havanese poodle mix puppies for sale near me

When finding the perfect images for your content, the quality should be your priority. Look no further because we offer high-quality Toy Poodle images suitable for different projects! Our collection includes images of Toy Poodle puppies, grown-up dogs, and different Toy Poodle breeds. We also offer Toy Poodle images in different angles and color schemes, so you can have an array of options and pick the right one for your project. Usage and Purpose Our Toy Poodle images are perfect for websites, blogs, social media posts, and printed materials. Whether you're writing an article about dog breeds, creating a social media campaign for a pet grooming service, or launching a pet-related website, our images will add professionalism and creativity to your content. How to Choose the Right Images for Your Project When selecting images for your project, remember that they should evoke specific emotions and complement your content. For instance, if you're creating a poster for a toy dog competition, choose an image that shows a Toy Poodle in a playful and alert pose. If you're writing an article about Toy Poodle's history, use an elegant and classic-looking image. By selecting the right images, you can add depth and character to your work. Image Quality and Licensing Our stock images come in high resolution and royalty-free, so you can use them several times without worrying about copyright restrictions. Once you purchase an image, it's yours to use as many times as you like in different projects. Moreover, our images' quality is excellent, so you don't have to compromise on image resolution and clarity. In conclusion, our stock of high-quality Toy Poodle images offers you different options for your various projects. From growing-up puppies to adult dogs and different breeds, we have a range of images to pick from. Pick the right one and convey your messages precisely through eye-catching visuals. Toy poodles double down on the froofroo rep with their tiny size and by sometimes sporting those fancy haircuts. But trust us, poodles are more than happy to get down and dirty. In fact, poodles started life as hunting dogs for the rich and famous in Europe. What made them so popular, however, is their incredible intelligence. Generally regarded as one of the smartest dog breeds , poodles are highly trainable, extremely eager to please people, and love being the center of attention through tricks and activities. None of that has changed over the years: The poodle consistently ranks as one of the 10 most popular breeds in the world. Appearance Toy, miniature , and standard poodles are all the same breed of dog, so they'll look more or less the same—except for their size. Toy poodles are the smallest of the three, standing no more than 10 inches tall and generally weighing right around 5 pounds. All three classifications of poodle have squarish bodies, generally about as long as they are tall. Poodles have a proud bearing, with heads kept high and their large, dark-colored eyes looking alert. Poodle coats come in a stunning array of colors from black, through the browns and yellow colors all the way to white. Bi-colored coats are also seen, though not hugely common. Poodles don't shed much , making them great for owners with allergies. While there aren't technically any hypoallergenic dogs , most people will find toy poodles close enough to not really quibble over it. Additionally, groomers can style a poodle's fur many different ways, and the breed has become famous for its outlandish show cuts. They tend to consider themselves a vital part of the family, have strong personalities, and learn things in a flash. They will get legitimately disgruntled if they think they're being left out of family activities. Of course, this temperament is kind of a double-edged sword. Toy poodles are devoted family pets who love to be the center of attention, learn tricks, and take walks. They're excellent in agility and obedience training and will play with children for hours. Because of their extreme intelligence, poodles are even quick to learn how to engage in more complex games such as hide and seek. On the flip side, poodles can develop common stress behaviors associated with separation anxiety. If you leave them alone for too long or don't give them the attention they deserve, these pups can be passive aggressive and do things they know you don't like—while you're there to watch. The toy poodle's teensy-tiny size makes it tempting to carry him everywhere, and he's so cute that it's no surprise owners are tempted to spoil him rotten. But, again, poodles are brilliant. A toy poodle who is carried everywhere will start to expect to be carried everywhere. As a result, every poodle owner should take full advantage of the breed's brilliance and eagerness to please, and obedience train their pet as quickly as possible. Living Needs Here is where the toy poodle's aptitude as an ideal family pet really shines. While poodles can be active dogs and will require some kind of daily exercise, toy poodles can get all their needs taken care of right there on the living room floor. Nichols says these little dogs will be happy with whatever type and amount of exercise their owner provides. Their tiny size makes them marvelous apartment-dwellers , and their innate desire to be lapdogs makes them great for seniors and people with mobility issues. Poodles of all sizes make great therapy dogs , and toy poodles in particular will love sitting near you for hours at a time. Toy poodles do great in households with other dogs, and the breed's lower prey drive , high intelligence, and friendly attitude make them ideal for houses with cats as well. Poodles love children and are eager to play, but most vets and breeders will steer households with children under the age of 10 toward the miniature or standard varieties, simply because the toy poodles are so small. They can be easily hurt by a falling child or by being handled too roughly. Always supervise children when they play with any dog and teach them how to properly interact with pets. Care No breed is perfect, and for poodles the biggest setback is going to be their grooming needs. That coat that is so shed-free and allergy-friendly? It's going to need brushing. A lot of brushing —ideally, every day. Because his hair curls in on itself, it's extremely prone to matting and, if left unchecked, can cause skin infections and have to be shaved off entirely. Aside from the brushing, poodles will need a bath and haircut every four to six weeks. While show dogs have a variety of complicated cuts to choose from, most non-show owners opt for a more standard sporting cut because of its ease to maintain. Like all dogs, you'll need to trim his nails regularly. Special attention should be paid to the ears , as their hair will grow up inside the ear canal, trapping wax and dirt and leading to infections. Because toy varieties have the same number of teeth as other poodle varieties but their mouths are smaller, it's easy for food to get trapped and decay to occur rapidly. Health Though the three varieties of poodles are the same breed, they do not suffer from the same conditions. While the standard poodle will be more prone to bloat , toy poodles can be slightly more susceptible to blood clotting disorders including Von Willebrand's disease and hemophilia , Beck says. Finally, smaller dogs can have a higher propensity for dental problems. In addition to being at greater risk for tooth decay , they don't lose their puppy teeth as easily as bigger dogs, Beck says. Reputable toy poodle breeders will conduct all health tests recommended by the Canine Health Information Center. History The poodle is the national dog of France, which is why you'll hear many people refer to the standard poodle as the "French poodle. Today in France, the poodle is known as the caniche, which translates to "duck dog. Toy poodles began to see favor by the late 18th century, appearing in artwork and in the courts of French aristocracy. The American Kennel Club recognized the poodle as a registered breed in .Jinkee , a 5-year-old red toy poodle, has more than 70, followers on Instagram. Was this page helpful? I affectionately refer to her as my niece. She is a Toy Poodle and is 14 or 15 months old in this picture. She is so cute and can balance well on her hind legs. She is a Toy Poodle puppy and is 8 weeks old in this picture. She is a very playful and intelligent puppy. She loves to sleep on her back and hides her toys in her bed when playing with them. She gets along great with people and other dogs. Most people that have seen the pictures of her say she is a stuffed animal which I cannot blame them, because she really looks fake. She is just a perfect example of a little princess. Whenever I am eating something he is my best friend, but the moment I'm done he is off to socialize with someone else! He is 10 lbs. His birthday is May 16 and his middle name is Vincent. I was just outside taking pictures of my yard on a windy day, and the wind caught his ears.Teddy is a purebred Toy Poodle. He was 6 years old when this picture was taken. We got him when he was just a puppy. He has been a good dog and companion. He's very sweet, loves to lick you. He can be obsessive-compulsive at times. Some good habits are that he knows what a bath is we have to spell it out.LOL , and he knows when we are leaving!! And a bad habit is he doesn't eat his own dog food, which can be annoying sometimes. So my grandma gave him to my aunt and I paid my aunt for him. At first I had no idea what to call him. He had quite an attitude and was very ornery and still is. It came right out when my grandma and grandpa got him out of the car to go potty when they got him to my house they came from Kentucky to Ohio with him. That little runt squatted right over grandpa's shoe and peed on it! Nobody could understand why I named him that because he looked so innocent, but after a little while they began to see the little troublemaker inside. As he has grown his hair has gone from the rusty pumpkin color in his baby photo to more of a creamy apricot color, but his personality is still pretty much the same: energetic, playful and downright ornery. This is Todo, a year-old Toy Poodle. This sweet little dog is named Daisy. Four-month-old Magoo. Maybe you have studied a lot about poodles, but we are sure that we will help you to know about some interesting facts about them that you have never heard before. But side by side, you will be getting some beautiful pictures of poodle puppies for your picture collection. Fun Fact 1: There are three main Poodle categories. Poodles are categorized according to their sizes. Next is the Miniature Poodle, which grows up to 15 inches tall. Fun Fact 2: They are also retrievers. Considering just how much hair covers their faces and bodies. Fur is shed once or twice each year, while hair continues to grow. Amazing Poodle Dog Puppies Pictures: So without wasting any more time, we should directly go to our motive and yes, it is that we will be discussing about something interesting about this dog breed. Actually, we all know that Poodle is the national dog of France but the breed has originated from Germany. But yes, all their reputation grew from France and so they do claim Poodle as their National dog. Fun Fact 4: They are fond of humans. Fun Fact 5: They are generally healthy. In general, they are considered one of the healthiest dog breeds in the world. Most Poodles live anywhere from 10 to 18 years. However, you should know why the Poodles were bred for the first time in Germany. Actually, they were bred as working dogs and not as pets. They were excellent swimmers and so they were used by the hunters to retrieve ducks and other birds from the water. Poodles have a very soft mouth, which helped them to bring the injured from the water. Interestingly, the furs all over their body were just used as a protection as they swam in the cold water. Therefore, if you just see the fur pattern of the poodle you will find that the furs were used to protect the vital areas from cold water. Fun Fact 6: The name has an interesting history. As mentioned, Poodles came from Germany instead of France. This makes sense because the name came from pudel. More often than not, they mix Poodles with other breeds that are also hypoallergenic. Overall, there are more than 40 different cross-breeds that came from Poodles. Fun Fact 8: Elvies Presley loved them. When Elvis was in the army, he had a Poodle named Champagne. One of which is Honey, whom he gave to his wife Priscilla. He also gave his mother a Poodle named Sweet Pea. Most of the dogs shed as a part of a biological process, but amazingly, poodle will never stop growing its fur. This is the main reason that they need regular grooming. If they are not groomed well, it will end up in matted and locking fur all over their body. This is the reason they are regarded as hypoallergenic and generally odorless. Fun Fact 9: An artist made them popular. However, a German artist looked at them from a different perspective. This is what made the breed very popular during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today, Poodles are one of the most common dogs to enter in dog shows. You should also know that poodles are one of the smartest dog breed in the world. They are though easy to train and they response to the training rapidly. To say in details, they are very intelligent and if you can train them in the right way, they will need just sometime to understand what you are up to. Going back to the s, poodles were dressed in human clothing and trained well to act out beautiful tricks in front of people in the dog shows. From then, the popularity of poodles in the dog show has started. And today it is one of the popular breed for the dog shows. Fun Fact American celebrities and icons love them, too! We already know that Elvis Presley was fond of Poodles. However, there are many other celebrities and icons who love this breed. Fun Fact Kids and the elderly love them, and Poodles love them back! Because they are hypoallergenic, Poodles are the go-to pet for young and old dog lovers. In return, they also enjoy being around them! In fact, Doug Dawson, a Poodle-owner who brings his dog to work in a nursing home, once found out that his Poodle named Nala knows how to work the elevator. Nala would ride the elevator and go around different rooms in the nursing home, visiting the elderly to bring joy and comfort. So whenever you are thinking of a poodle remember that you are looking for a dog with amazing haircut and you really have an interest for fancy dogs. Poodles are given silly haircuts just because they look good in that. If you see the matter in details, you will find that most of the owners of poodle prepare their dog for dog shows. So they give fancy cuts to make them look more attractive. Forget about that and just think about how you enjoyed the pictures of poodle puppies. I'm a blogger who loves to write about pets. I like to try new products, find cute pictures of them and share them with people. Related Posts.

Temperament: Jolly, smart and affectionate. Bichon Poodle Mix Appearance There is no true breed standard for this dog as they are a mix. However with luck, it will have the best features of both the Bichon and the Poodle. These merry souls have dark gentle eyes, a black button nose and a friendly face that is always smiling. They have small bodies with short, stubby legs. Height and Weight These small dogs stand between inches tall. Weight should range from pounds, with Teacup Bichon Poodles weighing pounds. There is no major difference in size between males and females. Breed Colors and Coat Bichon Poodles are usually brown, white or tan colored. However, they can occur in cream or even ginger colors. Darker colored ones can have white markings on their undersides. The Bichon Poo has a medium length, curly single coat. They need plenty of care and grooming to keep looking clean and neat. This pooch hardly sheds at all and does not produce a lot of dander. Now those with dog allergies can have a furry friend too. Despite their low shed frequency they must be brushed daily to keep their fur from becoming matted. They will also need a haircut every month or two. Smaller dogs usually have smaller litter sizes — this dog can have a litter of up to 5 puppies. They are one of the best possible first puppies for children of all ages, and a great opportunity to teach kids about how to care for a dog. Since its parent breeds are so highly intelligent, it excels at brain games and learning tricks. The word Bichon refers to a variety of different toy dogs , including the more well-known Maltese. They are are social butterflies that love to make new friends. Their natural friendliness makes them one of the easier breeds to socialize. Bichon Poos are very smart and playful and love games that keep their minds working. They will love a trip to the park or a run around the yard. Their high intelligence means that they learn quickly, but also means that they are easily bored. They can be very annoying when under-stimulated. Unfortunately this breed can be loud and yappy. They may yap or whine if they are bored, and may bark excitably when they see a new friend. These dogs will actively engage their owners by bringing them their favorite toys or showing off their favorite new tricks. Every owner of any age and skill level can take care of one. All in all they are natural people dogs who want nothing more than to keep you amused and happy. This breed is one of the very best family dogs around. Caring for a Bichon Poodle A Bichon Frise Poodle mix is easy to care for which makes them great for first time owners. They do not need much beyond the basics that any dog needs. Keeping them clean and well groomed is the most important and intensive part of their care. Exercise Requirements This mix has sudden energy bursts. They will want to be on their feet one moment and all curled up the next. You can take them on up to 3 short 10 minute walks a day. A walk through the dog park or around the yard is just fine for distance. They can be trained to walk off leash but be sure to watch them carefully. In addition to their walks they should have at least 10 minutes of off leash play. They enjoy all of the classic doggie games, including fetch and Frisbee. Number of Walks Per Day: 3. Grooming and Shedding Grooming is the most demanding aspect of caring for this breed. Without regular grooming their fur will become a tangled mess. Keeping their fur neat and trimmed will be entirely up to you. They will need monthly trips to a professional groomer in addition to their daily brushing. They will also need shampooing and a haircut at least every 2 months. Small dog breeds are especially prone to dental health problems. Feeding and Diet Many owners will make the mistake of feeding this small dog the same kind of food as a larger and more active breed. These dogs have different caloric needs for their small bodies. Bichon Poodles should be given kibble made specifically for small and toy breeds. You can give them up to 3 meals a day, at a half-cup of kibble per meal. Foods for toy dog breeds contain less fat and carbs than those for larger dogs. However, they are much more calorie dense. This makes eating very painful, and it can even lead to heart disease. Progressive retinal atrophy is an eye problem inherited from both parent breeds. It usually occurs when the dog reaches middle age. If we want to learn anything about their offspring, we must review certain genetic facts and statistics beforehand. This is the dog that carries it. The Bichon Frise looks like a vanilla cupcake or cream puff with a height of 9 — 12 inches 23 — 30 cm and a weight of 6. It has an affectionate, playful, and cheerful temperament, with a slice of feistiness and sensitivity on the side. The primary health concerns to look out for are epilepsy, White Shaker Syndrome which causes the dog to shake uncontrollably , and dyskinesia — a type of movement disorder. But the vet will be able to make a proper diagnosis. A healthy Bichon Frise has a life expectancy of 12 — 15 years. Brief Overview Of The Poodle Poodles of all sizes toy , mini, and standard have two universal crowd-pleasing traits. The height and weight of a Poodle can be broken down into three categories. Across the mini, toy, and standard growth charts, the height fluctuates between 9 — 24 inches 21 — 61 cm. The weight between 6 — 60 pounds 3 — 27 kg. All sizes are intelligent, active, and faithful, and live between 12 years. Like the Bichon Frise, the Poodle may suffer from epilepsy at some point in its life. It may also experience the following health issues. The Poodle and the Bichon Frise have identical lifespans, so their offspring are predicted to live between 12 — 15 years as well. A full-grown Bichon Poodle should be about 9 to 15 inches cm tall at the withers with a weight of 6 — 17 pounds 3 — 8 kg. The Bichpoo can also be found in cream, black, blue, and apricot. There are certain arguments in life that will never be settled. Blonde vs. When it comes to dogs, there is no definitive, black and white answer. There will always be at least one exception. Although, the point of cross-breeding is to eliminate certain health concerns. So, what predictions can we make about hybrid dogs? The first generation of the Bichon Poodle Mix is healthier than its parent breeds. The second generation is not as healthy as the first, and any issues that arise in round two will most likely carry on in round three and so forth. With alert and active parents, the Poochon will be no different. This mix needs daily exercise preferably outside for at least 30 minutes. It has a lot of energy to burn. Keep in mind that mental and physical stimulation are different, and the Bichon Poodle Mix needs both. A bored Bichpoo will bark and whine or turn your shoes into a chew toy of its own with your permission. OK, we get it. The Bichpoo is smart, but can it be taught to play dead? Or roll over? Or give a high-5? And Yes. This breed is capable of learning a solid amount of tricks. Just make sure to have plenty of treats on-hand for positive reinforcement. Watch how well this Bichpoo gives its owner a high-5 and pay attention to how she rewards her dog! Every breed comes with at least one trait we wish we could alter. This comes from the Poodle side. If your Bichon Poodle Mix is not socialized at an early age, it can develop separation anxiety when left alone for hours. The Bichpoo can show moments of mild aggression around unfamiliar dogs. The Bichon Poodle is a loving companion for adults, children, and strangers, which makes it one of the best family dogs. Haircuts every two months are a necessity to keep its coat tame. If that sounds like too much responsibility or money, you can shave your Bichpoo in the summertime. Its coat causes minimal shedding, which makes it a good option for owners with allergies or who want a clean house. The last part of grooming requires occasional teeth brushing to keep mouth infections at bay. Bichon Poodle owner Sandy Rothra recommends feeding your mix canned dog food because it contains a higher percentage of meat protein. This counts for all dog breeds: if your pup gets sick with a kidney or heart issue, you will need to change its diet. You should never feed any dog chocolate, onions, grapes, and raisins. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Poochons have high energy and are prone to weight gain. Make sure your dog gets frequent walks and play sessions through out the day. If you keep a hanky near by to wipe their eyes when they get moist, it can help minimize the tear stains that their breed is prone to getting. Multiple dogs sometimes clean each others eyes, but dogs typically do not clean their own eyes. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking loudly against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as small breeds are prone to dental issues. Poochon Feeding An ideal Poochon diet should be formulated for a small breed with moderate to high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. The main colors of Poochons are cream, tan, and apricot. Usually their coats are solid, and sometimes they have blend of colors. Less common colors are black or grey. Both parent breeds are high maintenance when it comes to grooming, and you can expect the same from the Poochon. These pups will most likely require daily brushing along with shampooing every few weeks with a mild product and monthly grooming. Poochons are prone to tear stains. If you decide to adopt a Poochon, keep a cloth tissue on hand to dab their eyes regularly. It helps manage the tear staining quite a bit. Poochon Children And Other Pets Poochons adore kids and families and the endless noise and commotion that comes with them. However, because the Poochon is a small dog, they can be easily injured by overly excited children. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. The Poochon enjoys the company of other dogs, as long as they receive their fair share of attention from their owner. Since Poochons have a social nature, a family with lots of animals could be ideal. For an active, social person, the Poochon could be your perfect co-pilot for life. Poochon Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Poochons because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Poodle or Bichon Frise breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. What Is the History of Bichon Poodles? In order to understand what a poochon might be like, we need to know more about the history of the bichon frise and the poodle. The bichon frise hails from Tenerife in the Canary Islands and was popular among the nobility of France, Spain, and Italy from about the 13th century onward. After the French Revolution in , these little dogs lost their noble benefactors. They ended up performing tricks, first as street performers, then in circuses. Just like bichon frises, poodles found popularity amongst French nobility and even spent some time in European circuses. However, their roots have nothing to do with luxury or the performing arts. Instead, poodles were duck hunters that originated in Germany. Even today, standard poodles are used for hunting fowl. As for the bichon poodle, this mix cropped up around the late s in Australia. It is believed that breeders were attempting to create an active but affectionate pet that would make a wonderful companion for families with kids. Though poodles come in three sizes, only miniature and toy poodles are typically chosen to mate with bichon frises. Poochons are small dogs with long curly hair often clipped short , fluffy tails, and cute button noses. They can come in various colors, but some of the most popular are apricot, cream, white, and red. Most bichpoos will be toy to miniature sized. What Size Is a Bichon Poodle? Bichon poodles are 9 to 15 inches tall and weigh between 6 and 17 pounds on average. Bichpoos with a toy poodle parent are more likely to be on the smaller side of this scale, whereas those with a miniature poodle parent may be on the larger end of this range. Both bichon frises and poodles have hair that is curly and grows long. Therefore, you can expect the same from a bichon poodle mix. Bichon poodles are happy-go-lucky dogs that see everyone as their friend. They make lovely family pets as they are great with children and enjoy activity and play. Bichpoos are very affectionate with their families and enjoy cuddling and being petted. Are Bichon Poodles Affectionate? Bichon frises were bred to be companion dogs, and poodles are known to be affectionate toward their families. Therefore, you can expect a mix of the two to be an absolutely loving dog. If you want a dog you can cuddle with; there is a high chance that a bichpoo will want to cuddle with you, too. They are wonderful little lapdogs who welcome physical touch. Bichon poodles are also quite friendly toward strangers. In fact, they tend to view everyone as friends and are quick to warm up to new people. This mixed breed is both gentle and playful. That said, it is important to always supervise kids and dogs. Because the bichon poodle is diminutive, children must be taught how to safely handle and respect this breed so as not to cause injury. While bichon frises have a low prey drive, the same cannot be said of the poodle, who was originally bred for hunting. So it would not be a total surprise should they enjoy chasing squirrels in the yard. If you have small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, or the like, be aware of the possibility that a bichpoo may see them as prey. Socializing a bichon poodle mix puppy with small animals can help, but it is recommended that you exercise caution if you decide to keep small pets in a home with a bichpoo. Though small animals may be out, other dogs are not. Bichon poodles tend to be quite friendly toward fellow dogs. Are Bichon Poodles Aggressive? Though it is possible for any dog of any breed to become aggressive, this is definitely not the norm for the bichon poodle. This breed is generally very friendly and happy-go-lucky toward everyone they meet. Fear can be a cause of aggression. Do Bichon Poodles Bark a Lot? Bichon poodles are not known for being quiet. How much a dog barks will vary by individual, but it is not uncommon for bichpoos to bark a lot. This may not make them the best option if you live in an apartment with noise restrictions. However, if you are dedicated to putting in the effort, you can teach them to bark less. This training can work especially well if you start it during puppyhood, but training at any age can still be effective. Are Bichon Poodles Intelligent? Bichon Poodles are very smart little dogs. Poodles themselves are considered one of the smartest dog breeds, and we know that bichons frises are more than capable of learning complex tricks — after all, they did spend time in the circus! So a dog born of these two intelligent breeds is likely to be a smarty-pants. Are Bichon Poodles Easy to Train? Training is a joy when you have an intelligent dog that enjoys learning. This is definitely true of the bichon poodle. These little dogs are eager to please as they love receiving praise and treats from their favorite people. Because they are smart, they can also learn a plethora of interesting cues, including complicated tricks. We always recommend that dog owners take their pups to a training class of some sort because it keeps you on task with your training, allows you to ask questions, provides socialization, and offers a new or distracting environment for your dog to learn in. However, the bichon poodle is relatively easy to train, so hiring a professional trainer, while helpful, is not necessary. Similarly, you do not need to be an experienced trainer to successfully teach your bichon poodle new skills. Do your research, be clear and consistent, and use positive reinforcement techniques. Respect your dog and remember that training should be fun, and your bichpoo will be trained before you know it. Are Bichon Poodles Energetic? The bichon poodle is considered a high-energy breed, which is no surprise since one of their parents, the poodle, was originally bred for hunting. You should definitely walk a poochon daily as well as engage in play. Bichon poodles will enjoy a romp around a yard but are also happy to play indoors. Most bichon poodles are satisfied with about an hour of exercise per day. If your poochon seems bored, then you may need to provide even more exercise. Aside from their barking habits, bichon poodles can be a great option for apartment living. They can easily get their exercise via walks or even indoor games on rainy days. Are Bichon Poodles Good Watchdogs? A bichon poodle will alert you to the presence of someone at the door or anything else they find out of place. For this reason, they can be considered good watchdogs. However, they are very friendly toward strangers and, of course, are quite small, so they cannot offer you much more than a four-legged alarm system. Bichon poodles are too small to fit every service niche for instance, they could not guide the blind , but they can make for talented service dogs in general. Their loving, affectionate nature would also make them a great option for someone who is looking to get an emotional support animal. For those who want to bring joy to others, a bichon poodle would likely excel as a therapy dog because they tend to be quite friendly and do well with children and adults. How to Care for a Bichon Poodle The bichon poodle usually requires visits to a groomer every four to six weeks to have their coat clipped. Otherwise, they require brushing at least weekly and should have their ears checked for infection regularly. Perhaps the most vital care for a bichon poodle is dental care. You must brush their teeth every single day. This is because the bichon poodle is predisposed to periodontal disease, and it is not uncommon for this breed to lose teeth because of it. This is because the bacteria growing in an unhealthy mouth can spread, often leading to systemic issues in the heart, kidneys, or liver. As their hair grows back out, you should brush even more frequently to prevent matting. Mats make it difficult for groomers to give the dog a neat clip, and severe matting is painful. Bathing once a month is enough for a poochon, but you can also choose to bathe as needed. Do Bichon Poodles Shed? The bichon poodle mix is a minimal shedder. This is because their hair grows long and continuously. This cycle of growth can take years, which is why the breed is considered low shedding and hypoallergenic. What Should a Bichon Poodle Eat? Bichon poodles should eat the highest quality small breed dog food you can afford. The best dog foods meet AAFCO guidelines, are formulated by a veterinary nutritionist, and undergo feeding trials. To determine how much to feed your bichon poodle, check the guidelines on your preferred dog food. Bichon poodles are at risk for all the same diseases for which poodles and bichon frises are at risk. Though these health risks may seem scary, there are ways to increase your chances of getting a healthy pup who will live a long, happy life. The best option is to get your bichon poodle puppy from a responsible breeder who health tests their dogs. These health tests ensure that the parent dogs do not have any identifiable diseases that could be passed on to the offspring. Responsible breeders not only health test their dogs but are also more than willing to share the results with potential adopters. Poodles live between 10 and 18 years whereas bichon frises live about 14 to 15 years. Therefore, you can expect a bichpoo to have a similar lifespan. Are Bichon Poodles Expensive? Your recurring monthly expenses for a bichpoo will mostly consist of grooming and food. How to Find a Bichon Poodle Breeder? What are your credentials? You should learn about how long the breeder has been in business and how familiar they are with bichon poodles. Have the parent animals undergone health testing? Ask to see these tests. Can I see where the dogs are kept? Can I meet the parent? How do you socialize your puppies? Socialization is important for puppies to become friendly and confident. Are the puppies up-to-date on vaccinations? Do you offer a health guarantee with a contract? Some breeders guarantee the health of their puppies: should your puppy come down with a serious illness early on, the breeder may offer to reimburse the purchase price of the dog or even take the puppy back. This will also help you avoid irresponsible breeders. What do you require of potential adopters? Many breeders want to make sure their puppies are going to homes where they will be treated well and kept for life. Therefore, breeders may ask a number of questions about you, your situation, and your experience as a dog owner. Can You Adopt a Bichon Poodle? These shelters typically rescue mixes of their designated breeds. You should also keep an eye on small breed rescues. Are Bichon Poodles Purebred? Bichon poodles are not purebred. Rather, they are the offspring of two purebred dogs: the poodle and the bichon frise. Some bichon poodles may also have two bichon poodle parents. Can You Show Bichon Poodles? Unfortunately, only purebred dogs are allowed to be shown. This is partly because purebreds have a set standard for how each breed should look and be proportioned. No such standard exists for mixed breeds like the bichon poodle, so they cannot participate in dog shows. The bichon poodle would make a great first dog for a new dog owner. The bichon poodle is a wonderful dog with many desirable traits. The Bichon poodle may be right for you if: You want a dog you can cuddle with. You have children and want a family dog. You want a dog that has low-maintenance grooming needs. Finding a Bichon Poodle puppy The History The Bichpoo originated in Australia during the s, as a loving household pet that would do well with children and other pets. This hybrid has quickly grown in popularity in recent years, as more people discover their benefits as companion animals. But their history goes way further back than that. The Bichon Frise is thought to be descendant from the Bichon Tenerife, a member of the Barbichon breed family. The Bichon got its start on the Canary Islands, specifically on the island of Tenerife. The breed has roots dating back to at least the 13th century, when they grew quite popular with European royalty as lapdogs. Eventually the breed made its way to the Americas, where it was officially recognized by the AKC in the early s. The Poodle has a storied history dating back at least years. It is thought to have originated in Germany, where it was bred for retrieving waterfowl for hunters. The Standard Poodle, the original breed, was bred down to the Miniature, which was then bred down again to the Toy variety. Today, all three versions of the Poodle — as well as their various cross-breeds — remain popular. What is the temperament of the Bich Poo? The Bich Poo typically takes on many of the characteristics of its parent breeds. Most Bichon Poodle mixes will have a lively, affectionate and active disposition. They are also quite intelligent. Typically a Bichon Toy Poodle will have an accommodating, patient nature. This makes them a good choice for households with children or other pets. They are prone to sudden bursts of energy, so you will commonly see them zooming around for short periods of time. They also tend to bark a lot. This can make them good watchdogs. But it also means that if they are not trained properly at a young age, barking can become excessive. Poochons typically do not do well if left alone. They are prone to separation anxiety and tend to bark continuously when left by themselves. Bichon Poodle puppies could take on more characteristics from one parent breed or the other. Physical Characteristics The physical characteristics and appearance of this breed can vary, just as the behavioral tendencies can differ. It depends which parent breed comes through stronger. With that said, the bulk of these dogs are small, at 6 to 12 pounds on average. They typically have a height of 9 to 14 inches when fully grown. The size of a Bichpoo dog will also vary depending on the size of the parents, and whether the Poodle parent was of the Miniature or Toy variety. Their cute button nose is the only feature to emerge from the thick curls. Their coats are typically quite soft, as long as they are properly maintained and cared for. They also inherit the Poodle tendency for very minimal shedding. The Bichon Poodle coat is typically white or apricot, with various other light shades being possible, but not common. The Bichon Poo requires frequent brushing to keep their coat soft and prevent matting. Ideally, you should brush its coat daily. Frequent Bichon Poo haircuts are a necessity. Coats should be trimmed every two months or so to maintain a manageable length and prevent matting. Shedding is very minimal with this breed, but routine brushing is still essential. Dental care is also important for this breed, as they can be susceptible to gum infections and related dental problems. They have a moderate to high energy level, and enjoy frequent walks and playtime. Because of their small size, they do better with frequent shorter walks, instead of long ventures once a day. They also tend to have quick bursts of energy, during which time they love to run around and play. As for training, this mix is typically eager to please. This is particularly true with problem behaviors like excessive barking. Health Concerns Bichon Poodle mixes are prone to many of the health concerns that are prevalent in their parent breeds. Eye problems are common, including progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts. Dental concerns are another common issue. Bichons, in particular, are prone to gum infections and tooth loss. Other concerns like patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, sebaceous adenitis, and Von Willebrand disease are also common. Many of these health concerns can be tested for. Reputable breeders will conduct health tests on their breeding stock to help minimize the risk of complications. Interestingly, there is some evidence to suggest that first generation mixes i. Second generations and beyond the offspring of two Bichon Poodle mixes are more likely to show health concerns common in Poodle and Bichon Frise dogs. Thus, some experts recommend specifically seeking out reputable breeders that offer first-generation puppies. As with any breed, frequent veterinary checkups are important and should be scheduled at least once a year. A good breeder will conduct health tests on their breeding stock to help reduce the risk of various inherited health concerns. To locate breeders, search the web for resources in your area. Before settling on a breeder, be sure to do some research into the background and reputation of the company or individual. Reputable breeders will not hesitate to show you health records and test results. It is considered a designer dog breed. The mix originated in Australia and started appearing in the late s. The goal was to breed a low or non-shedding dog that was sturdy and active with a temperament for families with children. The Bich-Poo is charming, affectionate, highly intelligent, and eager to please. They tend to get along well with other pets and with children, which makes them a great fit for families. Bich-Poos are also alert watchdogs. They can be prone to excessive barking, but training and socialization as a puppy can curb this tendency. Although they will alert you as a watchdog, they are more interested in making friends, so will not make a good guard dog. Bich-Poos are highly adaptable. They do well in apartments or larger homes as long as they get enough exercise and fit right in with families with children, other pets, or both. They do well in most climates and, as with most dog breeds, caution should be taken with extreme heat or cold. With this first generation cross, many of the health issues associated with the parent breeds are often not a concern. However, there is always the potential for inherited issues. Some of the potential breed-related health concerns are allergies, patella luxation, and progressive retinal atrophy. Because they are a small dog breed, they are also prone to breaks and fractures if dropped. This designer dog breed tends to be highly intelligent. That, paired with their eagerness to please their owner, makes them quick learners and fairly easy to train. They tend to be a good fit for owners of any experience level. Novice owners may want to enroll in obedience and training classes to ensure training and socialization is going as it should. A professional trainer can also help you put a plan in place to eliminate any potential issues with separation anxiety or the nipping that can become a common fear or anxiety response in small dogs. A Bich-Poo will often have a soft and curly coat. If their coat takes on Poodle properties, then it will be low-shedding and hypoallergenic. Common coat colors are typically light, like white or apricot, but can appear in other colors like tan, brown, black, or gray. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks is also a good idea for a healthy coat. You will also want to trim their nails monthly and clean their eyes and ears regularly. Although small, these dogs are robust and energetic. They tend to have bouts of high energy and require regular exercise throughout the day. Although they are active dogs, moderate levels of exercise will be enough to tire them out. Regular exercise, like daily walks and active playtime, will help immensely when your pup gets a sudden spike of energy and starts racing. Some of their energy bursts can seem endless, but, due to their smaller size, they do tend to tire quickly, so these bouts of energy will likely be on the shorter side. After that, your Bich-Poo will likely be ready for a nap and some cuddles. Keeping your dog well-exercised and engaged is key. A bored dog is one that can become restless and start to whine, chew, or bark. This designer dog breed usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and can weigh between pounds. A Bichpoo will generally live between years. Featured Bich-poo Article.

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. Look no further! We have a network of trusted breeders who ensure that our puppies are healthy, happy, and ready to be your new furry best friend. What are Boxer puppies? Boxer puppies trace their origin to 19th-century Germany, where they were developed as versatile working dogs. Around the mids, German breeders aimed to create a loyal and courageous dog capable of performing various tasks. They crossed Bullenbeissers with Bulldogs and selected for traits like strength, intelligence, and agility. The result was the Boxer we know today. Boxers quickly gained popularity as police and military dogs due to their loyalty, trainability, and protective instincts. They were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club AKC in , solidifying their status as a distinct breed. Over time, Boxers transitioned from working roles to beloved companions and show dogs. Their friendly demeanor, boundless energy, and affectionate nature make them cherished family pets worldwide. The origin of Boxer puppies is a testament to the careful breeding and selection that have crafted a breed known for its remarkable combination of strength, intelligence, and affection. Temperament of Boxers Boxers are known for their playful and energetic temperament. They are intelligent dogs that are eager to please and love to learn new things. Boxers are loyal and protective of their family, making them great watchdogs. They are also affectionate and make great companions for children and adults alike. With proper training and socialization, Boxers make great family pets. We offer a vast selection of healthy and happy Boxer puppies that will make excellent family pets. With our commitment to quality and affordability, we make it easy for you to find your new furry best friend. About Vincent Hello! Are you looking for a lifelong companion? Look no further. I am here and just perfect for you. Trust me! I am very loyal, and I can make you smile with just the way I wag my tail. I have a wonderful disposition. Oh, silly me! Well, choose me today!

Tweet Looking for free German Shepherd puppies? If you are looking for a German Shepherd, and your budget is tight, you can find your new best friend nearly free or at a decent price. You just have to know where to look. Most of the dogs they place are one year or more, but they often have puppies as well. This normally includes vaccinations, a heartworm test, and spay or neuter. For about one third of the price of a purebred GSD from a reputable breeder, you can give a deserving dog a second chance. Rescue groups specialize in finding forever homes for lost, abused or unwanted German Shepherds. They have extensive knowledge of every dog they place and can normally match you with the right dog for your unique situation. Do you have a German Shepherd rescue success story to tell? Adopt a German Shepherd It may take some patience and persistence, but you can find a nearly free German Shepherd from a local shelter. If they don't currently have puppies, check back often. Or ask them to call you as soon as they get one. The adoption fee will normally cover an initial vet checkup with puppy shots and a spay or neuter. This is cheaper than the cost of a purebred German Shepherd from a rescue group. One quarter of all shelter dogs are purebreeds. Why adopt a dog? You may be their last hope. Many shelters only hold dogs for a week. If they are relinquished by their owner, they are on the short list for euthanasia, as they are not considered lost and no one will be coming to look for them. My Begian Malinois , Ryder, was 48 hours away from being put down after his owner signed him over. Search for a local animal shelter. Don't make price your primary consideration. Backyard breeders and puppy mills price low to sell quickly. Avoid these unscrupulous breeders. Even if an ad reads AKC registered dogs , this is not necessarily a sign of a quality dog. Be aware that Puppy Mills also use this as a lure for unsuspecting buyers. Exercise patience. You don't have to break the bank. Your new best friend is worth the wait. Jennifer here. I've been a fan of the German Shepherd breed for as long as I can remember. Saving Shepherds of MN is a foster-based, volunteer-driven rescue that has found loving homes for over German Shepherds and Shepherd mixes since December ! Please consider making a tax deductible donation. We rely solely on the generosity of supporters, like you. Please consider donating today! Saving Shepherds of MN is an effort grounded in love, dedication and determination. SSOMN is a c 3 , nonprofit organization under state and federal law. We rely solely on volunteers and donations to support our rescue effort. SSOMN is a breed-specific rescue, focusing on German Shepherds and Shepherd mixes, who are too often the focus of fear and misunderstanding within society. Our rescue operates with the help of many dedicated volunteers, all working toward the common goal of saving the lives of dogs in need, and giving them the loving home they deserve. We are foster-based out of the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. Every dog that comes to SSOMN receives the highest quality veterinary care from the many emergency veterinary clinics throughout the metro area and goes to a loving temporary foster home from one of our dedicated foster families. SSOMN's adoption process ensures that every dog goes to a loving forever home most suited to its temperament and needs.

Bite Inhibition Young puppies also need to stay with their mom and siblings to learn proper bite inhibition. If they bite their mom or sibling too hard, they will act in a way that communicates to the puppy that the bite was too hard and not acceptable. Mom might get up and walk away or gently correct the pup with a subtle growl. Their littermate will usually let out a high pitch yelp with stops the play and tells the bitey puppy that their chomp was too much. Without waiting until at least eight weeks to bring home your puppy, they are more likely to be very bitey and not know how to soften their bites. You give your puppy and yourself the best chance at a happy, healthy life together by waiting until they are at least eight weeks old. Bringing home a Golden Retriever puppy soon? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! The absolute best thing you can do is to talk to the breeder and return the puppy until they are a bit older. Then, when your puppy is at least eight weeks old, you can pick them up again from the breeder and start your life together. Find a Surrogate Canine Family If getting your Golden Retriever puppy back to their mother and littermates is impossible, the next best thing is to at least let them spend those last couple critical weeks with other dogs and puppies. Puppies need to be learning lessons from other dogs at this age, ideally their own mother and siblings, but unrelated dogs and puppies can help. Do you know someone else with a puppy? Do you know someone who has a dog who is good with puppies? Maybe there is a friend of a friend who is fostering a litter of puppies? Ask around and see if friends and family might have some puppies and dogs that you can get your puppy around. Social media can be really helpful for networking with other dog lovers who could help you out with the situation you are in. They can help you understand what to feed them and come up with an appropriate feeding schedule. Your vet might also have some tips to ensure your puppy stays healthy and to prevent behavior issues from developing. Here is what is typical for a puppy of this age: Sleep If you were to spend a day with a litter of six-week-old Golden Retriever puppies, you might be surprised by just how much they sleep. At this stage, puppies are undergoing a lot of physical and mental growth so they need plenty of rest to make sure that they develop properly. Pottying You might also be surprised by just how much a six-week-old puppy poops and pees. A good breeder will be working diligently on potty training a litter of six-week-old puppies so that they start to learn good potty habits before they go home to their forever families. Puppies this age love romping around, playing chase, tug and wrestling with their siblings. They also can start to show off their retrieval instincts with little games of fetch. Some puppies might still nurse from their mom, but by six weeks, they are able to be on solid food exclusively. Breeders usually feed many small meals throughout the day, so a six-week-old puppy might be eating between four and six meals a day. Responsible breeders will also be very mindful that six-week-old puppies are in the prime window for puppy socialization. Early socialization is very important in preventing potential behavior issues from arising as the puppy matures, and it helps bring out the absolute best in the puppy. Many breeders will even start some basic training with young puppies, such as sitting for their meals and acclimating them to spending time in a crate. In short, you can expect six-week-old Goldens to be eating, pooping, playing, napping machines with brains that are little sponges ready to learn and explore over the next couple of weeks before they go home to their new families. Puppy Patience When it comes to adding a puppy to your family, patience truly is a virtue. Resist the temptation of a cute six-week-old puppy and give them just a couple more weeks to be ready to come home. A little extra waiting will go a long way to setting you and your puppy up for a long, happy, healthy life together. Have any questions about 6-week-old Golden Retriever puppies? Let us know down in the comments! Read the rest of our Golden Retriever puppy series here:. Share 0 Shares A six-week-old golden retriever puppy is a wonder to behold. Golden Retrievers are so cute around this age, and of course, people will impatiently want to take one home at only 6 weeks old. The extra time is quite necessary because it gives them enough time with their mother and siblings, and allows for additional development. But you have to resist that urge. Waiting for the extra two weeks allows the puppy to have enough time with its family to foster healthy development. Another important reason to not remove golden retriever puppies too soon is that it affects their health. Pups who are prematurely rehomed often have weakened immune systems and a lack of appetite. Being with their litter allows them to develop confidence and learn about how they should act with each new thing they encounter in their world. Puppies need to play. It helps them to learn to get used to touching and being picked up or moved around. Bite Inhibition One of the things that golden retriever puppies learn from their moms is proper bite inhibition. However, their teeth are really sharp. When they bite their mom or their siblings and they react to the bite, the puppy learns that biting hurts. The mom might either walk away from the pup or growl at them and put the fear of God in them. A littermate will usually let out a startling yelp, which is enough to put a stop to whatever sort of play had been previously happening and let the puppy know that they bit too hard. These things just happen sometimes. The best thing you can do is to call up the breeder and return the puppy to its mother for the next two weeks. It may seem like an extra expense, but you would have paid to buy the puppy food and such, anyway. And it really is worth it just to make sure the puppy develops properly. When the puppy is 8 weeks old, you can go pick up your pup from the breeder and take it home. Ask your friends and family about finding a surrogate canine family for your puppy. Most responsible dog owners will understand the situation and be willing to help if they can. Your vet can give you important information, like what to feed your puppy and when to feed them. Of course, you may be advised about other ways you can keep your puppy healthy and avoid behavioral issues. Puppies grow a lot during this time both mentally and physically , so they need loads of sleep to ensure they properly develop. Pottying Just as with sleep, puppies poop and pee a surprising amount. Some of the games that six-week-old puppies play are chase, wrestling, and tug, as well as running around, and something similar to tag. When playing with your six-week-old puppy, watch out for their super-sharp teeth. Teeth Six-week-old golden retriever puppies are very mouthy. They use their mouths to explore their world, so just about everything winds up in their mouths at some point. You can expect your six-week-old golden to have developed a full set of razor-sharp puppy teeth. Eating Puppies need their teeth because, by six weeks old, puppies are typically fully weaned. This is typically just habit and bonding because the puppy no longer needs the milk at this point. Most breeders start feeding six-week-old puppies several times throughout the day. You can expect your golden puppy to average between 4 and 6 meals every day. Personality A six-week-old golden retriever puppy starts displaying its personality. This is quite important when it comes to choosing which puppies are suited to be service dogs, and which ones would be better suited as house pets. Breeders typically start running pre-tests with puppies this age to see which of the puppies are cut out to be service dogs. Most breeders recognize this as the ideal time to start socializing puppies. This makes puppies more adaptable. Socialization is an important part of puppy development because it can prevent behavioral issues from developing as the puppy grows. It can also help your puppy be the best version of itself. If your puppy starts showing a little fear or trepidation when it encounters new places or things, you need to remember that this is perfectly normal. Sometimes humans are afraid of new things, too, right? Six-week-old Golden Retrievers should be experiencing positive interactions with humans. This means that you should be inviting other people around your puppies to get them used to people. However, if your puppy has been fully vaccinated, then it should be allowed outside and should be gradually introduced to other animals. Six weeks is a good time to start training puppies , as well. And their intelligent little brains will be eager to learn anything you teach them, so you should definitely start teaching them as much as you can before you send them to live with their new family in a couple of weeks. Growth Up until this point, your puppy has likely experienced a lot of growth. But how much does a six-week-old Golden Retriever puppy grow? From the sixth week on, you can expect your puppy to gain 5 ounces per week. But which type of food should you feed your puppy? When you start feeding your puppy solid dry kibble, you need to moisten it to soften it a bit. You can do this with either water or broth. Personally, I put the water or broth in with the kibble for about minutes, or long enough for it to soak up the liquid. Give your puppy small meals around 4- 6 times a day so that it gets all of the nutrients and energy it needs. In some places, certain vaccinations are required, like rabies vaccinations. Patience with Your Puppy Patience is key when it comes to bringing home a new puppy. Even if you want to immediately bring home a six-week-old ball of adorable fluff, you need to resist that urge so that the puppy can receive all the experiences it needs to develop properly. This will give you fewer chances that the puppy will develop behavioral disorders later down the road. Check out our other posts about the development of Golden Retriever puppies:. Brown 7 lb 1. The size gap between our smallest and largest puppy keeps getting bigger as Patriot is well over a pound heavier than Trooper. Archer was very curious since day 1, but even though he and Raven were best pals she still was protective of her puppies. Since the beginning we allowed supervised interaction and Archer loved the little guys and just wanted to play…albeit sometimes a little too rough… Archer vs Six week old Golden Retriever puppy Day 37 — Kids and Puppies We continued to socialize our Golden pups with people young and old. Some of our favorite puppy raiser friends stopped by and brought over their grandchildren to play with the pups. At this age the puppies like running around and act like hams. Long gone are the days of the docile, sleepy puppies. Welcome to the wonderful world of running wild Golden pups! Day 40 — Our Little Golden Explorers! As time moved on these guys became more and more mobile and less easy to contain in small environments. A few weeks earlier they started climbing out of the short wall in the whelping box. As the below picture illustrates this little one enjoyed climbing onto this shelf making it his own doggy bed. Our little Golden puppy in hiding. In case you missed our other posts about our litter of Golden Retriever pups take a look back at past weeks: Week 1 — Six Golden Retriever puppies are born! Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. Okay, guys and gals. Almost every time I return to the whelping box it looks like a poop war broke out. It sounds funny now, but the sight and stink are not fun. What about you guys? Have any of you ever raised a litter of puppies? If so, tell us your story in the comment section below. This is the first book we bought before bringing home our first puppy, Linus. 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.

CaroleC likes this. If so, there is a lot to be said for aiming for a permanent cure this insurance year, as the companies are well known for placing exclusions on policies at the time of renewal. Hydrocephalus is more common in the smaller brachycephalic breeds, - those which have short noses - and appears to be congenital ie. If you haven't already done so, you should notify the breeder that Lennie has this condition. Have you been busy on Google? Are you in GB? If so, www. Health matters are high on the list of FB concerns at present, if you can't find that person on the site, the secretary will point you in the right direction. Best wishes, I do hope you and little Lennie solve this problem soon. Please come back and let us know what you have decided. Click to expand.He has a brain malformation which has led to hydrocephalus, and I understand that is what has led to the two seizures. I doubt that the neurologist would have advised a shunt for epilepsy in a 16 week old puppy, and he has got the MRI scan to refer to. I know you have considerable experience with epilepsy, but there can be other conditions which cause seizures, - febrile teething fits for example. I once had a six year old Cavalier who had a single seizure, in her case the cause turned out to be malabsorbtion of fats. I am not offering veterinary advice, just my opinion. Thank you for your opinions I do appreciate them all. I am in the uk the vets where I was referred to was 3 hours away. Thank you. Yorkshire Terriers Shih Tzus Congenital hydrocephalus may also result from a brain hemorrhage in a newborn after difficult labor, exposure to certain drugs during pregnancy, or prenatal infection. Acquired hydrocephalus may appear due to a Vitamin A deficiency, parainfluenza virus, intracranial inflammatory disease, swelling in the brain, or other infection. However, the most common cause of acquired hydrocephalus in dogs is brain tumors. The goal is to reduce the inflammation or the production of cerebrospinal fluid. Usually, vets prescribe corticosteroids this purpose. Sometimes, they may also prescribe anti-seizure drugs and other medications to treat the symptoms. However, in some cases, surgery is the best option for treatment. The procedure involves placing a shunt that redirects cerebrospinal fluid away from the brain and into the abdominal cavity where it can then be easily reabsorbed by the body. This surgery requires a brain surgeon and is usually expensive, so many dogs never receive it and are euthanized, instead. Vets generally treat cases of acquired hydrocephalus by focusing on the underlying causes. They may use medication, surgery, or radiation and chemotherapy in cases of tumors. When treatment begins early, it can prevent brain damage, and dogs can mostly make a full recovery. Have you ever cared for a dog with hydrocephalus? Did your vet treat the condition? Then let us know in the comments below. Are certain breeds more likely to develop hydrocephalus? Small, miniature, and toy breeds seem to be more affected. Hydrocephalus Puppy: low and back set ears, bulging eyes, large domed head How is hydrocephalus diagnosed? In young puppies, a large fontanel and clinical signs consistent with hydrocephalus are usually all that are needed to diagnose congenital hydrocephalus. Including bulging eyes and low, back set ears. Ultrasound evaluations through the fontanel can reveal dilated or enlarged brain ventricles open areas in each half of the brain. Brain scans using computed tomography CT or magnetic resonance imaging MRI can also be used to diagnose hydrocephalus. Electroencephalography EEG , which involves connecting electrical sensors onto the head in multiple locations, may also be used to aid in diagnosing hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus Dog Scan How is hydrocephalus treated? In the acute or early phases of hydrocephalus, treatment is directed toward reducing CSF production and inflammation by using corticosteroids steroids, such as cortisone or prednisone. In more severe or chronic cases, anti-seizure medications will be needed, and drugs may benefit affected dogs. Shunt for Hydrocephalus Surgery to place a tube that runs from the open spaces in the brain to the abdomen can be performed at some veterinary teaching or specialty hospitals. Considerable risks and potential complications are associated with this procedure, so be sure to thoroughly discuss the benefits and risks of shunts with your veterinarian. For acquired hydrocephalus, therapy is focused on treating the underlying cause and may range from medications to surgery to radiation therapy. Should dogs with congenital hydrocephalus be bred? Absolutely not. Because congenital hydrocephalus is a birth defect. What is the prognosis for dogs with hydrocephalus? In general, hydrocephalus in dogs is a serious, often life-threatening, condition. The forecasted outcome for hydrocephalus depends on its duration and severity. Puppies with congenital hydrocephalus may do well following shunt placement if severe brain damage has not occurred. Our experience with hydrocephalus is not a pleasant one. The two pups we have worked with failed to thrive and it was recommended by our vet to move forward with humane euthanasia. Dogs with acquired hydrocephalus have a poorer prognosis due to the likelihood of an underlying tumor or infection such as encephalitis inflammation of the brain. How common is hydrocephalus in dogs? Our veterinarian once told me years ago that this defect is to be expected 1 out of every puppies produced in all breeds with large domed heads examples above. I have experienced this defect twice now. One was in one of my own litters and the other was in a litter I was whelping for someone else. Prior to his loss, he has only pooped maybe 5 times during those 5 weeks. We tried enemas and warm water baths. We were sucking his nose every 30 minutes with an electric nasal aspirator. We tried steam to clear the airways and nebulizer treatments. He was also on antibiotics and had been given subcutaneous fluid treatment as well as cupping tapping the sides of the chest to break up phlegm and release fluid in lungs. The other puppy we worked with, was euthanized at 3 weeks of age. He had a massive open fontanel I could feel his brain and was unable to walk or nurse. He frequently circled and did not tolerate feedings well at all. Canine Open Fontanel Images What are open fontanels? They can be normal in young puppies, especially small breeds, but they typically close or harden by weeks of age. In some breeds, such as Chihuahuas and Miniature Dachshunds, it is not uncommon for open fontanelles to persist beyond 12 weeks of age. Open fontanelles are a normal finding in very young puppies. As normal puppies mature, the growth plates in their skull fuse together and the soft spots known as open fontanelles gradually reduce in size until they no longer exist. Persistent open fontanelles, however, are a common genetic condition that is seen in some small dog breeds. In these dogs, persistent open fontanelles are caused by genetic abnormalities in normal developmental skull closure. The growth plates in these dogs simply fail to fuse in a normal manner, leaving a persistent soft spot in the skull. In some cases, open fontanelles may be caused by an underlying brain condition, such as hydrocephalus. Cerebrospinal fluid CSF accumulates within the brain, causing the brain to swell. This swelling places pressure on the skull, which can contribute to open fontanelles, a dome-shaped skull, and other abnormalities. Fortunately, most cases of open fontanelles are genetic and are not associated with hydrocephalus. Conclusion These issues and whelping in general are not for the faint of heart. Im thankful to have given them the best chance at life I could. There will be times when nature has intended for a pup to not make it, but because of your love and care, that pup may live much longer than expected or even come back to live a completely normal life. Consider purchasing one of our made to order incubators! It maintains heat with attachment holes for nebulizers, oxygen concentrator, or whatever else you may need humidifier! Oxygen is a great tool for weak and failing puppies, boosting the immune system, click the link to learn more about how oxygen benefits newborn puppies. Check out all of our other blogs! Dont forget to subscribe and follow socials! Hydrocephalus in french bulldog puppies discussion.

We no longer have visiting days and because we have to always be very cautious about parvo accidentally being brought into our home, we must limit your visit to when you pick up your puppy to bring home at 8 weeks old. We have newborn puppies year round whom are very vulnerable to infection or disease; we do not want to take any chances with our puppies health by having the traffic of non-vital frequent visitors. We even have to be very cautious with our friends and family visiting. On the day of your visit please do not have any contact with other puppies or unvaccinated dogs before you visit our home. Thank you for understanding and respecting our policy and we look forward to meeting you! Buyer Beware It is very concerning and heartbreaking to find so many puppymills on the internet now. Please be aware that there are pet stores and websites advertising each breed of dog claiming to be a 'breeder directory' but they are actually puppymills. Just because a website has a lot of pictures does not mean that those pictures were not stolen from other breeders!! Puppymills are massive breeding facilities that only view dogs as commodities. Breeding dogs are housed in shockingly poor conditions and bred until they can no longer produce, with very little human contact and suffer from neglect, poor health, parasitic infestations, and horrific wounds because they are forced to live on their feces confined to small filthy cages. So many people own dogs that have come from puppymills and dont even realize it. Unfortunately puppymills are thriving on the internet because buyers are not aware that such cruelty exists. Making such a purchase does not "rescue" the puppy- it in fact condemns puppymill dogs to a life of torture. It is estimated that there are over 4 million dogs being bred in puppymills every single year! And this number is growing.The current laws are insufficient in protecting dogs and puppies from neglect and exploitation. We have been awarded. Dont miss our Resources page! Wasabi and Hef loving some ball time We were featured in a book about Labradoodles!! We have extended Guardian Home families that help raise most of the breeding dogs within our program, because it really does take a village! Our dogs are a huge part of our family. We breed only excellent representations of the breed. Our dogs are always around us and we would not want it any other way. Our pups are whelped and raised in and around our home in Valley Springs, CA. During the First week: As each pup is born we express their airways and weight is taken just like a human baby then we make sure that the little one has proper suction while feeding and bonding with mother. Mother and litter stay within hearing distance so we can check on them throughout the night. During the next couple of days each puppy is held individually to begin neurological stimulation. We begin to implement our socialization methods as soon the puppies are born; this insures excellent temperaments and promotes a calm disposition. Toward the end of the week the pups have their first nail trimming at this time and they begin to take their first clumsy steps, begin to chew on toys and play wrestle with their litter mates. In week 3 the puppies begin to open their eyes and their ears. Toward the beginning of this week the pups are frequently play in the kitchen area where they can interact with us throughout the day and get familiar with the normal sounds of a household. Toward the end of this period they are taken outside for the first time and introduced to grass. They quickly learn that grass is a great place to potty and play! There different personalities start to show through during this time and I begin to make notes regarding each puppy. They received their first vaccination and are given a routine dewormer. One on one handlings are happily continued and the human-canine bond is reinforced. Toward the end of this stage their individual personalities are now beginning to shine through. They are now craving a lot more individual attention and proper socialization is critical. Your puppy will be ready to go home at 8 weeks. We are proud to say that many of our pups go on to become therapy dogs and even service dogs. Don't Miss The Critical Socialization Period: Begin hardcore socialization after the 2nd vaccine around 10wks of age through 16 weeks of age 1. Have lots of visitors over your house during this time 2. Try to have your pup see the mail being delivered everyday 3. Take your pup with you on outings still best to hold your pup until after the 3rd vaccine 4. Sit at the park on a park bench and let lots of people walk by with your pup in your arms , welcome small talk with strangers and any pettings they would like to give your pup. We stand by our puppies. We listen to our puppy buyers and support them in the very rare case of a health problem. As a truly committed Australian Labradoodle breeder, we are always there for our puppy buyers in any situation for guidance and support throughout the life of their dog. For ANY reason you need to part with your labradoodle in the future we ask that you first contact us and we will always assist in finding the dog a wonderful new home.

What is a Red Golden Retriever? While Red Golden Retrievers can grow as big as a normal golden retriever, they are often smaller than most normal golden retrievers. Red Golden Retrievers are very similar to Golden Retrievers in many ways. The main difference besides their coat color is their energy levels. Red Retrievers were bred to aid in hunting birds and are known to be more athletic than standard Goldens. They need to be exercised more often to get all of their energy out. We stand by our pups, which is why we work alongside licensed veterinarians to ensure that our puppies are healthy and always up to date on their deworming and vaccination protocols. We also offer a 2-year genetic health guarantee on all of our puppies. That way, you can rest easy knowing your puppy is healthy and free from genetic defects and congenital diseases. Our mission is dedicated to connecting healthy, beautiful puppies with their forever families. Because their temperament is friendly, energetic, and patient. These pups are known for being loyal, intelligent, and devoted. Due to their higher energy levels they were bred to hunt after all , they do best with active families where they can get a lot of attention and are great with children. Luckily Red Retrievers and Goldens alike are known for their soft mouths since they were bred to hunt birds. The original Goldens came to be as a result of cross-breeding between various different breeds including: Water Spaniels, Yellow Retrievers, Irish Settlers, and Bloodhounds over several generations. In other words, all Golden Retriever subtypes including the English Cream Golden Retriever subtype , are members of the same family, or breed. Oftentimes, cheaper golden retriever puppies can ultimately cost you a LOT more money in the long run because they are more likely to have health issues. Are Red Goldens more expensive? Because of their elegant red coats and rarity, Red Goldens can be more expensive than certain other subtypes of Golden Retriever. Both are very similar in temperament, friendliness, socialness, health, and looks. They differ most in coat color, size, and energy. They are typically the smallest puppies of the litter and are more athletic meaning more energy to burn! How big is a full-grown Red Golden Retriever? The weight range for these sweet pups can be from pounds for full-grown males, and pounds for full-grown females. Additionally, these babies tend to stand at about inches tall, with males being on the taller end of the spectrum. Do Red Goldens shed? Yes, all types and variations of Golden Retrievers shed, and this is entirely normal for the breed. However, it is worth noting that because the Red Goldens often have a coat that is slightly shorter than typical Goldens, some owners claim they shed less overall. Problem solved! Are Red Golden Retrievers aggressive? The good news is— no, Red Golden Retrievers are not aggressive dogs by nature even with their higher energy levels. They still have the same sweet, calm, and lovable disposition which makes them a fantastic addition to any family to give plenty of attention to everyone including yours. Are Red Goldens more calm? Usually not, when compared to other subtypes of Golden Retrievers. While Red Golden Retrievers are much alike to Golden Retrievers with their high patience levels, they are known to have more energy. Are Red Golden Retrievers Rare? The gene manifests relatively rarely compared to other colors. 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. If you have gotten a puppy from us before, she is the person you interacted with. She has been the photographer, website editer, email and phone person and the general PR manager. In March of Ronda was diagnosed with an agressive form of cancer with a bad prognosis. Her family was hopefull for recovery though. Ted has always been a part of Red Retriever but more behind the scenes. We appriciate your understanding going forward as Ted learns the ropes of the website, photos and correspondence. Intelligent and beautiful as the Irish Setter and loving and loyal as the Golden Retriever. Hybrid vigor, in a beautiful loving companion. Interestingly the cross is quite similar to early golden retrievers as seen in this painting. The Golden Retriever has been bred for lighter colors in recent years because this is favored by the AKC. Our Golden Irish puppies tend to be darker in color. How'd we start? Growing up my wife's family raised Pekingese. She loved their dogs and the litters of puppies that came and went. We wanted our children to have a family dog and to share the puppy experience with them and so we chose to raise Golden Retrievers. My family had a Golden Retriever growing up. My wife always dreamed of having a Golden Retriever or Irish Setter. We got our first Golden in and named her Mandy. We had 4 wonderful children ages 7 to 17 and our lovely dog Mandy. Mandy went everywhere with us. We lived on acres along the Calapooia River where the children would explore with Mandy at their side. Our 2 boys were passionate about the outdoors and loved to hunt and wanted a specific dog to train. It wasnt hard to convince their mom, but took a little longer to convince me. But convince me they did. They chose a male and of course named him 'Big Red'. The boys did an amazing job training the 3 dogs. We had the 4 dogs and plenty time and attention to offer them with the energy and passion from the 4 children. Cody and Mandy had their first litter of puppies in .The puppies were all healthy and delightful. The experience was just as my wife remebered as a child and she was happy that our children were able to enjoy the same experience. It was rewarding to place the puppies in wonderful homes. The pleasure and excitment the families portrayed as they picked up their puppy was addicting. The friendships we gained were rich. Ginger, trained by Josiah, was the cleverest dog we ever had. We were planning to breed Ginger with Cody. In the summer of Ginger came into heat so we would put Ginger and Cody in seperate kennels, on a cement slab, when we went to town. We were waiting for her to be in midcycle to breed her. I came home at dusk, one night, and let her out and she immediatly disappeard. We ran for a flashlight and found her in Big Red's Kennel. Big Red was our Irish Setter. We were devastated and felt like we had failed as breeders. However, we found that the puppies were extremely smart and farther advanced as they aged compared to our Pure Goldens as puppies. They were much calmer than most Irish Setters, and were more athletic than most Golden Retrievers. We knew these dogs would be a hit, and they have been. The first families to contact us were families specifically looking for the mix. They shared their stories of growing up with Golden Irish Mixes. Over and Over we heard how they were the best family dog they ever had. Why we Continue The Golden Irish was not merely something stumbled on by accident. The original accident was precipitated by a years long love of both the Golden Retriever and the Irish Setter. I was fascinated with the grace and freedom that contrasted the Irish Setter from more conventional setters in the story. He, rather, romanticized the hunt as a thing natural to the dog and foreign to the dogs human companion. Big Red knew what he was doing when he hunted. Big Red was the master hunter and Danny was his mere apprentice. Irish Setters can be strong willed. They are intensely loving and loyal but they do not have the level of automatic obedience seen in some breeds. They are majestic animals who do require some work during training to reach their potential. Unfortunately, because as the world has urbanized, the required space for an Irish Setter to shine has become rare, and this magnificent breed has seen declining popularity. Irish Setters are creatures of the open fields and the ubiquity of automobiles has ensured open fields are rare. We are fortunate to live in an area of the country still rural enough to allow the Irish Setter to run. But even we have to find time and space to give our dogs this opportunity. After almost 20 years experience with both Goldens and Irishes I have concluded that the main character trait differentiating the Golden Retriever and Irish Setter is patience. The Golden Retriever was bred to patiently wait for the hunt. The Irish Setter was bred to go out and make the hunt happen. Both love to chase things. Both can have seemingly boundless energy. Both are loyal companions. The Golden Retriever will wait for the ball to be thrown and the Irish Setter will grab the ball and expect to be chased. The Irish Setter is proactively invoking the hunt, whereas the Golden Retriever is awaiting its arrival. We were no experts at first and have learned a lot in 20 years. It turns out the patience of the Golden Retriever tends to be inherited by the Hybrid making them more suitable for Urban environments. It also turns out that the grown dogs can be stunningly beautiful. We have improved our breeding over the years and no longer hesitantly advertise. Through our hard won experience we are able to consistently breed Golden Irishes to our own very high standards. I recommend looking at the images page to see some of the stunning photos we have collected over the years. We have been raising Golden Retriever Irish Setter Hybrids for more than 15 years and have insight that only comes through experience. Packer Pictured above as an adult and a puppy Packer is one of our favorite puppies from our first litter. He went to a family in Alaska who were kind enough keep in contact and send us pictures. Packer and his family came to visit us in on our new property. We have been on the Blue Mountains above Weston, Oregon going on 7 years. According to the American Kennel Club AKC breed standard, Golden Retrievers are sporting dogs that can reach anywhere between 21 and 24 inches in height and reach a weight of 55—75 pounds. The biggest difference is in their middle-length coat, which is dark golden to red in shade. These are calm, gentle dogs that make amazing family companions but also working dogs, as they were used as gun dogs and hunting dogs or rather, retriever dogs, especially for waterfowl for centuries. In fact, Golden Retrievers were made by crossbreeding many dog breeds, most notably Tweed Water Spaniels and Setters, to get the characteristics they have now. Due to their friendly nature and desire to help their owners, they also make amazing search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and service dogs. Red Golden Retrievers are often mistaken for Irish Setters, which is why some irresponsible breeders might try to give you a mix of the two breeds. This is one of the main things you need to look out for when searching for red Golden Retriever puppies. There are many good red Golden Retriever breeders, and all can provide you with amazing services. On the other hand, dishonest backyard breeders will simply want to produce as many litters as possible. This will result in unhealthy puppies and mother dogs. There is a reason reputable red Golden Retriever breeders sell their dogs at a higher price. Without further ado, here are some of the best red Golden Retriever breeders in the US: 1. They produce gorgeous mahogany-colored Golden Retrievers that are large-boned and, most importantly, healthy. Their pups make amazing family pets and service dogs due to their good temperaments. These pups have all the best traits of Golden Retrievers but are mostly hypoallergenic. Email: [email protected] 2. This is a reputable breeder who breeds Golden Retrievers in many colors, including dark red. Email: [email protected] 3. While they are listed in Oregon, they keep their true address private — although they certainly ship to this state. They raise all of their dogs in a family environment to ensure they have the best personalities possible. In fact, many of their dogs go on to become service dogs, therapy dogs, and also hunting dogs. They have a carefully selected breeding program to make sure only the best animals are bred. Website: Whiskey Creek Goldens 4. They have been operating since , and the owner has held many different roles in various Golden Retriever clubs. All of the pets at the SwanSun Golden Retrievers undergo early obedience training, so they make amazing family dogs from day one. As such, they are one of the best locations to get a red Golden Retriever puppy that is well-adjusted and a top-quality dog overall. Website: SwanSun Golden Retrievers 5. This is one of the best-rated red Golden Retriever breeders in the area. They breed dogs that love company and make amazing family members, no matter what kind of family you have. They are great for kids and other pets alike, thanks to their friendly natures! They have a fairly long waiting list, so they advise you to reserve your puppy while the female dog is still in heat. Also, they encourage all aspiring buyers to come and visit their kennel to make sure all of the dogs have been bred in good conditions. Email: [email protected] 6. This breeder makes sure their dogs can be trained to be hunting dogs but are also suitable for families. Their dogs are active and well-trained so they can be the best dogs possible. Email: [email protected] 7. Instead, it focuses on creating the best hunting and retrieving dogs out there, and this includes red Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, and Goldadors. The goal of this kennel is to create a perfectly balanced dog by combining good looks with excellent conformation, athleticism, and intelligence. They have a strict breeding program, and most of their dogs come from bloodlines that have been clean from genetic diseases for generations. This helps them ensure they only have the healthiest dogs out there. All of their puppies come with a copy of a vet-signed health certificate that proves all of their dogs are healthy and free of most genetic defects and AKC registration paperwork that proves they are purebred. At the same time, their puppies come vaccinated and dewormed, so you can rest assured they are ready to enter your home. My Golden Retriever Puppies raise their dogs in a family environment, ensuring all of their dogs are socialized and ready to tackle various new environments. This also means they are good with kids and other pets. As the kennels — or rather, their large home — have a large garden, they make sure all of their puppies get enough exercise so they can burn up all their excess energy. Even if you live out of state, My Golden Retriever Puppies might be a good place to buy dogs from as they ship out of state. In fact, all of their puppies get proper care and attention from the personnel at CLE airport. This breeder has several litters per year, and most of them have dark golden to dark mahogany puppies. They make sure all of their puppies are health tested and raised in a friendly environment with lots of opportunities to socialize and explore the world around them. Their dogs come prepared for anything they might encounter at their new homes. Email: [email protected] .They specialize in breeding high-quality dogs that can be used both as family pets and show dogs, depending on the color and bloodline. Website: Rush Hill Goldens .Red Golden Retriever Breeders Philadelphia If you live in Philadelphia or neighboring states, one of the best red Golden Retriever breeders you might want to check out is Greenfield Puppies. While they breed mostly AKC-recognized dogs, you can find some red Golden Retrievers at their kennels. They produce dogs with a gentle spirit and great discipline that make not just great family members but also hunting dogs. They make sure all of their dogs go through various types of training but also participate in playtime activities, including waterfowl hunting. Instead, they are calm and pleasant dogs that will follow their owners everywhere and would love nothing more than to cuddle on the sofa with their humans. Also, their red Golden Retrievers are very intelligent. This breeder makes sure all of their dogs are checked by the vet and have health clearances for any health conditions that might plague this breed. By doing this, they ensure all of their pups are healthy before they go to their loving homes. This breeder was located in Southeast Texas, but they moved to central Texas when Hurricane Harvey happened in .Katian Kennel produces well-trained dogs that do great in both competition and hunting. In fact, many of their Goldens are titleholders. As such, you can be certain their dogs know how to behave at home and during walks. Socialization is one of the most important things for this breeder. As such, they are suitable for homes with other pets and children. As the kennel is located on a farm, their dogs help by checking the goats in the pasture, looking at the ducks in the aviary, but also trailing any wildlife that is on the property, such as deer, squirrels, and rabbits. This also means all their pups do great in hunt tests, field trials, agility, and obedience. At the same time, all of their puppies are checked by a vet and come with proper documents. Other than helping connect buyers and sellers, they also promote the health and wellness of the dogs. They make sure all of the puppies you find on their site are healthy, safe, social, and, most importantly, come from legitimate red Golden Retriever breeders. This is one of the best websites for finding reputable breeders, as they thoroughly check all of their listings for scams and fraud. They will ban breeders who they suspect have dishonest listings. As such, they are definitely a website you should check out. Website: Lancaster Puppies .This seems to be the go-to place for this amazing dog breed. This breeder started their family-owned business in and since then has produced dozens of litters consisting of only top-quality dogs. They have a strict breeding program and aim to pair dogs with only the best features possible to create a perfect Golden Retriever, no matter the color. Not just that, but they also offer boarding, grooming, and training programs. They are veterans in the field and offer various help to aspiring dog owners or Golden owners who might need some help handling their puppies. They will even train an older dog! They state that the joy of pairing clients with the best possible dogs for them is what keeps them going. Other than Golden Retrievers, they also breed Goldendoodles and have a pair of Shih Tzus, so they occasionally have these small dogs for sale as well. Website: Golden Puppies .Its biggest goal is to better the breed by selecting only the finest dogs for their breeding program. They provide their dogs with attention, love, and care to make sure they grow up to be the best dogs possible. They specialize in creating the best dogs in all fields possible. This includes service dogs, hunting dogs, search and rescue dogs, show dogs, and family pets. Website: Northwest Goldens .In fact, they are one of the best breeders statewide. They are home to some of the happiest and healthiest dogs you can find. All of their pups are given lots of attention and care so their personalities can shine through. They make sure all of their dogs have been checked by a vet and given health clearances for the various health conditions this breed is prone to. This includes hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and heart and eye problems. This kennel has been operating since the s! They breed dogs from successful bloodlines, focusing on field trials and hunt tests. All of their dogs are known for their longevity and health but also their great performance in many fields. All of their pups are warrantied against elbow and hip disorders, as well as homozygous genetic defects and progressive retinal atrophy. This makes them one of the healthiest dogs you can get! The breeder has acres of land with various training complexes, so all of their pups are trained and well-behaved. Red Golden Retrievers are very similar to dark Goldens, but they are the result of a genetic variation that occurs thanks to a specific recessive gene. While this means that red Golden Retrievers can occur in litters from parents of different colors, the coat color is still challenging to get. Not just that, but red Golden Retrievers can change color as they grow older. This means that you can never be certain whether your dog will stay red or turn dark golden in time. Show Bred Vs. Field Bred Red Golden Retriever Breeders When looking for Golden Retriever dogs for sale, you can usually see when they come from field dog lines and show dog lines. They are the best of the best, and many will come from champion bloodlines. These dogs cannot participate in dog shows, but they still make amazing working dogs and family pets. For example, some breeders sell dogs at different prices to others. These sellers likely have some features that others do not, which adds to the price. The age of the puppy might also influence the price. While no good red Golden Retriever breeder will agree to sell a dog younger than 8 weeks, the general rule of thumb is the older the puppy, the lower the price. Red Golden Retrievers hardly ever come from champion bloodlines. As such, this is rarely a factor that will make them more or less expensive. Finally, the fact that their coat color is rare makes them much more expensive than their standard counterparts. It is important to never try to save on the price of a dog. Because of this, you should always strive to buy only from the best red Golden Retriever breeders possible. Related Articles:.

How long should puppies stay with their mother? The ideal window is between 8 and weeks-old. They are healthy and adorable, and you want to bring them home as soon as you possibly can. However, the time your puppy spends with their mother and siblings is critical for development, and so it's important to make sure they spend this growth period with their litter. The first month For the first four weeks or so, puppies depend on their mothers for everything. This milk provides all the nutrition the puppies need for the first few weeks after birth. Weaning to solid foods Puppies start to experiment with solid food as early as 3-weeks-old. They still nurse, and mothers continue to produce milk for up to 10 weeks. Some nursing is for nutrition, but it is also a comforting, bonding activity for the puppies. Most puppies are fully weaned to solid food between 7 and 10 weeks of age, although the transition can occur earlier. Learning to speak dog Just as important for puppy development is learning proper canine etiquette and communication as part of a litter. For example, as early as 3 weeks of age, puppies start learning from their mother and siblings to eliminate away from where they sleep, which helps with housebreaking later. The pups are practicing hunting and communication behaviors that they need to perfect. One of the most important skills that puppies learn through play is bite inhibition and not chomping down too hard. If a puppy bites too hard, the other will cry out, signaling that the bite was too rough. Moms will do the same thing or may gently correct the puppies for getting too rough. This is a critical lesson to learn before heading out into the world, as other dogs will be far less tolerant of inappropriate puppy play than Mom! Biting is also a common problem behavior that can land a dog in a shelter or worse later in life. Puppies will also practice a variety of vocalizations and body language, learning to communicate with their siblings and mother. Socialization Puppies have an early critical socialization period from approximately 5 to 14 weeks of age. During this time, puppies are open to learning and experiencing new things, and the things they learn will affect how they go through the rest of their lives. Breeders and other caretakers should be exposing the puppies to novel sights and sounds on a regular basis. Puppies destined to be working or sporting dogs should be exposed to things they will encounter in their future roles, such as sheep wool for herding dogs, a variety of materials and obstacles to climb over for agility dogs, and training scents for future drug and bomb detection dogs. These safe exposures should continue after you bring your puppy home, but early socialization with litter-mates and the mother are also important for building confidence. The puppies will observe how their mother responds to new people and things and then mimic her behavior. If Mom is relaxed and friendly around new people, the puppies will likely be comfortable with strangers. Research has found that puppies who are separated from the litter too early are more likely to show fear, aggression, anxiety, resource guarding, reactivity and inappropriate play biting than puppies who stay with the litter for at least eight weeks. The ideal time The exact time that is best for a puppy to go to its new home can vary by situation, but most breeders and veterinarians agree that 8 weeks of age is a good minimum. Some states have laws in place preventing puppies from being sold any earlier. Eight weeks after birth, the puppy is eating solid food on their own, they have benefited from socializing with litter-mates and observing mom, and they are well within the ideal timeframe to bond with new owners. Breeders may also opt to keep the puppies until 10 or 12 weeks of age. Toy breeds in particular are often kept with the litter until they are 12 weeks old because they are so small and fragile. This gives the pups extra time with the litter, and still has them going to their forever homes in plenty of time to form a strong bond with their new people. And anyone who has welcomed an adult dog into their home knows that dogs of any age will still bond with their new owners as long as they have had socialization with people! Keeping the puppies longer does mean more work for the breeder, since they are responsible for all the puppies during those extra weeks. But if the breeder is putting in that time and effort to give the puppies a great foundation, then the extra time with their litter can be very beneficial to both you and your new puppy. How old must a puppy be to leave its mother? Also, understanding the consequences of adopting a puppy before it is ready to leave its mother. The best age to get a Labrador puppy is 8 weeks old. Let me cut straight to the chase and mention that you should never adopt a Labrador puppy until it is at least 8 weeks old. Even experts recommend adopting a puppy in the 8th week, not even in the 7th. Now, you might be wondering why 8 weeks is so important. Can you take a puppy home at 6 weeks even when you are willing to provide the proper care? Labrador is a very popular and friendly dog in the United States, everybody wants to own a Lab. When can you take a puppy home The best age to take a puppy home is 8 weeks or older. It is not suggested to take a puppy home any earlier than 8 weeks. Taking away a puppy from its mother at an early age will cause apparent issues in development. No matter the level of your care and love for a puppy. Labrador puppies learn from their mother You may wonder why you should adopt a Labrador puppy at some specific age. There are some clear-cut reasons why dog breeders never allow people to adopt Labrador before the 8 weeks. As owners, we should respect this learning period and wait to bring home a puppy at 8 weeks old instead of an early age. Discipline Puppies learn from their mothers. Labrador puppies learn to behave well and get disciplined by their mother even before they are 8 weeks old. At a young age, Labrador puppies throw tantrums that a stern dog mother can handle. Nutrients Not just the behaviors, but Labrador puppies learn to live in every kind of environment from their mother. Therefore it is highly recommended to adopt Labrador after the eighth week. Understanding how to be a dog A dog will learn about new behaviors when it is well aware of its hierarchy and languages. Labrador puppies learn from their mother to communicate and relate with other dogs. Playing correctly, chasing, and having safe interactions is what they learn at the age of 6 to 7th weeks. Adopting a Labrador puppy before the proper age of 8 weeks will be a bad decision. At what age is a dog no longer a puppy? After knowing the right age for adoption, the next point is to know what age is a dog no longer a puppy. So, as a dog parent, you will be able to provide proper food and training for your dog. While adopting a Labrador puppy, keep in mind that this puppy period will last 2 years. It means Labradors are considered mature dogs between the ages of 2 to 2. Noticing new habits and behavior in a 2-year-old Labrador is quite typical. Start training your dog according to its age and maturity to make it a well-behaved Labrador. Furthermore, some points are crucial to discuss when you are about to adopt a Labrador. Photo by Shane Guymon on Unsplash How old should a puppy be to take home? The time of adopting a puppy may vary for some breeds, such as for a Labrador 8 to 12 weeks is the right age. While others 11 to 12 weeks is an excellent age to adopt some puppies. Unfortunately, even at 8 weeks old the puppy is still getting important training from their mothers. We know that puppies are highly active even in the 8 weeks, but they still have some fear and anxiety issues. If you bring home a puppy that is 8 weeks or younger, your puppy might interpret their new transition as traumatic and may get aggressive when you bring it home. Bringing your puppy home If you bring an 8 to 12 weeks old puppy home, it is recommended you follow the steps below. Vaccination Regular vaccination is highly recommended to protect your puppy from viruses. Toilet training Soon after bringing your puppy home, you should start its potty training. Also, teaching your puppy about the basic commands is highly recommended for developing a well-managed puppy. Crate training Along with potty training, crate training is required when you adopt a puppy. In this way, your puppy will sleep in its place without destroying your home. Have food and toys Make sure you have puppy food ready and some puppy-appropriate toys for your new puppy to play with. Consider having some training treats too. Training Classes No matter what is the breed of your puppy, training sessions are highly recommended. Teach your puppy basic commands like no barking, sit, stay, come, etc. Hire a dog trainer or teach your puppy by yourself. Translation missing: en. June 8, Liz Palika Dog breeders and behavioral specialists feel that the week range is the adequate age for most dogs to leave their mother for their new homes. Unfortunately, in talking with other dog trainers, behavioral consultants and behaviorists, we all agree we're seeing a trend of puppies leaving mom and littermates far too young. A puppy who leaves his mother and littermates at five to six weeks of age, or worse yet, even younger, is going to suffer for that throughout his life. Adopting Eight Week Old Dogs Is Typical The traditional age for puppies to leave their mom and littermates and go to their new home has been eight weeks of age. At eight weeks of age most puppies are able to eat well, no longer need to nurse or eat supplemental formula, are mobile, and are aware of their world. They are well socialized to the people in their household and hopefully have also met other animals in the home. They have been exposed to a variety of sights, sounds, and smells and while they pay attention to these things, they are not afraid. At eight weeks of age these puppies are ready to leave their mother and siblings and go to their new home. Nine to Ten Week Old Pups are Typically The Best Age Since some puppies tend to go through a fear period at eight weeks of age an awareness of the world around them that can cause anxiety , many breeders and new owners would prefer to wait one or two more weeks. I brought home Hero, and before him Bones, at nine and a half weeks of age, because I felt that the puppies at that age were a bit more mature and ready for their new lives. One to two weeks can make a big difference. Other dog trainers and behaviorists agree: nine to 10 weeks of age is absolutely fine. In fact at this age, the puppy is past the eight week fear period, if he had one, and he's a bit more confident now. Developmentally, he's ready to learn, explore and figure out what his new life is going to be. Those who breed toy breeds especially, including Chihuahuas, Papillons, and other tiny dogs, will keep the puppies until they are 11 to 12 weeks of age. These tiny puppies can be quite fragile physically and may be slower to mature mentally and emotionally as babies. A few more weeks with their mother and littermates, as well as the people they know in their family, is often best for them. Larger puppies, however, shouldn't wait this long to go to their new homes. Nine to ten weeks of age is fine but any older could be problematic. Not only do large breed puppies grow rapidly, they are also stronger and rowdy, potentially making it more difficult for new owners to bond with this excited, big puppy who is jumping, pawing and otherwise making life difficult. Also, a week-old large-breed puppy is still a dependent baby; by 12 weeks he's changing. It's much easier for new owners to bond with an eight—to week-old puppy. The mother dog has so much to teach the new puppy ; lessons that will affect him all his life, and his littermates teach important lessons as well. If the mother dog has passed away, the littermates need to remain together. To Learn Key Social and Behavioral Traits Puppies who leave their canine family too early will show immediate behavior problems. They will be fearful of many things and show a lack of confidence. They can also be slow to bond to people or will go the other direction, attaching so strongly to their new owners that they will panic when left alone. The ability to soothe himself, to relax when left alone, is missing with most of these puppies. Biting is common. The mother dog teaches the puppy to control his biting as do the puppy's littermates. When puppies go to their new home, some biting is to be expected, as all puppies experiment. But when deprived of these early lessons, the puppy will bite more and harder, and teaching him that biting is not allowed is more difficult. This important transition time ensures that puppies receive all the appropriate nutrition from their mother. This will support the long term health of the puppy. Additionally, interrupting the weaning process too early has behavioral side effects for young dogs. Suckling, even past the need for milk can be a source of comfort while a puppy grows accustomed to eating only solid foods. Taking Puppies Too Young is Illegal In Some States In 26 states , the age at which puppies may be separated from the mother dog or sold is defined by law. Of those, 22 say that puppies must be eight weeks old before they can be sold. Three states—Wisconsin, Virginia, and Maine—require that puppies must be seven weeks old. Some states focus on the age that a puppy can be separated from his mother. Illinois, for example, requires that a puppy be at least eight weeks old before he can be taken from his mother. The laws vary as to who these laws apply to, with some focusing on dog breeders, kennels, and other commercial facilities. Other laws apply to anyone selling puppies, including those on Craigslist. Before buying any puppy, the more you know the better. If an unscrupulous person produces puppies and knows that he can sell them early at six to seven weeks or earlier and avoid paying for food, veterinary care, or other costs, then that cycle will continue. But if more people say no, then perhaps that cycle of human behavior can be changed. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. But why is this? Many studies performed have shown a resulting increase in aggression, over-reactivity, learning problems, fearfulness and anxiety in puppies removed too early. The puppy may throw a tantrum and feel hard done by, but the mother will be stern…although they always follow the discipline with a little nuzzling and some love :- This early and regular dishing out of discipline teaches the puppy about right and wrong, that actions have consequences and bad behavior is punished. If this learning is taken away, the puppy may develop behavioral issues and not accept direction and commands from its owner later in life. This can making training harder and ultimately lead to a less controllable dog. Also, the puppy will itself be the victim of too hard biting, so it gets some first hand experience of how painful it can be. This teaches the puppy that biting too hard hurts and results in bad consequences, so they slowly learn to control their bite. If taken away before these lessons are learnt, the puppy will bite too hard not knowing any better and this can be very dangerous as the puppy matures into a larger and stronger dog. You would have to go through the process of teaching bite inhibition yourself and this can be difficult and even painful work! They learn about hierarchy, canine body language, posturing and vocalizations barking, growling etc. They also learn about things like chasing and how to play correctly with other dogs, also how to interact fairly and safely with other dogs. By removing a puppy too soon, it will miss out on this vital education, will be under-socialized to other dogs and this can easily result in the puppy being fearful of other dogs or just plain not liking other dogs later in life. They Learn Tolerance To Touch A dog needs to be tolerant to touch for health and hygiene reasons and the safety of those around it. And a vet will need to touch a dog all over during a medical examination. So you really need your Labrador to be tolerant of humans touching it all over. A puppy will constantly be bumped, nudged, pawed and climbed all over during its time spent with its litter-mates. This teaches the puppy not to be afraid of touch, to get used to it and be more tolerant. But if a puppy is taken too young it misses out on all this touch and could grow up disliking touch in certain areas of its body. This can result in behavioral issues and even aggression when being touched which for obvious reasons is very undesirable. The things a puppy is socialized to during its first 12 weeks have a profound effect on its level of confidence and levels of fear later in its life. From about 7 weeks onwards, the puppy is very inquisitive and its willingness to approach unknown things and people is at its peak. This period declines at about 12 weeks of age and almost completely ends at 14 weeks where fear begins to creep in as a natural trait essential to survival if it lived in the wild. This is also the time when a Labrador puppy will form their strongest bonds with the humans they spends their time with. Bringing a puppy home at 8 weeks gives you just 4 weeks to do this, bringing one home at 10 weeks gives you only 2! A lack of decent socialization can result in the puppy being fearful of things, places and of human contact. This will put the puppy at greatest ease with the people and places where it will spend its future life. You may wish to bring your puppy home earlier than 8 weeks, but for all the reasons above, you should avoid this entirely. So be very suspicious of the breeder if this is their wish. This is so they themselves can provide a further week of socialization during this critical time and for the puppy to spend more time with their mother and littermates. So for the benefit of you and your Labrador, leave them with their mother and litter-mates until 8 weeks of age. Most dogs will happily bond with and love a new family if given the chance and can be valuable and loving companions. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Reasons for rehoming early At 5 weeks old your puppy still far too immature, physically and psychologically, to leave their mother. Your six week old puppy is weaned, but they still have many doggy lessons to learn from both their mother and their littermates. Like so many aspects of puppy health and welfare, much hinges on whether or not you have found a good, responsible breeder. But those additional two weeks allow the breeder to complete the weaning process and make sure that the puppy is properly settled on solid food. From 6 — 8 weeks pups also still need to learn some important life lessons from their moms and littermates. There are legal requirements governing the sale of puppies in some 25 states in the USA. Most of these laws stipulate that puppies should be over 8 weeks old when they go to their permanent homes. In the UK, law related to puppy breeding, and the age at which they may be sold, was passed in .So what is the purpose of this legislation and why is 8 weeks so important? Why do kennel clubs recommend puppies are not re-homed before 8 weeks? Puppies just start finding their feet and moving around at around four weeks. The mother starts spending less time with them to help them become more independent. Their digestive systems are still immature and they need time to adjust to the solid food. And be protected from stress. With younger puppies, three or four weeks old, the situation is even more serious — and your puppy may die. We get many sad letters here from people that have bought puppies this young and whose puppies are very sick. This is where the lessons not to bite hard start. There are two issues here that need separating. Six weeks is a popular age for many people to want to bring home their Lab puppy. And breeders who sell very young puppies will often explain, quite truthfully, that their six week old puppy is already weaned. But in much of Europe, Australia and North America, most pedigree puppies are not sold until they are around 8 or even 9 weeks old. A few breeders may want puppies to be even older than this. Physically puppies can and do leave their mothers this young, and even younger, though not all such very young puppies will survive. Are they even weaned yet? If your breeder tells you your puppy is already weaned at six weeks old, they are almost certainly telling the truth. The six week old pup still has a very immature digestion and is vulnerable to stomach upsets. More reasons not to rehome pups at 6 weeks But there are other, very important, reasons to leave puppies with their mother for a couple more weeks. And with their brothers and sisters. Most of these have to do with their social and psychological development. This is when the mother teaches her pups most of their doggy manners. From 6 — 8 weeks puppies also really start playing with their littermates — and boisterously. They nip, bump and even roll each other over while they play. All puppies bite. This is a normal part of puppy play. But puppies have to learn how hard they can bite in fun, without actually harming anyone. And one of the most important ways that puppies learn not to bite is from their littermates. This is when puppy play gets rougher and tougher and the puppies teach one another not to bite too hard. During this time puppies also develop a sense of themselves and their bodies as separate from others. Furthermore, much like year old human toddlers, pups from weeks start testing the limits of their own independence. Behavior problems in puppies separated from their mothers too early A study published in compared reported behavioral problems in dogs rehomed at weeks, with those who went to their new homes at 8 weeks. The dogs who were separated from their litters early showed far more of the following behavior problems destructiveness. Why The 8-Week Minimum? Jul 25, Feb 3, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Everyone loves a puppy; they are soft, adorable, pocket-sized, and full of fun. Typically, people try to bring their puppy home as soon as they can once it has been born, but that is not always best for the puppy. So, when can puppies leave their mom safely without having their development affected? Generally, eight weeks is the minimum age a puppy should leave its mom. Before eight weeks, the puppy is going through a serious developmental process both physically as well as mentally, and it needs its mom and littermates with it in order to go through these processes successfully. The puppy will experience its main developmental stages between one and two weeks, then again at around two to four weeks, then once more at about four to eight weeks. Allowing your puppy to go through these stages alongside their mother is essential to providing your puppy with the best shot at becoming a well-behaved and socialized adult dog. Read on to find out why eight weeks is the minimum age puppies should leave mom and what you can set your home up with to make their transition to your pack easier! A Quick Look At Puppy Development To understand why eight weeks is the minimum age puppies should leave their mom, it is important that you understand what happens during their key developmental stages and why having their mom with them is so beneficial. In this stage, the puppy is blind, deaf, has no teeth, and is completely reliant on its mom taking care of it by moving it around, providing it with milk, checking it for intestinal distress, cleaning it, and providing it body heat. To take a puppy away from its mom at this age is almost guaranteeing that the puppy will die from starvation, exposure, or simply giving up. Caring for a puppy without a mother at this age requires specialized vet training. Some breeds of dogs, like Labradors, will open their eyes and ears at about two weeks of age. This may make them seem capable of leaving their mother earlier than eight weeks. However, they still should not be removed until the first eight weeks are up. If you are caring for a mom and a litter of puppies, this stage is one of the most rewarding to watch. Puppies will start opening their eyes and recognizing shapes, light, and things moving around them. At this stage, the puppy is very sensitive to sensory changes. New smells, loud noises, and changes in the environment all have a serious impact on their development. It is vital that this stage is uninterrupted by being moved to a new home and that the puppy does not leave their mother. The puppy needs to be surrounded by the smell of its mother and littermates at this stage, and removing that from them will cause major distress that will affect their personality. They are strong enough to stand up and walk around unaided by their mom. At this point, mom is leaving the whelping box or puppy cage for longer periods of time, and her puppies are being introduced to solid puppy food! This is also the time when the puppies are socializing with their littermates intensely and learning what to do and what not to do. For example, they are learning that playing is super fun but biting hurts and they should not do that. Their mom is now in the role of disciplinarian and is teaching them manners. To an onlooker, it may seem strangely harsh, but she is communicating as gently as possible and punishing them in a way they will understand. During this time, the mom will start producing less milk and weaning her puppies. They will start eating solid puppy food more and more as they get less and less milk. Puppies at this age are explorers and are learning new sights and smells that are separate from their mom and littermates. Puppies start craving attention from humans at this stage. They will start being more independent of their littermates, sleeping through the night, and controlling their bladder and bowels, and they will stop constantly seeking out their mom. They are now ready to go to a new home. Between eight and twelve weeks of age, some puppies go through the fear stage. At the beginning of the eighth week, it is difficult to say whether the puppy is going to go through a fear stage. However, by ten weeks of age, a breeder or rescue center will know whether the puppy is in the fear stage or not. If the puppy is in the fear stage, then it is advisable to wait until the end of the twelfth week to send the puppy to the new home. This is because a big change like that during the fear stage can cause serious behavioral issues later on in life. What Is The Fear Stage? For some unknown reason, a puppy that undergoes the fear stage becomes afraid of everything new and old. The puppy may have had a favorite toy up until this point and all of a sudden, the toy terrifies them. The puppy may have loved its littermates and played with them nonstop, but suddenly, the puppy cowers in a corner when they are near. If you have adopted the puppy at eight weeks and they suddenly enter the fear stage, it is important that you work with them through it and do not abandon them. They will be afraid of loud noises, punishments, big changes, sharp smells, and strange objects. Here are some things you can do to ease their fear stage: Provide them with plenty of contact time. Love and cuddle them often throughout the day. Play with them. By physically playing games, they are distracted from their fear and can start to enjoy life in their new home. Start teaching simple commands to them. This helps to mentally distract them from their fear. It will also make their later training easier. Place their bed in a calm and quiet area of the house so they are not constantly disturbed by other people and pets. There are many things that you need to bring a puppy home. Some of them are essential, and others are more non-essential luxury items. However, there are a couple of things you absolutely should have prepared to make the transition from being with their mother and littermates to your home easier. First, take a soft toy and a blanket with you when you pick your puppy up, especially if they have a mother and littermates present. Do the same thing with the soft toy. I love Calmeroos Plush Heartbeat Toys because they come with a heat pack and emit a subtle heartbeat. Puppies can be dirty or flea-ridden when they arrive at your home. Sometimes, they can come from a well-known breeder or adoption center and be spotless but mess on the way home and need to be bathed and combed as soon as possible! This way, they will smell nice and fresh. If your puppy has fleas, then they need to be treated for them as soon as possible, as fleas can become life-threatening to puppies. Puppies at eight weeks are still in their chewing phase and will love to get their teeth into anything they can. Provide them with a chew toy or chew sticks that are safe for puppies. Have some food ready for them when they get home in a nice, stable stainless steel bowl like this one Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Dog Bowl. A stable bowl like this one will not be tipped over easily, which will not frighten them. Finally, remember that puppies mess, even if you are super diligent at their house training. Be sure to buy some Amazon Basics Dog and Puppy Pads to keep in their sleeping area to reduce the amount of clean-up you have to do. In many states, it is illegal to adopt a puppy younger than eight weeks old. However, some states do allow you to adopt from six weeks of age. It is always a good idea to check on your state law before adopting any animal to ensure you are abiding by the laws and do not run the risk of your puppy being taken away from you. What happens to puppies who leave their mom too early? Puppies who are separated from their mother and littermates too early are susceptible to a number of different behavioral and physical problems now and as they develop into adult dogs. Puppies who are separated too early can suffer from aggression and be prone to constant barking. Why could I only get my Chihuahua at 12 weeks old? These dogs grow more slowly than other breeds like Labradors , Golden Retrievers , and German shepherds. Breeders and dog lovers alike all agree they are too vulnerable to go to new homes until they are slightly bigger at 11 to 14 weeks old. Rolling Over On Puppies Leaving Mom… Eight weeks is the general consensus among professionals on when puppies can safely leave their mothers. At eight weeks old, puppies should be fully weaned and moving about independently. Between eight and ten weeks, they will be ready for a new home and a new adventure! Taking care of a puppy on its first night is stressful for you and them! However, it can be fun and exciting, too. 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.