Excellent Dog Training Videos that will take you step-by-step through the process of developing a healthy, happy well-behaved dog. German Shepherds puppies usually have a neck size of around 11 to 14 inches in circumference. This means that a collar that ranges between 12 to 16 inches should be good enough for your puppy. For example, what one manufacturer considers a small collar, another might label as a medium. Loosen the tape enough space to fit a finger or two between the collar and the neck. Things to Keep in Mind While Buying a Collar for Puppies Besides sizing, here are a few more aspects to consider while buying a collar for your German Shepherd puppy: Type There are several types of collars out there. But when it comes to German Shepherd puppies. The two we recommend the most are standard and martingale collars. Standard collars are regular collars that you wrap around your puppy's neck, then attach to a leash while having a walk. The martingale collars are ideal to train hyperactive puppies that like to pull the leash to maintain good behavior. On the other hand, the classic is better suited for trained or naturally calm puppies. Material There are several materials to consider while buying a collar. Each one has its unique features. Polyester: Fairly affordable and very comfortable to wear, but not as durable as nylon. However, if you want a more adjustable collar, you should consider a prong buckle with notches. Paul S. Paul has been creating content for the dog niche for many years. The information he shares comes his first hand experience growing up in dog lovers household and then owning multiple dog breeds of his own as an adult. Paul enjoys doing the hard research to collect, analyze and present our dogtemperament. Puppy pads yes? What size collar does a German Shepherd puppy need? Collars on the market come in all shapes and sizes, some with colors and bling. Collars prevent a dog from being lost. But if a collar is too big, it slips off. Then too, both Bonnie and Clyde will grow out of their first collar pretty quickly. In most areas, dogs must have a collar with identification, so the sooner Clyde starts wearing his collar, the better. So how do you shop? A more scientific approach is measuring. A little wiggle room makes for comfort. More than that, and watch Clyde become an escape artist. A German Shepherd puppy can wear a collar on the day you bring it home. The sooner you introduce your Shepherd to wearing a collar, the sooner it becomes accustomed to the feeling. Nonetheless, there are choices in the types of collars you can consider. They may be leather, nylon, or cloth. You can find them at nearly every pet shop, and you can easily add ID tags to the rings. The rolled collar wears a little longer, but a puppy can choke on these, so think flat, especially if Clyde has a tendency to tug. You can start walking Bonnie about 2 weeks after her inoculation, so you want to take extra care in getting the right collar. There are ways to introduce them to it, and make the experience far better for both of you. Approach it as part of your training ritual. Let Bonnie smell her collar. Give her a piece of kibble afterward. Next, actually fasten the collar, leaving it for a few minutes, and provide a treat. Slowly lengthen the time you leave the collar in place. Some owners of German Shepherds opt for a harness over a collar. If you are planning to walk your dog regularly, a collar becomes part of training your dog to heel. The attached tag becomes essential should it get out of the house or break off the leash. Even if your dog is chipped, the tag is immediately recognizable to anyone finding Bonnie. In the world of canines, there is no such thing as one-size-fitting-all. Every puppy, even those of the same breed, will have slightly different measurements depending on how quickly they grow. If you are unable to take Clyde on a ride, you can use a measuring tape at home, then buy accordingly. Tip: If you are buying online, get two in different sizes. Leather: Leather is strong, comfortable, and durable but a little expensive. Smelly Dog Collar? Bacteria, dead skin, dirt, and environmental debris can all be contributing to that unpleasant aroma. No collar is stink-proof, so wash yours regularly. Vinegar, water, and baking soda usually does the trick. German Shepherds are powerful and often headstrong. This makes even a puppy difficult to control. So, you may have questions about what is the best collar for a German Shepherd Puppy. It can injure the dog when Clyde pulls hard. The design lets you give a gentle pull for correction. Bonnie will take a little extra time adjusting to this, so be patient. Harness: Harnesses have less control over your dog when walking, but are a good option for Clyde if he has respiratory problems restricting the use of a conventional collar. The idea of a shock collar makes many dog owners grimace. However, if you decide you want to use one, you will need to wait until Bonnie is 15 weeks of age. If she responds to your commands and actively participates in your play time together, she is probably ready. As you get to know more about your pup, training and socialization become easier. Post Views: .When it comes to puppies, particularly short-haired breeds, you should look for a soft collar made of a non-abrasive material. Fabric collars are a good option, and collars made from a breathable fabric that is also machine washable are even better. When should a puppy wear a collar? Even if your puppy is still too young to go outside for walks, getting them used to wearing a collar is a good idea and will prevent any tiny tantrums further down the road! Collars should be worn most of the time, even around the house, but taking it off every so often to let the skin breathe is recommended. Try leaving the collar off for a couple of hours every time you brush or bathe them. Can an 8-week-old puppy wear a collar? Responsible breeders recommend puppies should not be brought home until 8 weeks old, and you can start getting them used to their collar shortly after this. It may be a good idea to let them settle into their new environment before introducing something new, but getting them used to their collar in their second week at home is a good idea. Should puppies wear collars at night? Most dog collars are designed to be non-abrasive, and perfectly safe for pups and older dogs to sleep in. This can also help puppies get adjusted to wearing a collar for the majority of the time. However, many vets also recommend including a contact telephone number, in the event your dog goes missing. Although microchipping has been mandatory for pet dogs since , tags are still a legal requirement and provide a quicker way to get in contact with you if your dog is found, without their microchip needing to be scanned first. We hope our puppy collar size guide has been helpful, as well as our dog collar FAQs! If you enjoyed our puppy collar size guide, you might like our other article, What do I need for a New Puppy? Breathable Puppy Collars Made of high-density polyester, this breathable puppy collar is comfortable for your puppy. It has a color with different prints. The collar is stylish because of its high-quality material. It is perfect for daily walks, training, and indoor wear. Your puppy will truly be outstanding wearing this collar. It has a quick-release buckle that is made of metal and plastic. The buckle is an easy one-hand operation, making it convenient. This collar does not weigh down your puppy because it features lightweight. Pros It is made of high-density polyester It has colorful prints One can choose from different patterns The buckle is easily loosed Cons Joytale Reflective Dog Collar If you are looking for a budget puppy collar, we recommend the Joytale Reflective Dog Collar. This collar is made of nylon, padded with neoprene rubber. It is soft, flexible, and durable. This collar dries fast when your puppy gets it wet. The collar is reflective to ensure you can find your playful puppy at night. The visibility also keeps your pup safe. You cannot go wrong with sizing when it comes to this collar. It gives you options of five different sizes to choose from. The plastic buckle is shaped to give your puppy comfort. The edges of this collar are not hard. The collar has a simple design that is suitable for everyday wear. The collar can withstand any weather. The collar has an adjustable clip that releases the buckle quickly without struggle. Pros It is good for sensitive skin The material is soft.

This thoughtfully crafted dog food is formulated to meet the unique nutritional requirements of Labrador Retriever puppies up to 15 months old. It contains premium proteins and prebiotics for optimal digestion and energy. With vitamin E and minerals, it supports the immune system and overall health. The kibble size and texture promote dental health. This puppy food provides a tasty and balanced diet to support healthy growth and development, making it an excellent choice for Labrador Retriever puppy owners. This nutritious dog food is made with real chicken and eggs and provides essential vitamins and minerals for healthy digestion, immune function, and overall well-being. It also supports strong bones and healthy skin and coat. Its balanced nutrition and delicious taste make it a satisfying choice for adult Labrador dogs. This high-quality dog food offers a complete nutritional profile at a reasonable price, making it an excellent value-for-money option for pet parents seeking to provide their dogs with a nutritious diet. How to find the best Labrador dog food? Selecting the optimal dog food for your Labrador necessitates the meticulous evaluation of various factors. Look for high-quality ingredients: Choose dog foods that contain high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, and fats and are free from artificial preservatives and fillers. Choose a formula for Labrador Retrievers: Some dog food brands offer recipes designed explicitly for Labrador Retrievers, considering their unique nutritional needs. Suitability with age: Age factors matter a lot when choosing Labrador dog food. Puppies, adult dogs, and seniors have different dietary requirements, so select a formula appropriate for your dog's age. Read the online reviews to get an idea of how other dog owners feel about a particular dog food brand. You may be interested in Product. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Once they reach eight weeks, changing to dry kibble food is best. We recommend feeding a Labrador puppy dry kibble for the first months before changing to an adult food type. But to remain healthy, owners should know what to feed them. Dog owners should feed a Labrador puppy dry food kibble , wet food, or fresh human food, depending on their budget and lifestyle. There are many options for food for dogs, and it can become challenging to determine which one is the best option for the dog. We have found the best options and listed them below. They help us with our daily tasks, are always there when we need them, and bring great joy to our lives. But, it is essential to ensure that our dog gets the best nutrition possible. They have a lot of energy and need to be fed accordingly. This includes the number of calories, food type, and the number of meals per day. We will explain all of these factors to help understand what to feed these precious animals. A Labrador puppy needs high-quality protein in their diet, so they should not be fed just any type of food. This is why we recommend three food options: dry food or kibble, fresh food or human food, or wet food. We prefer using dry food or kibble in most cases, but it is beneficial to start with wet food for young puppies and transition to dry food after a few weeks. Feeding a puppy human food is possible, but it can be more expensive and requires extra work to stick to a cleaner diet at this age. We have found it to be a healthier and more convenient option for our pets. It is also a good alternative to wet food which can be difficult to store and prepare. The benefits of dry dog food are that it offers the pup a balanced diet that doesn't need refrigeration. It also offers convenience because we can buy it in bulk and store it in the pantry or freezer until needed. Dry dog food is also less expensive than wet food, which is another benefit for pet owners. Fresh Food Human Food Feeding a Labrador puppy a diet of fresh, real human food is one of the best things to do for their health and well-being. It will not only make them happy and content, but it will also keep them healthy. This eliminates the guessing game; they are only fed real, natural foods with no unknown ingredients. However, it will become expensive and require regular cooking and preparation. Wet Food Wet food is recommended for Labrador puppies when they are first born and for the first weeks while they grow. It can be either raw or cooked. Wet food is a good source of water and minerals, which are important in the early days of their life to help them grow strong bones and teeth. It should be given to a puppy as soon as it comes out of its mother's womb, but it must not be given before it starts eating solid foods because it will cause diarrhea. Once they get more mature, moving to kibbles is best. It is known for its low level of grain and carbohydrate content and high protein content. Once they reach the week mark, there are better options to help the puppy continue to develop and grow. This food also helps with digestion and weight management. It also promotes proper bone growth with antioxidants and necessary nutrients like vitamin E. The kibble is also shaped strategically to help puppies who chew fast while helping with jaw growth. Overall, this is the best food option for a Labrador puppy. It is designed for all life stages, from puppies to seniors, and we love the benefits it provides to younger labs. The product features a blend of highly digestible proteins, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, taurine, and glucosamine. This ensures the dog gets the nutrition they need while also reducing the risk of digestive tract problems such as bloat or pancreatitis. It also has a low glycemic index and no corn, wheat, or soy in the recipe. Dog owners can also expect an excellent protein ratio when using this food. Both veterinarians and nutritionists have recognized it for its high-quality ingredients for young puppies. The Acana High Protein formula is made with a blend of chicken, turkey, and fish meals, whole eggs, and natural beef or lamb meal. The product has a limited ingredient list with no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. It also has no added sugar and a low glycemic index. This food also contains probiotics and prebiotics to help the pet maintain a healthy immune system. This is the perfect dry dog food for puppies after eight weeks old. This brand is also very affordable for those who want to feed their dog a healthy diet without breaking the bank. It features a patented recipe that helps to promote healthy digestion, strong teeth and gums, healthy skin and shiny coat, a strong immune system, healthy joints and muscles, and a healthy heart. This is a high-protein food option for Labradors too. It promotes lean muscle growth and improved body health with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics 5. It is made with high-quality ingredients and has a great taste and texture for labs to enjoy. This food is to help with puppy development and is suitable for all Labradors under one-year-old. This wet food provides the perfect balance of healthy proteins to support a dog's growth while providing the energy they need to maintain its fitness levels. This can be fed as a meal or as an occasional snack between meals. It has no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or added sugar. It also contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are important for healthy skin and the dog's coat. They are large, strong, intelligent dogs that need a lot of attention, exercise, and food. These dogs can be picky eaters and usually need a lot of calories because of their size. This is especially true for puppies so they can grow properly and remain healthy due to their increased risk of health issues. Food Type Labrador puppies' most popular dog foods are kibbles and canned wet food. Kibbles are the best option for a puppy because they are easy to chew and digest. Canned food is a good option for pups who have difficulty chewing or digesting dry food and would benefit from a little moisture in their diet. The food type also depends on the owner. Dry food or kibbles are faster to prepare, while serving human food to a lab puppy requires extensive prep time. Nutritional Value When it comes to nutritional value, we want dog food that has high-quality protein and carbohydrates. This will help the puppy grow strong and healthy. This is why we need to take into account the nutritional value, quality of ingredients, and taste. It should be made with all-natural ingredients that are sourced from human-grade materials such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. A brand should have all the essential nutrients for a pup but still, be low in toxic elements and preservatives too. Dietary Restrictions Lastly, consider the dietary restrictions of the Labrador puppy before choosing a dog food option. This includes any allergies or health concerns for the dog and shopping for something that suits them best. For example, lab puppies must reach a certain carbohydrate and protein number daily. Labradors are also known to have allergies, especially young ones, so planning around this is crucial. A puppy should be fed at least three times a day, with a meal size that is appropriate for its body weight. They should also be given small daily snacks to keep them satisfied and happy, including treats to help with training. We feed our puppies the best that we can. We want to give them all the nutrients and vitamins they need. We also want to make sure that they are getting a balanced diet. The most important thing when feeding a Labrador puppy is that they get enough calories from their food every day. In the first weeks, the puppy should eat four smaller daily meals. Once the lab reaches three months, this can be changed to three meals per day. And after months, we recommend two meals per day. The key is not to change the calories much when the meals change but to simply modify the size of each meal to fit the total daily food amount. Feeding a Labrador puppy is not rocket science, but there are some things everybody should know about what to feed them and when to feed them. We have covered this basis, but changes need to be made as they age. This leads to a common question about changing food to fit the needs of a grown adult Labrador. The dog's age will determine how quickly they grow and how much energy they need. Lab puppies can stick with kibbles for up to 12 months. Your Lab puppy is going to require a different balance of nutrients than an adult Lab. Different dog breeds are susceptible to different genetic health conditions. Larger breeds, like Labrador Retrievers, are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Nutrition plays a vital role in preventing certain health issues. In recent years concern has been raised about a possible link between grain-free and non-grain-free diets that list legumes high on their ingredient list causing heart disease. This may be of consequence to Labradors as the breed is more prone to heart conditions than others. This does not just include Labs, but owners of any large or giant dog breed should be aware of this important information so they can make the most well-informed decision. Image Credit: Didkovska Ilona, Shutterstock Choosing the Best Food While having a list of the best puppy foods is a great start, you still must narrow it down to one. So, how does one choose from a list of great choices? Below we will cover some of the most important things to consider before making your final choice. What Does Your Veterinarian Recommend? Chances are that your veterinarian has dealt with purebred Labrador Retrievers many times before. Dog Food Brand You want to ensure you are choosing a dog food brand that is reputable. Finding a brand that is made with veterinary nutritionists and is backed by scientific research is ideal. If a brand advertises that they participate in AAFCO feeding trials, this means they have invested in research to ensure there are no nutritional deficiencies in the food. The ingredients in any pet food will help you determine the quality of the food. Look for foods that contain real meat as the number one ingredient. Below is a list of ingredients that are best avoided: Ingredients to Avoid. Lab puppies are energetic little learners eager to run, swim, and fetch. Although active, they also tend to overeat and gulp down their food. They can benefit from the right growth formula to provide immune system support, healthy growth, weight management, and digestive care as they take on puppyhood. Royal Canin Labrador Retriever dry puppy food is tailor-made nutrition created just for your pure breed puppy. Whether you have a Yellow Lab, Chocolate Lab, or Black Lab, this exclusive breed-specific diet is uniquely formulated for your Labrador Retriever puppy with specific nutrients to help them thrive. The unique donut-shaped kibble is specially designed to help your fast eater slow down and actually chew. An exclusive mix of antioxidants and vitamin E supports their developing immune system and keeps their body growing strong. Calcium and phosphorus support healthy bone structure, while a balanced energy content helps them maintain an ideal weight. Once your Lab puppy is over 15 months old, transition them to Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Adult dog food for precise nutrition into the adult years. Read more Promoting pet health and wellbeing Creating value for our entire ecosystem Committed to become certified carbon neutral by Cookie Settings. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. Increase portions as your puppy grows. Be sure to follow the rule of dog treats. This is about changes over time. Nutritional deficiency or excess can lead to disease and ultimately death. You may have noticed that your dog has dandruff after changing food, but the food is really good — try adding levels of zinc and vitamin A. Your main task as a pet owner is to monitor the health of a small family member and be responsible for this life. Image credit: canva. The first one is a protein that can be found in meat, poultry, fish, yogurt, and cooked eggs. Protein is responsible for the structure of muscles and tissues, as well as the formation and growth of new cells. In the diet for a Labrador puppy, it is imperative to include carbohydrates that are found in brown rice, potatoes, and wheat. Carbohydrates supply the body with glucose, which is responsible for the functioning of the brain and nervous system. An obligatory component of dog food is fats. It is a source of energy, development, and functioning of the cells and muscles of the body. Fats are included in oil and even fish oil. Puppy food for Labs or any other dog includes a certain amount of minerals such as calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and others. Minerals in dog food form bones and cartilage and balance the nerves. It promotes the production of hormones in the Lab puppies, regulates the balance of fluids in the body, and transports oxygen into the blood. Like people, dog and puppy foods should include plenty of water. Water is life! Once in the body, they strengthen bones, and teeth and fill the Labrador puppy with energy. Cost point Every time you buy pet food, you think about the issue of price. Of course, cost is important when making a purchasing decision. You should be aware that higher-quality puppy food can cost more than the average price. Your dog is an irreplaceable member of your family, which must be protected and loved with all your heart. Risks and diseases Lab owners should know well about all risks and diseases that their dogs may face. Numerous studies confirm that the Labrador Retriever breed is prone to digestive sensitivities and skin allergies due to irritating foods. This leads to pruritic diseases. Skin allergies and problems with the gastrointestinal tract are severe. Labs are prone to obesity. Maintaining a healthy weight and body is considered an important point of caring for a dog. In general, Labrador Retrievers should have a taut, hourglass-shaped figure. Obesity puts additional stress on bones and joints and makes it difficult to stay healthy. To combat weight gain, you need to exercise your dog with certain physical exercises, follow a proper diet, control portion sizes, and receive treats. Another disease caused by malnutrition is Gastric dilatation-volvulus. In short, this is boating. Indigestion is a severe problem that should not be ignored. The worst risk is death from the musculoskeletal disorder of muscles, nerves, joints, arthritis, and spinal discs. Also, you should be aware that feed processing of dog foods affects the occurrence and development of cancer. Dry food is cooked at a very high temperature, which leads to the formation of harmful chemical elements in the body of the dog. Such food also contains carbohydrates, which break down into cancer-causing glucose. You can combine dog food with homemade recipe food for your pet yourself. Moreover, it is a good way of feeding your dog if the dog food at home is over or there is very little left, but you need to extend the time until the next purchase. Dogs fed solely on home-cooked or combined diets lived for about 13 years, while those fed only processed food lived for about 10 years. Like human food, it can be chewed easily. Food is broken down in the body so that key nutrients are absorbed more quickly. Such food facilitates digestion and relaxes the stomach. Reducing stress on the digestive system reduces the likelihood of bloating. If you still decide to cook homemade food, follow the rules. Study each ingredient. Cook all animal products for the exact finish to kill harmful bacteria. Risks of homemade dog food Most of the problems are caused by a misunderstanding of the nutritional needs of the Labrador. If you do not understand the effect of food on the body of your pet, which reaction is correct and which can lead to negative consequences and different stages of life, contact a professional veterinarian who can tell you in detail about the effect of food on the body of a dog and how to properly form a pet diet. What food is best for a Labrador puppy? We made for you the list of the best puppy food for Labrador puppies. We can highlight the most noteworthy products from this list. Should I feed my Lab puppy dry or wet food? Mix dry and wet food. What is better to choose — opinions are different. But if you are in doubt about which puppy food to choose, consult your veterinarian. What is the recommended amount of water for a puppy? Older pups that have been nursed require one-half ounce to one ounce of water per pound of body weight. What do you feed an 8-week-old Lab puppy? An 8-week-old puppy should be fed several small meals a day. After 14 weeks, the Lab puppy can switch to two meals a day. Food for a Labrador puppy should be full of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals for healthy development. Giving treats is fine, but remember that Labradors are prone to overeating and gaining weight quickly. Also, try to give treats for obedience. You can choose canned food and dry food for your dog as you wish but you should always think about the effect of this dog food on your dog. Hope this article was helpful for you and that your pet will grow healthy and strong. Lab puppies need a balanced diet with high-quality proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water to ensure proper growth and development. Also, calcium and phosphorus support bone growth; omega fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin; antioxidants for enhanced immunity; and prebiotics or probiotics for improved digestion. Protein And Fat Content As an owner of a Labrador puppy, keep a check on the amount of protein and fat in their food. A balanced diet with adequate protein content promotes muscle growth, bone development, and healthy brain function. When choosing the best food, look out for pet foods that contain high-quality ingredients rich in animal-sourced proteins such as chicken meal, turkey meal or lamb meal. Avoid dog foods with artificial flavors and preservatives that can cause health complications in your puppy. Avoid foods with meat by-products or fillers like corn gluten meal. Look for brands prioritizing using fresh fruits and vegetables to provide additional nutrients and fiber. Avoid artificial flavors and preservatives. When reading food labels, ensure that protein is one of the first listed ingredients, guaranteeing high-quality dog food. They also need sufficient glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joint development. You can ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients by choosing a breed-specific formula like best purina pro plan for labs recommended by four veterinarians in the USA. Allergies And Intolerances Some common ingredients in dog food, such as beef, corn, soy, fish, and wheat, can cause allergic reactions. If you notice symptoms such as poor skin or coat health after feeding them certain foods or treats, consult a veterinarian immediately. They may recommend a special diet or elimination process to determine the allergen. Budget While high-end, premium dog foods may seem the best option, they can also be expensive. It is a well-known brand that offers both dry and canned food options at reasonable prices Feeding Schedule And Portion Control For Labrador Puppies Learn how to properly feed and control the portion sizes of your Labrador puppy with our helpful feeding guide and puppy schedule chart. Generally, Labrador puppies should be fed times a day until they are six months old, after which you can switch them to twice-a-day feedings. The amount of food you give your pup will depend on their age and weight. Never overfeed your lab because obesity is prevalent in the breed. Therefore, watch portion sizes and adjust accordingly if you notice any significant changes. Most puppies must eat thrice a day until they are six months old. After this time, you can reduce the frequency and switch them to two larger meals daily. Instead, stick to set feeding times and portion sizes recommended by your veterinarian or on the packaging of their dog food brand. Healthy Feeding Practices For best puppy food for labs One of the best ways to ensure proper nutrition is by selecting high-quality dog food that meets all their nutritional needs. In addition to selecting the right type of food, portion control is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight in Labrador puppies. Puppy Feeding Schedule Chart: healthy food for labrador puppy Establishing a proper feeding schedule is key. Age of Puppy.

While litter box training does not replace a dog's need to run and play outdoors, it can keep your home cleaner with fewer accidents. The type of litter you purchase is extremely important, as a puppy may try to eat it. Choose a natural litter that does not clump to avoid an emergency visit to your veterinarian. With consistency and positive reinforcement, your puppy will be using the litter box on his own every day. Step 1 Choose a location in your home for your puppy's litter box training. If you have been using housebreaking pads or newspaper for your puppy, place the litter pan nearby. Choosing a tile or hardwood floor area is wise to make accidents easy to clean up. Step 2 Fill a disposable cookie sheet or pan with wood pellets or recycled paper litter. A cookie sheet is smaller and therefore easy for a little puppy to climb into and jump out. Wood pellets or litter made specifically for dogs is larger and more absorbent than traditional cat litter. Once it is soiled, it will break down to a sawdust consistency. Step 3 Place your puppy in the litter pan. Continue placing your puppy in the pan hourly. Each time you place him in the pan, give him a vocal cue such as "go on" or "potty. Your puppy may still have a few accidents, or not get his entire body into the box before attempting to use it. Do not punish him for accidents near the box. Instead, continue placing him in the box at regular intervals. Step 4 Replace the cookie pan or sheet with a litter box large enough to accommodate your growing puppy. Place the litter box in the same spot as the disposable pan for consistency, and show the new pan to your puppy. Tips If you notice your puppy begin to relieve himself outside of the pan, make a noise such as a clap or whistle to distract him, and place him in the litter pan. We all know cats are typically the fur family members to use a litter box. But what about dogs? Are there any good arguments for litter box training your canine friend? A dog litter box? Or an artificial grass pad? So I rarely advise pet parents to skip this opportunity. That said, there are a few instances when using a dog litter box is preferable. Is it right for your dog? This is especially true if you have a small dog, or tiny tinkler as I call them, since they often have more difficulty holding their urine than bigger dogs. This leads to more accidents in the house and bigger frustrations, which puts a damper on your relationship. I wrote an entirely different article that goes into more detail about why your dog is peeing in the house. But if you live in an area that sees several feet of snow or is primarily paved and gets very hot, an indoor dog litter box might actually be safer for your pet. You or Your Dog Have Mobility Issues If you or your dog have mobility issues, dog litter box training might be a good idea. Some companies, like doggybathroom. All you need to do is change out the pads and keep the inside clean. This can be a good option for medium-sized dogs that raise their leg to pee. The downside is the cost. The pee pads are disposable and will need to be replaced frequently. If you want to use dog litter, the sides of the litter box should be low enough for your dog to easily step over but high enough to contain the litter. Now what about artificial grass pads? The initial investment for a grass pad like this one is minimal. Can Dogs Use Cat Litter? Yes, technically, dogs can use cat litter. However, cat litter can be harmful if ingested, which is a risk since our canine friends are known to eat strange things from time to time. Dog litter typically consists of larger, more absorbent pellets, which are safer if ingested. Some are also made with recycled material, like wood or paper. Pin me! Whether you choose a litter box or a grass pad, will your dog really use it? This is the million doggie bone question. Can pet parents actually get their pups to use a dog litter box? In many cases, the answer is yes, you can. Trying to contain a Bull Mastiff in a box while they do their business would be quite a feat! And large dogs tend to raise their leg to pee, so the sides of the dog litter box would have to be very high to avoid soaking surrounding objects. Step 1: Find the Right Spot When house training dogs, we usually bring them outside. Do this by getting a paper towel or pee pad containing a little of their urine and placing it where you want them to go. Step 3: Praise Them for Using the Right Spot Again, just as you would do if training a dog to go outside, be sure to give them lots of praise and some training treats when they do their business in the right spot. But with time, your dog will understand how to use their new pee spot. And of course, you want your home to be sanitary. Consider Using Deodorizing Litter Cats have famously used litter boxes for a long time, so pet product manufacturers have developed many unique products that absorb pee effectively and suppress odor. By offering your old dog accessible litter boxes, you can almost eliminate the possibility of accidents, all while empowering your aging dog. By giving your dog a huge amount of praise and an immediate reward, you can override any other thoughts they may have, like a compulsion to mark. Watch for Digging or Coprophagia Dog owners encounter some of the most common issues when litter box training their dogs are digging and coprophagia. Unfortunately, the best way to address these issues is using a different potty training method. Buy a Litter Box With High Sides To avoid accidental spills, you should consider buying a litter box made of sturdy material with high sides. These prevent spills with male dogs since they can block any splashing. A flat litter box tray has drawbacks but is significantly better for large dogs. Generally, you will have an easier time litter box training a smaller dog, as a large dog will have difficulty containing their mess in a cat litter box that is entirely too small for their body. If you are set on litter box training a large dog, you will need to get creative with what you use as the litter box itself — using a large metal tray or a shallow plastic storage bin may be your best bet! A small dog can use a standard large litter box and keep the mess in the potty area. High sided litter box, intened for dog use 4. While litter box training a dog is not for everyone, you can teach your dog how to use one with persistence, treats, and positive reinforcement! How useful was this post? Click on a star to rate it! Submit Rating Please give us feedback on this post: Let us improve this post! Tell us how we can improve this post? Throughout the site, you will find a variety of helpful dog training articles, insightful dog behavior tips, and truthful product reviews from nationally-recognized canine trainers and professionals. Post navigation. It can be a rollercoaster of emotions, with several successes combining with moments of failure to finally reach a desired outcome. Some pups love to go outside to use the bathroom, but some individuals may be resistant to that idea. Some dog breeds are quite adaptive to the idea of litter box training. How do you convince your dog that the litter box is the best place to use the bathroom? It may take several months for some breeds to adapt, but puppies and adult dogs will eventually get to know the process. It is very easy to get the supplies that you need. Certain breeds of dog can excel with litter box training. The process is similar to what you would teach a cat, providing them with a large tray as a place to use the bathroom. If you give your pup a lot of positive reinforcement with this process, then it can be a rewarding experience that controls messes for you. Most breeds can adapt to this training option in a couple of weeks, and some individuals may take to it right away. You can eliminate the threat of urine odors and stains. Dogs that need to go to the bathroom will hold it until they no longer can. Litter box training your pup will help you to manage the problems with liquid waste because they can manage their bathroom needs independently of your presence. Litter box training allows for liquid and solid waste. This option gives your pup an opportunity to relieve themselves of the liquid and solid waste when it is time to go. There are several different varieties of litter from which to choose. Dog litter is similar to the products that you can find for kitties in the store. When you need to replace what is in the tray, then you can find everything from activated charcoal to paper pellets. Simple clay litters are sold almost everywhere to provide pet parents with a suitable entry-level option. If you have concerns about the odors that come from the tray, then try sprinkling some baking soda along the bottom of the box every time you empty it to have more control over this issue. It helps senior dogs who may have bladder control issues. If your dog is over the age of 8, then their senior status can impact how and when they need to relieve themselves. Instead of relying on diapers to manage the mess, you can work with your older pup on transitioning to the litter box. You can reduce the amount of physical pain they experience trying to walk outside, especially if you live in a high-rise apartment. They might not have enough time to let you know they need to go at that age too, so having a usable tray gives you mess containment. You will give confidence to some breeds with this training option. Some breeds, with the Maltese being the most notorious for the issue, can struggle to fully adapt to the idea of going outside. Their small bladder size can make it challenging to get them to a patch of grass on time. Instead of dealing with messes or scolding behaviors, you can create a positive environment that involves the litter tray instead. It works well for small breeds only. A bigger pup also means that more waste products must be managed, which could overwhelm the capabilities of this system. If your dog weighs more than 20 pounds, then you might want to look for an alternative solution for their bathroom needs. Some dogs love to dig in the litter tray. If your dog is a digger, then a litter box is not the best solution for your potty training needs. You will want to watch their behaviors during the training process as well since some individuals like to eat the litter or their waste after leaving it behind. There can be severe odors with a litter box. Cats do well with a litter box because the product absorbs their urine and covers up the odors of their waste — to an extent. Because dogs will leave more waste products behind, this training option can be quite odiferous, changing the entire environment of your home if you live in a small place. You might want to consider litter box training if you have a garage, laundry room, or bathroom that has venting in place that will help you to control air movement if it offers easy access and some privacy. The cost for the initial setup can be high for some pet parents. If you have a larger dog, then you must use a bigger container to hold all of the waste. Liquids will absorb into the litter, which means the container must have some capacity to manage the expansion. Male dogs need to have a tray with high sides. If you decide to pursue litter box training for your dog, then you will need to have a product that offers high sides if you have a male pup at home. There can be enthusiastic leg lifting when it is time to go to the bathroom, so something without the appropriate height will still encourage a mess in your home. Since a pup needs the tray to be low enough for them to step over it as well, this option tends to work better with female dogs unless you have a toy breed as a pet parent. You will need separate boxes for your pets. If you have a dog and a cat at home, then neither one will be satisfied with the idea of sharing a little box. Pet parents who try to force this issue will often encourage their cats to spray urine throughout the room with their little box as a way to mark their territory. Dogs can be the same way. You might even need to have separate trays for each pup at home if you have a pack. Placement away from other items that your dog might think is part of the litter box, like an area rug, scratching post, or another upright item, is essential for success. A dog litter box needs to be cleaned every day. Many pups refuse to use this option if their tray is not clean. The only advantage here for some pet parents is that you get to pick up the waste inside instead of outside. The litter can get into the spaces between the pads and their paw. Unless you use paper products, this waste can cause small injuries that can lead to swelling and infections that could restrict their movement. It will take some time and plenty of patience to teach your dog how to use a litter box. Although some pups never take to this idea very well, most small breeds can eventually learn this skill. Do you really have a house dog if they are spending half of their time outside trying to go to the bathroom?

With a name inspired by fighters in the ring, some people expect a Boxer to be aggressive or unfriendly. As is the case with many guard dog breeds , the owner must establish dominance early or their pup may try to take charge instead. For example, Boxer dogs need to be socialized and trained early to prevent aggression towards strangers or people they see as threats. It is advised to discipline gently but firmly and consistently. When it comes to their physical demands, Boxer puppies, as well as adults, are high-energy dogs that need some vigorous outdoor exercise every day. Lastly, Boxers are also jumpers, so you may need training to curb their instincts to leap up on you, your family, or your guests. The average lifespan for Boxer dogs ranges from 10 to 12 years. While this tends to be a healthy line, especially when you work with a trusted Boxer breeder, there are some special considerations. At Keystone Puppies, we only represent the best Boxer breeders. Our breeders not only offer a health guarantee but also provide exceptional homes for Boxer puppies that lead to healthy adult lives. As always, owners should keep their canine companions up-to-date on vaccinations and bring their pups in for regular checkups with their veterinarians. Caring for Boxer Coats The short, shiny coat is easy to maintain. Brush once a week to reduce shedding and to keep their coats bright. Before you buy a Boxer puppy, get familiar with their grooming routine. Their short coats are easy to maintain and look fantastic when you do. We recommend that owners generally brush their coats once per week to reduce shedding and to keep their coats attractive and healthy. In addition to that, cleaning out their ears once per week with a clean, damp cloth will reduce the risk of ear infections. We recommend you wipe out the wrinkles once a week to reduce the chance of skin infections. Meet Boxer Puppies for Sale. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. It will be easier for you to come to meet and pick up the puppies in Southern California, rather than having to drive to our primary location in Newcastle. The dam and sire of this litter are our own adults in the breeding program, but are being hosted by a very caring, nurturing and experienced dog family. We work hand in hand to assure the puppies are cared for and socialized in the way our customers have come to recognize as the "best. If puppies stay for extended training, that is done at our Newcastle, CA. Below you can read more about the upcoming puppies and their loving host. If you would like to be included on the reservation list for the puppies, in our SoCal location, do not hesitate to contact us. We would love to welcome you to the CHGR family! Southern California is expected to have a litter due in December, .Puppies will go to their new homes in mid to late February. Place your reservation now as spots fill up very quickly! What a wonderful girl she is! We love Lexi and her pups, as she passes along her incredibly sweet temperament to all of her fur babies. She is beyond sweet and loves to lay her head on your lap, foot, or wherever she can to get close to everyone she meets. Incredibly smart, she loves to perform her skills, especially for treats! Lexi loves to play ball and adores people, especially children. Lexi loves to play with other dogs and also loves to sleep with the cat. She has a beautiful cream coat between a silky and cotton texture and is one of our larger girls, at a little over 75 pounds. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for California Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in California? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in California? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved.

Some Final Words It is possible but it is also a rare event. This physical feature can cause complications for the mother. The usual method for Pugs to give birth is through a C-section. This method is determined by having an ultra-sound or an x-ray done prior to the birth of those puppies. This is the preferred method if you want the mother and her puppies to survive the birth experience. The cost of a C-section varies between vet clinics and animal hospitals. However, there are risks involved with a C-section. The anesthesia can have a negative effect on those puppies. Then, they may get cut during the incision. This accidental cut can cause the puppies to bleed to death if not caught in time. Finally, if the tools used are not sterile, then your Pug and her babies may get an infection and die. What Do Pugs Eat? Click here to find out. The Pug dog breed is not that much different from other dog breeds. Their pregnancies last the standard 53 to 63 days depending on certain factors. The size and health of the mother are two of those factors which may alter the timetable somewhat. The birth process comes in 3 stages. The first stage is when the mother loses her appetite, be restless, and may vomit. This is all being done at the time the uterus begins to contract. This stage lasts about 12 to 24 hours. The second stage is the actual birthing of the puppies. The mother will have her babies between 30 and minute intervals giving everyone time to clean the pup and get it moving. The final stage is when the placenta shows up. This happens generally when the last puppy is born. There are some difficulties that may arise if you have your Pug give birth at home. If you are not ready for these difficulties, then it is advisable that you let the vet handle the birthing process for you. Can Pugs Eat Banana? The ages of both the male and the females are a bit different. The female should go through about 3 heat cycles before they get pregnant. This gives your mother-to-be a chance to fully develop physically and get ready for the rigors of puppy birth. This puts the female at about the age of 18 months. On the other, the male reaches sexual maturity at about 12 to 15 months. That is when you should start to use your male dog as a breeder. After your female has had her first litter, let her wait one season before breeding her again. This gives her a chance to recover from the previous litter. If your female is 6 years old or older, then it is time to stop her from having more puppies. The males do not face these restrictions. Some Final Words While a Pug can have up to 9 puppies at a time, it is best to wish for a lower number of puppies. That way your female stands a better chance of surviving the pregnancy and bringing you more litters as the years pass. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For the little one, the world is a scary place, and it will heavily depend on its mother for food, shelter, and security. For the first 2 weeks, a baby Pug will alternate between sleeping and eating cycles. At 4 weeks, a pup is usually able to walk, hear, and see everything, and starts actively exploring its surroundings. From 4 to 12 weeks a pup is in a socialization stage where it learns the power of playtime. It starts to actively engage in an interaction with siblings and its pet parents. They are expected to gain full control of their bladders and bowel movements, therefore should be encouraged to relieve themselves outside. Pug pups should begin learning the basic commands during this stage as well as receive their first vaccines. That means chewing on anything it seems fit yep, including your favorite pair of slippers. It is your responsibility as a pet parent to make sure that all the dangerous objects are moved away to a secure spot cables, wires, equipment, etc. Adolescence: Between 6 and 9 months your Pug baby is in its adolescence stage. Here it develops complete sexual maturity and reaches its full height. If you happened to have a female Pug, she will be ready to have babies at about 9 months of age. Therefore, if you are planning to breed your Pug dam, it is best to at least wait until that time or even older, up to 2 years and bring her in for a check-up to see if everything is normal. A vet visit should include parasites screening, and getting her up to date on the shots. It is also recommended to do all the necessary X-rays to see if her reproductive organs are ready for pregnancy. How many puppies do Pugs have? We will cover it shortly. Senior stage : a Pug is considered a senior citizen by the time it reached 9 years of age. You will notice how much slower it starts moving, may gradually lose interest in certain activities, and, unfortunately, develop some health problems the two-legged are also experiencing during their golden years. Since Pugs are considered brachycephalic , that means problems with the oxygen supply may occur. This fact, in turn, leads to lung, heart, and even brain problems. It is extremely important to bring your Pug oldie for regular vet checkups at least twice a year to ensure that there are no major problems in place Pugs are prone to developing cancer. So, when a female Pug is ready for breeding, it might be best to find out how her pregnancy develops, and any facts you as a breeder have to know to avoid complications during her labor stage. Female Pug Pregnancy Cycle When a Pug dam gets pregnant, her body goes through a dramatic change just like a two-legged female would. The average canine female pregnancy is much shorter than that of a human, ranges anywhere from 57 to 65 days. How do you know if your Pug pup is expecting? It is no surprise since she has to not only provide nutrients for herself now but for her future litter as well. Do not decrease her portion even if you are afraid she will gain a lot. It will be possible for her to shed it off once she has gone through labor. Once it is out of her system after whelping, her weight will decrease greatly right there. New Behavior Patterns: since her body goes through hormonal changes, you will notice that a future Pug mom will become tired quicker, even after a very short potty walk. She would nap a lot more during the day. Also, you might observe that she might become extra affectionate would want to cuddle with you more. Nipples become dark red in color as well as bigger in size to prepare the Pug dam for the future lactation period. On average, a female Pug will have about puppies per pregnancy. The veterinary specialist will only be able to tell you approximate numbers. And on the contrary: if a mother is a crossbreed with another species Jack Russel Terrier, Beagle, or a Chihuahua, for instance , then you can expect a bigger litter size, up to 9 pups! Any future expectancies can be more complicated because they create some health problems for canine mothers. With each pregnancy, it takes a lot of time for the Pug mom to regain her strength and stamina back. Curl-Up A Pug pregnancy can be a very exciting, but a little challenging time as well. A Pug pet parent is responsible for making sure that a future Pug mom has the support and all the help it needs to deliver a healthy litter. It is best not to mate a female Pug before the age of 2 to avoid future health complications. It is truly incredible to participate in the puppy birth process, I wish you good luck! Family Dog Expert Author Hi there! My passion for dogs drives me to share my knowledge and expertise, helping families build strong, loving bonds with their four-legged friends. Welcome to Sirdoggie A blog crafted with love for all dog lovers and their families! Shih Tzu: 3 How can you tell if your pug is pregnant? The signs to tell if your brachycephalic dogs are pregnant are simple. It may not be universal, yet there are great similarities among all dog breeds. The important part, you know how to tell if your female pugs are pregnant or not. Here are the signs: Appetite Changes One of the obvious signs that your pug is pregnant is when its eating behavior changes. Typically, your pug tends to eat more when they are pregnant. Weight gain is one evident sign that your female pug is soon to become a mother of six puppies. This also leads to less physical activity since they feel heavier, so they would prefer to lie down. This can also be due to weight gain. But if you see other signs telling your pug is pregnant, then that swollen abdomen is the puppies. They also have an increased appetite when they are pregnant, giving them additional fat in their belly. Because of that, pugs love to just lie down. They have lesser movements when they are pregnant. Behavioral Change Your pug is usually stubborn and independent, right? But these brachycephalic breeds tend to shift their moods when they are pregnant. A pregnant pug commonly becomes affectionate to its owner. They want more care and comfort from you. They do not want to feel alone since they know they will need your help during the birthing process. If you notice this kind of behavioral change in your female pug, you can guess it can be pregnant. Enlargement and Discoloration of Dog Nipples Once your female pug is pregnant, you will also notice its nipples being larger. Pregnant pugs tend to have enlarged and darker red nipples due to hormonal change. There is the production of milk already happening during this phase. Lower Physical Activity You will also see that your pregnant pug tends to walk or jump less than before. The reduced activity is also necessary to prevent any deformities of the unborn pug puppies. Still, you need to encourage your pug to do short walks to exercise their hip bones. This is also good to enhance their stamina in preparation for giving birth. Similar to humans, you need to have a healthy heart and lungs before giving birth. Nesting Trait You may also see that your pug is digging on their bedding, right? Pugs tend to gather soft fabrics and materials that will serve as a nest for her newborn pug puppies soon. Your pug can either make a nest in her whelping box or bedding. This is totally normal for a dog pregnancies since they want a soft cushion for their puppies. You can also prepare this spot for your pregnant pug. Is it safe for a pug giving birth naturally? When your pug is pregnant, you need to visit your vet to know if it can do a natural birth. Besides that, pugs have narrower hip bones, making it more painful for them to give birth. This puts a lot of stress on your poor dog. But your vet can prescribe prenatal vitamins to sustain dog pregnancy and help them do natural birth delivery. It is expensive but most breeders choose this to protect the welfare of female dogs and puppies. Also, to help your pregnant pug recover, they cannot bear puppies twice or more annually. What do you need to know about Dog C-section Process? Cesarean process for dog birthing is your last solution when there is a birthing problem. For pugs, this is most ideal to preserve the health of the mother dog and her puppies. C-section is frequently done for this toy breed since it has a small birth canal. If the unborn have a large head and shoulder, there will be problems with whelping. Doing this surgery is unexpected most times. Doing x-rays or ultrasound is recommended for you to determine if your dog needs to undergo C-section. For this procedure, a cut will be made from the belly button of your dog down to its pubis area. The cut is estimated to be just enough for one pup to come out. Always go for a vet clinic with intensive experience in doing animal caesarean process. By doing this method, your pregnant pug and her litter have a higher survival rate. There is also less suffering from pain for your dog. How much is dog caesarean? The price varies on your location and the vet hospital doing it. Recovery Rate The female pug has a higher survival rate than normal birth. There are times that your vet will prescribe medicines to help alleviate the pain and infection. Dangers of C-section There are two dangers to having caesarean for your dogs. One is for the effects of anesthesia on the pups. The second is for the possible hemorrhage during the operation. The recovery rate of the mother dog is at 99 percent, yet lower for the puppies. There is a huge risk for intense bleeding to happen for your puppies if they get cut during the C-section. This puts them at a 70 to 90 percent survival rate. Aside from that, there is also a risk for uterus infection if the tools used are not properly disinfected. Still, this medical procedure is most suitable for pugs with troubles in natural birth. What you need to know about Pug Birthing Process and Delivery Just like human giving birth to a child, there are different phases for a dog giving birth. There are three phases in general, and we are going to briefly discuss them below. Stage One During this stage, your pug experiences discomfort. This is due to uterus contraction, and it causes them to vomit and breathe heavily. The muscle contraction gives a painful sensation to your pregnant dog. This stage usually lasts for 12 to 24 hours. This stage tells you that your pug is ready to give birth. During this time, you may notice that she is restless. Your pug tends to eat a lot before labor. She will also start licking her genital. If you stop her from eating, she might dig on your couch or on her bedding. It will be lower than .Stage Two This is the main birthing process of your pug. The average period for a pug giving birth is 24 hours. There is thirty minutes to an hour gap between each pup coming out from the birth canal. This gives enough time for the mom to wipe clean her newborn puppies. Stage Three This is the last process when your pug gives birth to her new puppies. The placenta will also come out during this stage. What happens to your pregnant pug every week until giving birth? Pug breeding is not as easy as you think. But if you know the essentials and you are passionate, it will be easier. But you can always observe them having a change in appetite and vomiting. Your pug may feel a little sluggish since there will be weight gain. Week 3 You will observe that your pug is becoming lazier than ever. As an owner, if you truly know your pug, you can tell the difference. Below are some additional signs you can observe on the third week. Stomach becomes larger Nipples turn darker red and swollen Your pug will frequently clean herself more than the usual Week 4 During the fourth week, all signs of dog pregnancies will be noticeable. Her nesting trait will be more evident than ever. Better prepare her whelping box, or she will dig on her own bedding. Week This is the last part of her gestation before she starts her labor. Be sure to prepare the necessary medical supplies you will need if she will be giving natural birth at home. If your pug cannot do the natural birth process, send her to your nearest vet clinic. A veterinarian needs to do a caesarean section procedure to save the mother and the puppies. What are some pug pregnancy issues you need to know Besides knowing how many puppies can a pug have, you also need to know the possible health concerns. Here are some common health issues you need to know in advance. Uterine inertia is also called stalled labor. Genital infections after giving birth. Pugs are brachycephalic breeds, so the head and shoulders of the newborn are larger than their pelvic. This leads to difficulty in doing natural birth, a condition known as Dystocia. When your pregnant pug experience this, better go for a C-section process. This is expensive but it will be safer for your Fido and puppies. Your pet will also have extreme blood sugar level variation. You need to watch out for their sugar level to avoid obesity and complications. When no puppy comes out fifteen minutes after labor starts. You can stretch that to three hours of labor. If nothing comes out after three hours, better rush them to your nearest vet clinic. A distressed unborn puppy. It can mean the pup inside lacks oxygen. Newborn pups are not breathing. Uncut umbilical cord an hour after labor. You need to cut them a few minutes after the pup comes out. Use a disinfected surgical scissor for that. Sac is still wrapping the newly born pup. Some new mother dogs do not have the instinct yet to remove the sac, so you need to them yourself. Use surgical gloves upon doing it. Excessive bleeding during whelping is dangerous, so you need to call your vet right away. This could mean some major arteries are cut. Stuck puppies with big heads and shoulders. How can you help pug pregnancy? Have you thought about how you can help your pregnant dog? For a pregnant pug, you will know if the labor starts when there is a sudden drop in temperature. That will be from 38 to 37 degrees Celsius. That means labor will start in the next 12 to 24 hours. Prepare medical supplies, heating pads, towels, and blankets for the natural birthing process. Secure the number of your nearest reliable veterinarian for emergency reasons. Call the vet if your pug is suffering from labor pain but there are no puppies coming out Make sure the sac covering each puppy will be removed by the mother pug once the pup is out. This must be done to ensure those newly born young pugs can breathe. You can use a sterilized surgical scissor for cutting it. Cut it an inch above the belly button of the puppy. Tie that off with dental floss and wipe that with a cotton ball dipped in antiseptic. After all puppies have come out, you can discard the placenta. Otherwise, the mother pug will just eat them. The whelping box will be where you will place the young puppies. It must be filled with a clean towel or blanket. You need to place those newborn pups inside the whelping box. Use the heating pad to provide warmth to the puppies. What do you need to prepare for your pug giving birth at home? Once you see that your pug is starting the whelping process, you must stay beside them. Here are some of the things you can do for your Fido: You can move her puppies to a nearby whelping box. Here are some of them: Thermometer. Chinese origins[ edit ] Pugs were brought from China to Europe in the sixteenth century. The pet pugs were highly valued by Chinese Emperors, and the royal dogs were kept in luxury and guarded by soldiers. In Tibet , Buddhist monks kept pugs as pets in their monasteries. Pugs were painted by Goya in Spain, and in Italy they rode up front on private carriages, dressed in jackets and pantaloons that matched those of the coachman. They were used by the military to track animals and people, and were also employed as guard dogs. His self-portrait , which is now in London's Tate Gallery , includes his pug, Trump. Every carriage I meet here has a Pug in it. Many responded to the breed's image of anti-functionalism and diminutive size during this period. The modern pug's appearance probably changed after when a new wave of pugs were imported directly from China. These pugs had shorter legs and the modern-style pug nose. The British aristocrat Lady Brassey is credited with making black pugs fashionable after she brought some back from China in .Hogarth's painting from the 18th century depicts the originally longer muzzle, as well as the picture in a edition of Brehms Tierleben. Since there has been a trend in some countries to breed "retro pugs". Following the deaths of pugs and other brachycephalic breeds, several airlines either banned their transport in cargo or enacted seasonal restrictions. Pugs have elongated palates. When excited, they are prone to " reverse sneezing " which causes them to quickly and seemingly laboriously gasp and snort. The veterinary name for this is pharyngeal gag reflex and it is caused by fluid or debris getting caught under the palate and irritating the throat or limiting breathing. Reverse sneezing episodes are usually not harmful, and massaging the dog's throat or covering its nose in order to make it breathe through its mouth can often shorten a sneezing fit. In serious cases, it makes breathing even more difficult and puts added pressure on the larynx. If this happens, one should inquire with their veterinarian whether or not surgery is needed to open the nostrils. If the prolapse happens on a regular basis, the pug might require surgery. This condition is caused when parasitic mites, that are often present in a dog's skin without causing symptoms, are allowed to do damage because their host has a weakened immune system. It is a problem for many young pugs, although not usually a major one, and is easily treatable, but some are especially susceptible and present with a systemic form of the condition. The condition occurs when two parts of a spinal vertebra do not fuse properly while a young pug is still growing, resulting in an irregularly shaped spinal cavity which can put pressure on the spinal cord. Pug photo, ca .Note its small head and long legs. A pug by Carl Reichert. The pug that was predominantly featured in the commercials was Cheeka. A few other adverts also appeared in the following months, inspired by the idea of a dog following a boy. Whether you purposely breed or she gets pregnant by accident, this article will guide you through the basics of pug pregnancy. Pug Pregnancy Age Female Pugs go into their first heat between months and during this time, they can get pregnant. If you breed your Pug too young, it can result in smaller litter sizes and can cause health problems for the mother. A normal Pug pregnancy between a range of 60 to 65 days. Natural birth is challenging for female pugs because of the puppies larger head and shoulders. Average litter size for a Pug is between three and five puppies. However, it is not unusual for a Pug to have only a single puppy. However, there is no surefire way to determine how many puppies your pug will have before birth. She needs time to recover physically and emotionally from giving birth. Breeding her too often will cause excessive stress on her uterus. Unfortunately, there is no home Pug pregnancy test kit like there are for humans. Regardless, of why you might think your pug got pregnant, you need to know what to look for. Pug Pregnancy Stages Find out what to expect from your pooch from these Pug pregnancy week by week stages. Week 1 and 2: The early stages of the pregnancy, can be difficult to even tell that your Pug is pregnant. Although some dogs may start showing signs of slight nausea and a decrease in appetite. Week 3: You may notice Fido is more tired than usual and just want to lay around. Her nipples are enlarged and darkened preparing her for nursing. You may even notice that the nipples will hang down as they fill with colostrum. Her hormones have triggered strong nesting behaviors. At this point, she is seeking for a safe place to give birth and care for her puppies. These behavioral changes are common in all pregnant canines. Weeks 5 and 6: Coming to the end of the gestation period, your Pug may show the following signs: She becomes fatigued easily and quickly. Her bed has become her sanctuary and she is not as social as she used to. During this period is when she puts on the most weight gain. The extra weight gain is comprised of the pups which will weight under one pound, a few ounces , but also tissue amniotic sacs and fluids amniotic fluids and water. Caring for A Pregnant Pug Dog A pregnant dog requires more care, in the form of diet, sleep, and some will require supplements. Do not try to minimize her food during this time. She needs more calories and nutrition for her pups. Supplements — Some people provide prenatal vitamins for dogs during pregnancy, however, you want to check with your vet before giving your dog any type of supplements. Avoid giving her extra calcium, it has been shown to: Increase her chances of developing postpartum hypocalcemia, also called eclampsia. It is a life-threatening condition which involves seizures and high blood pressure. Cause her labor to be more intensive. Joint abnormalities in the pups. Instead of calcium supplementation, your Pug should be fed a well-balanced puppy or performance food during the latter half of gestation. Supplementation should only be instituted at after whelping giving birth , after consulting your veterinarian. Activity — You can continue walking your Pug daily at a normal pace or slower unless exercise restrictions have been put in place by the veterinarian. Daily exercise will allow her to stay in fit and becoming sedentary can cause her joints and muscles to weaken. Comfort — Provide your Pug with her own personal space. Put her bed in the corner where the family hangs out. Pugs love being a part of the family, so avoid putting her in a corner or in her own room. During this time, we would give her a dental dog treat which she absolutely loved. Pregnant Pug Giving Birth Deciding to breed your pug is a difficult decision. Make sure you do your research and read all the online guides you can about dog pregnancy. Pug Dog Delivery Period? The actual delivery times of the birth will vary from breed to breed. Dogs with slim heads tend to have faster delivery times than the Brachycephalic breeds. Once the pregnant mother starts contracting, you should start seeing the puppy emerge from the birth canal in about 10 minutes or so. When a Pug or Brachycephiclic breed goes into labor, they usually deliver one to two pups right away. After the first pups are born, she may take a break before delivering the rest of the litter. This article will help you determine the gender of the pup. As you can see, the actual pug dog delivery period can take up to hours, as long as there are no complications. If you allow your pug to give birth, you should know about the possible complications it can cause. Brachycephalic dogs are prone to this condition because the large had and shoulder size of the puppies. There is a good chance that your Pug will need to have a C-section. Dystocia requires immediate veterinary assistance. This only happens when the pregnant female experiences issues delivering naturally because her uterine muscles prevent her from delivering the pups through the uterus. Prepare a quiet corner in a room or creating a whelping box to get ready for the birth of the pups. This video will show you how to build a whelping box. If possible, have someone in the family with you, in case you need something. Some Facts and Trivia About Pugs Pugs were kept as lapdogs by Chinese emperors, who provided them with all the comforts of royal life. These spoiled dogs occasionally received their very own little palaces and guards! Their pushed-in noses are a familiar feature, but that also means they are brachycephalic. Although adorable, these compressed features often cause respiratory difficulties. Pugs may breathe noisily while rushing about because of their facial anatomy, which makes it difficult for them to breathe deeply and for lengthy periods of time. Contrary to what many people think, pugs are not related to bulldogs. About the only thing they have in common is that they are both wrinkled. It turns out that the Pekingese and pugs have the closest relations. A Pug will have on average 5 puppies in a litter, and the range is usually between 3 and 6 puppies. On very rare occasions, a Pug can give birth to up to 10 puppies in a litter, like this dam in Liverpool, England. The size of the litter can be influenced by the breeding lines; some lines tend to have larger litters than others. Pug owners who are considering breeding their dogs should talk to a veterinarian or breeder about the size of the anticipated litter. Many other variables, which I go into more detail about in the sections below, will also affect how many puppies there are in a litter. At birth, a pug puppy weighs around 2. The breed standard for Pugs is between 14 and 18 pounds 6. All dogs, including Pugs, do not go through menopause and are able to reproduce right up until the moment of their passing. Their heat cycle typically lasts between 5 and 8 months or around twice a year. However, just because they are capable of doing so does not imply that they should mate twice a year. Your Pug will experience a lot of stress from overbreeding, which can result in a range of health issues like heart disease, arthritis, and infertility. Also, stopping early is necessary in order for it to be spayed and to enjoy a happy life even after retirement. Add to the fact that there are nations where it is illegal to breed a dog more than four to six times in its lifespan, and you should understand the importance of not overbreeding. In the US, the American Kennel Club AKC does not accept registrations for dams that are bred over the age of 12 and under 8 months, and sires that are over the age of 12 and under 7 months. Age of the dam Typically, as the dam ages, the size of the litter decreases. Oddly enough, the first 2 litters are often smaller than the following ones, so once your Pug breeds again after the first two litters, you should likely see your dam having one or two extra puppies. If at all possible, have your dog spayed long before then to improve its overall health. Occasionally, breeders have to rely on artificial insemination to aid in breeding older males, which is why it is better to only breed when they are younger. Health of the mom Only when the mother is healthy may a puppy be born healthy too. Not only that, nutrition also has a significant impact on the number of puppies in a litter. A high-quality, protein-rich diet should be consumed all year long in order to increase the likelihood of having a larger litter. Dams with unhealthy diets, especially those who are overweight, tend to have smaller litters. Size of dog Bigger body sizes in terms of build, not weight are often associated with larger litter sizes within a particular breed. Being a small breed, the Pug is not physically capable to have a big litter of puppies as compared to for example a Doberman. Generally speaking, Pugs with larger frames may have slightly larger litter sizes, though this would only be a minor factor given how little difference there is between their sizes. Litter in which mom was born The level of fertility of your Pug has a thing or two to do with the litter it was born in. If she was born into a large litter herself, she will likely have a larger first litter. On the other side, you may generally anticipate that your girl will have a small first litter if she was born in a small litter herself. Type of breeding Actually, it might be better to save this topic for a later article given how easily it could become complicated. But for now, just be aware that the method of reproduction can significantly affect both the number and caliber of puppies. The health of the puppies will be impacted not only by reduced litter sizes but also by shorter lifespans and a greater likelihood of genetic diseases. These problems are more likely to develop as the ties between the dogs get stronger. Linebreeding , on the other hand, aims to maintain sufficient genetic diversity while preserving the best genes from a bloodline, making it frequently a safer method of dog breeding. Time of breeding It is said that a dam is more likely to have a larger litter size the closer she is to ovulation. This is defined as the period after the estrogen period when the Luteinizing hormone triggers ovulation. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find any studies supporting this theory, so at this point, I would say this factor is probably not that significant. Although Pugs can begin reproducing once they reach their first heat cycle, it is not a good idea at all and must be avoided. Wait until your dog is at least in her second or third heat cycle to give her enough time to develop sexually and gain weight and size. Most ethical and responsible breeders will wait till a Pug is at least 2 years old before breeding them as they would have completed all the necessary medical checks by then. Most female Pugs go through their first heat cycle between the ages of 6 and 9 months. A useful rule of thumb is that it will go into heat at about the same age that its mother did. Numerous symptoms, including bloody discharge, receptivity to male dogs, restless behavior, and others, can indicate that a dog is in heat. Yorkshire Terrier: 3 puppies How many puppies can a Pug have in their first litter? For example, Pugs younger than 7 years old can have smaller litters, and in most cases, the first ever litter will tend to be on average smaller than most. Can Pugs have their puppies naturally? Because of their history as a breed, Pugs tend to suffer from a variety of health issues that could make bearing and delivering puppies naturally a bit of an issue. One of these factors is their hips, which can be narrow and prone to dysplasia, making natural births painful, dangerous and even potentially fatal if complications were to occur. Because of this, smaller dogs such as Pugs will often undergo caesarean sections, especially if they have had multiple litters. Breeders usually choose caesarean sections for their breeding dogs for the safety and wellbeing of both the mother and the litter, although this can prove costly. If you are concerned about your dog giving birth naturally, speak to your vet who will be able to recommend the best course of action for your dog. But what about the lead up to the delivery? Well, here are some more details that you should also need to know when asking how many puppies Pugs can have. Handy Hint: Before you think about buying a Pug, please read my guide on what to look for plus the questions you need to ask a breeder. Signs that your Pug is pregnant The signs of pregnancy in dogs, while not necessarily universal, are usually very similar from breed to breed. Unexpected labour can catch owners off guard, with no whelping box or supplies prepared for the new arrivals. Knowing and recognising the signs that your Pug is expecting sooner rather than later is very important to the health and wellbeing of your dog, her puppies and also your general household. Here are some signs: Loss or change of appetite: A dog losing its appetite is a common sign that something is wrong, but an additional surprising symptom may also be a sudden increase in appetite. The appetite of your dog is particular to them, so if you notice any sudden change in the amount that they are eating then it could be a sign that something is up with them. Acting out: Because of the changing hormones in their body from the pregnancy, you may notice that your dog is acting differently than normal. For instance, a usually independent or standoffish dog may be more affectionate or needy, or a typically amiable and affectionate dog may become snappy or want to be left alone. This is because of increased blood flow to the beasts, which may also lead to lactation leaking of milk later on into the pregnancy. Enlarged abdomen: The most typical and classic symptom of pregnancy, although this can often be mistaken as overeating or your dog gaining weight. If your dog had suddenly gained weight it may be best to keep an eye out for other changes in behaviour and a quick visit to the vet to check whether that additional belly fat is actually fat. Nesting behaviour: Towards the end of the pregnancy you may notice that your dog has made herself a nest, either in the whelping box, her dog bed or another secluded area of the house. Loss of energy: While a pregnant dog may be as active as normal during the early stages of pregnancy, you may begin to notice her becoming less and less willing to jump around, go on long walks or play around the house. This is definitely for the best as increased activity could potentially damage the puppies, but walking should be encouraged up until the final days of pregnancy to keep your dog healthy and exercised. How long are Pugs pregnant for? Like most dogs, Pugs are typically pregnant for between 53 to 63 days on average, although this can vary depending on the size of the Pug and her general health. However, it is important that you keep an eye on your Pug once she starts heading into the final week of the pregnancy for signs of imminent labour, including nesting behaviour. Puppies are usually fully formed at around day 58, meaning that labour can happen at any time. Labour in dogs occurs in three separate stages: Stage one: The uterus begins to contract, but there will be no outward sign of this. The mother will be restless, may lose her appetite as well as vomiting and panting. This lasts between 12 and 24 hours. Stage two: Lasting up to 24 hours, this is when the puppies will begin to be born. Typically, dogs give birth to a puppy between half an hour and an hour at a time, giving you and your dog enough time to clean the puppy, ensure its healthy and stimulate it to wake up and start moving. Stage three: Usually occurs around the same time as stage two, this is when the placenta appears. The placenta itself will be delivered shortly after the end of stage two, when all of the puppies have been born. How do you help your Pug give birth? Once this has occurred, labour will begin within the next 12 to 24 hours. If you have decided for a caesarean section or a vet hospital birth, this is when you should take your Pug to the veterinary surgery. However, if you have decided to help your dog give birth at home then you need to make sure that you have a whelping box prepared, as well as clean towels, heating pads, blankets and emergency medical supplies recommended by your vet such as gloves, sterile scissors and antiseptic solutions. If your Pug is showing signs of labour, including a greyish sack dropping from the vuvla, but no puppy emerges within the next hour then it is recommended that you call your vet who will be able to advise you. Also, if your Pug is showing contractions for more than two hours without any puppies being born, call your vet immediately. When a puppy is born it will be covered in a thin layer of membrane that needs to be broken open and removed so that they can start breathing. Your dog will most likely do this herself through instinct, licking the puppy to stimulate its breathing. However, if your dog is too tired to do this then you may need to do it yourself. Break open the membrane before rubbing the puppy vigorously with a towel to trigger its breathing. Again, if the puppy is not showing signs of breathing when doing this please get on the phone to your vet immediately. The puppy will also be still attached to the umbilical cord. Normally your dog will chew through this herself, but if not then you will have to do so yourself with a pair of sterilised scissors. Cut or rather crush to reduce bleeding the cord around an inch above the belly of the puppy and tie off the end with dental floss and dip the end in an antiseptic solution. After each Pug puppy emerges the placenta will also be discarded, around fifteen minutes after the birth. This can be immediately discarded, although your dog may try and eat it. Once a Pug puppy is born and is breathing, place them in either the whelping box or in a lined laundry basket along with blankets and a heating pad. Once all the puppies have been born and you are sure that the labour is over, take your dog outside to urinate especially if the labour has taken several hours before returning to the whelping box and allowing her to start nursing her pups. Again, your vet will be able to offer advise over the phone if you are concerned about any of the puppies. Conclusion Pugs make for amazing pets, however due to their popularity increasing there as been a surge in unscrupulous breeders who use irresponsible practices. It can lead to a lot of health problems for the Pugs. If you are thinking about buying a Pug and have seen the puppies in the litter with the mother, please also do additional research before you go ahead. I will be publishing a guide soon on what to ask the breeder… You might also like….

Quiet nights and crate training. This article will take you through everything you need to know, from what to buy, to how to help your pup settle in on his first day and night. Bringing a Puppy Home Bringing home a new 8 or 9 week old puppy is a potentially stressful experience for you and the pup. Of course, it will be better if you have been able to visit your puppy regularly before collecting him. But for most people, time and distance make this an unlikely option. Everything he sees, smells and hears, in your home will seem very strange to him at first. Fortunately, most puppies leave their mother and siblings at an age when they will readily accept their new friends and family. In a few days time, he will have settled in and accepted your home as his, and your family as his own. Holding Your Puppy The first thing to master when bringing home a new puppy is holding them the right way. This is the most comfortable position for puppies. But if you have had a long car journey, the first thing your puppy will need is to pee! Carry him in your arms to the area you want him to use for toilet purposes, and put him down there. Your first steps in potty training have begun. Maintaining Regular Bathroom Breaks Puppies vary widely in how often they need to empty their bladder. Some may last an hour or more from day one, whilst others seem to need to go every 15 minutes or so. During the course of the day, take the puppy to the toilet area at regular intervals half hourly at least to begin with. In addition, take him there every time he finishes a meal or wakes from a sleep. Set an alarm on your cell phone to remind you. Many Labrador puppies are very greedy and will eat astonishing quantities of food. New puppies are especially prone to upset tummies. The new environment and the stress of leaving home all add to the risk. You can reduce that risk by feeding little and often. If you want to change diets, do this gradually once the puppy has settled in. How often to feed Four times a day is the minimum number of feeds for an 8 week old puppy. Five or even six portions are better for a puppy with an upset tummy. Remember that the daily quantity is the same. More portions means smaller portions. If you get this right, there will be little or nothing left to put in the bowl when mealtimes come around You can find out more about using puppy food in training games by joining our Puppy Parenting course Meeting the Kids Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time for all the family. For much of the first day, your puppy will probably be cuddled and admired. Kids should also be aware of safety precautions, such as learning to let the pup be if he seems uncomfortable. Some older dogs will play too roughly with a puppy. Others will growl and appear to reject the puppy at first. These are normal reactions but they do indicate that you are going to need to keep a close eye on things for a while. A baby gate or other barrier is a perfect way to keep a puppy from annoying the resident dog or cat while they adjust to the newcomer. As the day draws to a close, your thoughts will turn to night time, and getting your puppy to sleep! Or he howls the house down either constantly or intermittently throughout the night. There are two approaches to choosing where a puppy sleeps for those first few nights. One is to get him used to his permanent sleeping quarters right from the start. The other is to have him next to your bed until he has got over his homesickness usually three or four days. And if you keep going back, the howling may well increase. Leaving a puppy to cry alone in a strange house is also probably very distressing for the puppy and not a great way to start their new life. But we recommend having the puppy next to your bed for the first three nights. This reduces the risk of getting into an increasing spiral of night howling or having your puppy miserable for the first week. Just pop his blankets in there and put the box right next to where you sleep. Night waking Most 8 week old puppies wake in the night to pee for the first week or so. But the first few days is a time for settling your puppy in, building their confidence and avoiding bad habits such as whining or howling, getting started The best way to meet all those goals, is to keep your puppy very close to you until their homesickness has passed. Bonding with your puppy Your main objective now is to bond with your puppy. Spend lots of time with your puppy. Make him feel at home. Pay him a lot of attention when he is quiet, fuss and praise him when he pees outside. Once he has settled in, there will be plenty of time to think about crate training and learning manners, but for now just enjoy his Labrador puppy loveliness, and that scrummy new puppy smell. It will be gone all too soon, replaced by a bouncing, boisterous, and joyful friend who all too often smells of pond water. What you are doing is establishing good habits, which will last a lifetime. What About Crate Training? A quality dog crate is an excellent source of help with potty-training. But a puppy should not be left inside a crate for longer than his immature bladder can hold its contents. For some puppies, this is not very long at all. Socialization is a big part of bringing home a new puppy. This is the process we take puppies through, to make sure they are comfortable with all aspects of living in human society. For instance, dogs need to be confident around things like vehicles and machines. They should be happy to meet people of all different shapes and sizes and to go boldly wherever people want to take them. A confident dog is not just a happy dog; he is a safe dog. Socializing also means taking your puppy out and about. Naturally, many worry about exposing a not-yet-fully vaccinated puppy to the risk of infection. Yes you can! If you use modern dog training methods, you can get going right after bringing home a new puppy! In the first week puppy training is based on a series of fun games. So that your puppy will be learning without even realising. The games you play should lay foundations for future good behavior, teaching your puppy not snatch, to say please, to focus on you, to love their crate, to wear a harness or collar and to run towards you rather than away from you. A lot of people worry about whether or not to take a puppy to classes, and some are unable to do so. But there is a great deal you can do at home by yourself. You can avoid this by getting off to a great start with recall training in the very first week. The video below will help you. And never chase after a puppy. Puppy recall training starts right after bringing home a new puppy. Build an association between the act of running towards you and the sound of the recall word or whistle. If you call the puppy and he does not come, you will have begun to teach him that the recall command is optional. Check out our puppy recall training video to give you an idea of how easy it is to build this a good association if you start off in the right way. You can find out more about building a great recall from the beginning in Total Recall. But for now, in these first few days at home together, make sure no one calls the puppy to them. When they want him, they can simply pick him up. If he runs away, all they need to do is run in the opposite direction and he will come chasing after them. For the first few days after bringing home a new puppy, focus on bonding and helping him to feel safe. Consider having your puppy next to your bed for the first few nights. This will comfort him while he is feeling homesick and missing his mom and playmates. Expect to get up in the night to take your puppy out to pee for at least the first couple of weeks. Set a reminder to avoid teaching your puppy to cry for your attention. During his daytime naps, dive into the feeding, potty training, and obedience training guides mentioned in this article, and head over to the forum for support from our other readers, many of whom have been where you are now, and come safely out the other side! If you want help choosing an adorable puppy name, make sure you take a look at this article too! Poor Poppy learned this the hard way when she was introduced to her little sister Ivy, realising she was no longer going to be the spoilt only child. The hilarious clip, which was uploaded by TikTok user meganduffy14 , was a smash hit on the video sharing platform, with over , likes and almost three million views. Poppy apparently was perfectly happy as the only dog in the family But Ivy has never know anything other than loving her older sister The clip then shows the two chocolate Labs laying on the dog bed together, although it appears anything but relaxing as Poppy returns the favour from earlier, biting at her little sister. The captions explain that Poppy was happy as the only dog in the family, but that Ivy has never known anything different than loving her. As the clip comes to an end, viewers are shown the two being slightly more loving towards one another, with one of the adorable snaps showing Ivy looking up lovingly at her elder sibling. Love dogs? Then pawmark TeamDogs today. TeamDogs is a community for dog lovers who want to get the most out of their relationship with their best pal. Make sharing the cutest photos of your dog your first job on the website and after you've done that, leave a tip to help fellow dog owners live their best lives as a proud pooch parent. Search through hundreds of recommended walks, treats, toys and places to stay when you're on an adventure together. From dog-friendly pubs to product reviews and the latest news, you can sniff it all out at TeamDogs. The intelligent pup now takes a torch from his owner any time he needs to go to the toilet in the garden when it is dark. He quickly dashes out the back door and makes use of the facilities before obediently returning the torch to his owner as soon as he is done. The popularity of Labradors on the app is perhaps related to their status as the most popular of all pedigree breeds, being described as a versatile family companion as well as service, guide dogs and even working gundogs by the Kennel Club. Read More.

Though, you get what you paid for. Best Features What makes the Haige heavy duty crate so much better than any other dog crate is the frame. Young Golden Retriever puppies, in the midst of teething, will certainly try to chew up the crate. So, this feature provides a great dog-safe enclosure for your pup. However, the only negative for some people is the one-door option. It makes it slightly more difficult to access whatever you put into the crate bowls, pads, etc. Because the second door is on top, it provides a clever way of getting things in dog crate without the chance of your dog escaping. The degree rotated locking caster are 4 wheels that can lock in place for better mobility. All quality dog crate should have removable plastic trays, including the Haige heavy duty. Unlike other dog crates, this brand comes with a 3-year warranty. Check out the current price and more reviews on the Haige Heavy Duty here. I must have forgot that this crate included a bowl, water, and mat for the cage. I was so happy and for the price. Such a deal! My dog has separation anxiety and destroyed a standard wire crate and a plastic crate, injuring himself while doing so. But so far no damage or injuries. Plenty of room, our dog is 65 lbs and he can turn and move easily. It provides freedom for him with an added security to me that I still have control. He is a larger dog pounds but this is strong and durable. The sling pack makes it an easy addition to our walks. I highly recommend this product! This also does not come with a divider sold separately , which I think is such an awesome feature for dog crates. Security is always important with crates, which is why the New World crate comes with slide-bolt latches to ensure your dog is safe in the cage. In fact, Golden Retrievers much prefer to chew on socks! Like the first two options, this dog crate is foldable and can collapse in a few seconds. Easily slide out the tray and hose it down or wipe it clean with ease. As mentioned, there is no divider. So, I would only recommend this for adult-sized Golden Retrievers. If you were to purchase a divider separately, it would probably cost you more. To check out the current price of the New World dog crate, click here. Extremely secure, plenty of room for our golden retriever pup plus plenty of room for her to grow into , and the thick plastic floor is very easy to clean. This crate, however, is great value. I had one downstairs but it was too troublesome to move every time I went upstairs. Now, Max can sleep upstairs too. This is super awesome, and super neat! Consider the age of your Golden Retriever when selecting a crate. Different types of crates offer different advantages and disadvantages. Using the wrong crate size can lead to discomfort, restricted movement, and anxiety. Make sure you understand the role of a crate, not just for training but also transportation. Crate training for Golden Retrievers requires proper timing and practice. Where to place the crate and what to put in it will help make the most of your crate. Golden Retrievers will typically grow to by 20 to 24 inches tall and up to 75 lbs, so you need to make sure to get them the right size crate. Follow these steps to determine the size of your dog: Measure the height of your Golden Retriever: Have your dog stand up straight, Measure from the floor to the top of their shoulder blades. Add around inches to this measurement to determine the minimum height for the crate. Measure the length of your dog from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. Remember to add 2 to 4 inches to the measurement. Measure their width by having your Golden Retriever standing with their legs slightly apart. Focus your attention on the widest part of their body, which tends to be the chest area. Once again, always add up to 4 inches to the figure. Finally, you want to consider the age of your Golden Retriever. For example, if you have a puppy, keep in mind that they will grow rapidly. You may want to choose a crate that will work for their adult size or opt for an adjustable crate with dividers, so you can gradually increase the space as they grow. Your Golden Retriever puppy will rapidly outgrow a nice crate that is not suited for an adult size. Now that you have all the measurements, you can refer to this Crate Size Calculator to find out the right and best dog crate size for your golden retriever. Types of Crates For Golden Retrievers Crates come not only in different sizes, but also with different structural elements. Below, we explain the pros and cons of each type of crate. Wire Crates Wire crates are popular due to their durability and visibility, They provide excellent ventilation and are easy to clean. However, bear in mind that some Golden Retrievers tend to find them less cozy than other options. Plastic Crates Plastic crates are a popular choice for travel. They offer more privacy and create a den-like environment for your Golden Retriever. Being lightweight, they are easy to transport and provide a sense of security. However, they may not offer as much airflow as wire crates. They are perfectly suitable for strong and aggressive chewers , which is a frequent issue among puppies! Bear in mind that steel crates can be heavy and less budget-friendly than other crate types. Soft Crates Lightweight and collapsible, soft crates are convenient for temporary use, such as short transportation needs. They are not suitable for dogs that like to chew or scratch as they are easily damaged. These crates come in various materials, including wood or wicker, and provide a stylish alternative to traditional crates. Yet, they may be less durable, and some favor design over ventilation. Recommendations for Best Golden Retriever Crates We suggest discussing crate recommendations with your veterinarian and your Golden Retriever breeder for tips and favorite brands. It has a removable plastic tray for easy cleaning and folds down for storage. Having double doors on the crate is a practical feature as it offers convenient access and flexibility in terms of crate placement. The secure locking mechanism adds an extra layer of safety. Cons: While the crate is generally considered of decent quality, there could be durability concerns for dogs with a history of trying to escape crates. This means it might not be the most suitable option for such dogs. This plastic crate is airline-approved in the USA and provides a secure and comfortable space for your Golden Retriever during air travel. It features ventilation on all sides and a durable, heavy-duty construction. Withstood mile flight. Arrived on time. Easy to set up. Met all airline guidelines for flying pets. The dog had ample room for a mat. Adding that this is also rust resistant! Spacious and roomy: The crate offered plenty of space for dogs to stand up and move around comfortably. Cons: Durability concerns: Considering the price paid for these crates, it was mentioned by previous buyers that they were not as sturdy as expected. This raised doubts about their long-term durability. Potential safety issues: The crate had plastic edges and lips that protruded, which proved problematic for dogs with severe separation anxiety. If you have a strong and powerful Golden Retriever, this steel crate is an excellent choice. It has reinforced steel tubing and multiple locks for maximum security. I used to worry while I was out, and would come home to a 45 min cleanup, not anymore! Thanks for the great product that is, as advertised. It effectively prevents the dog from escaping and causing damage to the surroundings, giving peace of mind when leaving my dog alone. Durability and strength: The crate is built to be indestructible, and it lives up to its claim. The sturdy construction and quality materials used make it resistant to escape attempts and capable of withstanding the efforts of even the most determined dogs. Cons: Inconvenient assembly and weight: The crate can be challenging to assemble due to the use of hex screws, which may not be the most user-friendly option. Additionally, it is quite heavy, making it less portable and difficult to move around. Grated bottom design: The grated floor of the crate, although intended for easy cleaning in case of accidents, may not be comfortable for dogs to lie on or move around. Some dogs may find it less appealing, and additional padding or a flat surface may be necessary to ensure their comfort. This soft crate is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for temporary use. It features three mesh doors for easy access and ventilation. I used it for a weekend dog show and plan on using it often. I may need to purchase another for my other pup! It provides ample room for your golden retriever puppy to stand up and stretch out, allowing for comfort and mobility. Lots of ventilation: The 4-door model offers excellent cross-ventilation options, making it suitable for hot weather conditions. Sturdiness and portability: The crate feels sturdy and durable, giving you confidence in its ability to contain my dog. Lightweight: Despite its strength, it is relatively lightweight, making it easy to transport and handle. The included storage bag with various handle options adds to its portability. Cons: Limited instructions and assembly complexity: The provided instructions were not comprehensive, and there was a lack of guidance on disassembling the crate. Assembly can be straightforward, but taking it down and folding it back may require some trial and error. It may not be suitable for dogs with such behaviors, and additional caution is necessary. Additionally, the larger windows and netting material can pose risks for puppies, as they may get caught or try to escape through them. This aesthetic crate combines the functionality of a wire crate with a stylish cover. It blends well with home decor and provides a cozy den-like environment for your Golden Retriever. No more stuck paws. After my puppy got her paw stuck twice in the kennel bars and woke me up screaming, I knew I needed to find a way to make her kennel safer. This is a great solution. Not only does it keep her from accidently getting caught in the bars, it looks great and is high quality and well made. My huge kennel looks so much nicer in my room now and the crate pad is pretty nice. I love the option for side or front entry too as my kennel has both. The fabric is described as plush and the bumper and pad offer protection from the wires of the crate, making it more den-like and cozy. The set created a more appealing and inviting space for the dog. Cons: Inadequate size and ties: There were issues with the sizing and ties of the bumper set. The side panels were reported to be slightly short for the cage, which could affect the overall fit and coverage. Additionally, the ties on the bumper set were not sturdy enough and ripped easily, particularly during playful interactions inside the crate. Misleading washing instructions: While the packaging stated that the set was completely machine washable, the bumper was later found to be spot clean only, resulting in twisting and seams starting to rip after washing. One user felt that the packaging and description were misleading, and that clearer instructions should have been provided. Advantages of Choosing the Right Crate Size Comfort A properly sized crate ensures your Golden Retriever has enough space to lie down, stand, turn around, and stretch comfortably. Safety The right crate size prevents your Golden Retriever from getting stuck or injured while inside. It reduces the risk of accidents or escape attempts. Effective House Training A correctly sized crate aids in house training by discouraging your Golden Retriever from soiling their sleeping area. It helps establish a routine and promotes bladder control. If the crate you choose is too small, your dog will be uncomfortable. And if the crate you choose is too big, they may feel comfortable pottying inside of it. Downsides of Choosing the Wrong Crate Size Beware of some of the most common issues when picking the wrong crate size. A crate that is too small can cause discomfort, stiffness, and limited mobility for your dog. Insufficient space in the crate may prevent your dog from stretching, changing positions, or engaging in natural behaviors. Finally, a cramped or confining crate can lead to anxiety and stress for your Golden Retriever , resulting in behavioral issues or reluctance to enter the crate. A crate offers several benefits for both you and your Golden Retriever. Crates provide a secure and private space where your Golden Retriever can retreat when they need rest or alone time. The crate helps build a routine and provides a designated area for your dog. Crating your Golden Retriever when unsupervised can prevent them from engaging in destructive behaviors, such as chewing furniture or household items. Finally, a crate will give your dog safety and prevent distractions while traveling in a car or an airplane. Benefits Of Crate Training Crate training can present many benefits, such as accelerating house training. The crate helps establish a routine and teach your Golden Retriever to hold their bladder and bowels until they are outside. For anxious dogs, crate training can provide the safety and secure space they need to rest and feel protected. Finally, crate training also reduces separation anxiety through a cozy environment. Of course, it is important to ensure the crate is well-ventilated and meets the necessary travel requirements and airline approvals. Ideally, you want to start crate training when your Golden Retriever is still a puppy. Puppies are more adaptable and open to learning. However, that being said, crate training can be successful at any age. Make it more comfortable by providing toys, blankets, and treats. Step 2: Once your pup is at ease, close the door and bring toys and treats inside. Keep an eye on them and let them out if they become distressed. Step 3: Increase the time your puppy spends in the crate with the door closed gradually, and step away from the crate while they are distracted. Step 4: Extend the time you are away from the crate. Remember, crate training requires patience , consistency, and positive reinforcement. Make it comfortable! Add a soft and washable bedding for your Golden Retriever to rest on inside the crate. Never rush the introduction phase. Always introduce the crate slowly, allowing your dog to explore and associate it with positive experience. They should always see the crate as a positive place to be. Clean the crate regularly. Opting for washable beddings makes it easy to maintain the crate. You should also wipe down any surface after use, especially for temporary or transportation crates. Remember to use safe and gentle cleaning products. Provide toys and chewable treats for your dog when they get in the crate. This will engage their mind and keep them entertained. Make sure you put the crate in a quiet, sheltered and well-ventilated spot inside your home. Poor placement of your crate may cause stress for your dog. Conclusion Choosing the right crate size for your Golden Retriever is crucial for their comfort, safety, and effective training. Measure your dog accurately and consider their age when selecting a crate. Bear in mind that crates can come in a variety of materials, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of each crate type. It may be worth having more than one crate if you suspect they will need to cover different purposes. Finally, crate training your Golden Retriever provides numerous benefits, both for your dog and for you. Generally, it is recommended not to exceed hours for adult dogs. Should I crate my Golden Retriever at night? Crate training your Golden Retriever at night can help with house training and provide a safe space for them. However, ensure the crate is appropriately sized, comfortable, and placed in a quiet area. Is it better for dogs to sleep in crate or bed? Some dogs feel more secure and comfortable in a crate, while others may prefer sleeping in a bed. What age can dogs stop sleeping in crate? The age at which dogs can stop sleeping in a crate varies. Some dogs may be ready to sleep outside the crate as early as months as they are fully house trained too. Others may benefit from longer crate usage as their house training progresses. Most pet carriers are designed with safety features that protect your dog from injury during travel, such as secure latches and ventilation. Additionally, many airlines require pets to be transported in an approved carrier that meets certain size and weight restrictions. It is always best to consult with a veterinarian or animal transportation specialist for advice on safe and comfortable ways to transport your dog. 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. Too large or too small and it will not be fit for purpose. You have to get this just right. This article will discuss all these factors so that by the end you will be highly informed and confident in making the correct buying decision. A crate should be just big enough for your dog to stand up without hitting their head, to turn around comfortably, and provide room to lay on their side with their paws stretched out before them. This is an unnecessary waste of money. Many brands of dog crates have dividers available that can be used to reduce the available space of a larger crate to suit a puppy. The divider is a removable panel you can place inside the crate to reduce the space to suit the size of your dog. So my advice is to buy a crate large enough to suit an adult Golden retriever, then use a divider to scale it down to a size that suits a puppy. This will save you money in the long run. However, the best way to know what size crate your Golden Retriever needs is to measure their size and buy the crate that best fits. Add 4 inches and this is the height of the crate you want to purchase so your Golden can comfortably sit or stand inside without hitting their head on the ceiling. Secondly, have your dog stand on all fours and referring to the picture, take measurement B, from the base of their tail to the tip of their nose. Again, add 4 inches and this is the perfect length of the crate for your Golden to be able to lay down comfortably without being cramped. So to summarise, your Golden needs a crate of height A plus 4 inches, and of length B plus 4 inches. So now you will be able to get exactly the right size crate for your adult Golden Retriever. But how about buying a crate for a puppy? As previously discussed, I recommend you purchase a crate for an adult Golden and use a divider to make it suit your puppy, thereby doing away with the need to upgrade to increasingly bigger crates 3 or 4 times during their first 18 months. But if you do wish to have crates just right for your puppy without the use of a divider, please take measurements as detailed in the previous section to guide you in your buying decision. And be prepared to upgrade and replace every 4 or so months as they grow. The sheer number of different styles of dog crates on the market is quite startling. There are crates made of wire, plastic, wood, cloth, and many more besides. As explained on www. There is still some variety of styles available within this one type: Some have a single door, some have two or three. Most have a removable plastic tray at the base…but not all. But with these choices aside, what are the pros and cons of a wire crate: The Advantages Of A Wire Dog Crate Very strong, durable and long-lasting Very easy to keep clean Most have a slide out tray as a base that makes cleaning after accidents very easy make sure to look for this feature when buying! Folding ones are available for easy storage or moving the crate They allow the maximum flow of air compared to other styles, making them most suitable to hotter climates. They allow maximum visibility of the surroundings to the dog inside. This can be important for some dogs. Dividers are readily available for most models so you can buy a large one and re-size it for a puppy instead of replacing it as they grow. Though you can of course cover them if necessary. They are one of the easiest types to escape from if your dog is a budding Houdini! They are noisy if placed on solid surfaces and you have a fidgety dog. The crate comes with a lightweight design. For better ventilation, it has three mesh doors. Three mesh doors will ensure smooth airflow and sunlight. On the top, it has an adjustable padded shoulder strap which would make it easy to carry. With some simple steps, you can fold down this soft crate and make it easy to store. Petmate Navigator Pet Carrier This can be a good choice when looking for a sturdy wire dog crate for the Golden Retriever. This sturdy iron crate is built to last longer. As compared to a soft crate, the Petmate ProValu wire dog crate has a longer lifespan. It can be folded down for easy storage and mobility. By folding it down, you would be able to carry it without hassle. Talking about security, the company has used a five-point precision lock system. With this locking system, your canine would be safe inside. It also has a removable plastic pan. It would prevent floors from getting dirty. Thus, the locking system needs improvement. The crate is built with high-quality, sturdy materials to ensure a longer lifespan. Assembling this crate would be easy. Inside the package, you will get all the required items for assembly. To ensure the safety of your pup, the kennel comes with a strong and secure lock. Though the crate is expensive, it is strong and durable enough to last long. The bag is built in such a manner to make traveling with your pet easy. The attached shoulder strap and top handles make it easy to carry. This pet carrier is designed especially for those who want to travel by plane with their pets. For breathability and outer view for your pet, it has mesh panels on all four sides. On the side, it has a zippered pocket. There you can put essential items of your pup. The Medium size of Sherpa Delta Travel Crate has a weight capacity of up to 16 lbs, making it ideal for small puppies. Among so many travel crates out there, finding the right one can be a bit difficult. Will you travel by car or plane? One of the crucial aspects to consider before buying a crate for traveling is whether you will travel by car or plane. If by car, make sure it is car-safe and has all the essential features for a hassle-free journey. And if by plane, make sure the travel crate is airline approved. Size To provide a comfortable experience to your pup, make sure to select the right crate size. The right crate size varies from one dog breed to another. If you own a female Golden Retriever, 36 inches can be the ideal crate size. Metal Vs. A metal crate would be strong and long-lasting, but its higher weight would make mobility a bit difficult. On the flip side, a soft crate would be lightweight and easy to carry, but it can get damaged easily. Your focus should be on getting a crate that is lightweight and durable as well. Safety features Make sure the crate is durable and has a sturdy lock mechanism. A metal crate will have bolt latches, while a soft crate will have a zippered lock. With a poor lock mechanism, the pup would be able to escape easily. Foldable Foldability is the crucial aspect you should look for in a travel crate. You need to get a crate that is easy to fold down and set up. A foldable crate is easy to store and move. The Golden Retriever travel crates I have mentioned above are foldable. What crate size should I buy for my Golden Retriever? What crate size should I buy for my Golden Retriever puppy? After using the puppy crate for some time, you will have to buy a new crate once your pup grows. To prevent this, I recommend you to get one with dividers. This way, you would be able to make the crate smaller. If you want to buy a separate crate for your Golden puppy, consider a soft, lightweight, and easy-to-carry dog crate. Here I have already mentioned travel pet carriers for Golden Retriever puppies. Can you fly with a Golden Retriever? The answer is Yes. Some airlines require pets to be a minimum of 8 weeks old before traveling by air. It is advisable to know about crate requirements, age criteria, etc. Are Golden Retrievers good for traveling? Whether you are planning to travel by plane or car, a Golden Retriever would be adaptable. However, the main issue is higher physical needs. Before going on a trip with your Goldie, note that this energetic dog breed requires regular physical activities. The best way to avoid destructive behavior is by providing a lot of exercise just before leaving for the trip. Final Thoughts The Golden Retriever is a fun-loving and adaptable dog breed. Your golden dog will enjoy traveling with you. You will have to prepare for yourself as well as for your canine. Be well-prepared before leaving for the journey. I hope this guide helped you find the right crate for your canine. Spread the love Brandon Dickinson I love playing and spending time with pups. Search About Us.

One look and an instant calm will probably wash over you. Stress simply melts away. Because Golden Retrievers are notoriously loyal and obedient. They can look silly with their big goofy grins. Or they can look stoic and wise beyond their years with their striking, deep brown eyes. CutenessOverload Everything they do is adorable Just watching your pup go from an adorable average of 10 pounds right when you get them at 8 weeks old to a sizable 70 pounds at the year mark is cuter than anything you can imagine. Or falling asleep in your lap. Or busting your pup discreetly chewing on your brand new pair of sneakers in their new closet lair is the cutest. There are too many cute things! Everything will be adorable and glee-inducing if done by a Golden Retriever pup — even the behaviors that, by all logic, should annoy you to no end. This is a good thing because a puppy this adorable is definitely going to be a popular one. Golden Retriever puppies make friends with kids , adults, and other animals while keeping their trademark smiles on their faces. They are so friendly, in fact, that they may not be the best bet when looking for guard dogs. A Golden will usually greet any stranger, including during a break-in, with a welcoming smile on their face. But they will love you best Again, the loyalty of a Golden Retriever pup cannot be stressed enough; it is strong. At the end of the day, your athletic, big-pawed, adventurous, silly, and loving Golden pup will only have eyes for you. Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue. They're one of the most popular dog breeds in America, and there's no surprise why. Besides being smart, active dogs, they're also gorgeous and oh so photogenic. It's no wonder goldens are some of the biggest pet influencers filling our feeds! Gus He's a runner, he's a track star! No seriously, Gus crushes the competition in agility courses. He especially loves dock diving and has even earned his Dock Elite title. What a good boy. Hinckley Parks It seriously can't get any cuter than this. Hinckley Parks' baby brother Teddy loves to snuggle in all his soft golden fur, and we can't blame him. It's no wonder golden retrievers are one of the best family pets in America: they're great with kids! But this one with Jaxson and Sawyer actually turned out adorable! The only thing that seems to be missing from the party are some birthday treats.Margo Who doesn't love splashing around in the water on a hot summer day? Swimming is one of the best ways for dogs to get exercise, and golden retrievers are natural at it. Plus, Margo's coat is absolutely glowing in the sunshine—how photogenic! Maggie Maggie's glasses make her look to be one smart cookie—because she probably is! Golden retrievers are one of the smartest dog breeds. She's serving sophistication, and we're here for it. Arrowood Family What's better than a golden? Five goldens! Sage, Waverly, Tori, Jimmie, and baby Presley are the definition of family goals. I mean, how often can you get five pups to look at the camera? Thor As long as the camera's off, the boss won't suspect a thing, right? After watching us all struggle through WFH life for a year, our dogs are sure going to miss us when we return to the office. Or maybe they'll be like Thor the golden retriever and replace us altogether. Louie Talk about lifegoals! Nothing feels better than a car ride with the windows down and the wind blowing through your hair fur. Krembo Uh, hello, tongue! Krembo's letting it all hang out and we can't blame him. If only we could reach through the screen and boop that nose. And also have us craving some snacks. We could all use a little frolic through a flower field some days, but we'll have to live vicariously through Lola for now. Henry Golden retrievers make wonderful service animals , and Henry proves that they can look good while doing so. He deserves all the pets in the world—but only once he's off the clock. Drake Cue the "awwwws" because this is one of the cutest dogs we've ever seen. His smile tells us all we need to know: he's definitely one of the happiest golden retrievers in the world. Was this page helpful? Christina Donnelly is a small animal expert focusing on dogs and writer with over 12 years of experience in animal welfare. In fact, golden retrievers have snagged the third spot for most popular dogs in the United States for the last several years! These pooches are on the larger side females range between 55 and 70 pounds, while males weigh in between 65 and 75 pounds and require lots of exercise, which may make some families shy away. But don't let their size—or high energy—deter you. Golden retrievers are highly intelligent, easy to train compared to other breeds of dogs , and incredibly friendly. Whether you're already a golden puppy parent or considering adding one to the family, read on to learn some fun facts and see some seriously cute photos! One even surmises that goldens are descendants of Russian circus dogs! These alternate theories were debunked, however, when the personal records of Lord Tweedmouth of Inverness, Scotland were made public. Lord Tweedmouth was an avid waterfowl hunter who wanted to breed a dog with some serious bird retrieving skills. So, in , he bred a yellow retriever named Nous with a liver-colored Tweed Water Spaniel named Belle. The result? A pack of puppies with the exact hunting skills he was looking for, which he dubbed golden retrievers. Golden retrievers were later brought to North America—sometime during the s—where they became hugely popular for their beautiful looks and sweet personalities. Then, in , they were officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club. Continue to 2 of 9 below. They can range from a very light, snowy white, to a yellow-gold, to a dark, coppery red. No matter the color of their coat, however, it's important to never cut your golden retriever's hair—doing so can put her at risk of skin cancer, among other health issues. Their coats are made up of two layers—the long, silky, waterproof outercoat and soft, warming undercoat—and act as insulators against all types of weather. So, if you think to trim your golden's coat in the summer to keep it cool, think again! It'll be much cooler and its skin will be protected from the sun with its coat intact. Continue to 3 of 9 below. Bred to fetch waterfowl, golden retrievers love a good swim session but would be just as happy with long walks, games of fetch, or even agility games. Aim for about one hour of exercise each day, but keep your dog's age and activity levels in mind—you may have to adjust accordingly. Continue to 4 of 9 below. If taken to a rescue site, for example, they can quickly learn how to perform search and rescues to help those in need. In addition to their smarts, golden retrievers' downright sweet demeanors make them the perfect pick for therapy dogs. They can bring a lot of comforts—and joy—to people who have experienced traumatic events, are living in hospitals, or are stressed out during college exams. Continue to 5 of 9 below. Their love of food can cause health problems like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease , so it's important to feed your golden the right amount of food for her weight, age, and activity level. Not sure how much is right for your dog? Talk to your vet about a healthy diet. And take it easy on the treats! It's true that goldens love to eat, but they like to carry non-food items in their mouths, too. Their mouthy nature makes everyday stuff such as sticks, shoes, or even the remote control a highly prized possession. Because golden retrievers have very gentle mouths, challenges such as the golden retriever egg challenge—in which a golden is tasked with holding an uncooked egg in its mouth without breaking it—have popped up all over the web. Continue to 6 of 9 below. Tons of major movies, such as the "Air Bud" series, "Homeward Bound," "A Dog's Purpose," and even thrillers such as "Poltergeist" and "Friday the 13th" have goldens in the credit roll. What's more? There are a few golden retrievers in presidential history, too. Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford had goldens during their presidencies. Golden retrievers are often considered the all-American dogs, so it makes sense, right? Continue to 7 of 9 below. Todd, the sweet golden pictured here, is one of those puppy heroes. During their hike, Paula nearly stepped on a rattlesnake—and when the snake lunged at her, Todd jumped in front of her to protect her. Although Todd was bitten on the nose and had severe swelling in his face, he's expected to make a full recovery. Because of his heroic deed, the internet has hailed Todd as a very, very good boy. And believe it or not, Todd has found a way to be an even better boy: He has a GoFundMe page to help other heroic doggies who have suffered from the same injuries. Continue to 8 of 9 below. Even in their senior years, it's not uncommon for older goldens to keep up with their puppy counterparts. Continue to 9 of 9 below. And for good reason! Not only are they adorable, but they prove goldens are some of the sweetest puppers around, too. Me Ra Koh Meet Rosie! Our new Golden Retriever puppy. She is 8 weeks old and a sweetheart. How could that face ever exhaust anyone? They are so sweet in personality and have a great reputation for being the best family dog. But how can you not love their beautiful color and how soft they are? We knew we wanted a female and a lighter Golden that was on the bigger end. He is a 95 lb dog if I remember right. Her mom has the most beautiful, soft coat and is a 75 lb dog. But he is totally involved with feeding her and walking her. Pascaline on the other hand has finally met her match. This puppy is as high energy as she is. But even she is experiencing a little sleep deprivation along with the rest of us from this baby. The only member of the family who is dead against having a puppy is…Prince Phillip who is bigger than the Rosie. You can feel the bitterness stew. Then he throws up at random in different parts of the house—which he has never done before. This is great, just great. But I can somewhat feel for him. Yesterday I found him sitting by his empty food dish after lunch. The kids had forgotten to feed him that morning, the dog had already had breakfast and lunch. When Rosie comes near him he freaks out. This whole experience reminds me of having a new baby, and I swore I would NEVER be one of those people to compare my pets to our kids! I get it now! Rosie wakes us up in the middle of the night, needs constant supervision, needs potty training, is super high energy, annoys the heck out of the cat, then without warning…Rosie collapses and the whole family takes a deep breath. Okay, so where did we get the name Rosie? When we were thinking of getting a dog, we started brainstorming names together. Was this name meant to be or what! But seriously, we are all a bit frazzled and wondering if we are cut out for this. Do all new puppy owners feel this way or is this a sign of us not being able to endure to the end? How long before they are potty trained? Then we come in the house and she goes in the house. Am I doing something wrong or missing something here? And what can we do to help Prince Phillip release his bitterness? The woman we bought Rosie from has been the best trooper. Please Share:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This was the first time we had a chance to chart puppies from birth until 8 weeks old. We tried to take as many pictures as possible so we could have a journal of our Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week. When raising guide and service dog puppies we usually bring home our puppies at around weeks old. On occasion we are allowed to see puppies before 8 weeks of age, but they need to stay with their mother and siblings during those important early weeks to get milk and antibodies from mama and learn how to interact properly with siblings, learning important behaviors like bite inhibition. During our days as a foster we raised two litters of puppies , but both were already weeks old by the time we got them home. We actually own the Puppy Culture DVD and Workbook which includes charts, lists, worksheets and other great information for raising your litter. Keep your eyes and ears open and absorb it all like a sponge! Birth To 1 Week Old Guess what? This was the first litter we ever whelped!? We got a lot of advise, but we were largely on our own. Large Puppy Dish — great for feeding the puppies when they moved to solid food. Whelping Mats — we ordered 2 of these mats and washed them several times a day. Whelping Box — We have a homemade whelping box built by my father-in-law, but if we continue raising litters I plan on purchasing an EZWhelp Whelping Box. Our homemade box lasted three litters. We ended up purchasing the Magnabox which was hellu expensive but if you plan on raising multiple litters we highly recommend it. We recently put together a whelping checklist with all the supplies we gathered together to help out with our second litter of Golden Retriever puppies. Check out our whelping supplies checklist here. However, none were overly huge and none were extra small. No runts and no beasts. It was my understanding that when the cord was chewed down to the base of the belly it was sometimes difficult to get it to stop bleeding. I took the hemostat and pinched the umbilical cord about 2 inches from the base of the pups belly then cut the cord rather than let Raven chew it off. I kept the hemostat on the cord for about 2 minutes to let it clout. The umbilical cord dries up quickly and then within a day or 2 it falls off. Raven was a good mama and took care of her poops. Puppy eyes and ears are closed at this stage and puppies army crawl around the whelping box looking for a teat to suckle. We did everything we could to make sure our pups stayed warm by adding a watt heat lamp to the whelping box and portable heating unit in the puppy room. As I mentioned Raven stayed in the whelping box most of week 1 and of course… the puppy piles! One thing I learned is if I had a puppy on my lap then do not let Raven lick those areas or be prepared for a little accident on your lap. While caring for Raven and her litter Raven was really blowing out her coat that first week, but as time went on it slowed down. I heard from other friends this is common and that Raven blew out her coat much less than other mama dogs. We got Probiotics for Raven before her first litter, but forgot to order them for her second litter. After an upset stomach for the first week or so we realized our mistake, got Probiotics, and no more upset tummy. Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. Have you ever had a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Tell us about your experiences with puppies in the comment section below. Are you about to raise a litter of puppies? Not raising a litter, but getting ready to bring home your first Golden Retriever puppy? Puppies for Dummies will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.