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Life Span Did You Know? The American Bulldog is a descendant of a generic bulldog type of dog breed brought into the region that is now the Southern United States by working-class immigrants many years ago. These were all-around working dogs used by small farmers and ranchers for several tasks around the farm. They were often found working as catch dogs, stock dogs, and overall farm guardians. When feral pigs were introduced to the New World, they had no natural predators and the population quickly grew out of control. In addition to their farm duties, the settlers found the bulldog-type dog to be the best solution they had for dealing with it. So, the bulldog continued to thrive, especially in the South. Johnson and Alan Scott that we have what we know today as the American Bulldog. Modern American Bulldogs can still be found working as all-around utility dogs, farm dogs, catch dogs, cattle drovers, and more. They can also be found competing in dog sports, working as a guardian, police, or military dog, and are also popular as a family pet. This dog breed is a sweetheart with a gentle, fun-loving nature. The American Bulldog is affectionate and adores their families. They also love children and tend to be good with other animals. American Bulldogs can have a high prey drive, so you will want to make sure you introduce and socialize them properly with other small animals in the household. Due to their protective nature, they can be aloof towards strangers and strange dogs, especially when they are younger. Early socialization can help them be more comfortable navigating their guardian instincts. Overall, this dog breed tends to be confident, social, and are most at ease and relaxed when they are with the people they love. American Bulldogs are an emotional dog breed and thrives on human attention and affection, so they tend to bond strongly with their owners and may come across as clingy sometimes. They will also often convince themselves that they are lap dogs regardless of their size, so make sure you are ready for a lot of love and cuddles with your American Bulldog, drool and all! The American Bulldog is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They are strong, high-energy working dogs that love being around their favorite humans. This makes them better suited to larger homes with space for them to run. They are not generally a good fit for apartment living, but they can adapt as long as they get more than enough exercise and attention. Because they do tend to bond strongly with their owners and want to be near them, they do not tend to do well with long periods of time alone. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold, but can adapt to well to most climates. There are some health issues that can be found in specific genetic lines and are not common to the breed overall, but these can be ruled out with genetic tests. Some potential health conditions to be aware of in general with the American Bulldog include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, thyroid disorders, kidney disorders, bone cancer, and eye-related issues like ectropion, entropion, and cherry eye. Talking to the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and asking to see any health clearances can help allay potential concerns. American Bulldogs are highly trainable and eager to please, so they are a good fit for owners of any experience level, including first-time dog owners. They can have a stubborn streak, so a first-time dog owner may want to consider enrolling in puppy training classes. As with any dog breed, early and ongoing training and socialization are important for your American Bulldog puppy to grow into a well-rounded, and a well-behaved, dog. This dog breed has a short coat that is generally smooth. Common coat colors are white and predominately white with patches of brindle, black, or red. More coat color patterns are emerging and becoming more common like all shades of brindle, fawn, brown, red, and more. The American Bulldog is relatively low maintenance and easy to groom and they are light to moderate shedders. They only require a bath as needed. But, you will need to be prepared to deal with some extra drool! Floppy ears tend to trap moisture and dirt, which can lead to ear infections. The ideal dental care for dogs is using an enzyme toothpaste or brushing their teeth every day. Dental hygiene chews or treats, a specially-formulated dental care diet, and more can be used to supplement your dental care efforts. The American Bulldog is an athletic and high-energy dog breed. They love daily walks and plenty of playtime outside. They may even enjoy plenty of other activities with you like swimming, hiking , and more. With their working dog background, this dog breed does need a job to do in order to stay happy and healthy. They also tend to be a good candidate for dog sports like obedience, weight pulling, the Iron Dog competition, and more. A fully-grown American Bulldog usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. An American Bulldog generally lives for years. Chance, one of the canine stars from the Homeward Bound films, was an American Bulldog. Featured American Bulldog Article. A lot of our females are mistaken for males because of their muscle and stature. Even though we prefer the bully type, we continue to strive to improve on structure and health to better the breed. Scroll down to see the females that are currently part of our program. She is a very thick female American Bulldog. Barley has that bulk muscle and still very ripped and refined. As you might be able to tell she has that very bully look to her. She loves people and children. Barley does good with other dogs but does tent to be a little bossy. LaLa and Mollie are basically twins and very similar except for their coloring. LaLa is also super sweet and loves people and other dogs. She is owned by our friends Nathan and Laverne. She is a very thick girl overall. Mollie is extremely well put together. She has near perfect structure. Mollie is super sweet and loves people and other dogs. She is owned by our friends Chuck and Suzi. She is a spitting image of her dad Moo with great proportions and a really thick rear. She excels at weight pull. Katana is a big thick muscular girl. We like what she has produced for us and her pups will be the main focus of our kennel moving forward. She has great height to her with a huge massive rear. Great temperament she loves everyone and never seems to be bothered by anything. We plan on using Moscatta to keep the athleticism going in our line. Looking forward to seeing what this girl produces. Nona has a lot of drive and a super confident temperament. She should be a part of adding big size back into our program. Nona is that dog you can literally take anywhere.
Bernedoodle Breeders California: Conclusion Choosing Responsible Bernedoodle Breeders in California So, the very first issue you could encounter when looking for a Bernedoodle breeder is scammers. These individuals set up fake social media accounts and post pictures of puppies that they source online in the hopes of tricky unfortunate hopefuls pet parents out of the cost of a deposit. Of course, just as soon as the money leaves your account, they disappear without a trace. It can be tricky to spot the difference between a real breeder and a faker. The latter often take great pains to make their operation look truly authentic. See Also: Click the image Another common issue is puppy mills. In this case, the dogs themselves are really real, but they are bred and raised in subpar facilities by people who are looking to make as much money as possible. The animals are just a means to an end for the breeders and so are often kept in appalling conditions where they are bred and bred and bred. Any puppies from these facilities will likely have numerous health problems. Puppy mills are a common problem in the States today. They can be tough to recognize if you are not able to visit your puppy before purchasing them. Make sure you thoroughly research any breeder that you deal with and carefully read all reviews. Facilities registered with these are often but not always demonstrating their commitment to safe and responsible breeding. Ensure Appropriate Health Checks One of the main responsibilities of breeders is to ensure they are using disease-free parent dogs for the continued health of the Bernedoodle line. They do this by putting the pups through comprehensive genetic screening that highlights whether they may have any genetic issues that could be passed onto their offspring. Responsible breeders will be happy to share the details of these tests with any prospective buyers. See Also: Click the image Look For a Health Guarantee The best way a breeder can demonstrate their confidence in their puppies is by providing the customers with a health guarantee. While the terms and duration of these can vary somewhat, generally, they last for around one to two years and basically state that if any issues develop as a result of genetic defects, the buyer can return the puppy for a full refund. Seek Recommendations from A Trusted Source A great way to find a breeder you can trust is to ask around. While friends and family are the best source of advice, there are also numerous reputable websites with reviews like this one and Yelp! There is also a large community of Doodle lovers who only want the best for these darling dogs that can be found on Reddit and in Facebook groups — make sure to use that to your advantage. Read Online Reviews You can learn a lot about the trustworthiness of breeding facilities and how they interact with their customers from online reviews. Luckily for us, we live in a world where people enjoy sharing their experiences — both good and bad. They specialize in all sizes of the Bernedoodle, from the smallest Toy Bernedoodles up to the largest Standard Bernedoodles. At Bernedoodles And Co, their main goal is to breed puppies for temperament, health, and as they say, adorableness. They raise all of their pups in a loving family environment alongside children, which ensures that these little Doods receive all the care and love that they deserve. By the way, this is also a great way for the puppies to socialize with the whole family and adjust to a home environment with all of its sights and sounds. They also utilize guardian homes so that all of their dogs and puppies are constantly cared for and nurtured. Their Bernedoodle puppies come in a variety of cute coat colors, including the highly coveted tri-color and bi-color phantom patterns as well as solid colors like apricot, black, caramel, chocolate, red, and tan. What Makes This Breeder Unique? Their puppies are all born from health tested parents and some of their pups have even gone on to become certified therapy dogs. Waitlist: Yes. We fell in love with Doodles when our son raised a puppy to be a future service dog and we wanted to do more. You can read more about how we began this journey by reading Our Story below. We understand how difficult it can be to identify reputable breeders from the puppy mills and online brokers, so we have partnered with TellTail. Feel free to click the TellTail badge to verify our ID and confirm our identity. We are also happy to connect by phone so you can feel comfortable in who you are choosing to raise your future family. Our Story My husband and I have been married 30 years and have two sons. Over a dozen years ago, we fell in love with Doodles when our youngest son raised a Doodle puppy to be a future service dog as part of his Eagle Scout Project. In the blink of an eye, we welcomed Luke, a shaggy doodle puppy into our home and hearts and my son spent a year taking this sweet boy with us everywhere. This was our introduction to Doodles and we were smitten - low shedding, low allergen, affectionate and Muppet cute. We set about learning all we could about responsible breeding practices, canine health and longevity, canine genetics, inheritable diseases and their prevention and very importantly the best methods of puppy raising to shape future temperament. During our deep dive into all things Doodle, we considered many breeds, including Goldendoodles and Labradoodles. We wanted a medium size since not all veterans had large homes and yards. We prioritized health, trainability, intelligence and friendliness. And of course we needed to ensure we had the low allergen, low shedding qualities that would make them easy to live with and take into restaurants and retail establishments. We loved the Goldendoodle puppy we raised, but his energy level was high and Goldens and Labs are know for maturing slowly, essentially staying a puppy until they are a year or two years old. It was essential to us to include a working breed that comes into their brains quickly as this would be an important trait for a service dog. And knowing what traits were important for a service dog, meant they would then also be excellent for therapy work and as family companions. So we began our program with Australian Mountain Doodles at the time, we called them Aussie Bernedoodles , as well as Bernedoodles and Aussiedoodles. To my knowledge, we were the first to do the Aussie Bernedoodle cross which combines the good natured, calm and strong attributes of the Bernese Mountain Dog, the smart, work-oriented Australian Shepherd and of course the versatile, intelligent, low shedding, low allergen Poodle. We consider ourselves fortunate to have been raising these amazing Doodles in Southern California since .In , we made the decision with extended family to re-locate my parents and ourselves in order to be more present in their later years. So we rounded up the Doodles and my coffee pot okay there was a lot more involved but those were essential and made the transition to the Oregon Coast where we continue to raise healthy, affectionate, family-friendly, hypo-allergenic Bernedoodles and Australian Mountain Doodles. This is a family affair and we are devoted to our Doodles full time. This means no vacations, no out of town weddings, no being away for more than a few hours and every day begins and ends with their needs being put first. It takes a huge commitment and a lot of passion to devote ourselves so entirely to placing healthy, happy puppies with new families. We are always evaluating, refining and striving to improve our program. We try to do what is best for our dogs and future puppy owners while trying to maintain a balance with our family. Below are some photos from a trip to Knotts Berry Farm with the Doodle that started it all. We would like to see every family pet come from a responsible source. If you truly love dogs and want the best for all canines, you should also support the idea of responsible breeding. If the only dogs you deem acceptable are the messes made by irresponsible breeding or negligence, purchased through the proxy of rescue, and you demonize the practice of breeding or the expansion of healthier hybrids, then what you are saying is that the only dogs that should have a place in this world are those bred irresponsibly. Better breeding goes hand in hand with responsible rescue. The critical window to set puppies up for good adult behavior is when they are weeks of age with being the most critical. Our puppies are raised in a loving environment and from healthy, happy parents who were genetically tested to be free of common issues so they can live long, happy lives with their people. We take great care, raising each puppy to ensure they are well-rounded and prepared for their new life with you. When making decisions about our breeding programs, we prioritize the physical and emotional health, and well-being of our breeding dogs above all else. Healthy, happy moms make for healthy, happy puppies. We ensure the moms feel loved and cared for so that they in turn are excellent tenders of their puppies. The puppies are held everyday and weight checks are done regularly to ensure they are gaining weight and thriving. Every puppy in addition to mom is loved on and nurtured every day. We follow and utilize three methods of early neurological stimulation and handling for our puppies, timed to coincide with specific periods in the puppies life where they are most receptive to it. This method utilizes tactile and thermal stimulation and 3 positioning exercises, done once daily when the puppies are days old. When puppies receive consistent, non-traumatic handling, they become more outgoing and friendly and show less inclination to be fearful when they are older. This encourages the puppies development into an emotionally balanced mature dog and ultimately a better family companion for you. Puppy Culture is a comprehensive guide as to what can be done with and for puppies at each point in their development to ensure the best possible outcome for the puppy. It's a "how to" on raising confident, happy puppies, using early neurological stimulation, enrichment and resiliency exercises to encourage the best out of each puppy at each stage of its development. Puppy Culture utilizes clicker training however we believe the doodle breeds we are raising are easily motivated with treat training and rely on that method instead. So many breeders underestimate the role a good gut biome plays in the health of their breeding dogs. What mom is eating while pregnant and lactating, passes to the puppies and affects their health as well. This is huge! The fact that breeders have the ability to influence the health of their puppies into adulthood for their future families is a game changer. We feed a nutrient-dense, biologically appropriate food to our dams and sires. We include prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes, goats milk, fresh foods and veggies and no inflammatory grains or excess carbohydrates. We raise chickens and ducks using fermented organic feed, sprouted barley and fresh scraps from our garden so our canines have the very best natural eggs for their meals. We rotate proteins and products, including raw, lightly cooked, freeze-dried, air-dried and a small amount of Farmina kibble in different varieties. All of this is done to support their gut, skin and coat health. We believe in the most natural approach possible. We use no pesticides around our home, We exercise great caution to only use necessary deworming protocols and minimize toxic chemicals on and around our dogs. Protecting their immune system improves gut health and consequently the health of their future puppies. We ensure our adults and puppies lead happy lives. Some of our pack live with different family members so we still have great influence on their condition, feeding and vet care. I groom them at my home so they regularly visit and hang out. A few live in local guardian homes that we trust. They whelp and raise their puppies in our home. They love and trust us and are comfortable going through such a momentous and emotional time as childbirth with us close by. I cannot emphasize enough how stress on mom channels as stress in the puppies and can influence their future personalities. Happy moms make happy puppies. We are a boutique breeder of well-loved, home-raised, and health-tested Bernedoodles in Southern California. We have approximately four litters per year so that our dogs and their puppies will have as much personal attention from us as possible, including early neurological stimulation and early socialization through many Puppy Culture protocols. Our puppies are raised in our home and around our three children who help provide plenty of noise and cuddles. Worth the Wait While we usually have a month waiting list, we do sometimes have surprise openings, and I promise we are worth the wait! Most stop at genetic testing. But we also do CBC blood chem and protein-creatinine ratio to make sure our dogs have excellent kidney and liver function before breeding. We know that many people are excited about the bernedoodle breed; however, it is very important to us that the interest in our pups runs deeper than a fad. Giving Back Ten percent of all our proceeds go to wonderful non-profit organizations such as Compassion International, an amazing humanitarian aid ministry that helps children in need all over the world; the International Justice Mission, which fights human trafficking here in the US and abroad, rescuing and restoring victims of trafficking and oppression; and the Dream Center Los Angeles, which is a resource center that provides support to those affected by homelessness, hunger, and addiction. It is a JOY to support these organizations! They are not for breeding. We have a strict spay and neuter contract with all our families. Though I grew up in a suburb of San Diego, I was a farm girl at heart, taking care of my own little garden as well as many animals over the years, i. I would find baby doves and hummingbirds that had fallen from their nests and try to nurse them back to health. I must have missed my calling in veterinary medicine and opted for a degree in journalism instead. When I first discovered the Bernedoodle, I absolutely fell in love. Put those two breeds together and get the best of both worlds? Yes please! I also loved that the gorgeous tri-color markings of the Bernese Mountain Dog sometimes could be maintained while creating a non-shedding, hypoallergenic coat especially for people like my middle daughter who suffers from allergies to dogs with fur and creating a new breed with the potential to live longer than the Bernese Mountain Dog, which often has a shorter life span comparatively. My husband, our three children, and even my in-laws all help contribute to the well-being of our dogs. We hope you enjoy looking through our gallery and that we might be able to assist you in finding your future fur baby! Here he comes, leaping across the mountains, bounding over hills. Bernedoodle breeder in California. Bernedoodle puppies South California. Bernedoodle puppies in San Diego. Bernedoodle puppies Los Angeles. Bernedoodle puppies Santa Barbara. Bernedoodle puppies Central Coast California. Bernedoodle puppies San Francisco. Bernedoodle puppy for sale in California. Bernedoodle puppy for sale in Southern California. Best Bernedoodle breeder in California. Best Bernedoodle breeder in Southern California. Best Bernedoodle breeder in SoCal. Health tested bernedoodle puppies California. Genetic tested bernedoodle puppies California. Share this:. We are located on the beautiful central coast of California, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. We have five picturesque, country acres and are surrounded by vineyards, cattle, goats, donkeys, and many puppies. My husband and I began breeding puppies many years ago while our children still lived at home. They are now long gone so we get to share this unique and rewarding experience with our grandkids, who are our chief socializers! We jumped at the opportunity as these dogs are not only popular but exquisite as well. We are proud to say we strive for and attain the same high quality standards that she requires as we are honest, principled and conduct ourselves with the utmost integrity. It is also convenient that our properties are adjacent to one another as we often share and collaborate on various dog related topics and issues. We are dedicated to raising quality Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles which come from health-tested parents with excellent bloodlines and outstanding personalities. Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality puppy in addition to excellent customer service. We are confident that you will enjoy working with us as you find the puppy that is just right for you and your family. Their consistency with coat type, structure and temperament has really come together over the last few years. What is a multigenertaional Bernedoodle? A multigen Bernedoodle is a Doodle who has two Doodle parents past the F2 generation. F1- Bernese Mountain dog or any coated breed crossed with a poodle. The degree of shedding and furnishings will vary. F1b- F1 Doodle crossed back to a Poodle. F2- F1 Doodle crossed with another F1 Doodle. This is the most inconsistent generation of Doodles. With any combination on those two locus. Our multigen mini Bernedoodles mature in the lb range and will all have at least one copy of furnishings. Our standard multigen Bernedoodles will mature in the lb range. We strive for fully furnished, straight or wavy coats that are as low to non shedding as possible. Genetic coat testing is done on all of our breeding dogs to ensure we match up only the best possible pair both health and coat wise. We put a lot of time and effort into making sure our matches are perfect. How Big are Bernedoodles vs. Mini Bernedoodles? They are anywhere from inches tall, depending on sex and influence from the breeds that they originate from. Mini Bernedoodles average between 25 to 59 pounds in weight and can be anywhere from 18 to 22 inches tall. They are a great size for those who want the temperment of an adorable Bernedoodle without the large size. What is The Temperament of a Bernedoodle? The Bernedoodle has a calm and gentle nature. They are sweet, loving, cuddly, and great with children. They tend to have an easier going nature which also means they can be slower to learn something new when it comes to training. What colors do Bernedoodles commonly come in? Each Bernedoodle has its own unique coat, much like their personalities. Depending on their genetic coat make up, they can have straigh, wavy or curly coats. We breed all sizes of this adorable breed! Whether you are looking for a regular Bernedoodle or a Mini Bernedoodle, Shady Oak Doodles can provide you with the perfect puppy! Bernedoodles Litters For Sale.
We're here to help! We firmly believe that if you are going to do something in life, do it the right way and do it as best as you can. We view our puppies as extensions of our family. The adoption process is an opportunity to blend our family and yours, and we keep in touch with many of our puppies' families over the years. Our advanced health testing, cutting-edge socialization, and continual customer support provide the best experience possible for families who adopt our golden retrievers. We know purchasing a puppy is a huge decision in your life, and we invite you to join us. We believe in good health. Many breeders focus on a "show" quality dog or a certain look. At Summer's Goldens, we focus on life-long family companions. While we carry many Champion bloodlines, we use careful genetic selection to lower the COI Coefficient Of Inbreeding of our dogs and improve the breed. Lower COI contributes to better long-term health and benefits golden retrievers as a whole. We don't breed just for today; we breed with the future in mind to have healthy, happy golden retrievers for decades to come. We follow the health-testing guidelines of the American Kennel Club and the Golden Retriever Club of America by examining our adult dogs' hips, elbows, eyes, and heart. We only want the finest goldens to become mothers and fathers. We also do genetic testing through Embark , one of the most reputable and thorough genetic companies. By pairing healthy, genetically diverse parents, we provide the best possible conditions for puppies to live long and healthy lives. This is especially important for purebred dogs like golden retrievers. Not only do we focus on health, but we also take extra care to socialize our puppies well. We strive to cultivate friendly personality traits in our Golden Retriever Puppies for sale. High-quality socialization during the first two months of a puppy's life is one of the most critical components of its lifelong development. Socialization provides a strong foundation for emotionally healthy, well-adjusted adult dogs. This is easy to claim but hard to do. There simply is no replacement for quality time spent with puppies. We follow the lead of Dr. Carmen L. Battaglia and start with early neurological stimulation ENS when the puppies are just three days old. We continue thorough socialization until the puppies leave us. This includes exposing our puppies to a variety of different surfaces to walk on; human touch all over their bodies; temperature changes; different sounds like fireworks, doorbells, cats meowing, and car engines; children; baths and nail trims, and more. We want our puppies to be more than just physically healthy; we want them to be mentally and emotionally ready for their future families. You are welcome to read our reviews on Google and Facebook , as well as the Testimonials on our site. Our goal is to improve the breed of golden retrievers and provide outstanding companions for families. Contact us today and experience joy through our golden retrievers! What can you expect when you pick up your puppy? All of our puppies receive plenty of love and attention. We include a care package with every puppy to help you get started on the right paw. It includes the puppy's baby photos, a blanket with the mother's scent, toys, a bag of the puppy's current food, and more to help your puppy transition as smoothly as possible. We offer lifelong support for every puppy and welcome families' questions and updates. We feel responsible for our puppies and want them to have loving homes their entire lives. We ask potential families to complete the Puppy Application on our website. We allow families to choose their puppy based on the order of deposits received. All deposits are non-refundable unless we do not have a puppy for you. Please contact Marta with any questions! Where do our Golden Retrievers live? Check out the state pages devoted to each location where our Golden Retriever adopters live in the Midwest. Share 0 Shares I love Golden Retrievers , and so do you if you are visiting this website! They are such lovable dogs and make great family pets. If you are an active person, they will be your best workout buddy and if you love to swim, they will be there right by your side. There are many different colors of Golden Retriever such are red, dark golden, lightly golden, and cream. To bring home the perfect Golden Retriever means that you need the perfect breeder. The Golden Retriever puppies should also be well socialized before going to their forever home and be screened for genetic hereditary problems including hip and elbow problems. Make sure their Goldens are also AKC registered as well! Golden Clover Retrievers They are devoted to breeding to the standards, using healthy Goldens, and producing puppies that are healthy and will be coming loving and wonderful adults and make fantastic family pets! Their Goldens go camping with them and they live on 3. One thing they make sure of is to support their dams and sires on NuVet which helps them with their joints to be able to produce happy and healthy puppies. They love their dogs, and it really shows on their website so visit it today! Name of Owner.
However, it does not mean that the foodle is not fond of the other family members. It mingles freely with children, but proper training is required at a young age. Since it has the inherent marking and hunting instincts of its Poodle parent, it is not compatible with the other small household pets. It is naturally attentive and alert to its surroundings, making it suitable for watching and guarding activities. The foxipoo alerts its owner of an impending danger with a loud bark. Care Exercise Plenty of activities with long jogging and playing sessions are needed to keep them fit and happy. Taking them out on a leash for long brisk walks every day is recommended. As they are a good jumper and fast runner, allow them to play freely inside fenced yards. Grooming Its coat is easy to take care of and does not need much maintenance. Just brush its coat once a week to keep away dead hairs. Keep its fur clean by bathing with a mild shampoo. Since their ears are prone to accumulating dirt, cleaning them gently with a cotton ball is recommended. Health Problems Although no breed-specific health issues are known, you should check out for the general dog disorders like hip dysplasia and luxating patella. Training Since the foodle inherits the characteristic intelligence of its parent breeds, it can easily be trained. To make it more sociable and friendly, especially with the other pets, introduce the puppies to obedience and socialization training by adopting firm and consistent methods. You may take professional help while teaching the dog how to perform tricks, but do employ innovative methods because repetition of the same tricks may induce boredom and stubborn behavior. Feeding The foodle requires the same kind of diet common to other small-sized dogs. You may provide it with dry dog food regularly, divided into two equal amounts each measuring around half a cup. Fresh fruits and vegetables make excellent treats, but do not give onions, garlic, cherries, raisins, grapes, mushrooms, currants, raw potatoes, apricots, and rhubarb as they are fatal for your pet. Interesting Facts Because of their extremely strong bite, these dogs often cause damage to their toys while playing. Some foodles may develop allergic reactions when exposed to grass. Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. Often occur with allergies and intolerances. Numbness Often occurs in old age. Bone Cancer May occur with age. Ataxia can occur even when there is no paralysis paresis , that is, when there is normal muscle strength. Myelopathy Degenerative myelopathies of dogs are a series of slowly progressing neurological diseases associated with destruction of the spinal cord. These diseases are associated with slowly progressive movement disorders of the hindquarters. Epilepsy Definition: Dog has epilepsy if, for example, at least two epileptic seizures occur more than 24 hours apart. Cataract Cataracts are still one of the most common causes of blindness, even in dogs. Patellar problems Problems with the Patellar can be a displacement or weak kneecap, which is one of the most common causes of lameness in dogs, also because of overweight. FAQ What is a poodle-fox terrier mix? What do poodle and fox terrier mixes look like? Poodle and fox terrier mixes can look different, but they typically have the characteristic curly coat of the poodle and the muscular build of the fox terrier. Are poodle and fox terrier mixes good family dogs? Poodle and Fox Terrier mixes make excellent family dogs. They are usually intelligent, active and loving dogs that enjoy being with people. How much exercise does a poodle-fox terrier mix need? Poodle and Fox Terrier mixes are active dogs that need plenty of exercise. A daily walk or run will help keep them happy and healthy. Author Sissi Author Sissi is a blogger since , came on the dog .Since then she struts daily her steps with Loki through the world. The Beagdor Labrador-Beagle mix is a therapy dog for children and also accompanies her to schools. Secretly she fancies a French Bulldog as a second dog. Sissi is a blogger since , came on the dog .Useful Articles. Remember, it is all going to depend on genetics and chance, and whichever purebred parent your Foodle crossbreed takes after most. If you are able to meet the parents of your potential pup, their coat color can give you an indication of what you might expect in your Fox Terrier Cross Poodle pup. They are known for their spunk and lively spirit, and this little dog is said to be childlike-in-manner with an affinity for play and excitement. Because they are extremely active, they will be more suitable for families with children who are over the age of five. Smaller children could excite this breed, that enjoys playing rambunctiously. They will often chase after youngsters and can sometimes nip out of excitement. While not an aggressive breed, Fox Terriers were bred for hunting and have an incredibly high prey drive. For this reason, they should not be left unsupervised around smaller household pets like cats, rodents, or birds. However, Fox Terriers do well with other household dogs. Though they are rather intelligent, the Fox Terrier does have a tendency to bore easily and can become stubborn if they do not want to do something. Poodle Temperament While the Poodle was also bred for hunting, the Toy Poodle was created to be a family companion. Because they still have a high prey drive, and although they are small, they are likely to chase after smaller animals instinctually. The Toy Poodle is very affectionate and enjoys being around family. However, their small size may not make them suitable for very young children who could accidentally harm them. Despite their proud look and fancy coat, the Poodle enjoys being a dog and loves getting messy! Foodle Temperament Considering the Poodle and the Fox Terrier are both active, intelligent, and fun-loving breeds, you can expect for your Fox Terrier Poodle Cross to share the same traits. This breed has a lot of personality and can be comical at times. They enjoy being around their family and are generally good with older children and other dogs. It is also the reason they should be kept on a leash when out of the house as they may have a strong urge to chase things. And the Foodle could be a bit stubborn, like their Fox Terrier parent, or eager to please, like their Poodle parent. With the Fox Terrier in them, they may wander off and start doing their own thing if they get bored. Furthermore, always use positive reinforcement, as well as the treat-based reward system with this breed. The Fox Terrier side of your pet may not respond well to harsh treatment. As with any dogs, we recommend early socialization and obedience training to reduce anxiety in your Foodle and to better ensure they are adaptable and well-rounded in any setting. Foodle Exercise Requirements Both the Poodle and the Fox Terrier breeds are active dogs that will require a certain amount of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. However, the Foodle is a smaller dog, so a brisk walk, a romp in the yard, or even some play in the home should be enough to meet their exercise needs. Since the Foodle dog comes from a pair of rather brainy breeds, they will need mental stimulation as well as physical exercise to keep them out of trouble. Teaching them new tricks, offering them doggy jobs, or even providing them with some doggy puzzles will help keep them sharp and entertained. Both parent breeds also excel at canine sports and thus your Foodle could too. Foodle Health And Care Determining things like lifespan and what types of health issues they may be prone to can be difficult with a crossbreed such as the Fox Terrier Poodle. For that reason, we recommend looking at the lifespan and any health issues that could potentially come from both the purebred parents. Eye Conditions The Fox Terrier tends to have more eye issues than some other breeds. They are particularly susceptible to cataracts, glaucoma, lens luxation, and distichiasis. Cataracts often affect older dogs and are hallmarked by a cloudy or filmy look to the eye. They can impair vision and may eventually cause blindness. The severity can vary, and more severe cases may be treated with surgery. Glaucoma in dogs is much the same as in humans. The slow deterioration of the optic nerve causes vision loss and potentially blindness if left untreated. It can be painful for your pet as well. Symptoms include redness in the whites of the eyes, a bluish look to the corneas, squinting, and watery eyes. If you notice these signs in your dog it is an emergency and you should visit your vet right away. Primary Lens Luxation PLL is an eye condition that occurs when the fibers that hold the lens in place start to breakdown. The fibers can eventually break and the lens falls out of place. If it falls forward it can interfere with circulation and lead to another optical condition called secondary glaucoma. Treatment is on a case by case basis, but surgery is sometimes needed to remove the fallen lens. Distichiasis is when additional eyelashes grow in the margins of the eyelid. This condition can occur on the upper or lower lids and often occurs in both eyes. It irritates the eye, causing redness, inflammation, discharge, and pain. Distichiasis can also cause ulcers on the eye. Treatment can include removing the extra lashes. Joint Problems Fox Terriers are prone to a couple of joint-related issues: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Both of these conditions cause a deterioration of the affected joint and can lead to arthritis. In the case of elbow dysplasia, a piece of the bone may have broken off and is floating around inside the joint. Symptoms include lameness in the front leg s , stiffness, limping, and external rotation of the paw of the affected leg. Treatment can involve medication, weight management, and exercise limitations. It can also require surgery to remove the bone fragments. In the case of hip dysplasia, the hip socket does not fit together correctly, and consequently, there is a lot of friction and grinding within the joint. Symptoms include lameness in the hind legs, difficulty running, jumping, or climbing stairs, looseness in the joint, decreased range of motion, and a swaying gait. Treatment often involves anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, exercise restrictions, and weight management. It occurs when the kneecap slips out of place. It can vary in severity, occurring occasionally or frequently. The signs of patellar luxation include occasional skipping as the dog runs and hind leg lameness. Treatment can often involve surgery, especially in cases where dislocation occurs frequently. While the condition is not totally understood at this time, it is believed to be caused by decreased blood flow to the hip. This lack of sufficient blood leads to a brittle femur thigh bone which can fracture quite easily. It causes lameness in the back legs and pain. Surgery is often required. Heart Disease Like many breeds, the Fox Terrier is prone to heart disease. In fact, this is the leading cause of death in older Fox Terriers. Heart disease is the result of a weakening or deformation in the heart valves that allow a backflow of blood in the heart. This puts more strain on the heart. Pulmonic Stenosis is another heart condition common to this breed. It is caused by a partial obstruction of the blood flow between the lungs and the heart. Similar to the effect of heart disease, this puts additional strain on the heart. Signs of pulmonic stenosis include difficulty breathing, coughing, and stunted growth. In more severe cases the dog may faint or run out of energy during bouts of exercise. If the condition is severe it is usually treated surgically. Deafness This is a breed that is prone to hereditary deafness. Research has found that this type of deafness is more often found in animals with white pigmentation. It has been found to correlate in other dog breeds as well as other species, like cows, cats, and horses. Despite this list, Fox Terriers are known to be a healthy breed with a long lifespan. And many hereditary conditions can and should be screened for. Be sure to use a breeder that can show you proof of health testing. There are currently no testing schemes for Fox Terriers. This is a degenerative eye disease that leads to blindness. It tends to present anywhere from 3 to 9 years of age and results in total blindness in 1 to 2 years. PRA is not painful, and it is difficult to detect early on. Night vision is affected first, resulting in night blindness. There is currently no cure for this disease. It is a serious condition as these hormones are important for sustaining life. Signs of this condition can include gastrointestinal issues, poor appetite, and lethargy. Their heart function can be affected If the dog becomes stressed, and it can sometimes cause arrhythmias or even heart failure. Testing can be done to confirm a diagnosis. Treatment generally involves daily medication. Sebaceous Adenitis This is a skin condition that results from inflammation in the sebaceous gland that prevents hair from re-growing. Hair texture and color can change, and in some cases, it can lead to alopecia. Signs including crusting on the skin, change in hair texture, and hair loss. Management of the condition can involve topical and oral medication. Seizures Poodles have a higher than average likelihood of suffering from idiopathic seizures. These are seizures of an unknown cause but are believed to be hereditary. Medication is often used to help manage this condition. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. He needs a calm family because if your family is constantly play fighting and being rough, he could easily get sandwiched in the middle and become injured or worse. The Foodle is also very intelligent but can be obstinate at the same time. Are These Dogs Good for Families? This breed suffers from separation anxiety if left alone too long or too often. As previously stated, this breed also likes to bark at everything, so make sure your neighbors realize and are okay with your choice of pet if you live in an apartment. A post shared by Cotton cotton. As for other dogs and cats, as long as you socialize him early on as a puppy, you should have no problems with him living with and loving your other furry family members. First, however, if you need a little more information, read on below for some food and diet requirements, exercise and training tips, and other information you need to know. This also means that he only needs one cup of food a day. However, it is best to divide that one cup of food up into at least a few meals. In addition, your pup is going to need interactive exercise, which means tossing the ball with him or running around the backyard together. Even a walk to play in the park will make your pet happy and help to fulfill his exercise needs. However, since matted fur can be painful to brush, please brush your Foodle several times a week. Shampoo him only when needed, and always use a high-quality shampoo for the best results. You want your Foodle to look his best and have a healthy, shiny coat at all times. These issues are listed below. Minor Conditions. Black and white Foodle image: Clover the Foxypoo. Have you ever heard of a Foodle? It was until recently that I came across this adorable breed. They are a new breed and given the rise of popularity in Doodles, I think they will soon become very popular as well. A Foodle dog is a hybrid mix between a Fox Terrier and a Poodle. They are small, affectionate dogs with large personalities. They have a great mix of traits and characteristics that they inherit from both of their parent breeds. Fox Terriers are a smaller breed, which means they can breed with a Mini Poodle to create a Foodle. This breed variant is called a Toy Foodle. Foodle Origin Similar to many Doodle breeds , there is little documented evidence as to when the Foodle dog breed was first developed. An estimate from Wag, suggests they originated in the s. Even though accurate records of the origin and history of Foodles are relatively nonexistent, there is a lot of information pertaining to the two parent breeds. Both the Fox Terrier and Poodle have a rich history that spans across hundreds of years. The Fox Terrier dog breed originated in England in the s. They were hunting companions that helped their wealthy English owners on fox hunts. Fox hunts were as much a ceremony as they were a sport. The hunters would gather in regal attire and bring horses, food, and drink out to the field. This serious affair placed a special level of importance on the Fox Terrier. When the fox was spooked by the hunting party, they would run away and hide in their holes. The hunters would then release the Fox Terriers to go and provoke the fox to leave its hole. This often required the dogs to dig around the foxhole which is why Fox Terriers are prone to be diggers. It also accounts for their strong prey drive so be careful letting them off-leash or else they might take off towards a squirrel or other critter. Having lived with Terriers my whole life, I can attest that they are diggers and not great off-leash. Better keep them away from your flower beds! Fox Terriers slowly transitioned out of the fields and into homes. The breed became popular as an everyday, household companion. Fox hunting in England is now illegal. Even so, Fox Terriers remain a popular breed amongst many throughout the world. I encourage you to learn even more about the breed from the interesting video below. The two are virtually one in the same besides the shape of the head and the coat type. The Smooth Fox Terrier is sometimes referred to as a smooth. Smooth Fox Terrier with a white coat and brown markings. The Wire Fox Terrier, or wire, has a less pointed head and a wiry coat. Wire Fox Terrier with a white, brown, and black colored coat. In England, the Fox Terrier breed was treated as two separate breeds. For this article, I will refer to both breeds wire and smooth simply as a Fox Terrier. Poodle Breed History Standard Poodle standing proudly on a rock structure. Poodles have a rich history that dates back more than years ago [4] www. Often mistaken for being France-natives, Poodles originated in Germany. They were bred to be water-fowl hunters and retrievers. This enabled them to evolve as strong, athletic, and intelligent dogs. They have an eagerness to learn and perform specific duties, which means they respond well to training. Many Europeans, especially the French, took a liking to Poodles and the breed began to spread across the continent. Poodles remained as hunting companions but they were also dispersed into other areas such as the circus and at the sides of French nobles. Eventually, the standard-size Poodle was bred down to create the Miniature Poodle. No matter the size, Poodles are a staple breed across the world. A hypoallergenic coat paired with excellent qualities makes them highly sought after by many households. This is also the reason behind the surge of Poodle mixes, or Doodles, that has occurred in recent years. Foodle Appearance Foodles are not large dogs since they are a mix between two small breeds. The Mini Poodle has a curly coat that can come in a variety of colors. Fox Terriers can have either a wiry or smooth coat. Their colors are generally a mix of white, brown, and black. The size mainly is dependent on what size Poodle and Fox Terrier were used for breeding. Toy Fox Terriers have a maximum height of around 12 inches and a maximum weight of 9 pounds. Toy Poodles are shorter with a max height near 10 inches. They range in weight from 4-to 6 pounds. Therefore, a mix between both Toy breeds would produce a Toy Foodle that would be less than 9 pounds and no taller than 12 inches. Coat Their coats can either be thick and curly similar to a Poodle or sleek and fine like a Fox Terrier. The coat could be thick, curly, and wavy — like that of a Mini Poodle — or it can also be thin and smooth — like that of a Fox Terrier. The wiry coat of the Fox Terrier makes the Foodle a part of the wire-haired Doodle family. The Foxypoo can come out as almost any color, from black, brown, tan, gray, white, cream, or, in often cases, a mixture or combinations of these colors. Although the Foodle is small, it has large floppy ears and long skinny legs. It has a broad, robust chest and often looks rather shaggy. A Foodle dog has a long furry tail, big round dark eyes, a small, round sometimes pointed head, and a long muzzle. Traits and Characteristics of the Foodle Dog Breed Fox Terriers are loyal and watchful dogs with a relatively gentle demeanor. They are always on alert and can be heavy barkers, which can be reassuring since you will be alerted if any stranger is near your home. Since Foodles are a newer dog breed, there is not much data on their behavior and personality. As with any breed, each litter and each dog is unique and there is no exact science on how each pup will turn out. However, we can make a good estimate based on breed tendencies. It is an average of the traits between the Mini Poodle and the Fox Terrier. They have a huge personality and, despite their size, will take on any danger head-on — regardless of the size of the challenger. They are incredibly intelligent dogs that assist with training; however, they can be rather stubborn at times thanks to their Terrier side. When not properly stimulated and cared for, they will resort to negative behaviors such as excessive barking and chewing. They do like other animals and can get along very well with them, but the Foodle must be introduced properly to the other animals and pets around the home from an early age to get used to each other. The Foodle also startles quickly and will often bark at noises that are either new or strange to them. They should be exposed to such noises as early as possible to avoid anxiety later in life. They are, by nature, rather energetic dogs and need regular exercise to avoid them resorting to behavioral problems. It is best to keep them on a lead when out and about, as they consider many animals, like squirrels and birds, as prey. White and black, curly-coated Foodle hanging out on the beach image: Gri. They are smart, which makes it a lot easier for training. Positive reinforcement is always recommended when it comes to training any animal. It is important that the dog, from an early age, is exposed to early socialization to be more comfortable and used to outside and strange environments. It is also recommended to crate-train the puppy to avoid separation anxiety when you are not home. Their coats will be dependent on the genetics they pick up the fur could be long and curly like a Poodle or short and sleek like a Fox Terrier, or, often, a combination of the two. It is important to brush the pup several times a week with a slicker brush to avoid the hair from matting. It is advised to bathe the dog every 8 to 12 weeks. The Cost Of A Foodle The price of a Foodle is not too hefty, considering the general price of a designer dog such as a Labradoodle, which reaches well into the thousands. It is not a common breed, so Foodle Foxypoo breeders can be hard to come by. One suggestion would be to reach out to Foodle owners on social media to see where they bought their pups and for how much. There are several public Foxypoo Instagram accounts that would be a good place to start. You can also join a Doodle dog Facebook group and connect with Foodle owners there. This will allow you to ask real Foodle dog owners about their recommended breeders, prices, ownership experience, etc. Be cautious of any shady breeders and avoid puppy mills at all costs! Foodle Dog Diet Requirements Because the Foodle is so small — it does not require a large daily quantity of food like a bigger breed would require. It is recommended to feed Foodles small-sized kibble. It is also recommended to try and stick to smaller-sized, low-calorie treats in training. A well-balanced diet high in nutrients is important to help keep the dog happy and healthy. Little dogs also tend to eat little amounts a few times a day. The Foodle should be fed small amounts 3 to 4 times a day to assist with their speedy little metabolisms. Final Thoughts The Foodle, or Wire Poo, is without a doubt, an adorable creature and would make the perfect new addition to the family. Their larger-than-life personalities almost outweigh their exceptional cuteness. Foxypoos are also rather surprisingly easy to look after — making it well worth considering adopting one of these gorgeous little guys and becoming their new forever home. The perfect new addition to the family, the Foodle is full of love, energy, and affection. With their big dark eyes, big floppy ears, and the bravery of a lion, this little pup is bound to steal your heart. Kevin is a proud Bernedoodle owner and Doodle dog fanatic. Read how a chance encounter with two Bernedoodles spurred a lifelong passion here. If you want to get in contact with Kevin, you can send him a message. Should a Fox Terrier Mix take after their Fox Terrier parent, they will be an energetic and playful dog. They tend to be affectionate and loving companions that also make great family pets. Fox Terriers have a bit of an independent nature, but they still bond closely with their families and love attention from them. They are loyal dogs that are affectionate, friendly, and playful. They are known for their lively and amusing antics. They also get along well with children. They have a high prey drive, so they will need extra socialization with smaller pets in the household. If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you can expect the same from a Fox Terrier Mix. You can also meet the mother dog in-person to get an idea of the temperament, behavior, and manners she is modeling for her puppies. Although the breeder should be starting to train and socialize puppies, it is up to you to continue training and socializing a puppy once you get them home. This helps them grow into a well-balanced, well-mannered dog. Fox Terriers are highly adaptable dogs that do well in apartments and larger homes. They are sensitive to heat and may require some winter dog products to stay warm when the weather gets cold. As long as the other parent breed has similar adaptability, a Fox Terrier Mix should also be a highly adaptable dog. The other parent breed will likely still have some other potential traits and quirks to add to the mix, so you do want to make sure you ask the breeder about them. But, they can still inherit conditions common to one or both of the parent breeds. From the Fox Terrier side, potential health conditions to be aware of include patellar luxation and heart disease. The other parent breed likely has potential health conditions to be aware of as well, so you need to ask the breeder about them. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing on issues to puppies. So, you should plan to ask about the health and genetic histories for both of the parents anyway. You can also ask about any health clearances or tests that have been done. Although Fox Terriers are intelligent, eager to please, and pick up on things quickly, they also have a stubborn streak and an independent nature. First-time dog owners can find this challenging, so puppy training classes are recommended. The other parent breed could make a Fox Terrier Mix easier or more difficult to train. Puppy training classes are generally a good idea anyway because they help reinforce training, offer socialization, and also strengthen the bond you have with your puppy. A mixed-breed dog can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or one that is some mix of both of them. Weekly brushing and a bath every weeks is usually enough to keep their coat healthy and looking great. Depending on how quickly they grow, you may need to trim nails more often. Ears should be dry, clean, and free of debris or pests. Because many dog owners overlook dental care for dogs , gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Using an enzyme toothpaste or brushing teeth every day is ideal for helping to prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Although the Fox Terrier is a small dog, they are a high-energy breed that requires a lot of exercise to be happy and healthy. Long walks plus playtime and extra activity every day are usually enough, but these dogs will often be ready for more activity if you are. The other parent breed can affect the range of potential activity levels for a Fox Terrier Mix, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. Even if the other parent breed is a lower-energy breed, you will still need to be prepared for the potential of a high-energy dog in a Fox Terrier Mix. A fully-grown Fox Terrier usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. The other parent breed can affect this, so you want to ask the breeder about them. Also, pay attention to which breed is the mother as this can also have a big effect on size. A Fox Terrier generally lives for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar life span in a Fox Terrier Mix. Featured Fox Terrier Mix Article.
German Shepherd Puppies are lovingly home raised and socialized at our modern 5 acre park like Kennel Facility in Florida Miami. These are just a few words that describe our German shepherds. Life with a German Shepherd is a joy that one must experience to appreciate and understand, and the intelligence of these great dogs must be seen to be believed. AKC Registered Puppies In Tampa Our dogs have provided countless individuals and families with a loyal pet that has a high aptitude, as well as the ability to provide protection. Each of the German shepherd puppies we have for sale are AKC registered and come from a superior lineage. Notably, our German Shepherds go through rigorous testing to qualify for breeding, as our dogs are bred with top sires that have at least a V or VA show rating. German Shepherds are well known for their character and temperament. Poised and confident, our pups are faithful and intelligent companions. They are also great protection dogs, as many safeguard homes, property or livestock. Our breeding program has earned the the highest level of accomplishments that a kennel in the United States can achieve. All of our German Shepherds come with a written guarantee and have been vet-checked, socialized, vaccinated to date, temperament-tested by a professional dog trainer, and above all, have been very much loved. Our German Shepherds are gorgeous Black and Red color, big boned, and correct structure. This price is determined by the size of the puppy, and includes the flight ticket, pre-flight vet exam, a crate the perfect size for your puppy, and travel to the airport. Every year we hand select dogs to add to our breeding program to improve the breed. Breeding top producing west German Sieger show Line German Shepherds is number one in producing quality German Shepherd puppies for sale. Being a German Shepherd dog breeder requires breeding high quality German Shepherds from some of the top rated German Shepherds in Germany They are superior in health with parents being x-rayed with clear hips and elbows by the OFA or the SV. These German shepherd litters of puppies for sale will make great companion dogs as well as excellent conformation, show and working dogs. Their inclination towards making their masters happy, their mental soundness and their high degree of intelligence have made this dog a successful working dog and masterpiece companion for their owners. Our breeding male shepherds are from top pedigrees. You can also visit us on our Facebook page to see recent news. Visit our website, at any moment you may feel you need more information than what we supply here feel free to Contact Us. Our main goal is to produce dogs that will become very special to you. Contact Us with any questions you have about our puppies or anything else. Scout, on the left pictured with her litter-mate Sammy , is a beautiful female German Shepherd with wonderful coloring and a bright, friendly, and wonderful personality. German Shepherds are the second most popular breed in the USA and can grow to average between 75 and 95 pounds. Herding or Working dogs, they love exercise and lots of playtime. Curious and intelligent, they are very trainable and are fiercely loyal making them great family dogs. German Shepherds are double coated and that means you can expect a lot of shedding from your new four-legged friend. Their nails should be checked and clipped every month and their sensitive ears should be checked weekly. Last year, we cared for thousands of German Shepherds and Shepherd mixes. Included in our basic service is nail clipping and ear cleaning. Most of our German Shepherd owners also take advantage of our awesome de-shedding service to help remove the dead undercoat and reduce the hair flying around your house. Be sure to ask your Aussie Pet Mobile professional groomer about all our great add-on services tailored for your pet. Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite in Tampa location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Dog Training Elite in Tampa recommends starting dog training as early as possible, soon after a puppy is ready to leave its mother. Puppies are capable of learning basic commands, and smart German Shepherd puppies do great with early training. Dog Training Elite in Tampa has adult dog training programs as well. A complete puppy training typically takes a few months. Adult dog training can take longer or shorter, depending on whether a dog needs to unlearn bad habits in addition to being trained. Working with a German Shepherd and the owner directly in the home allows dog trainers to create personalized training plans for individual dogs, as well as address any unique needs or issues. Once a dog has completed in-home training, they can take group classes for more in-depth training - Dog Training Elite in Tampa offers both puppy and adult dog group classes. Beginning training in the home also helps owners bond with their dogs so when the dog trainer leaves, no progress is lost. This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form after proper conditioning , when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter. Empowering Owners We empower owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times. Personalized We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis. Environment Specific We train wherever issues tend to arise i. Supportive We support owners in the off-hours when training is "not in session". Involved We work with all members of the household. Satisfaction Ratings Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors. Also, be consistent about rules - establish at the beginning, for example, whether or not your dog is allowed on the couch. An energetic dog with little to no exercise can become a destructive, disobedient dog. Training is a great way to give German Shepherds the mental and physical stimulation they need. Dog Training Elite in Tampa has developed training programs for puppies and adult dogs alike based on positive reinforcement. German Shepherd training with our in-home option is entirely possible. Read on to learn more about the Dog Training Elite in Tampa training method. All Sizes. All Ages.
The long adolescent period that ends the puppy years is highly individual, but most dogs mature somewhere before 3 years of age. The Neonatal Stage This is the very earliest stage your German shepherd will pass through. Simply put, this is the helpless baby stage when your puppy's eyes will still be closed and he is completely dependent upon his mother. She will feed him, wash him and clean up after his accidents for the first two or three weeks. His eyes will open at around 10 days. At this time, your puppy is little more than an eating machine -- filling his belly to help his tiny body grow and develop. The Transitional Stage Though it is short and indistinct, the transitional stage from the neonatal to the socialization stage is important to your pup's development nevertheless. This brief phase -- lasting only about a week after his eyes open -- marks the period when your German shepherd begins to notice his environment. He will start to look at things curiously and be aware of sounds around him. Prior to this he has been in his own little world with no sights or sounds beyond his own body and that of his mother. When his eyes open, the immediate environment -- with other living beings -- is suddenly a part of life that he must face. The Socialization Stage At around 3 weeks, your puppy begins to learn how to interact with others -- both animals and the humans around him. He has already had some practice with dogs through the daily contact with his mother and litter mates, but now he begins to expand his circle of acquaintance to other dogs or cats in the household and to the family of humans around him. This is the most critically important phase in your German shepherd's development and helps decide his later suitability for work in rescue, service or as a family dog. At this time, he should have opportunities to meet as many new animals and faces under differing circumstances as possible, so he becomes comfortable with meeting people and other animals in a variety of situations when he grows up. This stage lasts to about 3 months of age and is the period when puppies are at their most impressionable and playful. The Juvenile Stage From 3 to 6 months old, your puppy will begin to look beyond the biological world of dogs, cats and people to the larger world around him. He will want to explore new places more than new faces at this point -- which may often get him into trouble. This is an active and trying age for puppy parents. Your puppy looks like a mostly grown-up dog but behaves entirely like a pup. His attention span is about as long as that of the average teenager, so this is not a particularly easy time for obedience classes. Your shepherd will have other things on his mind, but pet parents should continue to persevere because this is the best stage to resolve any obvious aggression or anxiety issues your pup may display. If those issues are not addressed early, they could become larger problems later on. To make things a tad more difficult, at around 5 months of age, your German shepherd starts to mature sexually. The Adolescent Stage The teenage angst that human children go through is roughly equivalent to what pet parents can expect from their adolescent German shepherd. Beginning with the onset of sexual maturity and lasting through the first two years of his life, your puppy's hormones will rage uncontrollably unless he is neutered early. This stage is usually marked by mounting -- anything and everything -- marking his territory and even fighting with other male dogs. Females will enter their first estrus period at this time and may try to escape the yard or otherwise pose problems. The pup's body has become adult, and his brain is fully alert and capable, but his emotions are still in the turbulent transitional phase from teenager to full adult. If he were human, this would be the stage at which you would hide the car keys. As an adult, your German shepherd is finally the calm, dignified, courageous and respectful dog you always knew he would grow up to be. If you were patient and dedicated through those early, sometimes difficult, years, you now have a well-trained and disciplined companion for life. More Articles. A German Shepherd is no longer a puppy at two years old. Therefore, your German Shepherd will no longer gain significant weight, height, or size at that age. Additionally, two years old is when your German Shepherd has changed all his puppy teeth and reached full sexual maturity. Some minor growth variations happen between both genders throughout those two years. Additionally, male and female German Shepherds reach adulthood milestones at different times. His online resource contains Hundreds of Excellent Dog Training Videos that will take you step-by-step through the process of developing a healthy, happy well-behaved dog. When Does a German Shepherd Mature? The process is a lot more gradual than that. Puppy Stage At birth, German Shepherds have a lot of energy. During this stage, your German Shepherd puppy would want to play all day and every day. Yet, as your puppy gets closer to six months of age, things gradually calm down. Adolescence Stage After six months, your German Shepherd puppy is now an adolescent dog. The extra energy stays, but the clumsiness reduces to a noticeable extent. Around that age or a little earlier is when you should start training your German Shepherd. Your dog's instincts at this age allow him to begin adapting to your training. In this stage, your German Shepherd will start to understand basic commands like sit, eat, and stay. The dog is now mature enough to stop all the children's hassle he used to do. Physical Maturity: Physical maturity is the only aspect of the German Shepherd's development that may stay for up to three years. Your German Shepherd might still get bigger after the second year, but it will be barely noticeable. Because German Shepherds keep growing for almost two years after birth, new owners might be a little puzzled about that dog that seems never to stop growing. Both genders will keep growing until they are two years old. However, remember that males and females will have slight weight and height differences as they grow up. Males: Around six months old, a male German Shepherd reaches around half his maximum weight. The average weight range is between 49 and 57 pounds at this stage. As for the height, your dog should be around 17 inches tall. This should be the fastest growth stage your German Shepherd will experience. Once your male German Shepherd ventures into adolescence, the growth rate begins to slow down gradually. At 1 year old, your German Shepherd will weigh 71—79 pounds and be 23 inches tall. Once he reaches adulthood at 2 years, he may add 3 or 4 extra pounds to his weight. A year later, your German Shepherd may add an additional 4 pounds and may or may not gain an extra inch of height. However, you will hardly notice any change between the second and third years. Females: Females of most species have slightly smaller physiques than males, and German Shepherds are no exception. At 6 months, your female German Shepherd should weigh between 44—49 pounds. She should also have an average height of 16 inches. At 2 years, she may add a couple of pounds, but the height will mostly remain the same. However, she may gain an extra inch after the third year, which she often pairs with an additional 4 pounds of weight. It should be no different for your dog. But you need to help him. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health is the answer. This handy guide will help you recognize the symptoms of the health problems above. Get the knowledge to stay ahead of these terrible issues that can rob your lovely dog from vigor and life. Sexual Maturity: The average age of dog sexual maturity is between 7—10 months. German Shepherd males lie well within this category as they reach sexual maturity between 6—9 months. Female German Shepherds take a little longer, though. A female can reach her sexual maturity as soon as 12 months. The heat of female German Shepherds starts between 6—12 months. If you want to avoid accidental pregnancy, your ideal neutering window is between 6—8 months. Much like any other puppy, German Shepherds begin their lives with nothing but those soft baby gums. Soon after, at the three-week mark, to be specific, they start to get their first baby teeth. After that, they will keep teething until 30 weeks around 7 months. Remember that your puppies could be easily aggravated and uncomfortable during this period. That will scare them. Scared puppies will be harder to approach, train, and socialize. Instead, invest in some dog toys that they can chew on to alleviate the pain and even help them change their teeth. Paul S. Paul has been creating content for the dog niche for many years. The information he shares comes his first hand experience growing up in dog lovers household and then owning multiple dog breeds of his own as an adult. Paul enjoys doing the hard research to collect, analyze and present our dogtemperament. Are male and female German shepherds different? The Neonatal Period. Birth-2 Weeks. In the first two weeks of their life your puppy is mostly helpless and fully dependant on their mother. Their mother will be responsible for feeding, eliminating waste and keeping them warm. The puppies will be able to taste, touch and feel warmth but their eyes and ears are sealed shut. You should see the following milestones hit in the first two weeks. What you should expect to see: Puppies Starting to Crawl Eyes and ears starting to open Teeth starting to appear By the end of the first two weeks your puppies should be able to stand up, albeit a little shakily and have their eyes and ears fully open. The Transitional Period. They will start to be able to control their body and temperature much better. They will start to interact with their litter mates but will still be largely dependent on their mother. What you should expect to see: Puppies Walking Well Puppies Interacting with you and their littermates Puppy teeth almost complete. The Socialisation Period 4weeks — 3 months The puppies will now have complete control of their body and will start exploring the world around them. The latter half of this period is the ideal time to rehome the puppies as this is when they are most susceptible to learning new things and they can start to be taught basic commands. Between weeks your puppy may start to display signs of some fearfulness. This is perfectly normal and will need to be nurtured Not encouraged by you. What you should expect to see: Start showing adult behaviours Wagging tails, sniffing bums Start to be able to be taught basic commands Ears begin to sit upright. The Juvenile Period 3months-6months Your German Shepherd puppy will become much more independent during this period. They will start to understand dominance and will explore their home to understand where their position is in the household. What you should expect to see: Female puppies begin heat cycles Ears now fully upright Males reach sexual maturity The Adolescence Period 6monthsmonths Most of your puppies social understanding and behaviours will have developed by this point but a reinforcement of these is still important. Your puppy will be at their most energetic and will require a structured training routine to help them to continue to develop. Males are considered fully grown at 36months whereas females reach this mark around 24months. You will know have an excellent, loyal family pet and companion to spend many years together with. German Shepherds are a medium-large breed. Females will grow to around inches and weigh lbs whereas the males will grow to around inches and weigh lbs. How many puppies is there in the average German Shepherd litter? German Shepherd litters Usually consist of between 5 and 10 puppies. How long do German shepherds live? The average life span for a German Shepherd is somewhere between 9 and 14 years. Other than the size difference already discussed females tend to be more affectionate than males where is male dogs are usually more protective of their surroundings and their families. Related Posts. German Shepherd puppies available in Colorado German Shepherd puppies available in ColoradoGerman Shepherd puppies available in Colorado Puppy development - Understanding the Stages Puppy Development - The Stages Explained Understanding the puppy development stages will help you build the personality and character you want in your pup, which starts with training at each stage of development. To have a wonderfully social dog, that isn't fearful or aggressive, you need to ensure his needs are met during each phase of development. Probably one of the most important things you can do to achieve this is to get the right training at the right time. And that's not just for your pup; puppy parents need training too! You need to know how to integrate your puppy into the family and establish yourself as the pack leader. You'll see many behavioral changes during the life stages of your pup, some of which will no doubt test you, particularly when they reach the final stage - adolescence! Overview of Stages The puppy development process covers five distinct stages: 1. Neonatal Period at Weeks 2. Transitional Period at Weeks 3. Socialization Period at Weeks 4. Ranking Period at Months 5. Adolescence at Months Stage 1: Neonatal Period at Weeks The first stage of puppy development is when they are born. Most of us won't have our puppies at this stage but, if you are getting your puppy from a breeder, you may get the occasional picture from the breeder. At this age, puppies only have a sense of taste and touch and rely totally on their mother. Stage 2: Transitional Period at Weeks You're still not likely to see your puppy at this age but the breeder will start to notice some more senses developing, such as their hearing and sense of smell. They'll also start to have their puppy teeth coming through and their eyes will begin to open. This is also the age when they start to develop their little personalities. They will interact with their littermates, wag their tails, stand, walk a little, and are able to bark. Stage 3: Socialization Period at Weeks This is the most important stage of a puppy's development. It's also the stage where the most critical changes occur, and guess what, you're probably going to bring your puppy home during this period! Most puppies go home to their new parents at the age of 7 - 9 weeks so understanding this stage is vital. During this period, changes start to occur rapidly, so let's break down this puppy development phase. This is also where you can separate the good breeders from the puppy-mill-type breeders. Note: At Centennial GSD, our puppies are born and raised in our home where their interaction with humans and other animals begins at birth and accelerates at 21 days old; the most critical time in early puppy development. Unfortunately, puppies that are from puppy mills usually sold in pet shops don't get the opportunity to develop a relationship with humans until you bring them home. This sets them back with socialization from the start and additional work is needed to enable them to become fully sociable dogs. Puppies that are born in kennels or outside are also unfamiliar with the day-to-day noises of a regular household such as TV, vacuum cleaner, dishwasher, washing machine, phones, talking, laughing, people dropping things, you name it! You'd be surprised by how much noise we make on a daily basis and how frightening that can be to a puppy that has been raised outside. Once the puppies are at least 5 or 6 weeks old you should, if possible, ask the breeder if you can schedule a visit to see the puppies. Most good breeders recognize that the socialization period has already begun and will gladly welcome future pet parents visiting the puppies. What you're looking for in the photos is evidence that the puppies are comfortable around humans and ideally that they are indoors, preferably in a household. If all you see are photos of the puppies in a kennel, or outside, then you may start off with problems with socializing your puppy when you get them home. If you can't visit, then question your breeder on what plans they have in place for the puppies to be indoors and meet new people between the ages of weeks. If they have no plans in place then I would seriously reconsider using this breeder as they are hindering the socialization period of these puppies. These puppies could easily become shy or fearful around people and noises , which could lead to a fear aggression problem. If you do visit the puppies at 5 weeks old you're likely to see some fun stuff. At this age, puppies are just learning to interact with each other and begin to play. They are also learning their doggie social skills as well as beginning to explore their ranking status within their pack. Their curiosity is now starting to develop so they will be interested in you and may well nip at you as their biting skills are developing too. Seek out ways to handle puppy biting appropriately. Therefore, it is vital that you introduce your puppy to as many new dogs, people, objects, and surroundings as you can. BUT, make sure you do so in a controlled manner. If you have another dog at home you should make sure you introduce your puppy to your existing dog on neutral territory. When bringing a new puppy home it is also important that you puppy-proof your home for the sake of your puppy and your possessions! It is also a good time to start a program to get your puppy used to being left alone to avoid separation anxiety from developing. From the age of 7 weeks, puppies are more than capable of being able to be house-trained so make sure you start them off right. At this phase of puppy development, the little guys are developing their reactions to things a lot more. They are also likely to focus more on different types of people and, as long as your breeder and you did a good job initially, should be friendly and approachable to strangers. During this time they are also going to practice their biting skills a whole lot more! Previously they would play and bite with their littermates. Puppies will yelp when another pup bites too hard which provides feedback to that pup to bite softer. You now have to try and mimic this behavior to teach your puppy not to bite. This is called bite inhibition and is quite easy to learn and teach your pups. You'll also notice that they may start to wander off a bit as they are more curious and will probably look to explore their environment a lot more. Be prepared for this at this age. That cute little puppy that you could take out for a potty break without a leash now needs to be on a leash! Generally, puppies at around 8 - 9 weeks old will not wander off but once they reach the age of around 12 weeks of age curiosity begins to take over and they will venture out or even chase a rabbit rather than stay close. Stage 4: Ranking Period at Months If you have another dog in your household you may start to see more ranking behavior from your puppy towards other dogs. You'll likely see him practicing his dominance and submission skills, which he may well practice on you too. If you haven't done so already, make sure you start a training program with your pup. At this age, your puppy is going to go through teething so watch out, as chewing is a big factor at this time. You may also notice that there is blood on his toys and chews or in his mouth during the teething phase. Sometimes a puppy's tooth doesn't fall out and the adult tooth will come in next to it. If you notice this in your pup, take him to the vet as it will need to be removed by the vet to prevent it from interfering with the alignment of his teeth and can also cause root infections. Your puppy is usually done teething by the age of 6 months but you can tell when your puppy is finished teething once you see the upper fangs canines come in as they are last. Stage 5: Adolescence at Months Adolescence in German Shepherd Dogs will begin around nine or ten months old and likely continue until they are two or three years old. Consistency is key at this point so is routine. Puppy Development and Fear Periods During puppy development, puppies go through fear periods, in fact, on average they go through 4 fear periods. These are approximately at the following ages: 1. Between Weeks 2. Between 4 - 6 Months 3. About 9 Months 4. Between 14 - 18 Months This is a very important part of puppy development, as if you handle this incorrectly, you could end up with an aggression problem for life. As your puppy enters a fear period, he will suddenly become frightened of something that he used to be OK with or used to ignore. His reaction could be hunched down, shaking, backing away, hiding, running away, or submissively urinating. Or, your puppy could display more pronounced behaviors such as growling, barking, hackles up, or showing teeth. Either way, once you recognize one of these behaviors at the age range mentioned above, you would be wise to stop taking your puppy to new places and introducing them to new things for about a week. And if you can, don't schedule any vet appointments during a fear period. Your new puppy can grow up to be everything you want if you recognize these critical puppy development phases so you can prepare and react accordingly. Puppy Development Wrap Up By understanding what each stage involves with your puppy's development, you can get a good idea of what to expect, both developmentally and behaviorally. You'll also be better equipped to provide your puppy with the right care throughout each phase. Finally, providing a stable routine, consistency, positive training, and plenty of socialization and exercise you are more likely to produce a well-balanced and emotionally stable dog. After all, it is these periods of a puppy's life that will shape his personality and character. Quite simply, puppy development affects behavior, and behavior, molds character. Content courtesy of Sharon Dianora. What are these milestones, and when can you expect them to meet them? We break it all down here, so you know exactly what to expect each step of the way. When you adopt a German Shepherd puppy, it can seem like they just keep growing. A fully grown German Shepherd will stand between 22 and 24 inches tall and weigh anywhere between 50 and 90 pounds. This manifests itself in many ways, but the most notable factor is their energy level. Puppies tend to have far more energy and be a little clumsier than fully mature dogs. German Shepherds leave their first puppy stage at around the 6-month mark, when they reach adolescence. When a dog reaches sexual maturity varies drastically depending on their sex. Male dogs tend to reach sexual maturity anywhere from 6 to 9 months, while female dogs tend to wait until adulthood. If you want to neuter a dog, you have a much smaller window to prevent puppies than with females. Their adult teeth are much larger and less sharp than their puppy teeth. Image Credit: aleksandra85foto, Pixabay Final Thoughts With so many age ranges that your German Shepherd can mature in various ways, it can be hard to keep track of everything. Related German Shepherd Reads:. Puppyhood The first growth phase — puppyhood — has six development stages. During each of these stages, a puppy learns a lot of things. Neonatal Stage This period lasts from birth to 13 days. The puppy needs a lot of nursing from its mom because it is rather helpless. Its ears and eyes are closed, so it does not have any senses. The little pups should completely rely on their mothers for nourishment and care. By 2 weeks, they double their birth weight. They start crawling, and then their eyes and ears begin to open. The first milk teeth appear. The puppy can even stand up, but too unstably and shakily. This makes it possible for little ones to hear, smell, and taste. They even try to walk. Their baby teeth continue growing. The period between weeks is also called a transitional one. At the end of the third week, the motor skills start developing fast. The puppy can already control its temperature and body, namely, bowel movements. It begins to interact with its littermates. Nevertheless, the pup is still largely dependent on its mother. Though, you can interact with it. At the end of this period, the little cub is ready to explore the world. Its baby teeth are almost complete, and it can stand up more stably. It starts barking and growling a bit. The puppy grows quickly now. It actively interacts with its littermates. The baby dog can walk, and its baby teeth are complete. You can also consider the German Shepherd behavior stages from now. Its mental development starts because it discovers the world actively with its senses. Its walking improves, and it can make attempts to run, so it can even sometimes get in trouble. The puppy can start eating dog food. That is why it is important to begin weaning. The little one can recognize and greet its littermates and people, get interested in new things, and continue to explore the world. However, at this age, the first fear period can be experienced. Read our detailed guide about 6 week old German Shepherd puppy. It is the best period for taking your pet home. This period can be psychologically traumatic, so be careful not to expose the pet to direct sunlight because it may be afraid of it for its entire life. All the fears need your special attention. You need to nurture, but not encourage them. Read our detailed guide about 2 month old German Shepherd puppy. So, your puppy is three months old now. It is playful and active. Its teeth are complete. It is weaned and eats dog food. The feeding recommendation here is the overall one and a half cups, three times a day. It is also time to get your pet vaccinated against distemper and parvovirus. At the end of the third month, your little GSD can simulate its behavior after other dogs and humans. Training can start. Read our detailed guide about 3 month old German Shepherd puppy. Your puppy already has all its baby teeth, and adult canines and incisors begin to push through. It can even try to bite or nip you. The puppy coat begins to disappear and gets ready for replacement by the adult double-layer coat. You can see a racing stripe on its spine where the adult hair will grow. The puppy displays quick growth at this time, and it becomes stronger to withstand the possible fierce competition with its siblings if it is still staying with its family. It needs a lot of biting and chewing now for the correct growth of its adult teeth. Your pet needs consistent socialization and potty training now. After three months old, you should think about such vaccination as DHPP — distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. The juvenile phase lasts from 3 to 6 months, and it can be divided into three stages by month. Continue socializing and start more substantial training. You can consult the German Shepherd weight chart here to see whether your pup develops properly. So, be attentive to the games you play with your pet. Some of them can be dangerous and traumatic because your puppy may not know how to manage its body during them. You can give it two cups of kibble totally three times per day because it needs a lot of nutrition to grow. DHPP and rabies vaccines are recommended at this age. Your little pup is ready to explore the world. However, as a true teenager, it can become more stubborn and try not to listen to your commands. It starts to understand dominance and tries to persuade you in its leadership. Read our detailed guide about 4 month old German Shepherd puppy. During this month, it can gain about 10 pounds 4. Its ears have stably perked up by this time. It looks more like an adult dog but, as a true teenager, it is very playful and is always ready to go around. The adult teeth continue to appear. Sexual maturity starts emerging. You should feed your pet around two cups three times per day. A lot of training is also needed. Read our detailed guide about 5 month old German Shepherd puppy. It needs a lot of training and positive reinforcement. Now, your pet is fully house-trained, and it needs a lot of new experiences. The sixth month is a transition period to the Adolescent Phase. The ears are completely upright. Males achieve sexual maturity, while female puppies can experience heat cycles. Hormones start working, and male puppies can start marking the territory and looking for females to mate. The adult coat grows longer and gets its normal double layers. Adult teething is about to finish, and all 42 teeth appear. You should feed your dog with the overall two or three cups two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 6 month old German Shepherd puppy. Adolescence Phase Months German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years 36 months old. Females become adults when they are 2 years 24 months old. However, these criteria differ for every puppy. That is why the adolescence phase lasts from the end of the 6th month to the end of the second year of age 24 months on average. By the end of this phase, the puppy reaches its full size though it will continue slightly growing. Your dog can display testing boundaries, so disobedience is widely encountered if the dog is not properly trained. German Shepherds do not look like puppies anymore. Within this period, some dogs can display their second fear period at approximately months old , though to avoid long-lasting psychological trauma, you should ignore the fears. Some dogs may occasionally forget their skills that they have already acquired, so you may need to repeat training again. Here, the reinforced training is useful because some puppies can become entirely rambunctious. Your pet will also need more socialization since it reaches its sexual maturity, and some of its reactions can be pretty unexpected. Its sexual maturity continues, which may cause some aggression because of increases and decreases in hormones. The puppy does not gain weight so fast. Teething is finished. The German Shepherd starts looking more similar to an adult dog, with its standing up ears and well-developed muscles. The food your dog needs involves two or three cups total, given two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 7 month old German Shepherd puppy. It displays a lot of aggression. It can bark or lunge at other animals, kids, and unfamiliar people. A lot of training and reinforcement is needed. You can teach the youngster new tricks to deal with their aggression. The dog has strong adult teeth, and its ears are well-formed and perky. The transition to adulthood continues. As for food, your dog needs two-three cups in total two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 8 month old German Shepherd puppy. It does not grow fast, gaining about a couple of pounds per month. The dog needs two-three cups of food two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 9 month old German Shepherd puppy. They are very active and need a lot of attention and training. Sometimes, they can be really goofy or clumsy because they are still learning and do not know how to behave in many events. Your pup is very smart and clever but tends to display a lot of aggression if not supported and reinforced properly. The dogs should eat two-three cups in total per day. Read our detailed guide about 10 month old German Shepherd pupp y. It starts to challenge you as an owner and likes to demonstrate its leadership. You should teach it to be responsible and obey your commands. A lot of training and reinforcement is crucial. Still, give it two or three cups in total per day. It becomes a bit destructive, but be sure not to get angry or upset with it. It needs your patience and positive attitude. Such vaccines as DHPP and rabies are recommended at this age. It should also transit to adult food. Give it three or three and a half cups total twice a day. Read our detailed guide about 1 year old German Shepherd puppy. Years 1. This time is considered a transition period. The dog may have problems with fears and memory breakdowns. It may even forget how to do familiar things and should be trained again. However, its attention span is longer at this age, so it can have a more thorough obedience training. The dog should eat three or three and a half cups two times a day. Year 2 months — The Second Transition Phase This is one more transition period known as young adulthood. Your dog still displays some aggression. That is why they continue to need reinforcement, training, and socialization. It has already gained its athletic frame and strong muscle, and only several pounds are lacking for reaching its adult weight. In fact, you get a German Shepherd full-grown pet now. The DHPP vaccination is recommended at this age. Continue to feed your dog with three to three and a half cups in total twice per day. It has become a loyal and protective family pet or an obedient and enduring working dog. The young adulthood stage lasts from the second to the third year after the puppy was born. Its size is typical now for an adult dog. However, it may continue to grow slightly, but the changes are not noticeable at all. At this phase, you can also notice that your pet becomes more and more active. It needs a lot of exercise and training. A lot of physical activity is essential for the dog to stay in high spirits. The period between the second and third years of life is also called the adult growth stage. This is the time when your friend gets its excellent breed characteristics. It loves attention very much and continues to learn new things eagerly. The dog enjoys training sessions and strives for new experiences. It becomes calmer and more confident. Its hyperactivity slightly decreases. It displays a lot of self-control and discipline. Continue feeding your dog with three to three and a half cups twice per day. It will be its constant adult diet. Vaccination against rabies is recommended and required by authorities at this age. Seniority Phase This is the last phase of German Shepherd development. It may seem wonderful, but your dog can continue to slightly grow. The phase is divided into two periods — early senior years old and late senior years old. Unfortunately, you need to focus on its health rather than on training. Such health issues as hip dysplasia, joint pain, and decreased stamina can appear at this age. You need to have consultations with your vet more often. During this period, your dog does not change its weight and height considerably. Though, you can observe slight changes in weight. On average, these dogs live years. You need to attend to their health and comfort. The dog may remain energetic and playful, but it slightly slows down. It wants to rest more and gets much calmer. The animal may suffer from some pains, so it may need pain relievers for spine and joint problems and arthritis. It may also need nutritional supplements and changes to its diet. Special senior and sensitive stomach food may become the best choice. Avoid jumping and hard playing. Continuous veterinary monitoring is needed if some symptoms are worsening. The accepted proportion that is considered ideal is .The weight is usually not taken into consideration. If your pet does not correspond to this proportion, there may be a health issue you do not know about yet. That is why you need to monitor the parameters carefully. To be sure that everything is OK, multiply the length of your dog by 0. You will get the perfect height. However, there can be some divergences. If they are minor, you have nothing to worry about. The German Shepherd is rather thin, or even skinny. This results in bad proportions. The ideal weight of your German Shepherd is lbs kg for males and lbs kg for females. You can get either a heavy or obese dog, and it can be a result of overfeeding or certain health issues. How to Check the Weight of Your German Shepherd The simplest method to see whether your dog is underweight is to check whether the ribs are visible on the sides. If you can see that the shape of your dog reminds you of a barrel on the ribs, it means that it is overweight. If you cannot feel the ribs, but there is too much skin on the sides, your dog is overweight. However, if you feel the ribs and only a thin layer of skin, it is underweight. It does not matter whether your dog is underweight or overweight. In any case, it can cause health problems if you do not repair the situation. The best way to succeed is to make changes to the diet. If your German Shepherd is underweight, you should enrich the content of its food. However, do not make it eat if the dog does not want to. That can lead to more severe problems. Make a slow transition to food with higher fat content. Or you may even give your dog puppy food because it is rich in nutrients. If your pet is obviously overweight, the best thing is to cut off the food. However, you also need to do it step by step so that the dog finally can eat just half of the amount you have recently fed it. The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder and an average weight of pounds kg. Nevertheless, some German Shepherds can grow bigger and even reach pounds kg. You need to be sure about its proportions though to understand if your pet meets the standards. If you see some deficiencies, meet your vet for a more thorough evaluation. When does a German Shepherd stop growing? German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years old. Females become adults when they are 2 years old. How tall is a German Shepherd? The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder. An average male reaches inches cm in height, while an average female should be inches cm tall. The body of both males and females should be longer than their height. How big do German Shepherds get? How much does a German Shepherd weight? In general, an average male reaches pounds kg in weight, while an average female should be pounds kg heavy. This is a very strong and brave dog that can become a perfect guardian and protector. If you decide to take a GS puppy, you need to follow its growth stages accurately to be sure that it develops properly. You should follow a high-quality diet, provide your dog with a lot of exercise, and ensure its proper training and socialization. Your German Shepherd cannot stay healthy and active if it gets some health problems related to its weight or height. Sometimes, these issues are not obvious and understandable to the owner. That is why it is important to know the main development parameters of your German Shepherd growth stages to cope with possible challenges. We hope that this article, together with the weight and height chart, will become your effective and helpful guide. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. May 10, Dogs , Pets John When you adopt a German Shepherd as a puppy, you bring home this tiny, cute, cuddly, bundle of fur that fits in your hands. Fast-forward by a year and you probably wonder if your dog decided to grow at the 98th percentile. The five-pound puppy you brought home will become a full-grown dog of about 90 pounds. Essentially, she or he will grow to the size of a teenager in weight, but about 26 inches in length. You chose one of the largest dog breeds in the world. While these dogs reach physical maturity at three years of age, they typically have a median life expectancy of about ten years. Many German Shepherds live longer than that. Your puppy might grow up to live until the age of 12 or 13 , which equates to 77 to 82 years old. You will get many years of love from this breed of dog. While every dog differs, in general, female German Shepherds reach the age of full maturity before the males do. A female German Shepherd typically grows to two inches shorter than the male and a weight of about 70 pounds. All in all, German Shepherd growth is divided into seven stages. The Stages of Growth: Newborn to Adulthood Perhaps you got to visit with the puppies when they were firstborn. Enjoy it while you can. They gain weight quickly in their early days. Each day, your puppy will gain between 2. As a newborn, your German Shepherd probably weighs around four pounds. That means that in its first year of life, the dog goes through childhood, pre-teen or tween years, and half of its teen years. They gain weight and height accordingly. At the end of one year, the dog typically weighs about 49 to 50 pounds. The German Shepherd will nearly reach its full height by this time, too. Transitional Stage Veterinarians refer to every few weeks, then months as a different growth phase of early development. They call the two weeks to four weeks period transitional stage. T four weeks the typical female weighs between 4. The males may weigh between 5. When it comes to maturity stage for training, you can start even at the transitional stage, especially when you use positive reinforcement. Socialization Stage The socialization stage lasts through their third month. In the middle of this phase, the German Shepherd puppy usually experiences a growth spurt. By the end of the three months, your GSD puppy will measure about 10 to 11 inches in height. Females will weigh between 11 and 17 pounds, males will weigh between 22 and 30 pounds. Juvenile Stage Try not to think of your German Shepherd pup as a juvenile delinquent as they pass through this period from three to six months. At four months, your furry friend reaches the halfway point of height and weight. At the end of their fourth month, your puppy becomes a man or woman-dog. At this point of German Shepherd development, it reaches sexual maturity. At six months, the German Shepherd exits the juvenile stage. Your male German Shepherd exits this phase weighing between 49 and 57 pounds and at a height of 16 to 18 inches, but your female puppy will weigh between 44 and 49 pounds and attain a height of 15 to 17 inches. Adolescent Stage The adolescent stage ranges from six months to two years. At the end of one year though, your puppy becomes a dog. At one year of age, he or she enters adulthood. At this point, the female German Shepherd weighs between 60 to 64 pounds and has a height of 20 to 22 inches. The male German Shepherds weighs between 71 and 71 pounds and has a height of 22 to 24 inches. Some German Shepherds reach physical maturity at the age of two years, but most continue to grow until they reach the end of their third year. Female German Shepherds typically reach a height of 22 to 24 inches and weigh between 66 to 70 pounds. As long as their diet is stable, the adult German Shepherd dog should relatively stay the same weight for the rest of their lives. Genetics Plays a Large Part Like a human, your dog will grow to a smaller or larger size based on its genetics. To get an idea of how large your dog will grow, meet the parents. Tracing the genealogy can also help determine what are the potential German Shepherd health issues even German Shepherd skin issues to know your pup might have down the road. Regardless on the stage of growth, always make sure your German Shepherd pup is healthy. At Vetericyn , we have wellness products that can help keep your pup healthy and happy. Reviewed by Dan Richardson, Veterinarian Dan Richardson has been a practicing veterinarian for over 10 years. He specializes in surgery and orthopedics. Dan is originally from rural western Nevada and attended the University of Idaho for undergraduate study and Oregon State University for Veterinary School. The Richardson Family enjoys camping and spending time on the water fishing, paddle boarding, or digging their feet in the sand somewhere warm. Sources: All Shepherds. When do German Shepherds stop growing. Large dog breeds. GSD Growth Chart.
Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Share Ms. Manny May was named for our kids favorite cartoon character, Ice Age's Manny. She's a loyal, sweet, and stubborn Bernese Mountain Dog. She is on the smaller side as far as Berners go, but has the big, blocky and beautiful bone structure that characterizes this amazing breed. She has taught me so much about puppies, mommas, and pack life. She had 2 beautiful and sweet litters and is living the retired life of a 6 year old!! We made the long drive for Manny-May to meet him because he was part of a reputable breeding program, was health tested and cleared on everything, praised for his great disposition, he was a BIG boy, we loved his Merle coat, and when we met him he was so friendly and stood so proud we knew we wanted him to be a part of our program! She is a 2 year old F1 Bernedoodle. Sweet baby girl to Manny-May and Junior and lives here with us and still snuggles with her momma at night! And she is expecting her first litter around January 1st. We are SO SO excited!! Sister to Pepper. She is a sweetheart who thinks she is still a tiny little lap dog and will try to sneak up on your lap - like you might not notice! She lives not too far away in her guardian home where she is spoiled rotten by mom and dad, but has to put up with her princess boss little, big sister Chaffee the Pekingese , who keeps her in line and on her toes at all times!! Trixie will be expecting her first litter summer ! He was chosen as a companion for Pepper for his health testing, genetic coat and color and his super experienced and great breeder! He is Boba's baby boy with the same great genetic health and bloodlines, disposition, and adorable coat and color as his daddy. He roams the acers of his guardian home with his big Labrador brother, being doted on by the young ladies of the house who spoil him and think he's the best! When he is old enough and with clear OFAs, he will sire upcoming litters. Guardian Families Openings for guardian families. Please ask for details if you are interested and live in the Twin Cities area. The Mini Bernedoodle may also vary in color and coat with the poodle daddy being credited with most of these specifics. What is the size of a Mini Bernedoodle? Mini Bernedoodles can range anywhere from 15 to 40 pounds depending on the dogs used for breeding. Size of the puppy is often not known until after birth. At Happy Tail Doodles our goal is to have our F1 puppies varying from 28 to 35 lbs. The most popular is the traditional black tri - consists of black, white, tan, or rust colors and will strongly resemble the Bernese Mountain dog's colors. Sable is a color that will generally carry a fading gene and will lighten in color as they age. The bi colors — are generally black with the white Bernese markings. Are Mini Bernedoodles Hypoallergenic? There are different coat types in Mini Bernedoodles as well. We may see a more wavey coat in some vs. While the wavey coat may be more appealing in appearance, the curly coat is more suitable for allergy sufferers due to generally being less shedding then the wavey coat. It is difficult to predict these coats as young puppies due to observing a puppy coat vs. At Happy Tail Doodles we run a coat type genetic test on our sires to ensure they carry 2 copies of the non-shedding gene as well as 2 copies of furnishings to bring you the best chance at having a low shedding, beautifully furnished fur-baby. What is the Temperament of a Mini Bernedoodle? Bernedoodle puppies are a crossbreed of a Loyal, affectionate Bernese Mountain Dog and the intelligent, loyal Poodle, which means they are not only smart but charming, affectionate, and ultra-friendly. Though no Bernedoodle puppies are exactly alike, you can count on them to combine the best characteristics of their parent breeds in beautiful and unique ways. Like the Poodle, Bernedoodle puppies are intelligent, athletic, and incredibly loyal. Like the Bernese Mountain Dog, however, Bernedoodles form remarkably strong bonds with their family and absolutely adore children. These beautiful and loyal dogs will bring a depth of love and joy to your family and will create memories with you and your children that will last a lifetime. While intelligence simplifies training in the mini Bernedoodle it can work in a negative sense as well. If training is neglected, you may see bad habits develop earlier then in breeds that may not be known to be as intelligent. Therefore, it is highly recommended to start training at an early age and be consistent in training exercises. Being a smaller size hybrid cross they are the least likely to inherit congenital health problems, with the likelihood of hip or elbow dysplasia being greatly reduced due to the much smaller size. Daily exercise is generally sufficient. Most of our Mamas are completely genetically clear, and for those who are not, we breed carefully to ensure your puppy will stay safe from any genetic disorders. Our mamas are all in the 68 to 70 lb. Our sires poodles will generally be around 7 to 11 lbs. When the term F1 Mini Bernedoodle is used, this is saying it is a first-generation cross. These will be smaller in size, and more likely to be completely hypoallergenic.
This hybrid is known for being highly unpredictable when it comes to distinguishing character traits. Even with a litter of puppies, you can expect each puppy to look different from one another. To get an in-depth understanding of possibilities, we need to look at the parents. If a Toy Poodle is the parent, the offspring is sometimes referred to as a Toy Doxiepoo. This dog is most noted for high intelligence, easy trainability, and a friendly temperament. It does well as a family dog, especially around children. Poodles excel in dog competitions. They are quick to learn commands and obey on a whim. This also makes them well-behaved, low-maintenance pets. The Poodle is famous for its luxurious coat of tight-knit curls. This type of coat is low-shedding and touted as hypoallergenic. I mean, a curly-coated Poodle mixed with a short-legged Dachshund? The Dachshund is a hunting breed, which explains their love for chasing down tennis balls they were used to hunt small critters. Though loving and affectionate, the Dachshund has a stubborn streak. This can make training a bit of a challenge. They are also known to bark a lot, but training can break this habit in a heartbeat. The Dachshund coat comes in numerous colors and textures, which plays a big role in how much a Doxiepoo will shed. Dachshunds exhibit short, long or wired hair. Expect low to moderate shedding, depending on the type of coat. Also, this breed is not hypoallergenic. What does a Doxipoo look like? You, as the dog owner, must be open and have no expectations. Keeping the Poodle and Dachshund in mind, the size of Doxiepoo can be small to medium, growing anywhere from 17 to 23 in 43 to 58 cm and weighing from 10 to 30 lbs 4 to 13 kg. The coat colors of a Daxiedoodle can be any combination of black, gray, white, brown or tan. This video starring Doxiepoo puppies showcases just how varied a litter can be. Is the Doxipoo hypoallergenic? Shedding is low to moderate, depending on the long or short hair it may inherit from the Dachshund. As for Doxiepoo grooming, daily brushing will ensure minimum shedding. If a breeder guarantees that a litter of Doxiepoo puppies is hypoallergenic- this is a big red flag. No one can ensure the traits of a hybrid! Doxipoo temperament and behavior You can rest assured that the Doxiepoo is a good family dog. These crossbreeds are well-behaved and loving, though sometimes they do tend to love a bit too much. The Doxiepoo wants to be the only fur baby in your life, and it has been known to not take well to other pets in the household. They are also prone to incessant barking. If you welcome a mini guard that will alert you to any outside danger, the Doxiepoo will not fail you. Doxiepoo training: easy or challenging? The Dachshund Poodle mix can go two ways with training. The Poodle is as quick and reliable as a dog can get, but a Dachshund is a stubborn fellow indeed. The key is to start them young. Early socialization will help Doxipoo pups accept other pets. Exposure to other dogs at the dog park can help with this. Consistent obedience training emphasis on consistent will make the Dachshund Poodle mix obedient, confident, and calm. Maintaining a patient and positive attitude whilst training is also important. Praise your Doxiepoo and reward her with treats. Never yell or use excessive force. Keeping your Dachshund Poodle mix fit The best way to combat disease is by making sure your Doxiepoo gets 60 minutes of exercise per day. Also, this breed is quite hyperactive and needs to burn energy to keep from chewing up your favorite shoes or digging up the petunias. Take your little furball for a walk around the block or to the dog park for some socialization and playtime. Feeding a Doxipoo This breed has a voracious appetite and struggles with obesity. Keep it light on the treats and control the menu each day- never let your dog overeat. A good rule of thumb is to feed your Dachshund Poodle mix 1. Divide this amount into 3 meals. How much are Doxiepoo puppies? Why such a wide range? When it comes to designer dogs, especially one as mixed as the Doxipoo, you want to be informed about your decision. Ethical breeders will tell you that they cannot guarantee how a litter of puppies will turn out, but they can tell you about the puppies parents. They will be happy to meet you at the breeding facility and show you around. Also, ask for testimonials. Reputable Doxiepoo breeders will be able to show their worth by telling you about past transactions with happy customers. They guarantee that the puppy will act or look a certain way. You ask to visit where the puppies grew up, but the breeder refuses. Dachshund Poodle mixes end up at rescue centers this way. They are friendly, intelligent, people-oriented and are loyal to their families. The Doxie is comfortable to be around children and pets, but supervision is recommended. Though, these dogs often pick up the bad traits of its parents, like the stubborn behavior of the Dachshund. The Doxiepoo is mischievous and funny that would love to dig and play around or get cuddled. They would often develop excessive barking behaviors, which might at times be obnoxious, but adds to its quality of being a good watchdog. Care Exercise These little dogs do not need heavy exercise schedules because of their little size. Only a fair amount of exercise and play session keeps them fit. Take your doxie out for a walk every day, since they stay happy walking and running outdoors. Grooming Shedding mainly depends on the nature of the coat your pet doxie was born. General grooming is essential for the dog, though. Brush their coat few times a week, or even daily, to avoid matting and retain the natural sheen. But if you decide to keep it long, grooming them occasional by professional hands is recommended. For curlier poodle-like coats, clip them once in every 1 to 2 months. Health Problems Crossbreed dogs are generally healthy, and so is the doxiepoo. The only health concern might be genetically transmitted or hereditary diseases. Skin and nasal allergies can also be a concern to your doxiepoo. Those with longer or denser hair types might be even more susceptible to these conditions. Training By virtue of its inherited intelligence, training your doxiepoo is not at all tough. They would pick up training very quickly, though, at times might display obstinate behavior. This can easily be resolved by means of rewards and positive reinforcements. Begin your obedience training at its puppy-age and allowing them socialize frequently. This should keep a check on possible behavioral issues like barking habits and stubbornness, as they grow up. Insist on a raw meat diet. At that, a chicken meal can be the first choice, especially for the pups. There is also liver, lamb meal, salmon meal, and other mineral-enriched dog foods that we generally serve to the dogs of its size, with the same health history. If you feed your dog with dry kibble, be sure they are of high quality. Interesting Facts The doxiepoo breed is popular in the Southern states. Doxiepoo has been immortalized in a kitschy pin on web site eBay. Since they differ so much from each other by appearance, identifying a doxiepoo puppy is tough. While this mixed breed can have famously endless combinations of traits, they are known for being affectionate, intelligent, and playful. The list of names the Doxiepoo is known by is as long as the parent Dachshund: Doodle, Dachdoodle, Doxiedoodle, Doxiepoodle, Dachshunddoodle, and Dachshundpoo. This is one of the most unpredictable pairings among mixed breeds, even within a single litter. This means they often end up in shelters. However, with such winning traits, they are wonderfully adoptable dogs. They do well with children, but they do best in single-pet homes. Doxiepoos are energetic but adapt well to both apartments and houses , provided they are given enough exercise time. See below for all Doxiepoo facts and mixed dog breed characteristics! Contrary to popular belief, the suitability of dogs who adapt well to apartment living goes beyond its size. Apartment dwellers have a myriad of dog breeds to choose from as potential companions, with various factors to consider. Some large breeds can adapt well to apartment living and have lower activity levels. Others may require more space and possess higher energy levels. On the other hand, certain small dog breeds with abundant energy can still find contentment with indoor playtime or brisk walks. However, when selecting a dog that adapts well apartments, it is essential to prioritize your neighbors. This makes them less suitable for apartment living. Therefore, desirable qualities in an apartment dog encompass being quiet, low-energy, and displaying polite behavior towards other residents. Apartment dwellers have a wealth of dog breeds to choose from as potential furry companions. While some larger breeds can adapt well to apartment living, with lower, others may require more space and have higher energy levels, making them less suitable for smaller apartments. Conversely, certain small dog breeds with higher energy levels can still thrive in apartments, finding contentment through indoor playtime or brisk walks. By considering these factors, you can find a dog that will adapt well to apartment living and create a harmonious living environment for everyone involved. Doxiepoos are intelligent, self-confident, and spirited little pups. Little is known about how the mixed breed came to be, but dachshund and poodle mixes have become a favorite thanks to their cute appearance and affectionate personalities. Doxiepoos have moderate energy levels and a high need for mental stimulation, and these mixed breed dogs are big barkers that aren't afraid to sound the alarm, says Jennifer Gregory, vice president of Doxie by Proxy Rescue. Appearance The doxiepoo is not a pure breed and, with no breed standard for how these mixed breed dogs should look, there are an infinite number of factors influencing their appearance. Depending on the traits inherited from his parent breed, your doxiepoo can be short and long like a dachshund but covered in curly poodle hair. Or, he might have longer legs and a more petite build like his poodle parent with the straight hair and long noses that define dachshunds. He can also come in a range of colors, including black, brown, grey, cream, white, and numerous color patterns. Though no dog is completely hypoallergenic , poodles' curly, low-shedding hair is often well-suited for people who tend to be sneezy around dogs. A doxiepoo's size can also be hard to pin down. Poodles can be toy , miniature , and standard sizes while dachshunds are either miniature or standard. Doxiepoos are a cross between either dachshund variety and a toy or miniature poodle. This means full-grown doxiepoos can stand anywhere between 5—15 inches tall and weigh 5—30 pounds. Both dachshunds and poodles are known for being self-confident, playful, affectionate with their families, and good with other dogs. Gregory often describes doxiepoos as, " small dogs with big dog personalities. A lot. Doxiepoos tend to be big barkers , too, and want to sound the alarm every time the doorbell rings, a squirrel runs past, and the mail is delivered, which makes most ill-suited to apartment living. Courtesy of dox-atlas. He'll love spending time with his family and will happily accept the role of lap dog. Even strangers can quickly win over a doxiepoo, making fast friends with the pint-sized pooches—especially if treats are involved. Living Needs As small dogs, doxiepoos don't need wide open spaces to thrive. With regular walks or backyard playtime, the breed can live happily in cities, suburbs, or rural areas—but think twice before bringing a doxiepoo into an apartment or townhouse. Not only may their frequent barking rack up noise complaints from the neighbors, doxiepoos with short legs and long, dachshund-like backs may struggle climbing up the stairs, especially as they get older. Doxiepoos can get along well with family members of all ages, but Gregory recommends homes with older children or no children for small breed dogs—they can be more easily injured if a child drops them or trips over them. But if you teach your kids how to properly interact with pets , a doxiepoo could be the perfect buddy for your family. Both dachshunds and poodles are known to get along well with other dogs, but their historic hunting instincts could cause them to see other small animals as something to chase. Introductions to cats and other small animals should be done slowly, with caution and supervision. Care Most doxiepoos require minimal grooming; all it takes is regular brushing and the occasional bath to keep most doxiepoo coats looking their best. But Gregory says those who inherit a coat similar to their poodle parent, or those who have wiry hair or long locks, will need extra grooming and an occasional trip to a professional to prevent matting. Regardless of their coat type, doxiepoos need regular nail trims , ear cleanings , and routine dental care. Doxiepoos hail from athletic stock; poodles and dachshunds were both bred to hunt. The poodle is known as a "duck dog" in France because the breed started out as a retrieving water dog, and the dachshund was bred to burrow into holes in search of badgers. Doxiepoos aren't known as great hunting dogs, but they often retain the energy levels of their athletic working ancestors. Courtesy of the. Choose activities that challenge their intelligent poodle side and appeal to their independent dachshund natures. Training with treats is always a hit! Poodles are super smart and dachshunds are known for being curious—traits that could get doxiepoos into trouble. Regular physical and mental stimulation hello, puzzle toys will help your doxiepoo burn off some energy and alleviate boredom. Health Doxiepoos have a long lifespan , living anywhere between 10—18 years. While mixed breed dogs are generally believed to have fewer health issues than purebred dogs, doxiepoos are prone to some of the same health problems as their parent breeds. Dachshunds, with their long backs, are prone to the disease and doxiepoos that share a similar stature might be affected, too. IVDD causes severe pain, impairs movement, and, in severe cases, can lead to partial paralysis. Medication can be used to treat IVDD, but surgery may also be required. Gregory suggests helping doxiepoos maintain a healthy weight and prohibiting them from jumping on or off the furniture to minimize the risk of back injuries and IVDD. Small breeds like the dachshund and poodle are also at higher risk of luxating patella , a condition triggered when the kneecap patella moves out of its normal location luxates and makes it hard for dogs to put weight on the affected leg. While it's often not painful, more severe causes can cause chronic dislocation, which puts doxiepoos at higher risk of other injuries such as torn cruciate ligaments. History While not much is known about how doxiepoos came to be, their parent breeds both have long and strikingly similar histories. Both dachshunds and poodles hail from Germany, and both were bred as hunting dogs. Dachshunds were bred with long, lean bodies that allowed them to burrow into holes in pursuit of badgers. Poodles, on the other hand, had the waterproof coats and strong swimming abilities needed to retrieve ducks from the water. The dachshund and poodle mix first appeared around , and their playful natures, small stature, and sometimes-hypoallergenic coats have made them a beloved designer breed. Fun Facts You might sometimes hear doxiepoos called by a different name: "doxiedoodles. Doxiepoos aren't the only popular poodle mixes out there. There's also the adorable Yorkie-poo , shih-poo , Cavapoo , and so many others. For a daily dose of doxiepoo cuteness, follow Nutella , Teddie , and Atlas on Instagram. Was this page helpful? They are delicate, and can display watchdog instincts. They might be quite noisy to share a home with and have some health issues you need to consider. The Doxiepoo is a relatively recent cross, growing in popularity. Twenty years ago this mix would be very rare and hard to find, but today they are more prevalent. To learn more about the background of the Doxiepoo, we need to get to know their parent breeds. The Dachshund originated in Germany and can be traced back at least years. This is due to the fact they were bred specifically to hunt badgers, with their low-to-the-ground bodies and long back proving to be perfect for navigating badger dens. Once introduced into America, this breed found immediate love and popularity among the masses. The Poodle was used as water retrievers. A useful companion to duck hunters because of their incredible swimming ability and intelligence. The Toy Poodle variation was first bred in America in the 20th century, to serve as a city-dwelling companion. Doxiepoo Appearance The first generation Doxiepoo will have short legs. In generations after that they could either have long or short legs, depending on which parent they take after. They are likely to have an elongated body, narrow muzzle and floppy ears. The Dachshund sits on short stout legs, leaving them low to the ground. They have a long body, large floppy ears, and a very keen nose. Their coat can come in three main variations—short and smooth, long, or rough and wiry. The Poodle, on the other hand, stands on much taller legs and is higher up off the ground. They are graceful, elegant dogs with short floppy ears. The coat of the Poodle is iconic. It is curly, dense, and naturally corded. It can either be kept long or regularly clipped to a short trim. They will fall anywhere from 10 to 22 inches and 4 to 32lbs depending on the type of parents used. Coats, Colors, Grooming and Shedding There can be a lot of different coat variations in Doxiepoos, due to the many variations naturally present in the Dachshund. Dachshund dogs have short, long or wirehaired varieties. The Doxiepoo could have a curly, corded coat like the Poodle, or they could take after the characteristics of the Dachshund coat, whichever variation that may be. However, the odds are the your Doxiepoo will have a medium length, wavy coat. Grooming requirements depends on what kind of coat the Doxiepoo has inherited. If your dog takes after the Poodle, it may be fairly high maintenance. Daily thorough brushing will be necessary or clipping the hair to a shorter trim to make it more manageable. On the other hand, if they take after a Dachshund coat, weekly brushing may suffice. Are Doxiepoos Hypoallergenic? The Doxiepoo might be a low shedding dog, if their coat is very curly like their Toy Poodle parents is. However, they produce allergen carrying saliva and dander, like any dog breed. This means that there is always the potential for a dog allergy to be triggered in an allergic owner, regardless of coat type. Doxiepoo Behavior and Temperament The Doxiepoo is a curious, intelligent dog. However, they can be stubborn and independent too. They have a tendency to be wary around people they do not know, which can result in tension or perhaps even aggression towards strangers if they are not socialized properly from a young age. However, they do make good watch dogs because of this. If they take after the Dachshund they may prove to be guarded around strangers. They might have more of a stubborn, independent nature than if they take after the Poodle. The Doxiepoo is likely to be very intelligent due to having two intelligent parent breeds, though how easy to train they are can vary. Doxiepoo Exercise The Doxiepoo should have similar exercise requirements to its parents. Despite their small stature, both the Dachshund and the Poodle are active dogs that require a good amount of daily exercise. A moderate length walk for each dog twice a day suits them nicely. Training Doxiepoo dogs take well to positive, reward-based training. However, the Dachshund sometimes proves to be more of a handful to train than the eager Poodles have a sometimes stubborn and easily distracted nature. Depending on if the Doxiepoo takes after the Dachshund in temperament, you may find them to be more of a challenge to train. It may require a lot of patience. High value rewards and lots of positivity are the way forward. Socialisation is also very important, as the guarded nature of the Dachshund can sometimes present itself in the Doxiepoo as aggression to strangers or other dogs. Designer Dog Health Advocates of pedigree dogs express concerns about the health of these mixed breeds and suggest many of these dogs come from inexperienced greedy breeders hoping to capitalize on a fad. However, a study performed in analyzed over 27 dogs of both purebred and crossbred backgrounds and found that purebred dogs were more at risk of certain genetic disorders. According to another study that took place in , Mixed breeds also seem to live 1. Dachshund and Toy Poodle Health Unfortunately, both parent breeds are known to suffer from some health issues that could present themselves in your Doxiepoo. The Dachshund has a type of dwarfism known as achondroplasia. Intervertebral disc disease is a serious issue that can stem from achondroplasia. In severe cases, this can lead to paralysis. Both the Dachshund and the Poodle are known to suffer from a patellar luxation. This is where the kneecap can slide out of place and become dislocated, causing sudden lameness. Another health risk that is prevalent in both breeds is hip dysplasia. This is where the dogs hip joint does not develop correctly, causing painful arthritis. Poodles are known to suffer from many eye problems. Cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy PRA , lens sclerosis, and corneal degeneration are all potential issues. These conditions can cause vision loss and in severe cases lead to blindness. The Dachshund is also at risk of developing some of these conditions but to a lesser degree. Doxiepoo Health A Doxiepoo can be at risk of these issues, especially for conditions that are prevalent in both breeds such as patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. This may lead to a significantly higher risk of serious issues like intervertebral disc disease. Not allowing them to jump on and off furniture, or run up and down stairs can help reduce damage. It is incredibly important you check the health of the parent breeds before purchasing a Doxiepoo puppy. Feeding Your Doxiepoo Doxiepoos should be fed high-quality dog food. However, caution must be taken to never overfeed them. Are Doxiepoos Good Pets? The Doxiepoo is a friendly and loyal dog and will quickly become attached to members of the family provided they have been raised well. They would do best within a medium-sized family where they are able to fulfill their daily exercise requirements. This is doubly important if the Doxiepoo has inherited the Dachshunds long back and short legs, as the exercise can strengthen their potentially weak back. They are able to get along with other family dogs provided they have been socialized with them since early life.
All they care about is having fun. If you ever seen two puppies play then you already know how rough, mean and aggressive those games can look while being super adorable at the same time. One pup will chase the other one growling, one will be barking his little head off in his very non-threatening voice while the other will chase his siblings around biting him and tugging him by his ears. At their very core they still have those predatory instincts that come out to the surface. However the instincts to chase down prey, growl in the face of danger and attack their enemies is deeply ingrained in him. Just like little kids like to play games where they pretend to be adults, your little guy is doing exactly the same thing. I bet when your little guy was even younger, you would have had no problem with him biting you with his little teeth because you could barely feel it. However as he got older, those little teeth got bigger, the biting started to hurt more and outrunning your Pug puppy took a bit more effort. Puppies teach each other when to stop biting If left amongst his peers, your puppy would have outgrown his behavior as he got older at the very least he would have learned to take it easy with the aggression. His siblings and his parents would be the ones teaching him when enough is enough. The pup will either yelp out or just stop playing with the aggressive one. At first the biter might not even realize why his pal suddenly changed his mind, but when more of his siblings stop playing with him after he nips too hard he will realize that something is up. He will have to learn that if he wants to keep playing games with his buddies, he will have to play much nicer. All you have to do is show him that if he wants to continue playing with you, he has to keep his sharp teeth off you and your clothes. Otherwise he will have to play all by himself, and we all know that there is no fun in that. Puppies biting their owners while playing have been a problem ever since people kept dogs as housepets. Stop the games whenever your puppy bites you — Just simply stop everything, turn away from him and go about your business while ignoring him. As soon as he realizes that using his teeth during playtime will lose your attention, he will find other ways to keep you interested. Yelp or shout to alarm him whenever things get too rough — You know how I talked about puppies yelping when things get too rough? The only problem though is that you have to teach him those games first. Your little guy only knows how to play with dogs, so teach him games that he can play with humans. If you apply all three of the tips listed above, you will be on the right path to finally stopping your puppies biting. If everyone around him changes how they play games with him, he will have no choice but to change along with them. Watch out for aggressive behavior Sometimes puppies bite for other reasons than just playing. The suggestions above apply mostly to just play biting. Although most of the time when a puppy bites he is doing it playfully, there are exceptions to everything. Other reasons for your puppy to bite you might include: Feeling threatened — if your Pug feels threatened by you or someone around him after growling or barking at the person, he will have no choice but to bite them. Possessive behavior — Some dogs are very possessive and will do anything to defend whatever they feel like is theirs. A lot can go wrong if you approach a dog that has shown warning signs for you to back off. Related Articles. Pug Dog Biting Biting Vs Nipping It's common to use the word biting, however most puppies nip and there is a big difference. A nip is a quick snapping of the jaws.It is done in reaction to one of several triggers: Fear- Sometimes if a pup is startled he may nip in automated reaction. Play - Young puppies and older Pug pups, if not taught nip as they play. This how newborns interacted with litter-mates. Once at their new home, new rules must be taught that this is not an accepted form of behavior. Ruby Photo courtesy of owner Alf Dixon Ruby Photo courtesy of owner Alf Dixon Irritation - If a favorite toy is taken away, if a puppy is too possessive of his "belongings", if a pup has not yet learned his place in the family "pack" and other triggers can cause a young Pug to bite or nip. Before we dive into training for this, let us make note that the above is a nipping problem and not an actual biting issue. Biting is reserved for when a dog aggressively bites, there is a locking of the jaw.There is skin contact and often broken skin. It is a dominant, aggressive action that warrants much different training. The Pug dog is an even tempered, good natured dog breed and very rarely will a Pug actually bite as opposed to nipping. Training for This All dogs find comfort and security in knowing that they are living in a pack. Today's modern dog's pack is his human family. By taking proper care of a Pug , an owner shows him that it is the human who is the leader Alpha. Proper feeding giving the sit command first and training for commands are the 2 main ways that a dog truly understands who is in charge. When a dog of any age is ignored by his leader, this sends a very strong message. Canines do not take this lightly and any action that seemingly lead to the brief social isolation is quickly put into the "do not do" category. This does not mean that an owner should ignore the behavior.What an owner should do, is to immediately take action by purposefully ignoring the puppy to such as extent that he worries that his action damaged his place in the pack.If both owner and dog are sitting down when the bite occurs, the owner should raise. If both were on the floor, the owner should stand or sit on the sofa. The idea is to physically separate from the pup and maintain an authoritative physical position. The next step is to completely ignore the Pug, this means zero talking and no eye contact. It will be a brief banishing in which the puppy is essentially invisible. Everyone in the house should follow this training no matter who was the "victim" of the nipping. And it is important that everyone is on the same page, since it does little good for a biting puppy to be ignored by one of his humans, but able to move on to the next to play and to possibly nip again. This training should last just about 10 minutes, but it should extend even longer if the pup has gone about his own business and is not focused on his owners. One key element the 10 minutes must be a time in which the Pug is very aware that he is no longer receiving attention. Once that time is up, allow interaction, and any time that the Pug nips or bite, immediately begin again. It is important to be very consistent with this.When done each and every time, training can be successful in as little as 2 weeks. Is Teething an Issue? Your Pug may be biting due to teething. While most owners do refer to this as biting, this is actually a gnawing in an attempt to sooth the pain and discomfort that a pup will experience when his teeth are growing in and gums are very sensitive and sore. At this stage in life, a Pug will chew on just about anything that he can get his mouth on. He or she will not care if it is your fingers, your new shoes or electrical cords! There are several ways to help your Pug dog get through this time without damaging your home and belongings. One element that separates this from the above biting issues is that a puppy should be given an option. When chewing on an un-approved object, that object should be taken away and replaced with a chew toy. If the dog seems to be having a really hard time, ice cubes plain or flavored can offer great relief. In addition, toys chilled in the freezer can take the edge off. Always praise good chewing habits while discouraging bad ones. And if the Pug pup nips at hands or feet, immediately follow the training previously explained for biting. In regard to any household items that you absolutely do not need on floor level: remove them or place them high enough so that your dog cannot reach them. Be sure to cover electrical wires with plastic shielding. Allowing a your Pug dog to have an ice cube will be very helpful. Placing dog toys in the freezer for an hour or two, and then offering them will help. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Proven Ways to End The Nipping! February 24, by Susan Puppy biting is a part of the process of dog ownership, but it can also be frustrating and excruciatingly painful. If you have a pug puppy, you have most likely wondered how I get my Pug Puppy to stop biting? This breed is known to be stubborn. However, you can stop the painful nipping problems with the proper training knowledge without using any painful training collar like choke, prong, and electric collars. You want to address the symptom, not the cause. As mentioned above, puppies bite for several reasons, but the most common reasons are teething and interaction with the world. Other reasons your puppy keeps biting you could be: Fear: If you happen upon a puppy that is startled, their first reaction may be to bite or nip at you. During the exploration process, they learn how hard they can bite while interacting with humans and other dogs. Playtime: Young puppies and older Pugs if not appropriately trained will nip as they play. Both puppies and dogs use their mouths to interact with people and dogs. Puppy Biting vs. Puppy Nipping vs. The bite may break the skin and lead to infections that a medical doctor may need to treat. Biting Biting is when a puppy or full-grown dog bit down hard on someone or something. Instead, it is a sharp pinch. It is still painful and can cause injury to people who have thinner skin than dogs do. Nipping can also cause holes and tears in your expensive clothing. Small breed dogs are known to be ankle biters. If ignored, your dog will do this behavior to the mailman, neighbors, and other people, which will cause significant problems for you. Mouthing Mouthing is when a dog or puppy gnaws or puts its mouth around your hand, arm, or another part of your body. Both puppies and dogs will use their mouths to pull at your shoe, clothing, etc. When Do Pugs Stop Teething? Puppy nipping and biting can last until your puppy is five months old or until they have their full set of grown-up teeth. Do Pugs Bite? Instead, they use their teeth, barking, and body language to let us know their feelings. At some point in their life, your Pug will show signs of aggression or fear by barking as a way to let you know to stay away. The final stage will be your dog snapping and possibly even biting you. Unlike other breeds, Pugs are a gentle breed that loves being around people, even children. Is Pug Dog Bite Dangerous? Puppies are prone to biting, and while not life-threatening, it is still excruciating. You may need a bandaid or ice to soothe the cut. There are several humane ways to train your puppy to stop biting. With the proper training, time, and patience, you can train your Pug to stop sinking their teeth into you. How to train a Pug Puppy Not to Bite? Here are several steps you can use to stop your Pug puppy from biting. Make Sure Your Puppy Has Access to Chew Toys If your puppy is teething, make sure she has access to several types of chew toys with lots of different textures. Teething puppies will bite and chew on anything they can find, even your hands and fingers. A great way to keep your puppy occupied is to give them a chew toy instead. It puts their attention on the toy and teaches them what they can chew on. Say goodbye to painful bites.We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Get them used to you touching their face, paws, ears, tail, etc. While Pugs love to be pet especially belly rubs , not all dogs enjoy you touching certain parts of their body. Some dogs are sensitive to people touching their paws and will nip when touched. It could be because their feet hurt or are ticklish when they are touched? The more you get them used to let you touch them as a puppy, the easier it will be to cut their nails as they get older. A tired puppy means less biting! Just remember not to overdo it. Also, make sure not to exercise them in the heat of the day. For instance, if you know your pups about to bite, you can move your hand away and put a toy in its mouth. If your puppy bites all the time when you bend down to greet them, have their favorite toy in your hand. Your excited puppy will bite the toy instead of your flesh, which is what you want. Most people make the mistake of correcting unwanted behavior after they occur. After doing it hundreds of times, your Pug would sit before they greeted you, and the unwanted behavior would be gone. If this is your puppy, give them the treat with an open palm. When your puppy becomes overly excited, grab their favorite snack, and ask them to sit. It teaches your puppy to want to interact with you and helps you raise a well-behaved dog at the same time. Giving them the treat too early will only reinforce the biting and unwanted behavior. The treat training method teaches your dog to respond to you rather than merely behaving impulsively. The puppy backs away, even for a second before the fierce playing resumes. As a Pug owner, you can mimic this behavior! When your puppy bites too hard, make a high-pitched yelp or squeal sound. The key to this type of training is to ignore your puppy for a while. The training sounds harsh but does work very well, especially for this breed. Pugs are companion dogs, and they want to please you. Some people make the mistake of biting the puppy back to show them how it feels. One jumps and bites on the other dog, and eventually, the other dog gives and starts biting them. Before you know it, the two dogs are fighting, and the people have to break it up before it escalates and someone gets hurt. Teach Them Not to Bite Over Food Pugs love to eat, and one of the most common reasons a puppy will bite is when they feel you or other pets threaten their food. Start by petting your puppy while they are eating. Keep repeating the process every time at mealtime. Quitting too early will cause your puppy to revert to its old habits of biting. Puppy biting can take anywhere from a couple of days, weeks, or even months with extreme biters. Instead of losing your cool, take them for a walk to tire them up. Puppies enjoy being around people and will quickly learn to behave correctly. After all, the goal is to get them chewing and biting on toys, not your flesh. Check out some of the best crates for Pugs that are perfect for sleeping and training. When they calm down, you can let them out of the kennel. Your Pug will fear you and cringe or run away when you approach her. She may respond defensively and attempt to bite you because she sees you as someone who will hurt her. Your puppy may see your gentle tap or slap as an invitation to pay, which will set your training back. Training time will become playtime and will be more likely to bite or nip at you. Never play tug-of-war or wrestling games with your puppy. These types of games encourage biting, jumping, grabbing, chewing, etc. Also, avoid using choking, electric, and prong collars as they will be painful to your pup. Final Word? This guide will help you properly train your puppy, whether dealing with teething or nipping issues. It takes time to train your Pug puppy not to bite. Implementing proper training can help strengthen your bond, which will help your dog become a well-behaved adult. However, when they realize how much work goes into training them, many are surrendered to shelters. You now have the tools you need to teach your Pug puppy to stop biting. Good Luck! However, whilst Pugs tend to have good temperaments, as puppies they use their mouths to learn and will bite anything in sight. In this guide I will explain how you can overcome Pug puppy biting problems, despite the challenges involved. He has never been an aggressive biter, but he would nip a lot as a puppy. Unfortunately, a lot of the biting was down to me, as I would do rough play with him and almost encourage the nipping. But, as my puppy got older, those playful nips started to hurt. Please do take all my tips in, as I believe it to be the most detailed solution you will find for stopping a Pug biting that you see anywhere on the Internet. But first, why do Pugs bite you? Most will let you know they are scared with a little bark, letting you know to keep away. If you continue to advance and upset them, the growl can then become a snap and possible bite. But, with an older and more aggressive Pug, that bite could be very painful, particularly to young children. Do Pugs bite a lot? When Pugs are puppies, they do tend to do a lot of biting. Why Pug puppies bite? The teething phase is when you will notice your Pug puppy biting the most. Some Pugs will also bite a bit too enthusiastically when they are playing with you. This is a hangover from their days with their siblings where mouth play would have been used. You can stop a Pug biting you when they teethe by giving them things to chew on. As mentioned earlier, I would play with my own puppy and he would go for my hands with his teeth. I turned this into a game, which then became an issue as I had to train him out of it as he got older. Pug puppies can also bite as a way of showing their dominance over you. Whatever the reason is for your Pug puppy biting, it needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. If not, you will have problems with your adult Pug thinking that biting is acceptable. Also, if your Pug suddenly starts biting for no obvious reason please go to the vet immediately — it could be the sign of a new illness or injury. How to stop your Pug puppy from biting Here are different ways that really work if you need to know how you can stop a Pug from biting as a puppy. Squeal like a puppy bite inhibition When you see puppies playing together in their litter, they will let out a tiny squealing sound when bitten by sibling. The puppy that bit will hear the squeal and then tends to back off. As Pug owners we can imitate this behavior! If your Pug puppy bites you and gives you a nip, make a high-pitched squeal sound. You might find your puppy seeks re-assurance and comfort, but the key is to not give it. Instead, ignore them for a few moments, for example; turn your back to them. This might sound mean but if you want your Pug to stop biting it can work very well. The quicker you begin using this technique the sooner your Pug will biting you and your family. All it will do is make your dog scared and could lead to more biting out of fear. I made this mistake with my own puppy, as would push him away playfully, but that just encouraged the biting more. They will want more of the play, so will bite back again. But you are training them into thinking your hands are fair game. Instead you should use chew toys for this type of play. If you can focus their attention onto a toy and not your hands, they will learn that fingers and hands are not there to be bitten. You can also see the prices by clicking the photo below. Puppies will often eat things they should not do, so you will need to hook stuff out of their mouth. You will also need to check the health of their teeth and gums. One of the best ways you can train a Pug puppy to not bite your fingers in their mouth is to use a treat or snack. Let them see it, and then use your fingers to pop it into their mouth and out again. Over time, they should get comfortable letting you put fingers in their mouth without biting back. Train your Pug puppy to not bite over food One of the most common times a Pug puppy will bite is when food is in the equation. Puppies tend to be very overprotective of food, which they learned when in the litter as they had to fight for nutrition. Unfortunately, it will be behavior that can extend to occur over their food bowl. If your Pug is showing food aggression, then you need to train the puppy to learn you are in charge and can pick their bowl up and put it back down at any time — with no aggression from the dog. What you do is put a bowl in front of your Pug then quickly remove it again. Dog trainers tell you to do the loud squeal when the Pug puppy bites you then quickly place your thumb in their mouth, pressing it underneath their tongue. You can then put a finger under the chin. Hold this position for 10 seconds if you can, but not hard enough to hurt the puppy. The Pug will not like it, and it could mean they stop biting you and will learn for next time. Let your Pug know you are in charge Older Pugs that bite will often do it to try to exert dominance over their owner. They can also bite due to jealousy, or when you tell them to do something like get off your chair or bed. You need to train your Pug to realize you are the pack leader and the dominant one. Alphas like us owners, should not be bitten by pack members lower down the chain. Being assertive will help, but often simply rewarding good behavior is enough to get a dog to bend to your will. Socialise your Pug puppy with other dogs Puppies will learn from each other and older dogs. We often look after puppies for our friends. Our friends will often say what a positive impact they see in their young pups after spending a day in the company of our now older dog. And that can include not as much biting. The sooner they can get used to things like this, the sooner they should learn not to bite out of fear. Keep your Pug on a leash when exposing them to new things and noises. Always supervise your puppy when young children are present A Pug that bites a child is a massive problem. There are also specialist animal behaviourists who can help with biting and fear aggression in Pugs. Something to consider though is how long your Pug could be teething for. It can last up until they are 8 months of age, so biting and chewing things is to be expected during this phase. The dangers of a dog bite Adult Pugs that start biting can be dangerous. Whilst they are a small breed, people can get ill from infections. For example, around half of all dog bites will infect the person with bacteria, possibly leading to illness. The result is an open, jagged wound. If the wound becomes infected, it is often severe. The No. You may need hospitalization and require intravenous antibiotics. What do so when bitten by a Pug If you get bitten by a Pug and it leaves a bleeding wound rather than just an abrasion, take the following steps: Press down on the bite wound. This might mean that blood comes out, but that is good as it might help bacteria to come away from the wound. Use clean water and a mild soup to clean the bite wound. Use a clean cloth to press down on the bite wound again as this will help to slow and stop any bleeding. If you have it, apply antibiotic cream to the dog bite wound and then dress it with a new or sterile bandage. If serious, contact a health professional for advice. Conclusion To conclude, some of the quickest ways you can stop a Pug from biting is to make sure you use positive and negative affirmations. In other words, you praise the good, and discourage the bad. Whichever method you try to use, and can be a combination, just make sure that you are consistent when training your Pug puppy to not bite. Tell your friends and family to use the same methods too if they have contact with the puppy. Ultimately, unless you a clear and obvious to your Pug, the puppy will not understand that his biting behavior is a bad thing. You need to take the role of the pack leader. You might also like…. But when Pugs are puppies, biting and nipping is just part and parcel of growing up. Pups explore their new world with their mouths. And a few nips here and there is just part of the experience. Here are some of the most common reasons why your Pug puppy might be biting. They are afraid If your pup is afraid, startled, or stressed for any reason they might react by nipping or biting in defense. When your Pug is still very young, this is not a worrying act of aggression. Nipping is a perfectly normal reflex reaction when your pup is feeling anxious or vulnerable. They are asserting dominance Sometimes pups bite as a way to show dominance over you. Even though Pug puppies are tiny, they still have a big ego. They are exploring Pups explore their new surroundings with their mouths and noses. Mouthing behavior is part and parcel of being a pup. When your Pug is still a puppy, they will not understand that a nip or a bite is a bad thing. That way the nipping phase will be just that. A phase. They are teething Last but not least, just like human babies, Pug pups go through a teething stage. And, just like human babies, your pup will want to chew on everything in sight. What they are actually doing is trying to soothe the pain that they are feeling during the teething process. To help them out, offer your pup a teething toy to chew on or some cold ice cubes to soothe those sore gums. Canines use their mouths for a lot of activities and functions. But not all oral behavior constitutes biting. Biting, nipping, and mouthing are all slightly different. Biting describes when a dog clamps down hard on an object or person. Nipping is not an act of aggression but a play response, or a reaction to a moment of fear or anxiety. Mouthing is a natural explorative behavior — especially for puppies during the teething phase. When Should I Be Worried? As your pooch gets older, play biting can turn into real biting. But biting behavior is still not to be encouraged. DO squeal and yelp This might sound a bit odd, but letting out a squeal or yelp when your pup nips or bites is a bit like speaking puppy language. When puppies play together in the litter this is how they tell their brothers and sisters to back off. So we can do this too. DO use chew toys As your pup starts to mature, stop letting their mouth on your hands and introduce a chew toy instead. Plus you can incorporate the chew into tons of fun and games around the house and garden. Around this time we want to be teaching our pups to feel relaxed when we place our hands in or around their mouth area — without biting. Encourage your pup to stop biting by diverting their attention with a delicious treat and plenty of praise. Some pups will develop food aggression. They may become super protective of their dinner and nip or bite when anybody tries to come near. Only let your Pug eat when the biting behavior ceases. If your pup is a persistent biter try placing your thumb under their tongue and finger under the chin and hold for ten seconds. DO assert your dominance You are in charge. Not your Pug. Pugs can be stubborn and prone to jealousy. Be assertive and reward good behavior with any kind of positive reinforcement — love, cuddles, and treats are usually best. Providing plenty of contact opportunities with other dogs and people is really important. Expose your pup to a variety of situations — even those that might be stressful the first time around e. Just remember to always supervise when your puppy is playing with Children. Your Pug will think that you are dangerous and will most likely continue biting out of fear, as a way of protecting themselves from you. If you do then your Pug will think that nipping and biting are totally fun. So resist temptation and give them some cuddles once they have calmed down. Do not let your Pug bite in perpetuity. Eventually, they must learn that this is not okay. So start training and stop your Pug puppy biting as soon as possible. Your precious little pup has turned into a vampire. How do you stop it? What are the best tactics to prevent Pug biting, chewing, and gnawing on people and property? Why do Pugs bite in the first place, anyway? Do Pugs bite their owners? Pugs have been known to bite their owners. Here are some signs that you might have a biter: They nip at you during playtime. They try to lunge and bite people or animals. You come home to destroyed objects such as chewed-up shoes or remotes. Another sign of a biter or potential biter is if they use their mouth a lot in general. However, if you notice that your Pug puts everything in its mouth, it might have become a habit that you need to break. Why is my Pug biting? For example, do they bite things when they get angry or stressed? This is the equivalent of a toddler having a temper tantrum. It can also be compounded by things like separation anxiety where your Pug self-soothes by gnawing on objects with your scent. Do they have any medical issues? Last but not least, your Pug might simply have a habit of chewing on things. How do I get my Pug to stop biting? There are many tips and tricks to stop a Pug biting, and you can employ a little trial and error to figure out which ones work for you. Ignore them whenever they bite. If your Pug is biting to get attention, take the attention away. Buy them toys or teething objects. Get them used to your hands being around their mouth. Some dogs respond instinctively to the perceived threat of a hand near their face and mouth. You can re-condition this response by slowly and incrementally petting them closer to their snouts. You can also deliver more treats by hand or palm! Another option is enrolling in obedience courses such as the ones available at the Pupford Academy. They have a multitude of training modules that can help with biting, leash walking, crate training, and more. With patience, dedication, and a lot of love, you can de-fang your vampire and turn them back into a sweet and snuggly pup. Good luck!
how many puppies do labradors have - These dogs are known for their lively personality and cute, furry appearance. Toy Poodles are also intelligent and highly trainable. In addition, Toy Poodles are relatively small dogs, which makes them a good choice for people who live in apartments or other small spaces. If you live an active lifestyle and are seeking a fun-loving and intelligent furry friend, look no further than the Toy Poodle. Toy Poodle Puppies Health Considerations Though generally very healthy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around 14 to 16 years — our Toy Poodles for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Toy Poodle puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. 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how many puppies do labradors have - Tom Thorpe Blog The golden dog is a common addition to many American households. Not surprisingly, golden retriever puppies are also used on many calendars, greeting cards, and posters as the perfect sign of canine sweetness. In this article, you will know about taking care of a golden retriever puppy. Golden retrievers have not been found there as often as they are celebrated in the US. In the mids, they were bred and raised by game-keepers in the estate owned by Lord Tweedmouth what a name! This new golden retriever was trained to hunt outdoors. Golden retrievers are so popular. They were owned by two presidents of the United States while in office. Size Golden retrievers weigh between 55 and 65 pounds for females and between 65 and 75 pounds for males. They hit heights between .Characteristics Of Breed Active and solid, golden retrievers are not clumsy. They have a dense, long golden coat and a robust frame associated with the American dream dog. Their coat is normally golden or red; the English cream golden retrievers are creamy white, as their name indicates. Disposition Golden retrievers love to play the game. Goldens make a great family pet, and they are very loyal to their owners. Their coats are water repellent, so they only need a bath sometimes. Golden retrievers are usually healthy, but owners should check their ears for signs of infection and brush their teeth daily. The National Breed Club suggests that your gold be given the following: hip assessment, elbow assessment, cardiac examination, and ophthalmologist assessment. Unfortunately, golden retrievers are more susceptible to cancer than other dog breeds—so be sure to have a balanced diet and get regular vet checkups. Training Between seven weeks and four months, the golden retriever puppy should be exposed to all kinds of people and circumstances to acquire outstanding social skills. They are very eager to please, so reward-based training is successful. Playing fetch is a perfect way to teach your new golden retriever to adapt to your cues. The Level Of Exercise Since they are a sporting breed, the goldens need a lot of exercises. Golden retrievers love to ride, hike, or even ride a bike. Be sure to do a few trials runs before taking them out on longer excursions like hiking or hunting trips. Golden retrievers are a tried-and-tested family breed. They love to swim even with their humans! Also, they are very social, so a large and involved family household fits well for them. They like a lot of attention and snuggles, too. They love to play fetch because of their hunting heritage! Golden retrievers do their best with a lot of companionships, and so, considering their level of activity, they always do very well with pensioners who can devote a lot of time to them. Luckily, there are many options out there to help you locate a rescue or breeder that provides safe, ethically sourced golden retriever puppies. If you find a responsible breeder or decide to adopt it, it is up to you to be prepared for an enthusiastic and welcoming addition to your household. Taking Care Of A Golden Retriever Puppy: Adopting Most breed rescuers claim that most of their rescue dogs come from individual owner surrender, with the most common factors being a lifestyle shift or a breed not being a good match. This means that there might be many dogs and kittens out there looking for a new home forever. The biggest difference between the breeder and the rescue team is that the rescue does not always have young puppies to choose from. This means that you may end up with a dog that has already been housebroken, and you do not need these standard medical procedures. You could even find a golden retriever mix that has all the characteristics you expect from the breed, along with a little extra. Finding a golden rescue retriever can be as easy as searching the internet. Taking Care Of A Golden Retriever Puppy: Diet And Consumption Of Water Wild dogs would hunt and scavenge, consume a wide range of different foods, take care of their diet, and ensure that they get all the nutrients they need. Modern dogs no longer search and scavenge and rely on their owners to provide them with all they need. You need to study, find, and have a good scientifically formulated diet to satisfy their unique nutritional requirements. You should remember that a puppy has different dietary requirements than an active adult dog, which is again different from a very old dog that might have slowed down a little. One thing that you do need to look out for with Golden Retrievers is over-feeding. And the Golden One will never say no. They just love to eat! So please be aware of their consumption of food and monitor their weight. No dog is expected to be overweight. It can lead to common conditions that lead to mobility problems and diseases of their internal organs that can potentially shorten their lives. As well as good food, every day, your Golden needs access to a good, safe, and fresh supply of water. Dehydration is a major concern, as is over-hydration in some dogs. And any major shifts in their intake usually include an underlying health issue, and you should seek advice from your vet. You will need to give them plenty of structured exercise opportunities to keep them fit and safe and occupy their minds. So a 4-month-old puppy requires just 20 minutes, a 5-month-old puppy needs 25 minutes, etc. So please take it easy with a puppy. A dog who listens and responds to only a few well-trained commands can be kept infinitely safer than an untrained dog. And their quality of life is so much higher as they are educated that they are allowed more freedoms and more space to be monitored and trusted not to cause trouble. Try to do it every six months, but at least once a year. Go on a normal schedule anyway. This will make it easier for your vet to get acquainted with your dog, making it easier for them to see improvements. As always, prevention is better than cure and if there is ever a problem, then finding it as soon as possible is essential for more successful care and less pain and distress for your pet. Daily visits to the vet make this early discovery possible. There are many illnesses, even deadly, the course of vaccines can easily avoid that. Distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis and notorious rabies, can all be kept at bay with vaccines. A puppy will need shots beginning at six weeks, with different shots taking up to 18 weeks. The rabies shot is given at around six months of age, and after that, your Golden will only need an annual supplement to maintain protection. They are medium to large dogs that weigh between 50 and 80 pounds. Apart from their friendly personalities, the golden retrievers are also loyal and reasonably quick to train. Unfortunately, as with many other known breeds, the golden retrievers have their share of genetic weaknesses, and their maintenance can be high. Exercise, interaction, and frequent veterinary appointments are all important to keep your dog safe and happy. Phase 1 Golden retrievers are a sociable, human-loving breed that makes perfect pets for families with young children. Slowly acclimate the golden retriever to his new life when you carry him home. Feed your dog with the same kind of food he ate before you started taking care of him. If you want to switch food brands, slowly combine the new brand with the old one, increasing the amount of new food per day. Phase 2 Golden retrievers are a sociable, human-loving breed that makes perfect pets for families with young children. Track the actions of your dog for the first few weeks after you add it to the household. Both puppies and adults may have a disease or medical condition that is not yet evident, so it is necessary to look for signs of discomfort, lethargy, loss of appetite, and aggression. Consult your veterinarian if you find odd or suspicious activity. According to the Golden Retriever Club of America, the four most important places to track for golden retrievers are their hips, knees, eyes, and heart. The breed has a genetic predisposition to medical problems in these fields. Phase 3 Golden retrievers are a friendly, human-loving breed that makes perfect pets for families with young children. Exercise your gold retriever every day. The breed is known for its enthusiasm and playfulness, and the goldens need some vigorous exercise to get the excitement out of their system. Throw a ball or stick for your dog to take about 20 minutes twice a day or make it easier for your pet to do the same exercise. Phase 4 Golden retrievers are a friendly, human-loving breed that makes perfect pets for families with young children. Take your dog to the vet for a checkup at least once a year. Golden retrievers have several hereditary weaknesses that lead them to various diseases, including cancer and bleeding disorders. They are also vulnerable to joint dysplasia on both their front and hind legs. One of the most critical aspects of a golden retriever is the evaluation of his heart. Phase 5 Golden retrievers are a sociable, human-loving breed that makes perfect pets for families with young children. Bath your dog in a bathtub with room temperature water and canine shampoo as appropriate. Phase 6 Golden retrievers are a friendly, human-loving breed that makes perfect pets for families with young children. Wash your hands thoroughly or wear plastic gloves before touching the mouth of your dog. Consult your veterinarian if your dog has an exceptionally bad breath for a prolonged period or if his teeth begin to discolor. Just use a toothpaste made for dogs, although you can use a regular toothbrush. Feed your dog with hard treats instead of soft ones to minimize tartar buildup and bad breath. Final Words We agree that the number one thing any dog owner should do is show a lot of love for their dog! In particular, the Golden Retriever needs a lot of affection and care to be content. They enjoy the time spent with you, and every dog owner knows that the time spent with their precious Golden Retriever is never enough. A Golden Retriever will easily steal your heart and become your best friend. Their elegance, both inside and outside, is addicting to the fact that most owners of this exquisite breed typically own more than one. Keep in mind that if you let the Golden be the Golden, by making them do what they enjoy, such as meeting new people and swimming, you will be rewarded with a happy dog. As long as they are socialised well as a puppy, Golden Retrievers can happily fit into family life. They are gentle but need to be treated with respect by all members of the family, including young children, as like any dog their patience will eventually run out. Common health problems in Golden Retrievers Like any purebred dog, Golden Retrievers may encounter some breed-related health problems throughout their lives. Often, Breed Clubs will also be able to provide advice on what tests your breed may need and where to get these done. Make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by these upsetting conditions. For Golden Retrievers, this is because they can have short legs in proportion to their body and a tendency to become overweight. Eye problems — screening tests are available and dogs should be screened on a yearly basis, especially if intended for breeding. Multifocal retinal dysplasia - abnormal development and growth of the back of the eye retina which can lead to blindness. Generalised progressive retinal atrophy GPRA — slowly leads to progressive blindness over months or years. Retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy RPED, or central progressive retinal atrophy — a genetic problem which causes issues in the back of the eye retina and loss of vision. Glaucoma — high pressure within the eye causing pain and loss of vision. Ichthyosis — a skin disease that causes thickening of the footpads and makes other areas of skin rough and covered with thick, greasy flakes that stick to the hair. Caring for your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are usually real big softies and can make a great addition to a home. How much noise they make will be down to the individual dog. Training and socialisation Golden Retrievers thrive off training and are very intelligent dogs. They love nothing more than to be given tasks to do to keep them occupied and have fairly good problem-solving skills — for a dog! As long as your Retriever is properly socialised from a young age , they should be confident around new people and situations. Retrievers also like their chill out time but will be more than happy to show you plenty of affection on their own terms. Exercise Golden Retrievers are very active dogs and need plenty of opportunities to exercise , play and get rid of excess energy. Your Golden Retriever will need a minimum of two hours of good exercise per day. You can find out how much exercise your dog needs , or even find exercises you can do together. Because they are intelligent dogs, Golden Retrievers can get bored easily so make sure you keep their brains active as well as their bodies. As their name suggests, retrieving is what they were bred for, so nearly all Golden Retrievers love a good game of fetch! Grooming Golden Retrievers have medium to long coats and generally do shed a lot. They are not a dog to take on if you hate hoovering! Ideally, they should be brushed or combed three times a week at a minimum. Where necessary you can trim their coat with the right tools, but seek advice from a professional dog groomer or vet first. You may also find that your Retriever loves water including any and all muddy puddles and swimming. Make sure they stay safe around the water and if they get mucky, use a dog safe shampoo. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate Golden Retrievers and children If you have a young family then Golden Retrievers can be fantastic with children. If socialised properly from a young age, Retrievers can be quite calm and tolerant. Always supervise children and vulnerable adults with your Golden Retriever and make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and play with dogs with care and kindness, to prevent any issues. Golden Retrievers and other pets Well-socialised Golden Retrievers are very easy-going, which usually means they can be great around other dogs and pets, too. Any introductions should be done carefully and following the right advice for your other pet, too. Always supervise your dog with other pets, even if they have known them for a long time. Obesity can cause other health problems for your Golden Retriever, so keeping them in shape is extra important. Make sure to monitor their weight and keep an eye out for any sneaky snacking. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. If you give your dog an occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily food allowance. Use healthy treats in moderation instead. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave a gap before exercising and after eating. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. If you want to buy a pedigree puppy, we recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they have to do extra health tests and meet higher standards. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. PDSA Pet Insurance Fun facts As they were bred to fetch game, they have a naturally gentle grip, called a 'soft mouth', so they don't damage the birds they carry back in their mouths. Golden Retrievers have an amazing sense of smell and are often used as search and rescue dogs in other parts of the world. They absolutely love water well, most of them do. Most Retrievers will take any opportunity to have a swim. Luckily, their coats are thick to keep out water and keep them warm. Golden Retrievers make really good assistance dogs and are often a top choice for training to be Guide Dogs for the Blind. Make sure you have the knowledge and dedication to give to these sweet natured dogs to keep them happy and the time and space to exercise them. While they make great family pets, make sure you are absolutely ready to take on the commitment of getting a dog first. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a Golden Retriever. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in Golden Retrievers are out there too. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy a Golden Retriever puppy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. Not sure if the Golden Retriever is the right pet for you? January 24, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? What does it take to be considered ideal for a family dog? How do you know if the Golden Retriever is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Golden Retrievers! Bred in the highlands of Scotland by Lord Tweedmouth in the mid to late s, Goldens are a cross between a Yellow Retriever and an extinct dog breed, the Tweed Water Spaniel. Lord Tweedmouth wanted the ideal gundog to accompany him during fowl hunting and be able to withstand the rugged terrain and rainy conditions. Aside from being able to retrieve fowl, Lord Tweedmouth wanted an even-tempered dog to have at home when not hunting. And so, the Golden Retriever was born. Later in the s, they soon became a popular breed amongst American families when President Gerald Ford had a Golden named Liberty as his family dog. Golden Retrievers, like their name states, are golden! Their luxurious coats come in a variety of light to dark shades, ranging from light like the white Golden Retriever or English Cream to dark golden colors, even close to chocolate. Their coats feature feathering down their backs, chest, belly, hindquarters, and tails. Goldens have soft expressions combined with floppy expressive ears that give them a puppy-like appearance even as adults. Another thing to note of the Golden Retriever is that those fluffy coats are actually what are known as double coats. A strong water repellant coat on top coupled with a dense undercoat to regulate their body heat. This all means these pups can be heavy shedders! What are Golden Retrievers Personalities like? There is something to be said about being named a perfect family dog. The Golden Retriever breed is loyal, affectionate, playful, and gentle. If brought into a home with children, your Golden Retriever puppy will be a great addition for help introducing your new Golden Retriever pup to your kids and how to play together, check out our blog! But being a great family dog doesn't mean they are easy! Goldens have lots of energy which can come out in more jumping and being more mouthy, especially as puppies. Check our training tips for raising a well-mannered Golden at the end of this blog! Two to three daily walks are a must, and throw in fun activities like hiking or going for a swim, your pup will stay golden! Golden Retrievers are eager to please type of breed. They generally have happy go lucky demeanors which lends itself to affection and friendliness, including toward strangers. If you wanted a pup that could eventually become a service dog, a Golden Retriever is a great choice and make for excellent working pups! As a high-energy breed, Golden Retrievers do best in a home that will provide them ample access to romp around. Homes with fenced in yards or access to a park or field on a daily basis where they can run and fetch to their hearts content are the best environment for Goldens! These pups, with consistent early socialization, can adapt and thrive to living in a home with other dogs, or pets, and children! They love to play and make great playmates. That being said, their social nature can lead to dependencies on their owners and family. Golden Retrievers may develop separation anxiety if left alone and not properly trained from an early age. Golden Retrievers may also contract heart disease called subvalvular aortic stenosis SAS that with early diagnosis and treatment can allow for a regular life-span. When you are looking to add a Golden Retriever puppy, make sure you are working with a reputable breeder that cares for the health quality of the dogs they breed. Take advantage of that natural drive and eagerness to please by setting foundations at home. Start your puppy a regular daily puppy schedule to create structured routines in the home. Include consistent feeding, nap, play and obedience training times throughout the day to help your Golden pup learn what to expect and build confidence at home. During their puppy training focus on their obedience commands to help your puppy learn to look to you for guidance, build their communication with you, and solidify a trusting relationship! Since Golden Retrievers love to work, positive reinforcement and food rewards will be valuable motivators to get your puppy focused and listening. In-person and online puppy training programs will walk you through how to teach the commands, exercises to help your puppy learn them, and troubleshoot when your puppy needs it! Teach Your Golden Retriever How to Greet New People and Dogs While their open friendly disposition will help your puppy make new friends where ever they go, make sure to teach your puppy the right way to do so! Some overly energetic and friendly pups can get excitable around new people and dogs. That can result in some unwanted whining, lunging, and jumping. When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on those common over-excited behaviors when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer or join an online puppy training school to help set you up for the best success! Do Calming Obedience Exercises With all their high-energy and high-drive, teaching your Golden how to be calm in everyday scenarios will help tame that wild side! Great calming exercises include having your puppy learn to wait for their food bowl and in thresholds each time you enter or leave a space. This also extends to activities like fetch. Goldens are a natal for this! This can be done simply by having your pup drop the toy when they return and pausing for a few moments giving them a chance to settle before throwing it again for them to retrieve. Teach Them to Walk Nicely on Leash Many high-energy pups have a tendency to lunge toward exciting new things! Couple that with a social nature, and you may encounter that your Golden Retriever puppy will start to pull on leash. Focus on teaching them proper leash manners including how to walk in Heel position and how to pass other people and pups without lunging, jumping and excited whining, barking or nipping at them! That can greatly help possible bad encounters with strangers and other dogs while teaching them great habits! Did you recently bring home a Golden Retriever puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! Golden Retrievers were first bred in the early s in Scotland as hunting dogs. Although they are still used for hunting, Goldens also excel at many other activities, including search and rescue jobs and guide work. They require ample exercise—swimming in particular is a great outlet for their endless energy, and most Goldens love it! Their beautiful coats require brushing and in some climates a summer trim may be in order. Goldens are intelligent, understanding, and eager to please their families. The Golden Retriever is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Golden. By knowing about health concerns specific to Golden Retrievers, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Golden Retrievers to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Golden Retrievers. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Golden looking and feeling her best. Unfortunately, your Golden is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections Golden Retrievers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Golden Retrievers. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Golden is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Genetic Predispositions for Golden Retrievers Cancer Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. Your Golden will likely live longer than many other breeds and therefore is more prone to get cancer in his golden years. Many cancers are curable by surgical removal, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. Early detection is critical! Hemangiosarcoma is a type of bleeding tumor that affects Golden Retrievers at greater than average incidence. These tumors commonly form in the spleen, but can form in other organs as well. Unbeknownst to a pet owner, the tumor breaks open and internal bleeding occurs. Some tumors can be volleyball-sized or larger before signs of sickness show. We often find clues that one of these tumors is present during senior wellness testing, so have his blood tested and an ultrasound performed at least yearly. Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that afflicts Golden Retrievers more than other breeds. This disease makes the body form abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Because white blood cells can be found throughout the body, this cancer can show up almost anywhere. Lymphoma is a very treatable form of cancer with an excellent success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy. Luckily, lymphoma is one of the few types of cancer that can often be found with a blood test, so we may recommend a complete blood count twice yearly. Mast cell tumors are a particularly nasty type of skin cancer found more often in Golden Retrievers than other breeds. The sooner these tumors are surgically removed, the better. Unfortunately, mast cell tumors often look very similar to other kinds of skin lumps and lesions, many of which are not harmful. Therefore, all suspicious lumps should be tested and surgically removed as soon as possible. Many cancers are cured by surgical removal , so early detection is critical. Bloat Gastric dilatation volvulus, also known as GDV or bloat, usually occurs in dogs with deep, narrow chests. This means your Golden is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes up , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Golden Retrievers. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is also sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. And keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Goldens. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. Glaucoma, an eye condition that affects Golden Retrievers and people too, is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated. Symptoms include squinting, watery eyes, bluing of the cornea the clear front part of the eye , and redness in the whites of the eyes. Pain is rarely noticed by pet owners though it is frequently there and can be severe. People who have certain types of glaucoma often report it feels like being stabbed in the eye with an ice pick! Glaucoma is a medical emergency. Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye. This is one of the most commonly inherited diseases in dogs, and your Golden is more likely than other dogs to develop this painful condition. If untreated, these abnormal hairs can cause corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain. Several treatment options are available, and the prognosis is good once the hairs have been permanently removed. Allergies In humans, allergies to pollen, mold, or dust make people sneeze. In dogs, rather than sneezing, allergies make their skin itchy. The feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most commonly affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs of allergies. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for these conditions. Allergies, swimming, overgrowth of hair in the ear canals, and accumulation of earwax can all predispose your dog to ear infections, which are painful and annoying. Goldens are very often afflicted by allergies, which can cause itching and inflammation in the ears and elsewhere. The earlier we diagnose and treat these ailments, the less discomfort and pain your pet will suffer. Be sure to call us if you notice him scratching or shaking his head, a foul odor from the ears, or if his ears seem painful to the touch. By monitoring for ear infections and treating them early, we also reduce the likelihood of eardrum damage that can lead to deafness. Most ear infections tend to recur until we work together to control the underlying cause. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, and Golden Retrievers are commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, episodes will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and efficacy. Note the length of the seizure, and call us at or call an emergency hospital. Heart Disease Some Golden Retrievers inherit a heart condition known as aortic stenosis. This disease causes a partial obstruction to the blood flow leaving the heart, which means the heart must work harder to pump enough blood to the body. If the condition is severe, your dog may faint or seem to run out of energy during exercise. He may also have difficulty breathing, cough frequently, or have stunted growth. Golden Retrievers are also especially prone to a life-threatening heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, in which the heart becomes so large, thin, and weak that it can no longer effectively pump blood to the body. As this problem advances, your pet may act weak or tired, faint or collapse, breathe in a labored way, or cough. If indicated, treatment includes medication and dietary supplementation. Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in dogs. Any breed can be affected, but Goldens have an above average incidence. Dogs with diabetes are unable to regulate the metabolism of sugars in their bodies and require daily insulin injections. Diabetes is a serious condition and one that is important to diagnose and treat as early as possible. Symptoms include increased eating, drinking, and urination, along with weight loss. If he shows signs, we will conduct lab tests to determine if he has this condition and discuss treatment options with you. Treatment requires a serious commitment of time and resources. Well-regulated diabetic dogs today have the same life expectancy as other canines. Some of the blood supply that should go to the liver goes around it instead, depriving the liver of the blood flow it needs to grow and function properly. If your friend has PSS, his liver cannot remove toxins from his bloodstream effectively. Surgery may be needed, but in some cases, we can treat with a special diet and medication. Bleeding Disorders Your Golden Retriever is prone to a bleeding disorder called hemophilia. This is an important test as we may not otherwise know whether your pet has hemophilia until severe bleeding occurs during surgery or after a serious injury. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, and other behavioral changes. Treatment is usually as simple as replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. Taking Care of Your Golden Retriever at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Golden live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She needs a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Twice a year she blows her coat and loses crazy amounts of hair; daily brushing is recommended during this time. Golden Retrievers generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. She excels at dog sports like flyball, agility, dock diving, and obedience events. She has a passion for water, and swimming is a perfect form of exercise for this water retriever. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Golden Retriever needs help. Read the full disclosure here. They rely on you for everything and their health and well-being is well and truly in your hands. In order for your Golden to live as long and as healthy and fit a life as possible, you need to first educate yourself on how to care for them properly and build this knowledge into actions and routines. A balanced and nutritious diet, regular exercise , grooming and regular veterinary health checks are all essential parts of maintaining good health and quality of life. All of these are under your control. By taking steps to do the best for your Goldens health and monitoring their well-being regularly, you can prevent illnesses happening, avoiding pain and discomfort for your Golden and vets bills and heartache for you. At first, being a caring and responsible owner can seem a daunting and herculean task, but breaking it down into little manageable routines really does make it easy. Health Care Routines For Your Golden Retriever You should keep a diary and set up daily, weekly, quarterly and yearly routines to make sure every need is met and your Golden is well looked after. Example routines would be: Daily: Provision of nutritious food and clean water, regular and sufficient exercise, general health check via bodily inspections. Weekly: Inspection of ears, eyes and oral health and hygiene. Comprehensive grooming and nail care. Quarterly: Bath your Golden. In the past, any more often than this was bad for their coat quality and skin. Scheduled visits to a veterinarian and canine dentist, perhaps alternating every 3 months so two visits to each per year. Yearly: Vaccination top-ups. Following is a brief discussion of areas you need to pay attention to in order to care for your Golden well. Particularly during their puppy years they can get themselves into all sorts of trouble around your home and garden so you have to undertake a certain amount of puppy-proofing your home : Fence off swimming pools or ponds in your yard as they will get in there but being so small they may not be able to swim well and could find it impossible to get out unaided. Research the plants and flowers you have in your home and garden as there are in excess of one hundred plants known to be toxic to dogs and Goldens love a good chew! Remove or make safe any sharp items in your home that your Golden may play with, rub against or walk over in their playing. Hide away any electrical cables because a dogs sharp teeth and electricity are a particularly dangerous combination. Goldens can learn to open simple storage units and household chemicals therein are extremely dangerous to your dog. For now, just pretend you are an inquisitive dog, tour your home and garden and imagine just how they could get themselves into trouble in any of the areas they have access to. Then take steps to make those areas safe. Diet, Nutrition and Water Intake Dogs in the wild would hunt and scavenge, eating a wide variety of different foods, taking care of their own diet and ensuring they get all the nutrients they need. Modern dogs no longer hunt and scavenge and instead rely on their owners to provide them everything they need. You need to research, find and provide a good scientifically formulated diet to match their very particular nutritional requirements. You should note that a puppy has different nutritional requirements to an active adult dog, that is again different to a very senior dog who may have somewhat slowed down. There are dog foods balanced to meet a dogs different needs for each stage of their lives and activity levels. One thing you really need to watch out for with Golden Retrievers is over-feeding. And a Golden will never say no, they just love to eat! So please be mindful of their food intake and monitor their weight. No dog should be overweight. It can lead to joint problems, which leads to mobility problems, as well as diseases of their internal organs which can really shorten their lives. As well as good food, your Golden needs access to a good, clean and fresh supply of water every day. Dehydration is a real problem, as is over-hydrating in some dogs. And any drastic changes in their intake usually signifies an underlying health problem and you should seek the advice of your vet. Exercise Golden Retrievers are a sporting breed, bred for working and hence considered a high energy breed. To keep them fit and healthy and to occupy their minds you will need to provide them with lots of opportunity for structured exercise. Notice I said structured exercise! This means you cannot simply let them out into your yard and hope they take care of exercise themselves. They will walk around a bit and mostly just spend their time begging to be let back in with you. You have to plan structured exercise such as running, playing fetch or swimming. You have to take them out for a minimum of 45 minutes of exercise per day on top of their normal walks, and preferably with a good 2 hour bout of longer exercise at least once per week. The five minute rule is that a puppy needs no more than 5 minutes structured exercise per day for every month they have been alive. So a 4 month old puppy needs just 20 minutes, a 5 month old puppy 25 minutes etc. So take it easy with a puppy. Training Just how important training is for your Goldens quality of life cannot be overstated. A dog that listens to and responds to just a few well-trained commands can be kept infinitely safer than an untrained dog. So you should provide your Golden with a decent firm yet soft bed and a nice comfortable lining for their crate if you use one. If you have a yard and your Golden will be expected to spend any length of time outside you should provide a form of shelter so they can keep off the cold wet floor in winter and get out of the sun in summer. There are many options for suitable kennels and many of them are reasonably priced. If you fail to keep up a regular schedule of brushing, their coats very quickly become knotted and then matted and these are all but impossible to remove without the help of a pair of scissors. Regular brushing also helps to keep your Goldens coat clean and removes dead hair. When it comes to bathing, Golden Retrievers have a double coat and natural oils that help waterproof them so bathing too often is actually bad for their coats…at least it always used to be. Just be sure if you do wish to bathe them often that you research the shampoo used and pick one suited to regular bathing for Goldens. Human shampoo will never do as it will strip their oils and is too acidic for their skin and will irritate them. And cheap dog shampoos will strip the oils too. You kinda get what you pay for. To keep their coat healthy and prevent irritation you need to remove all the soap. Note: Click here for a selection of the best dog brushes suitable for your golden Nail Care Depending on how often your golden walks on hard abrasive surfaces, they will probably need their nails trimmed every 10 or 12 weeks. But if your golden is constantly walking pavements and roads, they may never need a trim due to concrete and tarmacs abrasive, nail-file like effect. Anyway, you should regularly check your dogs paws. This can be very uncomfortable for your dog and if it gets out of control even painful. You can quite easily trim your dogs nails at home , or you can take them to the vet where they will do the procedure for you. If you do wish to do it at home, I recommend taking your dog to the vet first and asking for advice on how to do it, being shown and learning from the pros rather than risking it alone from a book. Better safe than sorry! Look inside to make sure they are a healthy looking color, not bright red and inflamed. Also check for lots of small little grainy looking brown dots. These are the droppings of ear mites and a sign of a parasitic infection which should be treated ASAP. Dental Care Dental hygiene is an often overlooked area of dog care by many people but is very important. Much like us, dogs can suffer with tooth decay, cracked teeth, gum disease and a build up of plaque and tartar. Not only does this detract from the overall good looks of your dog, it can be quiet uncomfortable, sometimes painful and can lead to more severe problems if left untreated. So you should regularly check their teeth and gums yourself, make use of available chews that help to clean their teeth and take your dog to a canine dentist every 6 to 12 months. Try to treat your dogs teeth as good as you would treat your own. Parasitic problems Fleas, ticks and other parasites can be a real problem for dogs, leading to many problems ranging from mild skin irritation, to extreme sores and infections, and in the most extreme cases dramatic weight loss, tape worms and Lyme disease. So you should regularly check for parasites in your Golden which is very easy to do if you are sticking to a regular schedule of brushing their coats. Simply spend an extra minute to inspect closer to their skin looking for ticks, fleas or small dots droppings in their fur which would indicate the presence of parasites. Treatment for fleas and ticks can be administered at home as there are many treatments for this available over the counter. Try to make it every 6 months, but once per year as a minimum. This will allow your vet to become familiar with your dog which makes spotting changes easier for them. And it gives them a chance to spot problems early that you without an untrained eye may not pick up on. As always, prevention is better than cure and if there is ever a problem then catching it as early as possible is vital for more effective treatment and minimal pain and discomfort for your pet. Regular visits to the vet allow this early discovery. You will also need to see your vet to have your puppy vaccinated. There are many diseases, some fatal, that can be prevented easily with a course of vaccinations. Distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis as well as the infamous rabies can all be kept at bay with vaccines. A puppy will require shots starting at 6 weeks with a course of various shots taking them up to 18 weeks or so. The rabies shot is administered at about 6 months of age and after this your Golden will require just a yearly top up to maintain protection. Highly Recommended Training Course For a detailed program to follow in the form of a video library, including a step-by-step roadmap for raising a puppy from 8 weeks old all the way to a confident, well-trained and happy adult dog, you could do a lot worse than checking out The Online Dog Trainer. This program contains over follow along videos of an NZ SPCA endorsed professional dog trainer, covering all aspects of dog training, solving behavior problems in real life scenarios, explaining the theory, giving practical advice and more. You can see him getting real results in real-life consultations with his clients, so if you ever have a behavior problem you need to solve, you can follow along for almost guaranteed results. Of course, we are developing a fantastic training resource here at TotallyGoldens. Click here to learn more at TheOnlineDogTrainer. Caring For Your Golden Retriever Final Thoughts Regular grooming will keep your Golden retriever not only looking at their absolute best, but also with your help and intervention it keeps them healthy and disease free too. You May Also Like. My husband and I are bringing home our first puppy in September a goldendoodle and this was super helpful! Emily June 29, , am Thank you so much for this, Jen! I look forward to the post on favorite dog toys! We just got a puppy and, while its only been a week, we are definitely having some issues getting puppy to embrace his crate. He is doing really well with potty training, and has yet to have an accident in his crate, but soon after he enters his crate the howling begins. This way he associates it with a positive place. Also, leave treats in there. Some dogs do better with their crates covered so like drape a blanket over the sides so it feels more like a cave. You might also try placing a t-shirt or something that smells like you in there. Also, leave the door open all the time and praise him if he goes in on his own. Good luck! OH, what a difference! Long after they no longer needed their crates, we kept them and always left the door opened. They would go into them when they were tired, knowing they were in a safe place; their place. Friends always said to us that they would have a dog if it behaved like our dogs. Be consistent. Fun for all of you. I can definitely see how teaching while a puppy can make a huge difference. Looking forward to your next dog related posts :. Reply Link Megan June 29, , pm Ahh thank you for this post! My husband and I are looking into getting a pug puppy soon and these tips are so helpful. Looking forward to reading more posts on this, especially the crate training. Love the tips, we are still trying to stay the course with the UD group classes! Golden are the best! It has been such an eye-opening month with our new puppy. Our other dog is 8 so everything feels brand new. I actually wrote about it in my post for tomorrow, but a puppy is like a baby. My boyfriend and I are getting a golden pup in the fall and while I grew up with the breed I have never trained a pup on my own. We made the choice to get a puppy mostly to instil good habits and behaviour long term. So long story short, I would never put a puppy or young dog or any age in airplane cargo! Reply Link Megan June 30, , pm Good tips! Socializing him right away and crate training him were so key to having an awesome, well-adjusted dog! Reply Link Josi August 20, , pm Hello! Just wondering where you got your goldens? This really helped me figure out what to do when she gets here. Jen May 3, , pm YAY! Our 3rd Golden in about 33 years and know he has some big paws to fill Taegan was wonderful for 14 years. We are so excited!! I have a new English Cream Golden. I feel like I need to work for his affection. Great otherwise! Not super energetic. Bursts of energy followed up by lots of naps but never really interested in walks. First timer here. Your pup could really benefit from basic positive obedience! I would recommend seeking out an experienced trainer in your area to help you as your pup grows! Having a puppy in the home can be fantastic, but you also need to make sure that you can offer it the best as well. She has been really easy to house break. We are excited to bring her home. Thank you for the helpful tips. That is a good idea to make sure that we are committed to doing the work to train this dog. We do really want him to be well trained. Thanks for the tips! Thank you so much for this super informative post! Reply Link Jen January 22, , pm I always made sure she went before we got to the gym and walked her frequently. Meghan January 29, , am Thank you so much for the reply!! We kept each of our puppies on a leash in the house, never out of our sight except when they were in the crate for 4 months before we gradually gave them independence. We always messed with them and held them. They had accidents as you would expect until fully house trained at about 4 months, but never any destructive or aggressive behavior. We gave them plenty of tough chew toys. Also training classes. They were never nervous or skittish. They love to lay on us and never have had any trouble with grooming, food guarding, loud noises, children or other animals. Goldens are great dogs but like any dog, they can only know what you teach them. Great article!! Kathrinne May 5, , am Hi Jen, how old are your puppies when you let them go out? Jen May 5, , am What do you mean? Reply Link Carly September 8, , pm Thank you so much for your article! What would your input be? Do you think they would focus on each other more than their humans? Would 2 puppies be so much more difficult than 1? Any advice is greatly appreciated!! Love the name Zoey!! Any tips to Prevent that?? Reply Link Christine November 1, , am About to get golden 3. Learning all over about everything. Reply Link Jen November 1, , pm It is like starting over again but you will figure it out! Every pup is different but be patient and consistent! This is my first large dog breed so a little nervous. I read your post and you give wonderful tips that I will follow. Please let me know if it is safe to put a flea collar on the puppy. Thank you. Reply Link Jen January 29, , pm I would consult with your vet to see what they recommend for flea prevention and treatment. Also, about the scratching. It could be due to something else like an allergen outside. I have not had a dog in 3 years because I lost my last one in a painful way for me and I am afraid to get another one. I am now ready to get one and this page has helped me prepare for my new puppy. I am a 74 yr old male in pretty good shape no health issues, and retired so I should be around a while to look after a dog. My wife passed about four months ago so I guess I am looking to fill a void. I live in a single family home and have plenty of time to spare. Thanks Reply Link marion duffield April 14, , am I am picking my pup up in 2 weeks! This is the best AND most realistic article I have read about training…. My pup Tank will be 4 months when we get him. He is absolutely adorable. Have only seen photos. He lives with his breeder in Missouri and we live in Canada…. I am so excited for you!!!! Puppies are intense but so much fun. And wow, that is going to be an adventure! Reply Link Theresa April 30, , am Do you have suggestions about golden retriever puppy biting? We got ours at 7 weeks. She is now .How do we stop her from snapping and biting? She is smart and loving. The biting has been rough though. Can you help? But I love dogs soooo much. This info is everything to me. I love this post Soo much. Thanks a ton. You left puppy in car? Or what? Reply Link Madeline October 31, , pm I am picking up my 7 week old golden in 2 days! I am so excited! How did you go out taking him places before he had his full shots? I want to socialize him, and of course potty train him immediately, but obviously there are risks. Whats your take on this? So the whole crate training thing is not going so well. She hates it. Emily Camalo April 2, , pm Hi! Really appreciate you sharing all of this advice! It was super valuable. Reply Link Julie April 11, , am Loved your comments. I have a 9 week double doodle. I have crate trained since day 1 and she has been really good, day 1 upset for a couple of minutes. Day 2 no problem at all. Now just the occasional cry when I leave her but that is over with in a very short space of time. I also leave a low radio on for her. She uses the garden most of the time for toileting, but occasionally she will come into the house and do another wee. The problem I have at the moment is trying to stop her biting. I have tried the gentle command which she listens to some of the time. And I have tried standing and turning my back on her so she realises I am not playing when she bites, but she will then go for trousers or feet, which I try my best to ignore, or she will just go off and do something else like chew a mat or something which is a no no. Any ideas? Regards Reply Link Stephanie January 25, , am Really great info, thank you for your article. Our puppy arrives in 5 days and we have been preparing for months. Your advice is. Very helpful. Blessings to you. If you also have brought a newborn golden retriever puppy to your home, you need to be extra careful in handling him. It is significant to note that newborn golden retrievers should not be handled like human babies. In this article, I will suggest you 10 tips that will definitely help you to take care of a newborn golden retriever effectively. Before owning golden retriever, it is necessary to know about his temperament— Know everything about golden retriever temperament Ideally, it is better to allow the mother of golden retriever puppy to take its care and responsibility. The puppy must be allowed to stay with his mother and the litter for the first few days. The puppy owner must take care of the puppy as well as its mother and ensure that they are totally comfortable and at ease. Mother as well as the puppy must be fed properly and their nutritional demands must be met properly. A newborn golden retriever puppy may have a lot of needs and its mother can take better care of its growing needs. Since, initially, the puppy is non-explorative, it requires more attention as far its safety is concerned. Mother as well as the dog owner must take care of the highly vulnerable puppy. Proper diet and clean water must be provided to the mother, especially if she is nursing her baby. It is important to ensure that high quality ingredients are available in the food being provided to the mother and the kid so that their nutritional requirements are met in the most effective manner. I have listed some good commercial foods that are must have for the mother of new born puppy:. They are superb with kids and very much compatible with other pets in the house. They are big and their tail is strong, so keep your breakable belongings away from the reach of that helicopter wag. They are great personalities for a pet but maintaining them is no joke. Bookmark this page which lists down cool tips to take care of a Golden Retriever. To prevent it from matting and to reduce the shedding, you must brush it daily. If you do this from an early age, they get used to it and they actually look forward to it. Not only that. While you brush them, watch out for scabs, cysts, scratches and bumps and if it does not go in a day or two, visit the vet. Wrap some wet cotton gauze around your finger and then wipe the inside of your puppy's ears and ear flap. Do it every alternate day and if you notice wax buildup or discharge or foul smell, take it to the vet, do not delay. When their nails start clicking the ground, it is a sign that your boy or girl needs trimming. Active dogs need fewer trims as per vets. It can bleed and it is very painful too. Also, do not cut the nail in one go. Go slow and if you see a circle on the trimmed surface, stop there and then because that is the quick. Never use a human toothpaste because they are very toxic for dogs. Make sure that your fur-child goes on a brisk walk, plays around at least for 30 minutes twice a day. Play fetch, take it for a swim if he loves water. They must have a place to retreat if they feel low or nervous. But never make it an area of punishment as that will stress them out. Teach them basic commands. Nowadays, we also have pet friendly cafes, so take them there. Not just pets, dogs should also know other humans besides you. They must know that people wearing attires unlike yours are also humans they need to be civil with. Do take them to crowded places to take away that fear and so that they get accustomed to loud noises as well. Fast cars and bikes, all these things scare them if they are not used to it. It is the same as human babies.