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To get the most out of your experience in talking to pug breeders you need to know how to classify quality dogs that are being sold by the best breeder. Do your research and list down the things you have learned about the breed and the breeders. You need to have a set of conditions or a checklist of what you are looking for in a pug and in a breeder. You need to be clear on what to expect from pug breeders before you start talking to local stores, online shops, or looking for referrals from other pet parents. You can check their site at the address below and visit their website to know more about them, about a pug puppy listing, and the amazing things they do. They are reputed in the Florida area and their owners have been doing great things to make sure that the pugs being released are at their optimal health, friendly, and ready to socialize with people. Confirm with them if they are a pug breeder that is AKC registered. These companies are respected and recognized by dog clubs and dog communities. Search for a pug breeder in Orlando FL or nearby areas. They have a list of pug puppies for sale and are connected with reputable breeders. These websites vet their members and are approved by the local dog clubs. They have a list of questions to ask breeders when you make a purchase. Tips for Selecting the Best Pug Puppies Here are some tips you can apply in searching for the best pugs for sale in Florida. Ask Around Ask around for referrals from your friends or if there are any local dog clubs for the breeders they know or a pet store with connections to a pug breeder they know about. Having someone you know personally vouch for a breeder is a great step ahead in your journey. Try to determine which one is closest to you. If you are based in Orland FL, it may not be a good idea to take the time and drive in the opposite direction if you have pug breeders lined up and close to each other. A good breeder is your best chance of getting the perfect pug puppy for your home. Reputable and ethical breeders will take the time to know you and will ask you questions related to your interest in getting pug puppies. Perfect puppy breeders will ensure their pug puppies for sale will be raised in a good and loving home. They will try their best to know if the buyers have the well-being of the puppies as their greatest interest. If a pug breeder is no longer an option, you can also go to pet shops, rescue centers, and animal shelters and ask if they have pugs available for adoption. These places are also good sources of information for reputable breeders in the area. Screen Pug Breeders This is the most important step to get right. A legitimate breeder will provide a perfect puppy that has a complete health record or a health certificate. A true dog breeder will not hesitate to provide a health guarantee for every pug puppy to be released. Search for local breeders and take note of their contact details, office addresses, and office hours. Call ahead of time and schedule an appointment. Once you are in their shelter, look for signs or red flags. If you already have a prospective puppy, try to interact with it to see how it engages with you. Remember that legitimate breeders will keep their puppies happy and energetic. Create a List of Questions to Ask Prepare a list of questions to ask about the pugs for sale and about the local breeder ahead of your visit. Ask questions about the general health condition of the puppy, its parents, and health records. You can also request to see the parents of the pug puppy and get a good look at their current health condition and ask if the pug puppies for sale or the parents are AKC registered. Pugs that are mixed breeds tend to develop respiratory conditions and problems with weight. Other questions you can ask are if the breeder provides the health guarantees or if the pups will be crate trained upon release and many other questions along those lines. Check the Pug Puppies that are for Sale Confirm if the available pug puppies for sale are in their optimal health conditions. If you can, make it a point to take a vet with you when you visit pug breeders to check on the pug puppies. If the puppies are already vet checked, ask for the contact details of the vet who checked the puppies. Avoid puppy mills at all costs. They do not practice ethical standards on raising pug puppies. A puppy mill will release unhealthy puppies and will not consider the overall health of both the parents and the fawns. They also supply mixed breeds and never purebred pugs. Check if they have the updated vaccines and if they have been de-wormed. Female pugs are heavy shedders especially if they have become mothers to week old pug puppies. Pugs shed hair all year round, so be ready for that. Puppies shed more in their early stages. Make note of how fast and spontaneous the breeder answers your question about the health of the pug puppies. A reputable breeder will have no trouble answering these types of questions. Know What to Look for Look for energetic and cheerful pug puppies. Healthy and friendly pugs are excited to see new people. Look for pug puppies for sale that have a nice, positive temperament. Also, look for vaccination cards, AKC papers, registration papers, and the health certificate of the pug puppies for sale. Be wary of mixed breeds listed as purebred pug puppies for sale. If the pug for sale is under the color unrecognized category, chances are, the breeder is selling you a mixed-breed puppy. Compare prices among legit pug and dog breeders. If the prices are too low or become too high, you may not be getting what you are paying for. Conclusion Getting a pug for your home is a decision you will never regret. They are among the best things you can have in the world. Pugs are reliable and provide the best companions. They are sensitive to your emotions and are dedicated to providing the comic relief you needed after a stressful day. Here are some of the other topics we have created to help you search pugs for sale by location. Our staff are avid fans and dedicated owners of Pugs. We hope to answer all the questions you have about Pugs. Just read and enjoy. Feel free to share if you find it valuable to others! Best regards, All the pug puppies they sell are raised in their homes, so they are all in good shape and are extremely friendly. Moreover, the pugs are also exposed to other breeds, which makes the pugs well-behaved in social settings. This is one of the best places you can get a pug puppy today. These tips are: Learn about the breed: Before you start looking for a pug breeder, you need learn as much as you can about pugs. Some pugs are show quality, while others may be off on some aesthetic details. Where do you begin? Reach out to family members, close friends, and neighbors: Do you know anyone who has a pug? Or perhaps, you can ask around if they know any pug breeders in the area. However, the best would be to speak directly to a person who has a pug. That way, they can share with you their experience, along with the breeder referral. Look on social media: Fortunately, technology has given us more convenience to connect with people in different places. From there, you can message pug breeders in your area. Along with these tips, you should also keep in mind that a good pug breeder allows you to see their home and see the dog environment there for yourself. Reliable dog breeders also offer a Welcome Back Program in the event that you want or need to return the dog at any time. They will also provide you with references of past clients and veterinarians that will let you do a background check by yourself. This is a good sign that the pug breeder is a reputable one as they want to make sure that the puppy will have a safe and healthy environment. You will notice that the best pug breeders are the ones that are truly interested in you, your family, and your home environment. They will also likely stay in touch with you after your purchase if you need help caring for the pug. In fact, some breeders have established long-term relationships with their clients. Beware of Scams As mentioned, pugs are one of the cutest breeds today. Sadly, along with the popularity comes people with poor intentions. In fact, there are a lot of cases of puppy scams all over the internet, some involve Florida pups. It works in a way that a pug breeder claims that they have a healthy puppy, convincing the buyer, and when the buyer finally pays, the pug breeder either disappears or delivers a different or unhealthy puppy. This scam is so widespread because people with puppy fever are swayed easily. According to the Better Business Bureau, 3. You can use the list we provide to help you finally be able to take home a healthy and happy pug! Everything related to pugs is our concern, feel free to browse our site to know more. Our staff are avid fans and dedicated owners of Pugs. We hope to answer all the questions you have about Pugs. Just read and enjoy. Feel free to share if you find it valuable to others! Best regards, They prioritize the needs of the dogs before anything. The breeder, Dawn Monzel operates this business program in a family environment and broad open space. They look forward to witnessing the birth of the new puppies. At that time, they take necessary steps to assist the mother by taking care of the newborn fur babies. The breeder, Dawn, gives importance to raise good quality family companions. The reason for this is that they allow visitors to spend time with the puppies. Through this activity, they get to know more about the Chinese Pugs which helps them to decide whether they want to adopt or not. This is truly a praiseworthy gesture. Their website also contains photos of the previous Pugs, female Pugs and the studs. The breeders encourage the interested buyers to visit them before buying. However, as it is always not possible, you can also give them a call if you decide to buy from them or have any queries. I am impressed by the dedication they put on their dogs to give them the best life. Doree and Joe are the professional breeders of Purelypugs. The breeders work hard to produce the best quality Chinese Pugs. They put much effort into searching for a good, loving home for their sweet fur babies. They consider the adopters as their new extended family and assist them in any sort of problem regarding the puppies. Purelypugs take much pride in their work. According to the owners, the prices they fix on their pups are the way of financing for their next-generation dogs. Their Facebook page contains all the lovely reviews from the customers mentioning Doree and Joe, the owners. I also came across the adorable pictures of the pups on the photo gallery section of the website of Purelypugs. To get updates on the litters and other information, you have to sign up on their website. You can also contact them through their email address. They are conscious about giving AKC or CKC registered, vaccinated, de-wormed, micro-chipped, and dew-clawed puppies to the customers. It is located in Dunnellon, Florida. I appreciate their dedication and hard work. The breeders understand very well the life changing impact a Pug can make to a family. That is why they are careful in choosing suitable homes for these pups. They do not ship their dogs and require meeting everyone interested in their breeds. I am sure you will be pleased to hear that they are currently selling a good-looking two year old AKC registered fawn male Pug. They also have a new litter of puppies available. Contact them on their given phone number or email address if you want to have your own fur baby or simply have any queries. You can also contact them directly on their website. Do you have questions about Pug breeders in Florida or where to find Pug puppies for sale Jacksonville Florida? Are Pugs good for apartments? Pugs are the perfect apartment dogs! And not just because they are small. Pugs are easygoing dogs who are content to lounge around and nap all day. Can I only pick from Florida-based breeders? Our partner breeders can then arrange safe transport for your puppy so you can just pick him or her up at an airport in Florida. How do you screen Pug breeders? All breeders and businesses who want to join our network go through a strict evaluation process where we take a close look at their experiences, practices, breeding knowledge, and facilities. A Pug breeder Florida must share the same values stated in our Breeder Pledge if they want to be welcomed into the network. How much is the average Pug in Florida? Pug puppies for sale Florida will vary in price. Pug breeders Orlando Florida and elsewhere in the state consider a number of things before deciding on a price. These include gender, coat color, and pedigree among others. Why is Florida Puppies better than other puppy finder websites? We are different because we conduct an independent review of all the businesses that join us to ensure that they follow ethical breeding practices. You might be tempted to get your dog from a puppy mill due to their offers of cheap Pug puppies in Florida but hear us out first. Where can I find a Pug mix? Pug crossbreeds like the Pug Pomeranian can make wonderful pets, too. What kind of dog is a Pug? The Pug is a toy dog breed that originated from China and traveled to Europe centuries ago. It first rose to fame when the Dutch royal family began keeping them as pets. The Pug is known for its sweet demeanor and silly antics -- qualities that made them such warm companion dogs to people of any age. About how big do Pugs get? Both male and female pugs can reach a height of inches and a weight of pounds. They are more sturdily built when compared with other toy dogs but are still quite portable. How does Florida Puppies work? Finding Pug puppies for sale in South Florida and in other parts of the Sunshine state is super easy. Begin by browsing our available Pug puppies or our featured Pug Florida breeders. Once you find the Pug puppy of your dreams, get in touch with the breeder, and feel free to ask questions about your new pup. Pug's Available!

Since the Labrador could grow to a hefty size, its yearly upkeep still falls within the expected price range of other big dogs. Always take your puppy to regular vet checkups, even if it looks like the very picture of health. Though these things are not high on the priority list, consider them nice-to-haves once the budget allows. Besides, we all want the best for our four-legged friends, and that alone is reason enough for most of us! Boarding Kennels: This service is a lifesaver for owners who have to travel for days or weeks at a time and cannot bring their dog along with them. Professional Grooming: As we said earlier, Labrador Retrievers shed a lot, so an afternoon at the groomer will help keep your pooch looking clean and tidy. You can put off spending on these things until the budget allows. However, give some serious thought to investing in an emergency fund, as this would take a big worry off your mind in case of any unexpected trips to the vet. Though it is tempting to buy a dog from pet stores or backyard breeders because of their low puppy prices, getting Lab puppies from a reputable source is still a more responsible and ethical choice. Here is a list of responsible breeders where you can find Labrador puppies for sale: Rhumbline Retrievers — This New York-based kennel has been breeding quality Labrador Retriever puppies since , and a good number of their dogs have participated in agility, obedience, and hunting tests at the national level. Due to their commitment to only breed dogs of the highest quality, they have limited puppies for sale at a time; thus, expect a long waitlist. All their puppies are tested for genetic disorders such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They raise show-quality Labs and have championship bloodline puppies as well. For a more comprehensive list of reputable Labrador Retriever breeders, take a peek at our 10 best Labrador breeders article. All their dogs are fostered and given medical care before being turned over to their new family. Based in Colorado and licensed by the Pet Animal Care Facilities, they foster and provide medical care to Labs until they can get adopted. American Lab Rescue — This organization makes use of foster homes to rehabilitate and care for their rescued dogs. For your adoption application to be approved, they will require a fenced-in yard and will also do a home visit to your place before releasing a dog. Alternatively, you can also check out our top 10 picks of Labrador Retriever Rescues and our dog adoption guide. The Labrador Retriever is popular for its great temperament and personality. Unfortunately, most people fail to expect its high energy level as well, which is why some Labs find themselves in animal shelters. That said, doing your research about the Labrador Retriever before buying or adopting a puppy is necessary to make sure that the Lab is the best dog for you. Money-Saving Tips for Labrador Retriever Owners We all want to give our dog the best life possible, and if we can do that without breaking the bank, then even better! The trick is finding the right balance on which expenses to let go of and which ones to keep. To help you achieve this, here are some money-saving tips for Labrador Retriever owners: DIY dog food and treats. Not only is this a more practical option, but this is also healthier for your dog. Practice your grooming skills. Watch a good tutorial and practice your skills on your pooch. Invest in high-quality supplies. You may want to scrimp on supplies such as food and water bowls, but investing in high-quality and durable essentials will save you more money in the long run. Training Labrador Retrievers is a fairly easy task, even for novice dog owners. A lot of great tutorials can be found on the internet, and being the intelligent dogs that they are, they will learn all their tricks in no time! Like pet insurance, regular vet visits will save you from procedures and medications that could cost thousands of dollars later. Pet quality pups are affordable and budget-friendly to most people who are looking for an intelligent and well-tempered canine companion. However, like most dogs, their lifetime cost would still require you to spend considerable money. As such, think long and hard about the commitment and financial implications of taking in a dog. These canines make great family pets, even for those looking for their first dog. So, if your budget is enough to shoulder the price and long-term costs of the Labrador Retriever, then it might just be the pooch for you! Tell us in the comment box below! My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Breeds The link has been copied! Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. As an admirer of one of these lovely furry companions, you may question how much it costs to buy and own a Labrador Retriever. We'll explore the upfront price of purchasing a puppy and the routine costs associated with pet ownership. We'll also cover various factors that can impact the cost of a Lab and provide tips on how to reduce the cost of owning one. The cost of a Lab can vary depending on several factors such as its age, color, purpose show or field , whether it's a purebred, and more. Routine Care Expenses Owning a Labrador Retriever requires some routine care expenses, which should be taken into account when considering the overall cost of having a pet. One of the essential expenses is veterinary care, which includes routine check-ups, vaccinations, and emergency medical care. Labs are prone to specific health issues, such as hip dysplasia , eye problems, and skin allergies, which may require additional medical attention and expenses. Another routine care expense for Labs is feeding. As they are a somewhat larger breed, they require a substantial amount of food to maintain their weight and energy levels. Additionally, treats, chews, and supplements can also be added to their diet, increasing the overall cost of nutrition. Proper grooming and hygiene are essential to keep a Lab healthy and comfortable. Remember that training and behavioral classes may be necessary to ensure your Lab is well-behaved and socialized, which can also be costly. These expenses should be considered when determining if a Lab is the right breed for you and your budget. How much a Labrador Retriever puppy costs depends on multiple factors, such as the breeder's reputation, the location of the pup, the bloodline, and more. Additionally, the cost may increase if the puppy comes with additional services such as health certificates, microchipping , or first vaccinations. Your pup will also need feeding, grooming, and bathing factored into their expenses, as well as beds, toys, chews, leashes, collars, harnesses, and much more. Consider the following: Buying From a Breeder vs. While adopting a Lab may be less expensive, it is essential to note that some shelters may have restrictions and requirements that need to be met before adoption. Keep in mind that the price of a Labrador based on color may vary by region and how popular that specific color is in that location. However, buyers should be cautious and avoid buying from dishonest breeders who may be selling mixed-breed dogs as purebreds. Breeders Reputation Reputable breeders who prioritize health, temperament, and breed standards usually charge more for their puppies. It's crucial to research the breeder thoroughly and ensure that they follow ethical breeding practices before making a purchase. This includes checking their breeding practices, requesting health certificates and pedigrees, and visiting their facilities in person if possible. Buyers should also be cautious of breeders who offer extremely low prices, as that might be a sign of unethical practices. Estimated Size The estimated size of an adult Labrador retriever is around about .Average Price To Buy A Lab Puppy From A Breeder The average price to buy a Lab puppy from a breeder is different from one person to the next, according to the reputation the breeder has in the community, the dog's bloodline, and their location. Again, the color of the Lab plays a significant factor as well. In addition to the cost of the puppy, there are also other expenses associated with owning a Lab. This includes routine care costs such as food, toys, grooming supplies, and veterinary visits for vaccinations and check-ups. Owners should also budget for unexpected expenses such as emergency veterinary care or unexpected illnesses. Remember that a reputable breeder may charge more for their puppies, but they are more likely to provide you with a healthy, well-socialized puppy from a good bloodline. Average Cost To Adopt A Lab Puppy Adopting a Lab puppy is generally less expensive than buying one from a breeder, but the costs can still vary widely. However, it's crucial to research adoption agencies thoroughly to ensure that they are reputable and the dogs are healthy and well-cared for before making a decision. You don't want to bring a sickly pup into your home, just to end up spending more on medical bills than you had anticipated. However, the costs don't stop there. Once you have your furry friend, ongoing expenses include food, vet bills, grooming, and more. In addition, Labs are known for their love of exploration and adventure, which means they have a penchant for getting lost. You don't want to get a new puppy with the understanding that the breed may be high maintenance, and then you lose track of your dog. The collar uses GPS and cellular technology to track your dog's location in real-time, so you can quickly locate your pet if they ever wander off. The collar also includes additional features such as activity monitoring and geofencing to alert you if your dog leaves a designated area. While the initial cost of the collar may seem high, it can save you money in the long run by preventing the loss or theft of your beloved Lab. Labrador Retriever Breed Guide Labrador Retrievers are outgoing and generally have a friendly disposition toward others. They are loyal, affectionate and make excellent family pets. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which makes them great for first-time dog owners. Due to their friendly nature, they also make excellent therapy dogs and are often used in service roles. Labrador Retrievers generally come in three colors: black, chocolate, and yellow. The coat is short, dense, and water-resistant, which makes them excellent swimmers. Labs can be medium to large dogs that weigh about 55 to 80 pounds on average, with the males usually outweighing the females by ten pounds. Typically, they're around two feet tall inches , and the males will have about a one-inch height advantage over the females. The average lifespan for a Labrador Retriever is around 12 years, although some can live up to 14 years. They are all around healthy, but like all dogs, there are specific ailments that you're more likely to encounter with a Lab, like obesity, ear infections, and hip dysplasia. As for lifetime care costs, they can vary depending on factors such as food, vet bills, and grooming expenses. There are several ways to reduce the cost of owning a Labrador Retriever. One option is to adopt a dog from a local shelter or rescue organization. Adopting a dog from a shelter is usually less expensive than buying a puppy from a breeder. Typically, dog shelters will include initial vaccinations, any spaying or neutering services needed, along with essential veterinary care up front. That helps cut down on some of the initial costs that owners usually spend when they first bring a puppy home. However, it's not uncommon that breeders will also at least include the first vaccinations for the pup upon its release to your family. Another option to reduce the cost of owning a Lab is to consider adopting an older dog instead of a puppy. Older dogs may already be trained and require less attention and socialization than a puppy, which can save on training costs and time. Moreover, older dogs may have lower veterinary bills since they may not require as many check-ups or preventative care as a puppy. Finally, another way to save money on the lifetime costs of owning a Labrador Retriever is to invest in preventative care. This includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary check-ups to catch potential health issues early on. While preventive care may require an upfront investment, it can ultimately save money by avoiding expensive medical bills down the line. Final Thoughts: The Cost of Owning a Labrador Retriever Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds to own, but they can be somewhat high maintenance after you bring them into your home. However, there are ways to reduce costs, such as adopting from a shelter or rescue organization, buying an older dog instead of a puppy, and being mindful of routine care costs. Regardless of the price, it's important to protect your Labrador Retriever with a GPS-tracking dog collar like the one offered by Fi, which can provide peace of mind and ensure the safety of your Lab. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. The link has been copied! You might also like. The costs will be a bit higher at first while you get your dog the shots it requires and pay for the frequent visits to the vet. We also recommend getting your dog spayed or neutered unless you are a professional breeder, and it might even be required as part of your contract if you purchase from a breeder. Once your dog is an adult, it will not require as many vet visits and will only need booster shots every few years, so the average monthly costs will be much lower. Experts recommend getting all of the shots, but your dog is only legally required to get the rabies shot. We recommend purchasing a high-quality brand with real meat like chicken, turkey, or salmon listed as the first ingredient. The protein in meat will help build muscle and provide the energy your dog needs to stay healthy. High protein diets will also help your dog stay full longer, and it will be less likely to come looking for food. Foods with corn as the top ingredient are mostly empty calories that will leave your pet feeling hungry and looking for more food, potentially causing it to become obese. During the shedding seasons of spring and fall, you will likely need to increase the brushing to several times a week to help keep the fur off your furniture and floor. Professional grooming can also help with teeth brushing and nail clipping. This medication can also help prevent heartworm. Spot Pet Insurance offers customizable plans that you can adapt to your breed's specific needs. Many people forgo pet insurance, but it can be a great way to protect yourself from a huge expense while making sure your Labrador Retriever has the best healthcare possible. Accidents and serious illnesses can occur at any time, and many procedures can cost thousands of dollars which makes the price of insurance more than worth it, especially if you get it while your dog is still a puppy. It can chew up stuffed animals quickly, so they can get expensive, but there are plenty of options for a chewing dog, like the Lab. Another option is to purchase a subscription to a monthly service like the Bark Box that sends your dog new toys and activities for as long as you keep up your subscription. A full-grown dog only requires food and flea and tick medication to stay healthy, a few toys to play with, and treats here and there. Additional Costs to Factor In If you like to go on long vacations, you might need to factor in the additional costs of traveling with a dog. Many rental cars do not allow pets or will charge you extra, and the same is true for hotels. Owning a Labrador Retriever on a Budget Your Labrador Retriever will be relatively inexpensive once you get the medical things out of the way. A high-quality food may seem more expensive, but it will help keep your dog full so that it will eat less. Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock Saving Money on Labrador Retriever Care The best way to save money on healthcare when raising your Labrador Retriever is to keep it a healthy weight by following portion recommendations on the food you serve and by helping them get enough exercise. Obesity can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues that can shorten the lifespan of your pet. After the initial cost of the puppy , you will need to pay a few hundred dollars to get it spayed or neutered and get the shots it needs. After that, you will only need to provide food and shelter with the occasional booster shot. We hope you have enjoyed reading over this guide, and that it has helped answer your questions. If we have helped you create a budget that allows you to get one of these amazing pets, please share this guide on how much it costs to own a Labrador Retriever on social media. Featured Image Credit: scott, Pixabay Contents. Over the years, this breed of dog has consistently ranked in the top five for most popular dog breeds. In fact, for nearly 31 years, the Labrador Retriever was ranked as the number one most popular dog before getting knocked out of the number one spot this year by the French Bulldog. And with this breed, often referred to as simple the Lab, remaining high on the list for most searched for and most loved dog, we want to know how much it costs to own one. What are the costs associated with these dogs, from actually getting the puppy to feeding them and beyond. How much does it cost to own a Labrador Retriever? Crufts returns this year after it was cancelled last year due to the Coronavirus pandemic. And we should also point out that a Chocolate Lab is going to cost more than a Black Lab or a Yellow Lab since this color of fur is rarer. Next, we have to talk about feeding your Lab. Considering the Labrador Retriever is medium to large breed dog and often on the larger side of things , you are looking at a diet that may cost a bit more. Now we have to talk about those vet visits. That being said, there are some health concerns that all Labrador Retrievers may face over the course of their lives our pup was lucky enough to not have to deal with these issues, although he did have to have his eyelids fixed as a puppy and that can significantly increase their vet bills. Finally, you will absolutely want to consider grooming when it comes to your Lab as they are another breed that has a double coat. Of course, dog toys, beds and other supplies are also a must for your pup, so these are added expenses that should also be considered. However, if you have ever owned a Lab, you know they are absolutely worth the cost. How Much Does a Labrador Cost? And, this is just the upfront cost of the puppy. This includes the cost of food, veterinary bills, grooming, bedding, and so on. Labrador puppy costs depend on a few factors. Quality of the breeder Quality of the parent dogs Type of Labrador eg. For instance, puppy prices tend to be higher before Christmas, so buy a puppy in the spring, instead. Originally, black Labs were favored above other colors. Brown and yellow Labs were extremely uncommon, and were not at all desirable. Over time, this opinion changed and brown and yellow Labs became more accepted. Shooting communities still tend to prefer the black Lab, but yellow Labs are very common in other working roles, like as therapy dogs and guide dogs. On the whole, each official Labrador color will cost a similar amount. But, yellow and brown Labs may cost slightly more than black Labs, since the genes that cause their coloring are recessive and therefore are less common. Non-Standard Colors Labrador costs can be hugely increased or reduced by non standard colors or patterns. For instance, dilute shades or mismarks. Dilute coloring is recessive and highly controversial in the Labrador community. The genes that cause these shades will dilute pigmentation, turning black Labs into charcoal Labs, chocolate Labs into silver Labs, and yellow Labs into champagne Labs. Some believe this color results from cross-breeding. But, others believe the recessive genes simply remained hidden over generations, like original yellow and chocolate coloring. Dilute colors are not accepted in the official breed standard. So, many breeders will not adjust their price, and may even lower it for unexpected dilute puppies. The same is the case with mismarks. Mismarks can include white patches and spots, brindling, and even tan markings. Extensive mismarks will disqualify a Lab from show. Show type Labs are bred to fit the Labrador breed standard. They are usually slightly stockier and less active than field types. Field types are more often bred for their working ability than for any specific appearance. Labradors cost more when they are bred to show standards. Field Labs tend to be cheaper than Labradors bred for show. But, you should consider which type is best for you, rather than just going for the cheapest Labrador you can find. Field type Labs can be much more energetic and active than show types. First time owners may find the English Lab slightly easier to raise and train! Conversely, Labrador costs can be highest with field trial champion bred dogs that are likely to win awards. Labrador Costs From Breeders vs Shelters Labrador puppies from reputable breeders will cost more than dogs from a rescue center. Whilst Labs from breeders can cost thousands of dollars, Labradors from rescue centers can only be a few hundred dollars. A major difference between Labs from a breeder and Labs from a rescue center is the history of the dogs. Puppies from a breeder will stay with their mom and siblings until 8 weeks old. At 8 weeks, puppies can go to their new home. Rescue center dogs can have unknown histories, or even histories that involve abuse. Labs from rescue centers are usually older, and have often lived with other families. However, many Labs are given up for non-behavioral reasons. They can be just as wonderful pets as puppies from a breeder. And, many dogs from rescue centers will have basic training, including house training, obedience, and potentially recall. Why Are Breeders So Expensive? Reputable breeders tend to cost more than any other puppy source. Breeders have to spend a lot when breeding a litter, and all of this will lower their profit margins. Labrador breeding costs include: Health testing and certificates. Are they good family dogs? Labrador Dog Price — The Costs Involved Buying a Labrador is not just a question of the purchase price of a Lab puppy, though of course that is important. There are other costs involved, both financial, emotional and in terms of time and effort. So we need to look at those too. You may be wondering whether you will have the time for a dog, and if you have the space and energy for a large and lively breed? But this page will take you back to the fundamental considerations, to help you to make the right choice for you and your family. Do you have time for a dog? Can you afford a dog? What about your lifestyle? Will a dog fit in with your family? Is a Labrador the right dog for you? These questions all apply regardless of the type of Labrador you are looking for. The needs of a black Lab, yellow Lab or chocolate Lab are all the same in these respects. The same goes for an English or American Labrador too. Dogs need space, both indoors and outside. Even small breeds need room to stretch their legs and run about. And Labradors as fairly large and lively dogs need quite a lot of space. This means you need a decent sized backyard if you plan on buying a Labrador puppy. Somewhere that your Lab dog can run around, play and enjoy training sessions with you. Labradors can be quite silly during adolescence, bouncing and cavorting in the home. Their tails are long and thick, easily knocking any fragile decorations you might have from shelves. If you have lots of ornaments then you will need to move them to higher shelves to avoid them getting damaged. You will also need to move anything that could be easily damaged by chewing. With small puppies this will be very often indeed. Perhaps every 15 to 20 minutes during their first few days with you. If you live in a flat, or do not have a garden, this will be difficult for you. These are helpful but do take up a lot of space. Although this will take up a lot of space indoors, it can work very well for larger apartments with no easy outside access. Ideally however you do need to have a garden, and a part of the garden which your dog can use as a bathroom, along with a good system for clearing up after him hygienically. Space is key for a Lab dog! The right space for a Labrador includes large clear rooms in the house, with no breakable or fragile objects within his grasp. And ideally access to a garden where they can easily be let out to the bathroom and have room to play. Keeping a single Labrador permanently outside however is not usually a good idea, even with adequate shelter and security. Labs are very sociable dogs and prone to separation anxiety if they lack company. This means your dog may be both sad and noisy. It is always sad to hear from new puppy owners that are struggling to juggle the needs of a puppy with their need to work. These articles will help you to deal with this common issue. Even with a visit at lunch time. An older dog may cope with being left for up to four hours in row on a regular basis, but puppies need more attention than this. Contented Labradors are fairly quiet dogs and unlikely to disturb your neighbors. Nor are they very good guard dogs. However, lonely dogs bark and wreck things. If you work all day, can you afford to pay someone to come in and let him out to stretch his legs and empty himself? Or do you have a relative or friend that would be prepared to do this on a regular basis. Bear in mind that this is quite a lot to ask of anyone in the long term. The biggest long term time commitment in owning a dog is in the form of training and exercise. Training Takes Time All dogs need training in order that they can rub along in human society without being a complete nuisance. This means a regular daily commitment of ten to twenty minutes from you, in addition to your regular interaction with the dog. Training cannot be saved up for the weekend, your dog will have forgotten most of what he learnt the weekend before, and he does not have the attention span to concentrate on you for an hour and a half. You can find out more about training your Labrador puppy here. Staying Fit Exercise is required on a regular basis, for some breeds of dog this means at least an hour a day of walking or jogging to keep your dog fit and healthy. You can find out more about the exercise requirements of a Labrador puppy here. Whilst your dog will not come to any harm if you miss a day occasionally, a daily routine is often the best way to ensure that you build this important habit. Can You Afford A Dog? Dogs can be quite expensive to run. You need to consider not only how much a Labrador will cost you to buy, but also how much it will cost you to keep. How much do Labradors cost from breeders? The price of a Labrador puppy will vary from breeder to breeder, and from place to place. Perhaps you know a friend that has a litter of puppies and they are going to let you have one for free. However, the purchase price of a dog is almost irrelevant. It is such a small part of the final cost. The cost of keeping a Labrador The reality is, you are also going to need to fork out a chunk of your wages each week on keeping your pooch happy and healthy. Obviously you will have taken the cost of a good brand of Labrador puppy food into consideration. It is a good idea to budget for veterinary insurance too. Not because it is unreasonably priced, but simply because it is now so advanced. You can fix a lot of problems these days. We can do open heart surgery, mend complex fractures, treat cancer with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Pretty much anything you can treat in a human, you can now treat in a dog. And the catch? It costs. The more comprehensive your insurance package the more it will cost. Watch out for very cheap deals, as they may not provide continuing cover for long term ailments. You will also need to vaccinate your dog against common canine illness , and this will probably need to be done each year too. Especially if you are wanting to occasionally leave them in boarding kennels when you go away, as they require up to date vaccination certificates. Labrador Puppy Costs There will be a few other one-off costs such as a puppy crate and puppy play pen for your home for when your dog is young, another for your car if you have one. Then there are bowls, bedding, collar, leash etc. But you may be able to borrow a crate or get one second hand. Here are some of the items you will need for your new Labrador puppy, and reviews on the best options for Labradors:. Your Labrador puppy will need a bed, collar, leash, poop bags, food bowls, food, treats, toys, grooming supplies, and a dog crate. It is important to get any dog licensed to avoid legal issues. Training Labrador Retrievers are easy to train and do not require professional training. But, some keepers choose to take their Lab to puppy school. Because they are highly motivated, Labradors also do great in agility training. This is also a great way for them to use up their energy. Owners can either build their own agility course or pay to put their dog in agility classes. Vet Fees and Insurance One of the most expensive parts of owning a dog is all the vet visits. This includes all of their shots and monthly checkups. A way to help reduce the cost of veterinary bills is through buying pet insurance. It is best to start paying for a pet insurance policy when your Labrador is a puppy. Senior dogs are more expensive to cover since they are more likely to develop health problems. Food When it comes to feeding a Labrador, they are not cheap. Labradors eat a lot of food. They are medium to large-sized dogs and weigh around 70 pounds. These prices are based on feeding a high quality kibble. Wet food can easily cost several hundred dollars more. Backyard Breeders One important thing every potential owner should remember is to avoid backyard breeders and pet shops. It is true that these places sell dogs for a much lower price. But, that does not mean they will be cheaper over their lifespan. Backyard breeders do not screen their dogs to determine if they have inheritable health problems. This results in Lab puppies being born that are more likely to develop health issues such as hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. These breeders also do not provide proper veterinary care for their puppies. Many are sold while having worms or fleas and having received no socialization. Ethical Labrador breeders ensure their breeding stock is screened and their puppies are healthy and socialized before placing them into their new homes. Labrador Retrievers can develop diseases of the eye. The form of this disease that is very common is Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration. Caused by an inheritable genetic mutation, it ultimately leads to blindness. Screening will help to prevent you from buying a puppy that may become blind later on in life. Dogs with this disease will lose their sight between one and eight years of age. Hip and Elbow Scores Another health problem that Labradors are prone to is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a genetic skeletal disease that causes the hip joint to not form properly. This results in the femur grinding against the hip causing deterioration and loss of function. Many Labradors with this condition end up having to undergo surgery to reduce pain and regain function in their hips. The average hip score for a Labrador retriever is 12, so any score below that is considered good. Ideally, good breeders will only breed dogs with hip scores under .This will prevent you from purchasing a Labrador puppy that will require expensive surgery later on in its life. Purpose American Labradors are best suited for active families. Families that enjoy activities such as swimming, running, and hiking. They are great for families with older children who can engage and play with them more. American Labs would also do best with owners who can dedicate more time to them because they require a lot of exercise every day. People who work from home or part time would be ideal. English Labradors would make great pets for quieter families because they have a calmer personality. They are also gentler and would do well with a family that has young children. Since they are less active, they are suitable for a busier family who has less time to exercise them. Their docile, patient attitude also makes them excellent candidates to be service dogs so they would be a great dog for people who need one in their life. Summary The price of a Labrador can vary depending on if you get one from a breeder or rescue. Its color, pedigree and health will also influence the price. All Labradors are prone to health conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy and hip or elbow dysplasia. Make sure the breeder screens for these health conditions before breeding. This will help to ensure your puppy is healthy. The cost to keep a Labrador healthy, exercised and happy can get pricey. But, if an owner has done their research and prepared themselves, then Labradors make an excellent addition. What Lab do you prefer? American, English, or mixed? Let us know! He has spent decades training working dogs and spends most of his spare time studying, reading and learning about their behavior and welfare. Outside of Marvelous Dogs, he enjoys trail running and agility work with his working Labrador Retriever. You May Also Like.

Boxers in the News Welcome to PortCity Boxers, where we are passionate about raising the best quality Show Boxers and beloved family pets! During her debut into show life at the Tarheel and Concord Clusters, the week of her second birthday, she beautifully progressed from class seconds, to class firsts, onto achieving Two Reserve Winners Bitch placements under Judge Mr. Hiroshi Kamisato and under Judge Ms. Carolyn I. Gary L. Thankyou Ms. Alexander, Mr. Kamisato and Dr. Sparschu for your recognition and most of all… A huge thankyou to you Vicky East, for the Wonderful Care and Excellent Handling you gave to our girl!! Woohoo, we are so excited and proud of you sweetheart! Thanks for taking time to visit us! Our Boxers are bred for a genetically healthy disposition, intelligence, and companionship. With proper care, you will find your Boxer to be a wonderful friend to your family. We are located in the beautiful town of Wilmington, NC. As a small family oriented breeder, we focus on producing the perfect line family pets and show quality puppies. We believe in quality, not quantity. Each of our dogs were chosen for their bloodlines to ensure great dispositions and healthy pups. We offer a natural alternative for the care and nutrition of our dogs to promote a healthy Boxer. These loving dogs will make a wonderful addition to your family. A Boxer will love you and protect you for life. A Boxer is highly intelligent and can learn anything you're willing to teach. Boxers love children, and the two can help wear each other out. A Boxer will help keep you in shape because of all the exercise he requires. A Boxer is a multi-talented dog that excels in canine activities. When you want to go out, it's difficult to find a more desirable escort than a Boxer. A Boxer's short shiny coat comes in a handsome fawn or brindle, and is easy to care for. A Boxer combines strength and agility with elegance and style. Beneath that serious facade beats the heart of a clown. His main purpose is for hunting large game. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. It is said that he got his name due to using his front paws for just about anything. Boxer dogs look intimidating with their stern-looking faces and powerful bodies. But they are actually very loving family dogs that get along with children and other animals. They love being with their families, and being separated from them can lead them to develop separation anxiety. Since this working dog is highly intelligent but stubborn in nature, he is better suited for experienced owners. The average lifespan of the breed is 9—10 years. Look for a boxer puppies for sale Charlotte North Carolina? Here is a brief background of this protective dog with a good sense of humour. History of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed is a descendant of the now-extinct Bullenbeisser a fighting dog with Mastiff ancestry and the Old English Bulldog. He was developed in Germany in the 19th century as hunters of deer, wild boar, and bear. Later on, he was used to guard and drive cattle. The man responsible for the creation of the Boxer breed was Georg Alt, who was from Munich. He crossed a brindle-coloured female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown breed. In , the first German Boxer dog named Flocki joined a dog show in Munich. After winning the dog show, he was the first-ever Boxer dog to be listed down in the German Studbook. Modern Boxer dogs were believed to be the descendants of Flocki. Boxer puppies for sale in Charlotte NC The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. The American Boxer Club was established in .In both world wars, various military tasks were given to Boxer dogs including guard dogs, attack dogs, and messenger dogs. The British Boxer Dog Club was then formed in .The Boxer breed was recognised by the Kennel Club shortly thereafter and classified under the Working Group. Versatile and hard-working, these dogs are capable of carrying out different canine work. Boxers are good choices for protection dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Temperament and Intelligence of the Boxer puppies Charlotte for sale Extremely patient and gentle, the Boxer breed is good with children. But he is recommended for families with older children as he may accidentally knock over toddlers. Befriending other pets is possible if the Boxer dog is properly socialised at a young age. It will keep him from viewing small animals as prey and reduce his tendency to dominate same-sex dogs. Is a Boxer a good family dog? Yes, the Boxer breed is a good family dog. He may look noble and intimidating, but he is actually considered the Joker of the Dog World. Boxer dogs are playful and fun-loving. They love to be part of family activities and be the centre of attention. Are Boxer dogs dangerous? Boxer dogs may be tough-looking, but they are not generally aggressive. But they will stand guard and defend their families if necessary. Boxer dogs are initially wary of strangers, but they eventually warm up to them if no danger is detected. Their protective and loyal nature makes them good guard dogs as well as watchdogs. Are Boxers easy to train? Yes, Boxer dogs are easy to train if you are already experienced in handling the breed. They are intelligent but tend to be independent and stubborn. Due to this, they are not suited for first-time owners. Boxer dogs respond better to people that are firm and consistent. However, firm does not mean harsh. Instead of strict training methods, positive reinforcements are more effective in teaching this breed basic dog manners and tricks. Boxer Breed Highlights The Boxer dog breed is a loving, loyal, and protective companion. Boxer dogs are comical companions despite their intimidating appearance. The Boxer breed has low-maintenance grooming needs. As an energetic working dog, he has high exercise needs. Boxer dogs tend to be destructive when they are left alone or unable to let off steam. Are there miniature boxers? Yes, but they are rare. Miniature boxers are either a product of mating purebred runts or cross-breeding small dogs that have similar characteristics to boxers, such as Boston terriers, pugs, rat terriers, and fox terriers. While some of these minis may closely resemble their larger counterparts, they may not act similarly. Are boxers hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, boxers are not hypoallergenic. What problems do Boxers have? Boxer dogs are brachycephalic, which means they have flat faces. This trait narrows their airway and causes breathing problems. As a result, Boxers should not be out in the sun for a long time as it can lead to heatstroke. Overexercising them must be avoided too to avoid triggering breathing difficulties. How long do Boxer dogs live? The Boxer dog breed has a short lifespan compared to other dogs. He can only live up to 9—10 years, and this is due to the prevalence of health issues in the breed. When buying a Boxer puppy, look for a reputable breeder whose breeding stock and litters are health-screened. This will help you determine how likely is your chosen Boxer puppy going to develop certain health conditions. Charlotte NC Charlotte is the most populous city in the U. Located in the Piedmont region, it is the county seat of Mecklenburg County. The population was , as of the census,6 making it the 16th-most populous city in the U. The city is the cultural, economic, and transportation center of the Charlotte metropolitan area, whose population ranks 23rd in the U. We will not send you unnecessary notices in the future. My name is Tetyana and I am glad to welcome you on the site of the breed nursery. Home robert babybullboxers. We have always had boxers in our lives and have bred high quality Champion bloodline for 33 years now. We breed out of love for boxers. All our boxers are fully health tested and DNA certified. All our puppies come with a one year health guarantee. We do all we can to provide our boxer owners with a great companion. Always keep things real! We put a lot of time and effort into our boxer puppies, because it is simply the right thing to do. Our breeding program is all about quality. We focus on impressive qualities for potential improvement in our breeding program. Raising boxer puppies is no walk in the park. It takes a lot of hard work, love and care. We believe that a boxer is just as big a part of the family as anyone else. We meet the families and try to form a relationship with our boxer puppy owners for life. We love to receive photos and to hear how our puppies are doing and will always be an available point of contact for all our puppy owners. Contact us for more information or questions. All boxer puppies are raised with other boxers and are well socialized. All boxer puppies come with Champion bloodlines pedigree, tails docked, dewclaws removed, dewormed, first vaccinations, AKC registration and a Vet Health Certificate before they go to their new homes. You will not find a more loyal and loving companion for your family than the boxer. Our puppy application is very easy to fill out and puts you one step closer to the puppy of your dreams.

Things to do with your English Bulldog Michigan is a great place to live with an English bulldog. The state has a diverse landscape, plenty of outdoor activities, and dog-friendly businesses. Hike the Trails Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking trails in Michigan that are perfect for English bulldogs. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, and take breaks often. Visit a Campground Camping is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many campgrounds in Michigan that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in Michigan, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to get a fishing license and follow all the rules and regulations. Go Boating Boating is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many places to boat in Michigan, both on rivers and lakes. Be sure to bring a life jacket for your dog and follow all the safety rules. There are many places to swim in Michigan, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to supervise your dog at all times and follow all the safety rules. Visit a Dog Park Dog parks are a great place for English bulldogs to run and play off-leash. There are many dog parks in Michigan, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Pet-Friendly Businesses Michigan has a number of pet-friendly businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and stores. These are just a few of the many things you can do with your English bulldog in Michigan. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Michigan is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in Michigan? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Welcome to the Michigan state page on TrustedPuppies. Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, Michigan is renowned for its stunning lakeshores, vibrant cities, and variety of dog-friendly activities. Our goal is to connect you with the most exceptional English Bulldog breeders and puppies for sale in the region, ensuring you find the ideal companion for your family. Our site features a wide variety of reputable Michigan breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our MI breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. Discover the dynamic dog-friendly scene in Michigan, featuring inviting restaurants, spacious dog parks, and engaging dog shows. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the West Michigan Harvest Cluster Dog Show provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of English Bulldog canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. Michigan claims the 7th position in U. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable English Bulldog breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in Michigan. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your English Bulldog puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect English Bulldog puppy on TrustedPuppies. Frequently Asked Questions What are some of the health issues English bulldogs are likely to face? The English bulldog has various health issues with the most alarming being cardiac and respiratory complications. English bulldogs are also prone to dyslexia in the hip due to their relatively large body size. Skin infections are also a concern do to the wrinkly and folds nature of the skin. What is the lifespan of an English bulldog? The English bulldog can live up to years on an average scale. This is usually due to the numerous complications and health challenges the bulldog faces in the course of life. How frequently do English bulldogs shed? English bulldogs shed more frequently during the cold seasons like winter and spring. Compared to other dogs, they shed rather moderately and even lesser as they age. How hard is it to train an English bulldog? This breed of dog is known for its stubborn nature and can be really difficult especially for novice dog owners to get the hang of. Patience and routine should be the keywords when dealing with a bulldog. Are English bulldogs good watchdogs? The English bulldog has a natural instinct to protect its territory. Even though the bulldog is not usually much of a barking dog, in the case of an intruder it is well equipped and confident to take on the challenge at every cost. Are English Bulldogs dangerous to their owners? The English bulldog is not a dangerous pet. It is very much territorial and somewhat apprehensive to unfamiliar faces, but once it warms up to you, the bulldog is one of the most loving and loyal dogs. How much exercise do English Bulldogs need? The English bulldog on average needs about 30minuites of exercise every day to keep it mentally and physically healthy. Are English Bulldogs family dogs? The English bulldog may seem aggressive at first glance but you will get to find that they have a contrasting character to their appearance. They are perfect around children and can play all day. They are extremely lovable and friendly. How big do English Bulldogs get? English bulldogs can weigh up to 50 pounds and can grow as tall as 15inches. Male or female English Bulldog? This depends solely on the owner as both genders have their specific pros and cons. English bulldogs are very friendly and warm dogs and are amazing around children. No wonder they are one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. Are you interested in purchasing a English Bulldog? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Please text or call for more information. Our Puppies are raised with various ages of family and other dogs. We expect them to grow to between lbs. Mother is a very nice, gentle, friendly black and white full border collie and father is a beautiful long haired full border collie. Both parents are CBCA registered. Puppies were born on Janaury 14 and are ready to go now. Two puppies already gone and 3 females still available. You are welcome to come see them and take your pick anytime now. We would like to meet each prospective "parent" and see that you are a good match for each other. Puppies come with first vaccinations completed along with being dewormed several times, the Vet Record and a starter food pack. Border Collies were originally bred in Scotland as sheep herding dogs. They are very sensitive dogs that are also high energy. They thrive on pleasing their master and love to run and work. They do need to be socialized well as young dogs so they do not become shy. They can be sensitive to loud sounds and need consistent leadership. This is a breed that lives to serve you and it is too intelligent to sit around and do nothing. They need plenty of exercise and love to have a job to do. They are at the top of the class in agility sports, obedience training and sheep herding. For more information, please call or text and we would be happy to talk to you and get to know you and what you are looking for. Please do not reply by email as we may only check it once every few days or even week and the puppies may not be available by the time we would have opportunity to respond this way. Slight to No Slopes! We find that the West German lines are the best dog suited for family, companion, working, obedience and protection, because they are very balanced in their drives. Litters are listed with all detailed info. Only the finest German Shepherd Puppies in Ontario with outstanding pedigrees. See if we have an adult dog for sale, or maybe a retiree to take home and love forever. The Top health Guarantee in Canada. THE best breeding stock and bloodlines in the World. Germany, Serbia, Ukraine and more. The best a consumer can look for and ask for. We are a smaller German Shepherd breeder. We produce Quality not quantity. We breed very Strong and healthy dogs. Our Dogs have very stable temperaments. We have German Shepherd Puppies from world champion bloodlines, suitable for family companions, for show or sporting, agility and protection. We aim for perfection and a very rich black and red coat. We are ranked one of the top German Shepherd Breeders in Ontario. Our breeding stock consist of only the finest German bloodlines. Meaning these dogs are very stable, calm, yet driven, easy to live with in the house, easy to train, willing to please and ready to defend. All around very versatile. These German Shepherds have a very correct, harmonious and balanced structure resulting in a smooth, efficient, beautiful gait and very high endurance. Temperament, health, working ability, brains and looks. This is my goal, a dog that has it all. I look for correct but functional conformation, with a very important key, Very Stable Nerves!

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We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. You turn your attention back to your computer screen and suddenly feel little teeth grabbing at your sock! You look down. Your once-angelic puppy is now having a full on game of tug-of-war with your pant leg! This cute baby is now more like a furry little monster. You get up and try to walk away, but the fur alligator is still attached, munching away at your trousers and having the best time! If this sounds like your life, read on to learn how to stop a puppy from biting. Why Do Puppies Bite? Believe it or not, this scenario is actually very common! Biting is one of the most natural things in the world to a young pup; and they do it for many reasons. You would be left with your feet and mouth to interact, taste and feel your environment. Now, what if you had puppy paws — incapable of grasping anything? That leaves you with one final way to interact — your mouth. For good measure, add in the incredible curiosity of a child. How many times do you see a baby grab things with their hands and pop them into the mouth? Puppies have that same mindset. Your mouth strength and play bite helped you communicate and determine your rank in society. Your mouthy mojo gave you respect in canine culture. Puppies interact with their surroundings largely through their mouths. Labradors, like most sporting breeds, have the drive to chase after prey, put it in their mouths, and bring it back to you. This translates into a strong need to chew. They will try this same tactic with their human pack members. If ignored, one bite on the toe is often enough to get the focus back on them. Remember, to a puppy even negative attention is still attention. Terrible Teething When you add teething into the mix, you have the recipe for a furry gator. Most pups will have an increased need to chew while teething , which can begin at 6 weeks and last to 8 months of age. Unlike teething, there is no magical age that puppies grow out of a learned mouthing behavior. Thankfully, with positive training, most dogs eventually lose interest in chewing on their owners. Types of Biting: Aggression or Play? Puppies use their teeth in many ways. However, this is actually just very intense play. Play biting can be accompanied with growling and snarling. This is just part of the fun to a young pup. Instead, we will look into how we can prevent playful mouthing. However, it is important to recognize the signs of aggression. Pay attention to the timing of the biting as well. If so, the motive behind the bite may be more aggressive. Could it be Resource Guarding? Some dogs also aggressively bite when they are guarding a toy or food item, commonly called resource guarding. With resource guarding, you will see the same behavior as aggressive biting, but they will also stand over an object and defend it from any perceived threat. If you think your puppy is behaving aggressively, seek professional help to learn how to actively manage this issue. In contrast to this, playing puppies will be relaxed and have a wiggly body. They will be bouncy, easily roll onto their backs and often be panting with open mouths. Even if they are growling, a relaxed face and body mean a happy puppy. What Can Trigger Biting? Do you really want your pound Labrador to target your hands as a toy later? Children Little kids tend to excite puppies more than adults. Children move erratically, run around, make strange sounds and have a lot more energy. Puppies can easily associate them with toys. Ankle Biters Puppies target fast moving objects that excite their prey drive. Your feet moving by at their eye level can be irresistible. After all, what self-respecting puppy would snub shoes with those floppy laces that are perfect for playing tug? How do we do this? Redirection with Hands When training your puppy, always have a toy to offer. Remember, puppies are like babies. Your job is to redirect them to fun toys instead of human skin. You must do everything possible to make toys extremely attractive so the puppy chooses them over your clothing, hands or feet. Redirection with Kids You can also use redirection around children. First, teach your puppy to use interactive toys and then show your child how to play with the puppy correctly. In the event that your dog forgets, teach your kids to be a tree when their puppy begins to bite them or their clothes. This position makes them less interactive to the puppy. They look boring and the puppy will lose interest. Most bites occur because the child is running or moving erratically. Remember, dogs have the same prey triggers as wolves. If something is running away, it looks like prey. Your job, therefore, is to have an even more amazing toy than your feet. You can take a toy, tie it to a rope, and then tie the rope to your belt so that you are dragging the toy whenever your pup is out. If your puppy is coming for your feet, stop moving them and wave the toy around excitedly instead. Once the pup is attached to the toy, you can start walking again. This way, they will pounce on the toy instead of you! Bite inhibition simply means that the puppy learns not to apply too much force behind their teeth. They apply gentle, but firm, pressure to their greeting. Puppies also learn to limit this pressure with their mouths by feedback from pack members. When puppies are little, they learn bite inhibition through play with their siblings. If two pups are tussling, and one bites down too hard, the other puppy yelps loudly. This startling sound usually causes the offending party to let go. The play stops for a few minutes, as the first pup nurses his wounded ego. Play then resumes, but with less brutality. Instead, let the puppy release your hand and then simply get up and and move away from your pup while ignoring them. Your job is to teach them when they bite down on you, the fun stops. Ignore them for about a minute, then return and resume the play and praise them when they focus on the toy. If they bite you too hard again, repeat this process. You can either step over a puppy barrier or go into another room and shut the door. Just make sure they are in a puppy-proof area, as they may take out their frustration on inappropriate household items. You can also keep the puppy on a leash while playing with them. If they bite you, you can calmly tether them to something and then walk out of their reach. Your goal is to correct the puppy only by taking away your fun presence. You should not be threatening or angry. Give them the appropriate time out from the fun interaction to settle down, and then come back with a toy to redirect their energy. Once they understand they have to be gentle, you can then start to ask more of them by ending the game with lighter and lighter pressure on your skin. Finally, you can take the game to the highest standard — no teeth on human skin at all. If you slowly progress to this over weeks, you teach your pup to have a soft mouth. If they do feel the need to put their teeth on a human, they know not to put much pressure into their bite. You need to teach your puppy that human skin is fragile and requires a softer touch than a canine interaction. Your goal for this exercise should be to help your puppy understand that the play and fun things continue as long as they keep their teeth on their toy and not on you! More Ways to Stop Your Puppy Biting While the yelp and time-out method works for most pups, there are additional ways to reinforce good behavior. When your puppy bites your hand, they get a terrible taste. You can use anti-chewing sprays like Bitter Apple to make your hands less appealing. When your puppy bites you, be still and wait for them to react to the bitter taste. When they let go, praise them and redirect them onto a treat or toy. You want the crate to always be associated with only good things. Crates also should be in the middle of the household, with the rest of the pack — not isolated. This is the same way other canine pack members would isolate them. A laundry room or puppy pen works well for this exercise. Make sure the room is comfortable and safe for your puppy. When the puppy is too stimulated, calmly put him in the room with some teething toys and leave. Teaching them interactive games like fetch or bringing you a toy to tug helps show them that they can have even more fun when they play by your rules. Positive play helps develop a bond with your dog. You never want to avoid it, you just want to show them how to play without biting you. Teaching puppies to retrieve objects helps to tire them out, gives them something positive to chase, and focuses their bite on an appropriate item. Plus, most Labradors are pretty good at retrieving! Remember, anytime we ask a puppy to stop a behavior, it should be because they are rewarded in an even more exciting and positive way for doing something else and things our way. The following video shows how. Video: How to Stop a Puppy from Biting This video shows how to use clicker training to stimulate a puppy in situations where they normally would bite; and then reward them when they choose a closed mouth and calm interaction. Dominant Puppies Dogs are individuals. However, as puppies mature, there may be the rare pup that uses biting as a way to take charge. Dominant puppies may bite to show you that they want to be the boss as they mature. This happens naturally among littermates, as all packs have a pecking order. This reinforces to them that you are backing down and that they are the leader in the relationship. Always remain calm and assertive with your puppy, but end the game as soon as they begin vying for leadership instead of playing. Remember, the alternative to not training your dog is a large animal putting his mouth on people. Be patient with your puppy. Remember, mouthing and biting are normal parts of canine culture. If you stay patiently positive, train consistently, and redirect and reward good behavior, you will soon see a puppy that learns to bring you a tug toy instead of shredding your trousers. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative to seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. This awful biting time with puppies seems like it will go on for ever, but actually it only lasts a few weeks - mostly by the time the new teeth have come through, at about four to five months, the biting stops, and soon you will find you have a dog with a gentle mouth. You may not realize it, but your puppy is already being careful to some extent - if you have ever fed a puppy a raw chicken wing, for instance, you will know that he would be completely capable of biting right through your fingers, if he really wanted to. He is already pulling his punches, and now just needs your help to learn that human skin is more delicate than the thick fur of his mother and siblings. Your puppy sounds like he gets wound up and overtired the mad running around the house. This is the time a crate or quiet area can work wonders. Stay calm, keep giving him toys and chews to chomp on instead of your hands, refuse to interact with him when he bites you - even a second or two of no attention will help him to realize you really don't like it. Grabbing his cheeks and pulling him obviously doesn't work, he probably thinks it's some kind of game, and the attention you are inadvertently bestowing on him in that way seems to be making the situation worse.It will help if you teach him what you DO want, which is calm, gentle behaviour. Don't forget to praise him quietly and calmly when he is being good and quiet. I found holding one end of a chew such as a bully stick , so that we were interacting without him actually hurting me, helped. I also found that working out a routine was very helpful, so that we would go outside to play, then he would have his food, go out again to pee, then I would put him in his bed in the crate or behind a gate for a rest. Don't panic, this is very normal puppy behaviour, and I guarantee it will pass. You will get there. In a couple of months you'll be telling us what a delight he is.At what age do lab puppies stop biting? Is it normal for puppies to bite a lot? For puppies, using their mouth for fun and exploring is their priority. They love to use their needle-sharp teeth to chew things. Labrador puppy bites are never a problem until they jump into the 7th week of their age. Even at this age, their bite is not dangerous, but still, we never want to raise an ill-mannered Labrador. Firstly you should know that puppy biting is quite normal, and each Labrador does this at some certain age in their life. The reasons are quite obvious puppies love to use their mouth to explore this world, and this is their type of exploring. Moreover, there is a possibility that your Labrador is in the teething phase, which causes some irritation in the gums due to which they chew everything. It is inherited in dogs that they play hard with their siblings soon after their birth, in which using teeth is their priority. Labrador retrievers are wired in a way to pick up objects in their mouth for longer Times. It is crucial to mention that biting is normal when Labradors are four months of age. After that, it is a behavioral issue that should be stopped at the very first step. Puppy bite can be dangerous sometimes, but mostly, it is not harmful to owners. The bites are dangerous if the Labrador injects bacteria into the skin, which as result causes infection. Also, if your Labrador is suffering from some serious contagious disease, then the bite is dangerous for you. No matter what, consulting a doctor after the puppy bite is always a good approach because you never know when your Labrador is carrying bacteria in its mouth. How to stop lab puppy from biting How to stop Labrador puppy from biting? Training dogs at a very young age is always a good approach when you want to raise a well-mannered Labrador. Parents need to understand that dogs need training soon after their birth; otherwise, the habits may become part of their personality. By redirecting Your Labrador needs to learn that biting human skin is not acceptable. Redirection is the most simple and easiest way to stop Labrador from biting. All you have to do is to pull back your hand whenever Labrador tries to bite you. When you are taking your hand back, you must provide him with a treat away from you so that he will run for it rather than bite your hand. The dog parents need to understand that touch games are not good when the Labrador has a biting habit. Playing tug of war or fetching a ball are good options. Along with redirection, ignoring is highly recommended. There is a possibility that a Labrador is biting your hand to get your attention, and even with redirection, you are somehow giving attention to it, which means the Labrador succeeds. Before redirection, you need to ignore Labrador so that it will understand biting is not how to get your attention. Biting means game over Stop playing when Labrador starts biting you. Labradors are quite social, and they love to play, so they never want to end any game early. With time it will understand that biting means no more playing and hence a well-behaved Labrador. Provide something else to chew Redirect by giving your puppy a toy when they are biting or gnawing at you. Eventually, your puppy will learn not to bite you. It does take time to teach your puppy this. Use of no command Selecting an effective command is a good option when you want your Labrador to stop biting. Mentioning, and yelling should not be there when you are teaching some new behavior to your darling pup. Using and selecting the commands wisely will solve more than half of your problems. Similarly, they may copy your behavior when you are yelling or hitting them. Hitting a Labrador and even hitting someone else in front of them teaches them aggressive behavior. There is a possibility that Labrador also starts biting to show their anger even to the owner. How long is the puppy-biting phase? But the period is very small, and after that, you can train them not to bite. For the Labrador breed, the biting phase is from the 6th to the 10th month after their birth. Even they may stop this behavior before these months if you are strict enough to stop them from biting. As mentioned above puppy biting is normal, and natural behavior and they will avoid this with time. But still, you need to know that when your Labrador will understand not to chew our hands. Usually, puppies stop biting by 8 months old. How to train a puppy not to bite Is it normal for puppies to bite a lot? Yes it is! Almost all puppies bite and some bite much harder than others. How long do puppies teeth and bite? With some exceptions, puppy biting will stop by the time your puppy has his full set of grown up teeth at 7 months. Fortunately, you can stop your puppy from biting long before they have cut all their adult teeth. Do puppies grow out of biting? If you do nothing at all, to teach a puppy not to bite, the biting would likely subside over the next few months. But its very easy to do the wrong thing, and actually encourage a puppy to bite more. And in those cases, play biting can become very rough and the relationship between a young dog and their family can break down. Do All Labradors Bite? Anyone who shares their home with a 10 or 12 week old puppy will tell you that Labradors bite! And I can reassure you that this applies to all Labradors in the first few months of life. Fortunately this is a phase puppies go through and not a permanent character flaw. And most adult Labradors are indeed very good natured dogs. And also at what is normal, and what is not. If your children are in tears at being bitten every time they try to play with and cuddle their new friend, you may be wondering if your puppy is becoming aggressive. You may even worry that your children might be at risk. Fortunately I can reassure you that this is not the case. While your puppy may frighten your children with his sharp teeth and growling. The way he is behaving now does not mean he will be a threat to their safety in the future. Happily, studies have shown that behavior in small puppies is not predictive of the way that they will behave as adults! Why Do Puppies Bite Children? Some breeders will not sell puppies to homes where there are small children. This is because puppies often bite children and teenagers harder and more persistently than they bite grown-ups. It is normal for small puppies to make small children cry, but before you rush your puppy off to the local shelter, bear with me a moment, because I can help with that. Children give off conflicting signals to the puppy. Fortunately there are lots of ways to make it easier on yourself and on your kids. In short, you need to be a little patient at this point, and it helps to know that this phase does pass quite quickly. And that it is completely normal for all puppies to bite a lot, and to bite children with particular enthusiasm! It has to be said, Labradors are even more bitey than some other breeds of dog during this stage in their development. In fact, retrievers generally tend to be very bitey as puppies. As can the pain of being bitten. Puppy bites do hurt. And sometimes they leave marks. Pain, bruising, scratching, little tooth marks on your toddler, these are all part and parcel of raising a puppy. Some very enthusiastic puppies will even draw blood on occasions. All this is normal, but I will explain what you can do about it. Perhaps the most serious concern that new puppy parents have, is the fear that their puppy is becoming aggressive. What really worries people is the snarling. When puppies play, they practice being fierce. They throw themselves into the whole play acting thing with huge enthusiasm. And they are brilliant at it. And the most important part of that game is to make as much noise as possible and to sound as angry as possible. So, all puppies growl or snarl ferociously when they play, while they are biting, and sometimes when they are trying to entice their poor owners into yet another game. His little face will be all scrunched up, his lips drawn back, his teeth showing. So he has no idea that he is frightening your children or that you are wondering if he is turning into a horrible aggressive and dangerous beast. Please do be reassured, that however fierce your ten week old puppy sounds. It is just a game. He is truly just playing. Normal Puppy Play Behavior So, the hard truth is, all puppies bite. And many puppy bites are quite painful. Some Labrador puppies bite more than most, and biting a lot, and growling or snarling at the same time is normal. So is biting so hard that it makes your eyes water, and even occasionally breaks the skin. Puppies bite at hands that go to stroke them, at bare feet, and happily tug away at clothing, all the while trying to sound as fierce as they possibly can. All this is normal. And you, quite naturally, will want to know exactly when it is going to stop! When Do Puppies Stop Biting? It also happens in working dog families where the dogs may be kennelled or at least are not allowed unsupervised interaction with anyone apart from their trainer or main carer. A study carried out on Guide Dog puppies in showed that simply rejecting interaction and refusing to play was enough to stop the puppies biting their adult puppy walkers. But, and it is a big but — in most young families, this is not always what happens. In many families, especially where the puppy is a novelty, everyone plays with the puppy, and often in quite a physical way. This gets puppies very excited and tends to make biting worse. Inexperienced puppy owners also tend to inadvertently prolong the biting phase by rewarding the puppy with attention when he bites. The more excited they get, the harder they bite. Rough physical play gets puppies excited, rubbing puppies tummies, chasing puppies, grabbing at puppies. All these things get puppies bubbling with excitement Noisy behavior can get puppies excited too, so children squealing, or crying, grown ups shouting or getting cross. You might not think you are rewarding your puppy for biting, but you probably are. Labrador puppies are particularly social and love attention more than most puppies do. Any kind of contact with you, or other members of the family, including physical contact, talking, shouting, even eye contact, all reward your puppy. And if you give him these things while he is biting, this will reinforce the biting behavior and he will bite more in the future Poor bite inhibition What makes the bites hurt more, is poor bite inhibition. So the next section explains what bite inhibition is and how you can help your puppy improve his. What Is Bite Inhibition? At just eight or nine weeks old , Labrador puppies are actually capable of crushing bones the thickness of your little finger, with their jaws. Your puppy has been learning to inhibit his bite since he was tiny. His mother and brothers and sisters all helped to teach him how hard he can bite without hurting them. This is where your training will come in. You can read more about bite inhibition and bite inhibition training in this article What About Puppy Teething? We mentioned teething earlier because people tend to associate biting with teething. So, is it true that puppies bite so much because they are teething? And how long will teething go on for? In fact, most problem puppy biting is simply play. Puppies may chew or mouth at fingers to help relieve the discomfort of teething, but this is not the major cause of the biting problems we find in homes with small puppies. Most puppies have their adult teeth by the time they are 7 months old, but biting does not usually last that long. He is growing fast and by 11 or 12 weeks those bites will hurt a lot more. The time to begin taking action is now! But for the time being, you need to put this image aside. Children under five are simply not capable of playing with a puppy under four months without getting bitten. So you need to supervise every interaction between them. Do put baby gates across doorways, even if you no longer need them for your children. Baby gates allow you to separate children and puppies when you are not free to supervise. Do show children how to stroke the puppy gently whilst you hold one end of a rawhide chew and let the puppy gnaw on the other end. It will end in tears. Playful Visitors It is not just children that play inappropriately with puppies. I have known grown men grapple roughly with a tiny puppy, rolling him around the floor, making growling noises, whilst the puppy gnaws on his knuckles. You can find out how to play safely with a Labrador in this article. Saving your sanity and enjoying your puppy If you were not expecting this, it can seem like a big deal, but supervision and some separation is essential if you are to keep your sanity, and your children are to dry their tears and carry on enjoying their puppy. With older children, you need to teach them how to interact with the puppy without getting him overwrought. Labrador puppies, like toddlers, are easily over-excited. And when they are over-excited they start to be silly. Your first job at this stage, is to keep your puppy calm. Your second job is to stop giving your puppy rewards for biting. Make sure the puppy gets no reward at all when he bites someone. Especially no attention. The next stage explains how you can do that. The process whereby the puppy learns to use his mouth gently on your skin — and it takes a little while. Bite inhibition is taught in stages. The puppy learns to reduce the power of his bites gradually. What to do when your puppy bites If your puppy bites and hurts you, remove your attention immediately. This is where baby gates can be really helpful. If you are playing with your puppy and he bites you, you can step over the gate, thus effectively removing all attention from him. All of a sudden his playmate has disappeared. What about squealing You may have heard that a puppy will stop biting if you yelp or squeal. And you can try this, because it does work with some puppies. But many puppies get even more excited by the yelping, and on others it has no effect. The strongest signal you can give your puppy is the loss of your presence and attention. What about punishment? Some people try and stop puppies biting by smacking them or shouting at them. There are several problems with this. Firstly, it tends to only stop the puppy biting the person who did the yelling. Which is of course the very opposite of what you are trying to achieve! You can find out more about the potential impact of punishing your Labrador here. What if you need to move a biting puppy? If you need to move the puppy away rather than stepping away from the puppy you may find he bites at your hands when you go to pick him up or take hold of his collar. Others bite when they are stroked or petted. We are fond of wiggling our fingers at puppies, petting them and rubbing our fingers in their fur, not behaviors that dogs really understand. And many puppies see fingers and toes as something to chase and play with. Hands are a particular target for puppy bites so teach your children to interact with your puppy using toys that he can tug and bite on, rather than playing with him using their bare hands. Distracting your puppy If you want to sit and pet your puppy, or your children do, use treats or hold a rawhide chew with one hand so he can gnaw on the end. Have your puppy wear a harness and houseline so that you can pick up the end of the line and move him to where you want him to go without his grabbing at your hands. Stage Four: Train Your Puppy Not To Bite This is where we teach the puppy to let us stroke and pet him, or handle him in any way we like, without him putting his mouth around our fingers. The best way to do this is with a clicker and some dog treats. But you can also use a word like YES instead of the click. And place a treat on the floor in front of him You see where I am going with this? Build up slowly so that you can touch him anywhere on his head or body, pick up his paws etc. All without him grabbing or mouthing at you. What do I do if he mouths at me? If the puppy grabs at your hand, you got too close. Make smaller hand movements further away from him until he ignores those, then bring the movements gradually closer. Stage Five: Playing Safely As puppies grow older biting can reappear. Puppies between six and nine months of age, are extremely boisterous, and may start nipping with their teeth during play. At this age, your puppy is more than half grown, and his size and weight are a significant problem if rough play is allowed. The secret to avoiding and resolving this issue is to change the way you interact with your puppy. And to ensure that children follow your example. Boisterous and excitable puppies must not be allowed to play rough games with small people. The consequences can be very unpleasant, and it is no coincidence that this is the age at which many young dogs are abandoned or given up to rescue. Here are a few more articles that you might find helpful:. Calm puppy behavior. Conflicting advice on how to stop your pup biting Many articles will tell you to ignore a puppy when he bites and to offer him a toy instead. Some people will tell you to punish your biting puppy. Others will tell you that you must not stop your puppy biting too suddenly, or punish him for biting, for fear of drastic consequences later. So who is right, and who is wrong? Does ignoring stop your puppy biting? Many new puppy owners try to ignore the biting puppy initially. This failure tends to be for one or more of the following reasons. Does noise stop puppy biting? There is no doubt that a sufficiently loud squeal, followed by immediate withdrawal of attention, will cause many Labrador puppies to break off from biting. Sometimes long enough for a skilled owner to then redirect the puppy into a more appropriate activity. There is also no doubt that for some puppies, this has the reverse effect, and causes them to bite harder and more fiercely. A puppy that has spent sufficient time with his Mum, may be more likely to take heed of this verbal warning, as he will expect it to be followed by a sharp click of her teeth and a fiercer rebuke if he ignores her. But there are no guarantees here. And the fact is, squealing simply does not work as an effective anti-biting strategy, for some puppies. Punishing the puppy to stop biting I have heard, even quite experienced, breeders tell new puppy owners to punish their puppy if he bites. Either by intimidating the puppy with an angry growling voice, or even with physical punishment such as a scruff shake or slap. But there are problems with this approach. This process is called bite inhibition. And the use of punishment may curtail all biting rather than just the hardest, most painful, bites. Nowadays many people like to train dogs without punishment. And there are strong reasons for joining them — check out this article — the downside of punishing dogs. Teaching puppy to stop biting Why would we want to teach dogs to bite humans gently? Why is it not best to teach them not to bite at all, right from the start? The idea of reducing biting gradually was popularised by Ian Dunbar. The theory is that a dog which learns to inhibit his bite i. You can read more about bite inhibition here: Labrador Puppies Biting. The concept is a sound one, and most canine behaviorists agree that teaching gradual bite inhibition is a good thing. The problem for many new puppy owners, is stopping those painful bites in the first place! The first step is not a technique at all, but an adjustment in the expectations that we have of a small puppy How much do Lab puppies bite? New puppy owners tend to have false expectations of puppies. They also anticipate that stopping a puppy from biting will be a fairly quick and simple matter. None of these expectations is true. Most puppies bite hard, frequently and growl fiercely whilst they are doing it. This noise is not a sign of aggression see Help my puppy is aggressive. Stopping a puppy from biting is a process, a journey. And it can be temporarily an uncomfortable one! It is important to accept that there is no guaranteed way of stopping biting immediately. Indeed, as we have seen, bite prevention rather than inhibition may be a bad thing in any case. Supervise your puppy around children Once you have got your head around the fact that this process will take some time, that it will be a gradual thing, you need to think about how you are going to protect any children that might come into contact with the puppy. This is important because small children can, both hurt and, be hurt by small biting puppies. Calm your puppy to stop him biting The next priority is to keep your puppy calm. Overexcited puppies bite harder and more frequently than less excited puppies. This will merely start the biting up all over again. There are lots of ways to interact with puppies without physically playing with them. Check out our article on playing safely with your dog. What to do when a puppy bites When your puppy bites you really hard, take immediate action. Stand up, move away from him and completely withdraw your attention. You can try the squeal thing if you want to. This works well with some puppies. Be ready for it, and repeat your actions. If the puppy chases after you, biting at your legs and feet, step over a baby gate, or pop him in his crate for a few minutes. You can read up on this process in more detail in this article: How to cope with biting. Remember, puppies enjoy chewing , and teething puppies need to chew on something. Whilst you and your clothing are not suitable chew toys, you need to provide your puppy with alternatives, like Kong toys. How to stop your puppy biting Biting is normal Biting should be inhibited in stages Training takes time The key points to take away from this are that biting is normal, and that training a puppy not to bite takes time. Stop the painful bites first, then work on putting a stop to mouthing. If what you are doing is not working, you probably just need to be more patient and persistent. If your children are suffering, you need to separate and supervise. Work hard on keeping your puppy calm — it makes the biggest difference. When do Lab Puppies Stop Biting? Bringing home a little Lab puppy for the first time is very exciting. But as time goes on you may start to wonder if the biting will ever stop. I know I sure did when I first got my Lab. So, I did some research to figure out when my little guy would get over his biting phase. When do Lab puppies stop biting? As a general rule, a Labrador puppy will stop biting by the time it is 7 months old. At that age, your puppy will have all his adult teeth and will no longer bite due to teething. While the teething may stop at 7 months of age, your puppy may still bite for other reasons. Besides cutting teeth, they also mouth things as a way to explore, and they nip during play. Luckily, there are things you can do as a lab owner to curb that biting habit, even before the 7-month mark. Why Lab Puppies Bite If you are new to the world of young puppies, you may be surprised by how frequently your pup puts his jaws on something or someone! I can assure you, though, that the biting is completely normal. To some extent, the problem will stop by the time the puppy finishes teething at 7 months of age. Before this age mark, puppies are losing their baby teeth to make way for a full set of adult chompers. Provide him with ample chew toys. This will begin to teach him that biting people is not okay. In addition to teething, puppies bite and mouth things as a way of exploring the world around them. This is similar to the way human babies stick things in their mouths. It is their way of interacting with their surroundings. Being retrievers, lab pups are especially inclined to bite and grab things with their mouth. That is, after all, what they were bred to do! Biting is how your puppy interacted with his litter mates and mother during playtime. All the puppy had to do was nip at his brother or sister to initiate a game of tag and tumble. Unfortunately, your puppy is not going to get that same reaction when he nips at you. Redirect him to a fun toy instead. Things That Trigger Puppies to Bite Besides your hands, there are all sorts of things that can trigger a bite from your playful pup. Moving feet are a favorite target for puppies. Like with your hands, entice your puppy with a toy to pull their attention away from your feet. If they are persistent, separate yourself from them. Stepping over a baby gate would definitely do the trick. They can no longer target you, and the game stops. This is a clear sign to them that feet are not a toy. Another big trigger is excitement. A few things that might set him off are roughhousing and noisy behavior from kids or adults. Playing in a rough and physical way with your puppy encourages biting. If it escalates to this point, stop the interaction and give the puppy time to cool down. Next time, try to pet him more calmly. Throw a toy around and let him play with that instead. This same rule applies to children. Identify a toy for the child to use as they play with the pup. Keep games between the two short to avoid uncontrolled excitement. Teach your child what to do if a game does escalate into biting. An easy response to teach children is the tree method. Should your puppy start biting during play, teach your child to become a tree: Have them stand straight with their arms at their sides and have them look at their feet. The child should remain like this until the puppy calms down. By doing this, the child becomes boring to the puppy, ending the game as the pup loses interest. Teaching Your Puppy not to Bite Part of teaching your puppy not to bite is understanding bite inhibition. Bite inhibition refers to the puppy learning to not bite down too hard. Your puppy already learned some of this from their mom and litter mates. When puppies play and wrestle and one bites down too hard, the other pup will yelp, and play will stop. The same thing happens when nursing. If a pup bites down too hard on the mom, the mother dog will growl and move away. These things teach the puppy that biting too hard makes good things end. As new puppy owners, we can use this to our advantage. If he still tries to engage you, leave the room or step over a baby gate to separate yourself from him. After he has calmed down a bit, go back to playing with him. Repeat this process every time he bites down hard on you. Rather, begin with only the hardest bites. Use a toy and try to get him to bite the toy instead of you. Again, take it in steps. That is, putting his mouth on you, but not actually biting down. You have made excellent progress! Begin stopping play whenever your puppy puts his mouth on you at all. Related Questions How do I clean puppy bites? Clean the bite with soap and water, then apply alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Make sure to keep an eye on the wound and keep it clean as it heals. How do I punish my Lab puppy? Punishment is confusing and can teach your dog to be afraid of you. Instead, reward good behavior with attention and treats. When the pup misbehaves, simply ignore him or redirect his bad behavior. Trusted by millions of dog lovers worldwide. But as your kids approach the puppy, he starts biting and nipping them, causing a few surprised cries. The AKC says Labradors are an affectionate breed, treating adults, children, and other animals like family without causing any trouble. Labradors are easy to train and receptive to learning new commands since their main goal is to please their families. Do All Labrador Puppies Bite? As your new puppy settles into their new home, they are many stimulants, and he needs time to get to know your family, its new surroundings, and that not all slippers are a toy. Just as when people move to a new house, city, or country, your new Labrador puppy is exploring the world. This process will take a few weeks, so be patient. But what happens when he suddenly starts biting you and your kids? Every family that gets lab puppies faces this challenge. Although your puppy is only a few pounds, Labrador puppy biting is still painful. Many owners worry that the behavior will continue into adulthood, especially when biting becomes an ongoing issue. The good news is that there is usually a short time frame that you have to experience this. So in reality, Labrador puppy biting is primarily instinctual. Reason 1: Teething Puppies Sometimes, a Lab puppy biting is simply due to teething. Teething is uncomfortable, so your pup likely just wants to relieve that discomfort in any way possible. If that means biting a chew toy or your fingers, then so be it. Once your Lab puppy has its teeth, it might stop biting and nipping. You can help ease his comfort by offering him teething toys for puppies, like frozen chew toys. Reason 2: Excitement Biting Behavior Your new Lab puppy could get excited by just about anything: Your kids squealing, shouting, or crying, and adults shouting or being angry can set off your Lab puppy biting with its sharp teeth. The solution: Deter your puppy from biting you by redirecting him to what he can bite, like a toy. Reason 3: Biting for Attention Most Labrador puppies are receptive to conditioning and positive reinforcement. Dog lovers know that dogs crave attention from their families, but Lab puppies are extreme attention seekers. They love any form of contact with their families, whether playing, petting, or even just eye contact. So if your pup gets these responses from you while biting, he will interpret them as attention. The solution: Stop giving your puppy the attention he wants when he bites so he learns not to associate the two. When puppies are with their mom and siblings, the mom teaches them how hard they can bite each other without it being too painful through play fighting. Your Lab puppy learns how to calibrate strength based on his own family experience. Do Labrador Puppies Bite Children? One major adjustment is the play-biting: A small Lab puppy has a powerful bite and can cause pain, especially to such sensitive skin. The downside is that Lab puppies are more likely to bite children and teenagers than adults. It all comes down to learning how to interact with the puppy. Children and teenagers are inherently more confusing for a Lab puppy. The great news is that you can stop your Lab puppy from biting your kids through consistent training, but the training should be on both sides. Your kids also need to learn how to play and interact with the puppy, understanding its boundaries and playing just enough to keep them from overexciting. You plan to throw a chew toy into the yard for him to chase — but before you can throw it, he suddenly starts nipping and tugging at your hands while making odd puppy sounds that sound dangerously close to snarling. You might also be worried that you have a puppy displaying aggressive biting behavior. Most of the time, they mean no harm and just need a little training to control it! Without the proper guidance and education, many of these methods might be wrong: Instead of discouraging your puppy from biting, you could unintentionally reinforce it. Puppy Biting Tip 1: Discourage Play Biting Whatever stage of puppy development your adorable pup is in, he will always crave attention. If you encourage and reward play biting, he will associate it with attention, praise, and treats, causing him to do it more. So if your puppy has entered its biting phase and is displaying rough or aggressive behavior, stop yourself from giving any reaction. Simply follow rigid training steps, and it will eventually stop. Although that might be very hard to do because a Lab puppy is so adorable, you will thank yourself in the future for doing this. In fact, it might even make things worse. When you punish your Labrador, he might learn to fear you. This can worsen the biting and lead to your puppy developing more aggressive behavior as an adult. Some people also do a light swat on their puppies when they misbehave. When your pup starts biting, remain calm and follow positive training methods rather than negative ones. This is especially true when it comes to a nipping Labrador puppy. While a biting puppy is normal puppy behavior, without proper training and techniques, your Labrador might bite well into adulthood. Step 1: Teach Small Children Boundaries The first step in your training routine should be teaching your kids how to interact with the puppy. But if they start barking and biting out of excitement, you must stop playing with them immediately. Instead, pick up the toy and step away. Bite inhibition is when you teach your puppy how much is too much. After that time-out, you can return to the room and resume whatever activity you were doing. As your puppy learns to bite with less intensity, you can start training it not to put your hand in its mouth. This training takes time, so be patient, and you will see a positive result. Step 4: Reinforce with Additional Training You can also use other training techniques to reinforce positive behavior. Move your hand closer to the puppy and follow the same technique. If the puppy bites you, walk away from it. As you train the puppy to tolerate your hand getting closer to it without biting, you can finally keep your puppy calm and play safely without causing overstimulated biting. Puppies and dogs might go back to their bad habits if you change how you interact with them, so being consistent is crucial. Remember that children tend to take more time to learn training steps, so always reinforce the boundaries and supervise them during playtime in the early training days. Be patient and give your puppy time to learn. Seek help from professional trainers. Professional dog trainers are experienced in redirection, toy-play, and bite inhibition training to give you helpful tips and tricks. Take your puppy to puppy school. There are hundreds of puppy schools and programs that teach puppies good manners. Remember to never punish your puppy for biting. Invest in some good toys, such as different chew toys or Kong toys, so you always have something to redirect him towards. Conclusion Whether teething, scared or just excited, most Labrador Retriever puppies bite for various reasons. Unfortunately, those sharp little puppy teeth can hurt — so if you notice some unwanted biting from your Lab puppy, you should immediately start training him into different behavior. Learn more about what we do and check out our available Labrador puppies today! Share on. Dogs , Puppy training Alex Andes Puppy Biting: What's Normal, What's Not, and How to Curb It One of the most common issues we see poor dog training advice given for is puppy biting and mouthiness, so we're going to give you the most standardized professional advice possible for this issue. There's a reason why it's discouraged for non-professionals to give legal or medical advice to strangers on the Internet. At best, their advice could be wrong; at worst, it could it be potentially dangerous. We so wish the same rules applied to dog training advice. Puppies go through at least two fear periods in their first year of life, so when those sensitive puppy brains are involved, it's especially important to follow professional instruction! They go through an uncomfortable teething process that lasts for months. They play hard with their siblings, often using their teeth to successfully instigate play and attention. Herding breed dogs are predisposed to nip, herd, and chase small, fast-moving things. Young children often get the brunt of this behavior. Retrievers are predisposed to picking up and holding anything and everything within reach, including your hands and arms. A word on what to avoid: Above all else, avoid physical punishment when it comes to puppy biting. I have heard people given terrible albeit, well-meaning advice over the years, from squeezing your puppy's mouth shut, to pinning them on their backs, to muzzling them to stop the biting. Physical punishments like this range from silly and ineffective to cruel and downright abusive. In fact, you can create fear and aggression in your dog using these types of methods. So, what should you do about puppy biting? When you bring a puppy into your home, it's your job to create fair, consistent boundaries for unwanted behaviors, including when it comes to teeth on skin. Note: You are not putting your puppy in a time out. That involves way too much time, talking, and attention to be an effective punishment. You are either ignoring the behavior or removing yourself from it. That means play is over, fun is over, attention is over. Be as non-dramatic as possible. If the behavior is hard for you to ignore, go behind a door or baby gate where your puppy does not have access to continue nipping at you. If your puppy tries to nip at you when you return, remove yourself again. You should see a major decrease in the intensity of biting as well as the amount of biting attempts within a few days. An Important Caveat: Some puppies find the act of a person walking away reinforcing. If your puppy seems to enjoy you removing yourself as a game of chase, you can alternatively use the side of your leg not your knee, please! You may have to block them multiple times before they stop trying; don't give up! And most importantly, still avoid yelling or using your hands — bitey puppies tend to find both of these things very exciting. Remember, it's normal for young puppies to explore the world with their mouths. Things to keep in mind: Be sure to give your pup attention and praise when they are behaving nicely! All family members and guests MUST be consistent in order for this to work! Be aware that even doing everything right, this behavior may not go away entirely until months of age. Remember, this is a normal developmental period in puppies. For extra-bitey puppies, or those that are biting after months of age, this blog will help give you some additional tips and recommendations. Why Does This Work? A behavior that doesn't get reinforced will stop. Your pup will learn that we don't react to biting with play, attention, or even a negative reaction. All of these things can be fun for a puppy. Your pup will learn to self-entertain. Once they realize the nipping isn't working, they will eventually redirect themselves onto something else. Your puppy will seek out appropriate ways to get your attention, like offering a "sit" or laying at your feet. A few other suggestions: It's also important to have a management place for your puppy, such as a play pen or baby-gated bathroom. It gives you a break from your puppy, and is a calm place for your puppy to settle down if he gets too wound up. Make sure your puppy has plenty of rubbery teething toys, is getting daily exercise, and is not excessively crated. If his needs are not being met, the nipping will take longer to extinguish. Make sure your puppy is eating three meals a day. Things we may think are punishing, like pushing your puppy away, yelling at him, etc, can be considered fun, play-like behaviors for your puppy and can encourage biting. When doing the above exercise, be as quiet and calm as you can. When should you be concerned about biting in puppies? You should seek out a certified professional if your puppy: Is growling, snapping, or biting when a person comes near a resource. Food, toys, etc Stiffens and stares at the person before biting. Is consistently biting and breaking skin. Barks, growls, or nips not in play at new people entering the home. Snaps or growls at children. What if it's not getting better? Remember, we do not expect this behavior to go away entirely until at least months of age. We also need to take into consideration a dog's breed, social history, and any medical conditions that could be contributing. For example, if a puppy has an intestinal parasite that's depleting their nutritional stores, we often see an uptick in biting. For extra guidance with extremely bitey puppies, or those that are still regularly biting after 6 months of age, check out these additional tips. Need professional guidance on your puppy biting issues? We offer private and group online dog training that's accessible from anywhere in the world. More details here , or contact us.

Home Cooking Homemade Food for Pugs You may be thinking about home cooking for your Pug to prepare a special dinner now and then or as an everyday alternative to offering kibble. Either way, homemade dog food can be a healthy choice. A flavorful and nourishing dish: Fresh beef with spinach, lima beans, green beans, carrots, and baby peas, along with tr-colored quinoa and eggs, mixed with blueberries and cottage cheese. You can keep the meals as consistent or varied as you wish. You can try a new recipe each time you prepare homemade food for your Pug or you can stick with one that your puppy or dog seems to really like. Home cooked food typically includes fresh or frozen meat chicken, veal, beef, turkey , fish, vegetables, fruit, cooking oil flaxseed, olive, etc. One of the easiest methods is to use a powder that is sprinkled over meals and mixed in. Many recipes more details ahead only require basic cooking skills such as frying meat, steaming vegetables, and cutting up fruit. Chemical preservatives. Chemical preservatives are found in many but not all dog foods. Propyl gallate, butylated hydroxyanisole BHA , butylated hydroxytoluene BHT , tert-butyl hydroquinone TBHQ , and ethoxyquin are linked to a lot of issues including itching, hives, rash, upset stomach and even serious health conditions such as organ damage and some forms of cancer. Artificial coloring. Coloring dye Yellow 5 which comes with a warning label in Europe but not in the US is linked to aggression and hyperactivity. Yellow 6 is linked to hyperactivity as well as allergies, hives, asthma. And Blue 2 has a suspected link to brain tumors. Artificial flavor enhancers. MSG can cause a range of issues including rapid heartbeat, anxiety, and numbness in the extremities. Generic animal meat, oils, meals, or digest. And, it can be from just about any animal: minks from mink farms, zoo animals, expired meat from butcher shops, roadkill, and more. Fillers are cheap ingredients added for bulk that offer little to no nutritional value. Corn is common one that is used. Dogs that ingest fillers are often hungry soon afterward and may also be more prone to developing issues like coprophagia eating feces. High grain count. Not all grains are bad. But, if the grain count is very high and particularly if it contains gluten, this can indeed cause problems including flatulence, upset stomach, and more. Bland, boring food. Even high-quality brands can only do so much; when dog food is mass-produced and has to be bagged or canned, it is limited in both flavor and texture. A blend of lean turkey, diced baby carrots, zucchini, and spinach over quinoa, along with diced strawberries and blackberries. Once prepared, it will either be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Only natural coloring. Homemade food for Pugs will have plenty of color via its rainbow assortment of vegetables and fruits. Only natural flavoring. When you have fresh crisp veggies, juicy meats, sweet berries, and other tasty foods there is no need for flavor enhancers. Complete control over grains. For meals, there are lots of options to add in a bit of healthy gluten-free grains like rice, oatmeal, and quinoa. For baked snacks, alternatives to wheat flour include coconut, rice, flaxseed, and tapioca flour. But you can also prepare completely grain-free dishes if you wish. Though it does depend on what you buy fresh vs frozen meats and veggies and the type of meat or fish for example, salmon vs cod , in many cases you can save money by preparing home cooked food for a Pug. If your Pug tends to get bored of food quickly, home cooking can be the answer since you can switch to new recipes as needed. You can carefully select exactly what your Pug eats and tweak recipes as you wish. You can swap out proteins, fruits, oils, toppings, anything at all. Low calorie options. There are fantastic low-calorie options with homemade dog food which includes lean meats like turkey, certain white fish, and lots of low calorie veggies and fruit. Exceptional taste. Meals will include fresh cuts of juicy meat, omega-packed fish, crisp greens, ripe fruits, and subtle herbs. Some recipes call out for warm sauces that add an extra burst of yumminess for example, honey and broth or pumpkin and yogurt. Brush a dog biscuit baking tray with coconut oil. Mash the ripe banana in a bowl until smooth. Ensure there are no large chunks left. In a medium-sized bowl, blend the gluten-free flour and oats. Add coconut oil, water, mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, and fresh blueberries. Mix until well combined. Gently pour the wet mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Stir until you get an even consistency. Drizzle in the CBD oil and give it another stir to ensure even distribution. Use a tablespoon measure to scoop out portions of the mixture. Press each scoop firmly into the dog treat baking mold. Place the tray in the oven and bake the treats for 30 to 40 minutes. They should be firm to the touch and slightly golden when ready. Once the treats have cooled, transfer them to an airtight container for storage. This easy-to-make recipe ensures your Pug gets a nourishing and delightful meal. This batch yields approximately four servings, which can be stored in your refrigerator. Ingredients 1 lb. Cut the chicken into half-inch pieces. In a frying pan with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, cook the chicken on medium heat for about 15 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken pieces and set aside the pan drippings. Rice preparation. Once done, set aside. Gravy creation. Over medium to low heat, warm the chicken drippings in the pan. Gently stir until it becomes a smooth mixture. Continue cooking until it evolves into a thick gravy consistency. Combining ingredients. Add the cooked chicken, rice, peas, and carrots to the gravy. Simmer the mixture for approximately 10 minutes or until the veggies are tender. This enhanced dog food recipe combines the richness of turkey with the nourishment of vegetables and quinoa — a superfood known for its protein and fiber content. Ingredients 1 pound of ground turkey 1 cup of quinoa 1 cup of carrots, finely chopped 1 cup of green beans, finely chopped 1 cup of spinach, finely chopped 1 tablespoon of fish oil A sprinkle of turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits, optional Directions Cooking the turkey. Over medium heat, cook the ground turkey in a non-stick skillet until fully done. Preparing the feast. Combine the quinoa, cooked turkey, and water in a large pot. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until the quinoa becomes soft and translucent. Adding vegetables. Introduce the carrots, green beans, and spinach to the pot. Allow the mixture to cook for another 10 minutes, ensuring the vegetables are tender but not overly soft. Finishing touches. Let the meal cool to room temperature before serving. Extra portions can be refrigerated and consumed within five days. Adding eggs and beneficial herbs ensures your Pug gets essential vitamins and nutrients. Begin by boiling the eggs until they are hard-boiled. Once done, peel and finely chop them. Beef cooking. Once done, drain off any excess fat. In a large mixing bowl or container, combine the cooked brown rice, browned sirloin, chopped eggs, diced or shredded carrots, peas or green beans, minced parsley, and the optional sprinkle of turmeric. Drizzle with olive or safflower oil. Stir together. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently mix all the ingredients until they are evenly distributed and well combined. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you want more homemade dog food recipes and cooking options for your Pug, cookbooks can be useful for various recipes. Maintaining a healthy weight is easier when your Pug is fed the right dog food. However, identifying a healthy gut is not an easy task. Skin or coat issues, excessive tiredness, allergies, weight loss, malnutrition, and obesity can be caused by unbalanced and insufficient meal plans. If you detect any of these symptoms while feeding your dog meals, stop doing it immediately and seek expert advice. Below is a list of the most common toxic ingredients dogs need to avoid. Especially useful for those on-the-go pet parents who are working long hours and simply have neither energy nor time to make anything from scratch. The only time it needs refrigeration is when you mix it with some prepared table food or wholesome snacks like poultry, fruits, and veggies. So your growing or on the contrary, aging pal will get all the nutrients it needs to be healthy and energetic for years to come. It might seem like a daunting task for both a two- and a four-legged creature. Therefore, we can call dry dog kibbles to the rescue! While your flat-faced pooch has its meal, it also cleans its teeth and massages gums by chewing on hard food particles. The chewing and breaking down pieces help to fight plaque, tartar, and other canine dental issues. If you want your stubborn wrinkle-faced to learn a command or two, just grab a few pieces of its favorite dog food and see the magic happen! Just remember not to overfeed, as Pugs are prone to gaining weight, and rather quickly! Or just put a water bowl next to its feeder: most fluffy pals would want to drink right after they are done with their meal. Hard to Digest: when it comes to digestion, not all dog food brands are created equal. Vegetables are an excellent source of fiber, you just have to start with tiny pieces to see if an allergic reaction might follow. My dog, for instance, loves apples. Therefore I know exactly how I am going to trick her into cleaning up her plate. It works like magic every time. The Best Homemade Food For Pugs Pros Cheaper than Store Food: if you compare pricing for homemade dog food for Pugs and the store brands, it will be clear that the former will be much cheaper. The reason? Dog food manufacturers throw the cost of making food, and taxes into the total price besides the price of food itself. More Flavorful: by all means, indeed! You can refer to this cookbook for some great Pug dog food recipes that will definitely make your furry friend drool. It is hard to single out one canine favorite recipe as most of them are so tasty! Your Pug pal will be coming back for more! Easier to Digest: since it is more hydrating than dry food kibbles. Fruits and greens naturally contain water in their composition. Therefore any canine pal who has problems with constipation can benefit from a balanced homemade diet. Hence, it will be harder and harder for it to chew on dry kibbles. It may even lose a tooth or two in an attempt to crush the hard pieces. So, it is logical to consider homemade food a solution for oldies who are developing dental problems. Believe it or not, even the best homemade food for Pugs has a few disadvantages. It is the same with humans: very often two-legged are encouraged by their physicians to add a supplement to their diet to fill in the vitamin deficiency. Can Be Messy: more so if you have one sloppy eater in the house. Some mischievous wrinkle-faced canines like to play with their meal before they actually start eating it. Which means a lot of cleaning up for its poor pet parents. Sounds familiar? Time-consuming: everybody has a busy schedule nowadays trying to provide for their families. The last thing any pet parent coming from a hard day at work wants to do is cook. So, if you work long hours and your schedule is not that flexible, your best option might be to just buy dry or wet dog food and just call it a day. Has a Shorter Expiration Date: even though you can refrigerate any leftover home-cooked food, it cannot be preserved for more than a week. In case it is over 7 days old, an owner needs to ditch it. Hopefully, the pros and cons list for both types of food is going to help you decide the route you want to take and which one of them will be most beneficial to your beloved friend as well! My passion for dogs drives me to share my knowledge and expertise, helping families build strong, loving bonds with their four-legged friends. Welcome to Sirdoggie A blog crafted with love for all dog lovers and their families! He was only a year old, and already had health issues. Many people told us that it was due to his breed, and that pugs have health problems we would just have to learn to deal with. Boogie was used to a diet of generic dog kibble. The first thing we did was to try out better food. We went to the vet and realized that Boogie was allergic to grain, so we bought grain free options that were high in protein and fatty acids, like Wellness Core. And his folds, despite regular cleanings, still got funky. Plus, his dog food had a huge list of ingredients that I could barely pronounce, it was expensive, and it seemed like every week new articles came out recalling different brands we thought were good. Something had to change. Making their food at home means we know exactly what we are feeding our dogs. We can guarantee that the ingredients we use are fresh and of good quality. Your Wallet Will Thank You: A healthier diet equals healthier dogs, making our trips to the vet less frequent. Our vet visits became normal check ups, instead of rushed drop-ins for medicine and care. This was great for our now healthy pups, and great for our wallets too! Lighter Load: Finding specific brands and formulas might be simple in some locations, but harder in others. Prices also change. Our grain free U. We eliminated this issue by using ingredients that can be found in most markets. No More Picky Eaters: Our two have no problem eating, but our neighbors dog played around with kibble and oftentimes left it untouched. When they made the switch, their dog suddenly welcomed breakfast and dinner, and no longer played with her food. Watching a picky eater suddenly gobble up their meal is rewarding! Your dog will thank you for it. The Switch to Homemade Dog Food Making the decision to make our dogs food was easy, but making the actual switch required work. We began to research what a balanced dog diet consisted of, and which foods were best. We took things like breed, weight, and lifestyle into consideration when Googling for information. For example, a super active large dog requires different things than an older, slower pup. There are also things like allergies, sensitive stomachs, and health conditions to take into account. We used Google and YouTube for research, and took each recipe we developed to our vet to look over. This is super important — our first recipe had cow liver in it and was too protein rich, which can increase the workload on your dogs kidney and liver. An excess of nutrients that are unnecessary can sometimes be harmful. Our vet checked over our dogs and did blood work with each recipe draft, and we went from there. Ingredients 5 — 6 large sweet potatoes, cubed 4 — 6 carrots, sliced 1 — 2 small heads of broccoli, cut from the stalk and into pieces 1 cup of frozen peas 1 can of chickpeas large boneless chicken breasts or 4. Be sure to compost all discarded pieces. In one very large pot, place the following items: sweet potato, carrots, broccoli, peas, chickpeas, chicken breasts, eggs, and 6 cups of water. The water should be at about the same level as the food items, or a bit over. Cook on medium heat. The chicken should be cooked through, with the vegetables soft to the touch when done. Once cooked, let everything cool. Remove the eggs and shell them, then cut or crumble them into bits and put them back in the pot. If you used chicken breasts, shred or chop the meat into small pieces and put it back in the pot. If you use ground chicken, you can skip this step. Mix everything together. Since Marcelo is a very small dog 4lbs with few teeth, we sometimes use an emersion blender or large spoon to mix everything together very well and get rid of chunks. Defrost as needed and store in the refrigerator. This recipe lasts our two dogs about two weeks. When serving, we add in Nutri-Pet Nupro All Natural Supplement , a mixture with balanced doses of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and essential fatty acids. We cook any animal organ usually liver or chicken hearts separately in a pot, and store in the refrigerator. We sprinkle each serving of food with the organ bits. You can grab ingredients while doing your personal shopping, and throw things into a pot while cooking your own food. Healthy Treats and Chews Healthy dogs have a balanced diet, meaning they eat a range of good stuff. This recipe is the base for what we feed our dogs, but we add in new foods too, as a treat or supplement. Great, all natural items we add to food or give as treats include: Salmon skin. Both of my pugs had a range of health issues growing up, which I unfortunately found out were common for the breed. Bug was overweight for a while when she was younger, even though she ate the recommended amount of food for her target weight. Eventually, I settled on Wellness kibbles and they did well with that brand. But, I wanted to explore other options. I wanted to give them real food — fresh, nutritious ingredients that I recognized and could even eat myself. Everything our animals eat, we can eat. When it comes to homemade feed for our laying hens, we stick to a tried-and-true formula that works for every layer: 16 to 17 percent protein determined by my chicken feed calculator , vitamins, minerals, and amino acids from a wide variety of grains and seeds, and free range of a pasture for weeds , greens, and insects. What works for one dog may not work for another. Depending on how many dogs you have and how much they eat, you may only need to prepare their food once or twice a week. A general guideline for preparing homemade dog food My DIY dog food recipe is more of a general guideline, rather than an exact meal plan that I follow each week. We feed any and all parts of the animals, but most commonly, we saute chicken breasts or chicken thighs in coconut oil and ground turmeric. Coconut oil has a host of health benefits for dogs, such as improving the skin and coat, increasing energy, aiding digestion, reducing allergic reactions, promoting wound healing, preventing yeast and fungal infections, and supporting arthritis or ligament problems. Turmeric has long been studied for its powerful medicinal properties, including its use as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Turmeric-spiced dark meat chicken happens to be quite delectable to a dog! Speaking of dark meat, we feed thighs and breasts interchangeably. A little fat is necessary for a well-rounded diet. If your dog is prone to being overweight, you might want to stick with only lean meats. Raw vegetables come from whatever is currently growing in our garden. Bug has a history of urinary tract infections, so we typically give her a cranberry supplement as a preventive measure. In one meal they might get broccoli, celery, fava bean leaves , radishes , and nasturtiums. Sometimes apples, bananas , or feijoas that we pick off our trees… and even herbs, like salad burnet , basil , or parsley. This component provides fiber to support digestive health, as well as antioxidants and phytonutrients. In general, the darker the vegetable, the better it is nutritionally. We feed our dogs all the same vegetables we feed ourselves, and this includes black kale, purple carrots , and green romanesco broccoli. They are garden foodies just like we are! While this might sound like a lot, keep in mind that we only need small amounts of each vegetable — a few broccoli florets or stems, a rib of celery, a small handful of carrot tops. We usually focus on broccoli and broccoli leaves as the primary vegetables because they are exceptionally nutrient dense particularly the leaves of the plant, which we grow in abundance at home. A recent peer-reviewed medical study has found that a compound in broccoli, sulforaphane, helps slow the progress of osteoarthritis. In our household, with two aging dogs, joint health is a priority. The only vegetable we definitely do not feed our dogs is onion and related alliums, like leeks and garlic , which contains a toxic compound called thiosulphate. Complex carbohydrates typically come from brown rice, wild rice or any number of Asian rices the hubby and I make at home, like red or black rice , oats, lentils, split peas, or starchy vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, and winter squash. Wild rice, split peas, and lentils, in particular, have the advantage of also being high in protein. We switch up this component every week to give some variety, and sometimes combine a grain with a starchy vegetable say, brown rice with sweet potatoes. Eggshells from their chicken sisters! Unless you regularly give your dog raw meaty bones to chew on, you should always supplement with calcium. We dole out the rest of their requirements between two meals a day. Preparation of our homemade diet All of the information above might seem intimidating, but I assure you that making the actual meals for our dogs takes no more than 20 minutes of actual hands-on time. While that pot is simmering on the stove, we cook the meat in a separate pan in coconut oil and ground turmeric. Then, we gather whatever vegetables or fruits we have in the kitchen usually an assortment of five or more things , chop them up as needed, and toss them into the food processor. We also add a few clean, crushed eggshells to the mix. A few pulses turns all this food into smaller pieces, making them more digestible for our dogs. Finally, we add the cooled, cooked carbs to the food processor and do a couple more pulses to combine. Everything should have a finely crumbled texture by this point. I prepare enough food to last my two pugs an entire week. Friends will watch us feed our pugs and remark that it looks good enough for them to eat! Recommended serving amounts for homemade dog food As a general rule, dogs will eat around 2 to 3 percent of their ideal body weight in fresh food daily. I feel that the best approach is to feed and watch; if your dog is losing weight, give more, and if your dog is gaining weight, give less. For our pugs, we feed a scoop each in the morning and a scoop each in the evening, plus all their supplements. We have an easy system for this: homemade food is refrigerated in a sealed container with a measuring cup always the same one, as it portions out the exact amount of food needed , and all the supplements are lined up together in a cupboard in the kitchen. Keeping your ingredients organized and accessible will make feeding time fast and smooth. Compared to feeding commercial food, where you might scoop out kibbles or open up a can, feeding homemade food with all the supplements takes maybe 10 seconds more. And even if it took 10 minutes more, fresh wholesome food for our furbabies is worth it. If yours is prone to digestive issues, start slowly by mixing a little bit of the homemade food with the commercial food. Over the course of a week or two, gradually increase the amount of homemade food while decreasing the commercial food. If your dog vomits or has diarrhea, try introducing only a couple of new ingredients at a time until their systems are well adjusted to the fresh diet. Use your best judgment, the way you would when feeding yourself or your family. The results from feeding our DIY dog food Back to the story of Bug… After only a couple of weeks of feeding her a homemade diet, the hubby and I were blown away by how much her mental and physical health improved. And we wholeheartedly believe she was able to bounce back because of her new food. She went from an ailing, exhausted, incontinent, tail-down dog to a happy, energetic, curious, communicative pup. We feed both of our pugs the same food, with the hope that we can stave off any potential health problems for our older one. As you might imagine… they love camping trips! Homemade dog food gives us the flexibility to fine-tune their diet as needed. Since the switch to a homemade diet several years ago, neither of our pugs has suffered from their previous issues; no dermatitis, no weight gain, and no urinary tract infections. Update: This article originally appeared on July 14, .Bug was euthanized at home in June , at 14 years old, after fighting the good fight with her joint disease. Both pugs thrived on homemade dog food well into their senior years. Homemade Dog Food Sources. Although most dogs are quite adaptive in their diets, some breeds have specific requirements. With their energetic nature, active lifestyle, and small body build, pugs need dog food recipes that provide high energy and a nutritious diet. Regarding dog food, there are two types which are always in conflict with each other among countless dog owners. Some say that commercial dog foods are best for their pugs, but others also say that homemade is best, with healthy and natural dog food recipes. Commercial dog food brands are actually classified into five types. The first type is the Generic foods. Belonging to this type are locally made dog foods, the cheapest among the group. Store Label foods include those sold under department store names and are slightly costlier than the Generic ones. Standard Brand foods are the most popular as they are what we commonly see on television with their commercials. An example would be Alpo and Purina. Premium Brands such as Lams and Eukanuba claim to have better quality and promise to give your dogs a longer and more healthy life. Lastly, Super-Premium Brands are those who make more superior claims than the Premium Brands and have the highest price among the five. Whether these claims are true or not, deciding upon which brands to feed your dogs must be based most importantly on whether or not they have met the Association of America Feed Control Officials or AAFCO standards. Dog foods passing these standards have undergone and passed dog food analysis. When opting for commercial dog foods, it is more advisable to choose the ones with an organic formula, preferably with dog food ingredients that are GMO, pesticide, antibacterial, and hormone free. It would also be far safer for your pugs to choose hypoallergenic dog food for them. This is because pugs are prone to skin problems and allergies like other breeds such as bulldogs. There are also owners who advocate for homemade dog food. This will require a lot of time from the owners compared to the commercial ones. When deciding to prepare homemade dog food recipes, you should also choose organic and natural ingredients, just like in choosing organic commercial dog foods. Another thing to remember when making homemade dog food recipes is to make sure not to over-supplement your dogs as this can cause problems for them. You also need to make the cuts of the foods in just the right sizes so they will still be able to chew them and not choke, as pugs tend to gobble their food down without chewing it. Preferably using chicken legs, stew the meat in boiling water until it is thoroughly cooked and tender. Remove the chicken legs from the broth and use it to cook the rice, straining the broth in cheesecloth beforehand. When cooked, serve the rice with bite-sized chicken meat removed from the bones. When you are almost done browning the liver in a small amount of oil in a skillet, add the vegetables. When done, chop everything to proper sizes and serve. Email Without a doubt, you can easily dispense with the tedious process and simply buy store-bought pug food. It is, however, common knowledge that no matter the label and assurance of quality placed on those cans and re-sealable pouches, it is not a guarantee that there are no fillers added to make it more flavorful. With your beloved pugs regarded as part of the family, it is only fitting to prepare homemade pug food recipes to ensure that your sweet pets get the nutritional value they need and the TLC they deserve. When thinking of cooking up your own homemade pug food menu, here are some vital points to remember. The key to excellent homemade pug food recipes is to keep things balanced. Be reminded that pugs easily gain but hardly dispense weight. Amid their hyperactive personality, this small breed easily jumps to the usual obesity wagon. Do not limit your recipe to the usual protein, fat, and carbohydrates diet. Make sure to look for ones that deliver copper, iron, zinc and calcium, too. This means keeping a balance among animal meat, eggs and dairy, seafood, grains, vegetables, plant oils, oatmeal and so on. They are also prone to more allergies than other dog breeds thus, the need for more vigilance in choosing key ingredients. Older pugs may also be exposed to various health problems thus, requiring them a special diet. To be on the safe side, a vet with expertise on pet nutrition can be tasked to whip specially done menu for your pug. Never go around experimenting like how you used to do in your kitchen. Do not alter cooking instructions. As much as possible, have a food scale handy to measure ingredients accurately. Always cook beans, grains, and other starchy vegetables. They key is to cook them thoroughly for pugs to digest easily. While baking cookies and other baked treats are nibbled with sheer enjoyment, these are high in sugar and fat. Choose instead to steam fruits or veggies and cut these into bite size for your pet to easily munch on. Just take note of certain ones known to be toxic to dogs such as grapes and raisins, avocado, macadamia nuts, onion and garlic, and chocolates. Add calcium, healthy oils, fish oil, cod liver oil, plant oils, vitamin E, iodine, and other vitamins and minerals. Green blends containing alfalfa and choice herbs are also great add-ons to an all-meat pug diet. Some vets recommend pug owners to add multi-vitamin soft chews like this count health formula from Healthy Breeds. To make, you can use any chicken, lamb or beef strained baby food.

Pinterest Goldendoodle puppy supplies: The ultimate list Oh. So that probably means you or someone you know are about to become a new puppy parent—and will soon be looking into the adoring eyes of a sweet Goldendoodle puppy. In fact, many dog parents have asked us about Goldendoodle puppy supplies. Teething toys. Goldendoodle accessories. Dog crates. Grooming tools. Please feel free to use it as your shopping list. When to get your Goldendoodle puppy supplies But first things first. We recommend that you buy the essentials for your Goldendoodle puppy before you bring your puppy home rather than waiting until after the big day. What do I need for my Goldendoodle puppy? For easy scanning, our list of Goldendoodle supplies is organized by activity— meal time, bed time, potty time, grooming time, play time, and training time. Goldendoodle puppy supplies for bedtime and nap time 1. Dog crate There are so many benefits to teaching your Goldendoodle puppy to enjoy the security and comfort of a dog crate. A natural disaster where you need a safe place to keep your dog in the hours following the event. Two of our favorites that we use are the Midwest Homes for Pets dog crate and the Petmate dog kennel. Yes, Goldendoodles and all dogs need their teeth brushed! Need supplies for every age and stage of your Goldendoodle? Take a look at our Goldendoodle supplies list. All products in the store have been used and recommended by us and our Doods. Goldendoodle accessories 4. But what size? In the photo below, you can see the size of her first puppy collar compared to the size of the rolled leather collar she wears now. Think of this first leash as an all-purpose leash that you can use for taking your puppy out to go potty, to the vet, etc. Cross-body leash The cross-body leash has been a game changer for our family! We used this style of leash to keep our puppy close to us while inside our home. For example, there are times when you need to be hands-free while keeping your inquisitive puppy nearby and out of trouble. The cross-body leash makes this possible! Goldendoodle puppy supplies for mealtime happiness 7. Then ask your veterinarian about the quality of the food and whether you will need to make a switch. If your puppy needs to transition away from the current puppy food to another formula, your vet will outline how to transition slowly to avoid tummy upset. Stainless steel food and water bowls We like stainless steel bowls because they are durable and resistant to bacteria. Measuring cup or kitchen food scale A measuring cup might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of puppy supplies. I want to do everything in my power to help them live their best lives—way beyond the average lifespan for a Goldendoodle. Just by keeping our dogs at their ideal weight, they can live up to two years longer! Training treats Goldendoodle puppies are eager to learn and eager to please you. Training treats are essential for teaching your puppy…positively. We like treats that are small, soft, made in the USA, and have very few ingredients. If you have any questions about which treats are right for your Goldendoodle puppy, talk with your vet at the first puppy wellness visit. Puppy shampoo and conditioner Puppies and dogs need a shampoo formulated especially for canines. Soft bristled dog brush When your Goldendoodle is a puppy, the goal of brushing is simply to help your Goldendoodle puppy get used to the concept, experience the feel of brushing, and make it fun. Since it is less about the brush itself and more about the act of brushing, just having a soft bristled brush on hand will work. Steel pet grooming comb It seems like brushes take center stage when pet parents think about grooming. But a good comb is equally as important. We love the Andis steel comb. As you can see in the photos below, I use this comb for both our adult Goldendoodle and also for our Goldendoodle puppy. Yes, the same one. It was a game changer for me. I recommend it after your puppy begins the Goldendoodle puppy coat transition. Both have been a game changer for happier nail trims. If you accidentally clip the quick the blood and nerve supply of the toenail , styptic powder helps control the bleeding. Dog grooming table If you decide to groom your Goldendoodle at home, a dog grooming table makes it so much easier. But I wanted to put it on your radar. We purchased the Flying Pig Grooming Table and have loved it! On our trip home with our Goldendoodle puppy, we used the puppy wipes to clean her paws after each potty break. Goldendoodle puppy supplies for potty time Your puppy will have accidents in your home. Cleaning up after an accident with an enzymatic cleaner makes it less likely that your puppy will sniff out the urine smell and want to return to the same spot. Over time, she started ringing the bell herself. It really does make picking up the poo in the yard easier. Paper towels and bath towels Yes, these are staples for puppies…because poop, pee, and muddy dog paws happen. Poopy bags Stick a few in your pocket so they are always handy. Our motto? Safety first and happiness will follow! Puppy chew toys The Kong puppy binky has been a huge hit for our F1 Goldendoodle puppy, the newest member of our pack. The soft rubber allows her to get a good grip with her puppy teeth. Keep the binky for the youngsters only. Puppy fetch balls The question for many Goldendoodle parents is not whether to buy a fetch ball , but how many! We have many fetch balls, but a couple of stand outs are the Chuckit Breathe Right ball and the Playology scented ball. Treat dispensing dog ball or toy A treat dispensing toy is a great way to slow down mealtime for your puppy. The Bob-A-Lot tops our list of interactive food dispensing toys. Puppy-sized classic Kong toy There is a reason that Kong dog toys are staples in many households—ours included! Kong toys are durable, easy to fill with a puppy treat, and most puppies love them! The Classic Kong Puppy Toy shown below is designed for puppies and made from a softer version of the Classic Kong rubber. Puppy gate Goldendoodle puppies are very curious. You may want to place puppy gates or baby gates around your home to minimize the places where your puppy can explore. Always supervise your puppy and make sure gates are puppy safe and securely fastened. For our Goldendoodle puppy, we purchased two. A dog first aid kit is part of that philosophy and a common sense item to have in your home. Pet insurance There are many different points of view about pet insurance. Puppy ID tag No one wants to think about a new puppy getting lost. But if the worst happens, having a puppy ID tag with your contact information on it could be a lifesaver. You can find a wide variety of puppy ID tags that can be personalized on Amazon. Additionally, you can talk with your vet about microchipping your puppy. Animal poison control phone number Accidents can happen so quickly. Now is a great time to add a pet poison control phone number to your contacts list on your phone. Note: Using their hotline number may require a consultation fee. To go along with training, you may want to consider purchasing a dog treat pouch that you can wear around your waist. Goldendoodle puppy supplies for travel time Will you be traveling with your new puppy? You might want to have a travel bag at the ready. Here are some travel time supplies that we keep packed in a travel bag: Collapsible food and water bowls , travel-sized food pouch, poopy sacks, travel toys, paw wipes, and a car safety harness or travel-sized crate. A name as perfect as your Goldendoodle puppy Now that you have a good start on what to buy your puppy, you may be ready to think about what to name your sweet Goldendoodle. To make shopping easier, print out this list and check each item off as you make your purchases. Things we recommend when preparing for your goldendoodle puppy Food All of our puppies are on Royal canin med size puppy food, we transition them to Royal canin med adult food at 1 year of age. Theese are a few of our favorites! Lean treats that you get from your vet. Crates We highly recommend crate training. We like the black metal crates with a front and side door. We consider the side door a must, the crate can go so many more places in the house and car. A collar puts pressure on their developing tracheas. Here are a few that we have found that are great and long lasting! Red or black Kong - not the pink or blue that says it's for puppies - they can chew them up in no time. We put peanut butter in the Kong and give it to them in their crates; they love it! Nylabones - These are great when they are really teething, and even our older dogs like to chew on them. We have found the Dinosaur one to be a favorite for both Puppies and Adults! The Just for puppies ring bone dog teething chew toy is also a puppy favorite Chuckit - for playing ball. These are awesome! If you get a medium size, any tennis ball will fit! Just don't let your puppy have the tennis ball to chew on, it will wear down their teeth. Go Dog has fun soft toys, we aways get the ones with the chew guard! Brush The Soft Slicker brush by Safari is great for puppies, as they get older and their coat gets longer the Chris Christianson slicker brush works great! The best way to make sure your Doodle isnt matted is a metal comb. You can find it on Amazon or at a farm feed store. DVD Because our puppies are raised with the puppy culture program and come to you happy, confident, and ready to learn, we ask that all our families who get one of our puppies also watch the puppy culture dvd or vod so you can follow along with what the puppies are learning and continue it after you get your puppy home. For Heartworms Your vet will have their recommendations; but if given a choice we use heartgard or sentinel. We would NOT use trifexis as it has many side affects. We also do not recommend Lepto vaccine for puppies. Find the Rest of Our Reccomendations in the link below. Cart Puppy Shopping Checklist Below are some of the items you should consider when preparing for your new Moss Creek Goldendoodle puppy. You will not need everything listed before your puppy arrives - this list is intended to help you consider all your puppy's basic needs. You can print this and take it with you when you are shopping for your new puppy. General Paper towels - a lot of paper towels. Then use old towels. Once puppy is reliably crate trained, a "real" crate bed can be used. Old Blanket or Towel s to cover wire Crate. Acrylic Fake Nail file, cardboard with sandpaper type, for smoothing nails, if desired. Hydrogen Peroxide - to induce vomiting, if necessary. Baby Gate s - Try baby supply stores and Target - generally more choices and cheaper than pet stores Beware that horizontal bars provide a foot-hold for climbing puppies. Also consider spacing between bars, as some times it is large enough for little puppies to get caught. Storage bin for dry food - air tight. Poop Scooper I. Tag - See boomerangtags. They also sell collars with tags included for the smaller sized dogs. You can also make them yourself at PetSmart or PetCo. Wire Crate for crate training - Double door folding crate with divider. Check out the Crate Shopping page for the crate we use and recommend. Medium - Standard sized Goldendoodles need at least a 42 inch crate - If you have room, get the 48 inch. Doodles sleep stretched out like frogs. They like a lot of room to be comfortable. Small Doodles can use a 36 inch crate. This will work for them for several months. Smaller for mini-small Goldendoodle puppies. Food and water bowls stainless steel or ceramic, no plastic. Waste Bags Poochie-Bells to hang by back door. Helps with house training - they learn to ring the bell to alert you that they need to go out. I highly recommend them for house training your new puppy. Nutrition is incredibly important for our puppies, and we want to make sure that we are in compliance with current, science-based recommendations. Read more about this Food on our Puppy Food page. Your puppy will start them at 6 weeks old. You cannot purchase these at the pet store, you will need to order them online. Visit our NuVet Vitamin page to order online or call order code - .Shop NuVet Vitamins Chews, Treats and Toys Puppies don't need a lot of treats for the first month until they are about 12 weeks old - treats can upset their stomachs and cause diarrhea. It's best to treat them with pieces of their dog food and lots of praise. Contact Recommended Puppy Supplies We suggest Amazon or PawTree for online purchasing of your supplies, they are almost always cheaper than the box stores! For more recommendations on food, treats, potty training, and toys visit our Nutrition page. While you do not need a bed right away I do recommend getting a nice pad or elevated dog bed for training purposes, we regularly use pads or elevated beds for training, and for placing our dogs and puppies, we keep ours in the main area of our home to place our dogs when people come over, during dinner, etc. We recommend getting one with a divider that can be adjusted, it will make crate training easier when your puppy first comes home and will prevent you from having to buy multiple crates. You can purchase a nice pad or cushion for the crate but we do not recommend using it inside of the crate until you are sure they will not have accidents in the crate until then use a towel or small blanket that is easier to wash! Single Door Dog Crate Durable heavy-duty slide bolt latch firmly locks the door to keep your dog safely inside while you're away. Photo outfit ideas, wedding planning tips and more. All my best advice. I spent hours reading about the best treats, toys, gear for puppies so that we had everything for our little guy before he arrived. As we are gearing up for my sister-in-law and aunt to bring home their new goldendoodle puppies, I thought a little blog post about my favorite things would be helpful to all the puppy parents and the soon-to-be puppy parents out there. Here is my must-have list for your goldendoodle puppy! We kept Clifton in here at night and when we would leave the house. This one fits perfectly with the crate. We used these to create a safe little area for Clifton once we stopped crate training him to be in. This clips right into the seat belt and on to any harness. This spray helps prevent your dog from chewing on things like your furniture, shoes, etc. You will be using this spray every time there is an accident in the house those first few weeks. We still use this spray 5 years later. Harness : We recently purchased this harness , and we LOVE this one and would recommend this to anyone with a pup as this harness is a little trickier to wiggle out of. Clifton has a medium he weighs about 30 pounds. Collar : We have a bunch of different collars that we switch between, but I love this cognac leather collar for every day. We have this one , and as soon as we switched to this, Clifton walked so much better and stopped pulling. Some of my current favorites are this modern set which is great because it includes a stand. Did You Feed the Dog? I love the smell of it. John Paul Pet Lavender Mint Detangling Spray : Doodles get matted super easily, so we add this detangling spray into our grooming routine to help with the matting. Andis Pet Steel Comb : If you can keep your furbaby mat-free this comb is great for combing him or her out. Safari Dematting Comb : You are going to need a de-matting comb to helpwith matting especially as your puppy gets older. It is the best thing we have bought, and we use it all the time. Start doing this when they are little. We love this little set that includes the toothpaste, brush and finger brush. Towel : We keep two of these pet towels in the bathroom where we give Clifton a bath. They are great at absorbing the water after a bath. We also pack these when we take him to the dog beach or Florida. Mushers Secret Paw Wax : If your pup lives in a cold climate, this is perfect for their dry, cracked paws that will come in winter. Shopping for toys was one of my favorite parts when I first started shopping for Clifton. My advice is not to buy too many toys at first like I did. Your puppy is going to destroy those cute, stuffed animals quickly. Grab a few because they make for some cute photos and toys around the house, but also stock up on things that will help when they need to chew. One thing to keep in mind when getting toys is to avoid any rope toys. Pups can eat the strings and have them wrap around their intestines — which is NOT good. So just skip them altogether. It is supposed to help transition them because it has a battery heartbeat and a pouch to make it warm. If you can, ask the breeder to rub it on his mom or the other puppies so it smells like them. Your Puppy's New Home 1. Foldable Wire Crate I recommend a wire-sided crate with a removable tray and adjustable divider. This encourages pottying outside. This pen should be helpful for the first several months. Puppy Toys Each of these items are in my personal inventory for puppy families to purchase when they pick up their puppy! My top recommendation is the Snuggle Puppy. KONG puppy toys are also available in my inventory for purchase. You can choose to purchase for in-person pick up in your puppy pack, or order to be shipped to you. This can cause crying at night and anxiety being alone for the first weeks home. A snuggle puppy is a soft toy with a heart beat simulator and heating pack. These features make it feel like your puppy is cuddling with another dog. It makes a huge difference for your puppy! I encourage every family to order one for your puppy pack so I can send it home with you on adoption day. Play fetch, or stuff with treats or canned food to keep your puppy content for crate time. It is soft rubber, and squeaks when your dog catches or chews. Medium is the size of an average tennis ball. Food should be offered twice per day: morning and night. Food should be restricted before a long period of crate time and at least an hour before bed, to prevent unnecessary accidents. Puppy Food My dogs and puppies are fed an exclusive diet of premium dog food and nutritional supplements not sold in stores. As part of my conditions of sale and health guarantee , this food is a requirement for your puppy. This holistic food was designed by Dr. Jane Bicks, a veterinary nutrition specialist. It is locally sourced and has a list of top quality, limited ingredients. As a calorie-dense, nutrition-packed food, your puppy will need to consume less volume than with other brands. I am proud to say this nutrition company has always been chemical and recall free! For informational videos about the nutrition value and ingredients of this food, please visit the Healthy Pet Challenge site! Here are some of my top recommendations. I use each of them in my own home and puppy nursery. To browse through other recommended products, visit the LA webpage here. Canned Food. One thing you can do to prepare for your new bundle of fur is to go shopping! A picture is worth a thousand words, so the pictures and product links are there simply to serve as examples to assist you in preparing for your new goldendoodle puppy. Be sure to browse through the myriad of gorgeous and unique handmade collars on Etsy! Flexi leads are not the best choice for young puppies. We have leashes made by Kakadu and DexDog that we use regularly, and we have been happy with them both. Dog Crate with Divider Metal is preferable over plastic, as it is easier to clean and allows your puppy to watch everything going on around her. You may prefer to use a smaller crate can be used while your puppy is little rather than using the divider. Dog Treats Treats should be soft, small, and easy to chew quickly. Purebites dog treats are a good option. They are made with just one ingredient i. Metal Comb or Grooming Rake A metal comb is a great tool for curly coated Goldendoodles and a grooming rake works well for wavy coated Goldendoodles. These will help keep in undercoat free from tangles. For more information on grooming, check out our goldendoodle haircuts post. Slicker Brush A slicker brush is handy for fluffing the outer coat on your goldendoodle. Styptic powder is located next to the nail clippers in the pet store. Doggie Toothbrush You may find that the finger toothbrush is easiest to use when your goldendoodle is a puppy. Toys When your goldendoodle puppy is young, she will enjoy soft toys , but keep in mind that her sharp teeth will eventually allow her to chew through stuffed toys quickly. As she gets older, Jolly Balls, chew ropes, etc. Food dispensing toys are a fun way to encourage your puppy to channel her energy into something productive. Avoid raw hides, as they are not healthy option for your puppy, and never give your dog poultry bones, as they can splinter easily. Curious what your puppy will look like as an adult? View our goldendoodle puppy time lapses to see goldendoodle puppies with different hair types grow up before your eyes! Also learn about how big your puppy might grow up to be. Share this:.

how much do french bulldog puppies eat - German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppy diet: newborn For a German Shepherd puppy to develop and grow properly, it is imperative that they first nurse on their mother's milk. The first milk they receive is a protein and antibody-rich type of milk known as colostrum. This gives the puppy's immune and central nervous systems a boost. They then progress on to regular breast milk. Puppies will nurse for at least 6 to 8 weeks, gradually being weaned on to solid food at about 4 weeks. If, for any reason, the puppy cannot suckle its mother, don't give them cow or goat milk. These milks are very poor quality in comparison to a puppy's mother's milk. If your German shepherd puppy has to be prematurely weaned, a veterinarian will be able to prescribe specific infant formula and establish the appropriate dosage for your puppy. For example, a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd should not be fed the same food. This is because hese breeds have different nutritional needs. Take a look here to find out more about the diet for a prematurely weaned puppy. German Shepherd puppy diet: 1 month old From 3 to 4 weeks old, when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd puppy, we should start by letting them taste new foods and flavors. At this stage, the German Shepherd puppy's diet plan requires them to eat a special wet food for puppies. At around 6 to 8 weeks old, a German Shepherd puppy should be given a little dry dog food with water, or unseasoned chicken stock between nursing sessions. From their eighth week onward, a German Shepherd should be weaned and start feeding on solid food with a special puppy feed. The best dog food for a German Shepherd puppy is breed specific, but this may not be available everywhere. In these cases, your veterinarian can create a proper food plan for your German Shepherd puppy. At this stage, milk must be removed from the puppy's diet as it could cause diarrhea. If by any chance your dog or puppy is suffering from a bad stomach, we recommend taking a look at our article on what to do if yourt dog has diarrhea. In addition, it is vital that puppies have constant access to clean fresh water. German Shepherd puppy diet: 2 months old At two months of age, you can start to slowly decrease the moistening of your German Shepherd's dry food. Eventually, the puppy will be used to eating the food completely dry. Following the German Shepherd puppy food chart, from 2 until 4 months old, a puppy will eat 4 or 5 times a day. This has to be carried out with one very important addition: discipline. A puppy needs to learn that it will not be fed constantly throughout the day, but at specific times. We start of by placing a bowl of food down for 10 minutes, this should give the puppy enough time to finish its meal. After 10 minutes, we suggest taking the bowl of food away, even if your puppy hasn't finished eating. A puppy's food bowl must only be available to the dog for 10 minutes. This 10 minutes should be enough time for the puppy to eat all of its provided food. As already mentioned, after 10 minutes, you should take the food bowl away, even if the puppy hasn't finished eating. This pattern will introduce the puppy's food schedule and allow it an opportunity to become accustomed to particular feeding times. Accepting and adapting to a diet plan is very important for a puppy's intellectual development. It also facilitates more complex and demanding training sessions. Food for German shepherd puppies should be higher in calories, fats, proteins and calcium than adult German Shepherd dog food. This is because puppies are still growing and developing and therefore need better nutrition. German Shepherd puppy diet: food plan after 4 months Between 4 and 6 months of age, the number of meals which we have detailed in our German Shepherd puppy food chart should be reduced to 3 a day. The food quantity should be increased and an extra margin of 2 minutes to eat should be provided. The packaging of quality commercial dog food will detail the appropriate suggested amount of food for the puppy, depending on its age and weight. If you have any doubts, consult your veterinarian. You should eventually start mixing fresh food, such as meat, fish or vegetables, with the commercial dry feed. Beware of forbidden foods for dogs. Some people ask about a raw diet for a German shepherd puppy, but we recommend these such foods should always be cooked and never given to a dog raw. Meanwhile, treats for dogs should only be used as positive reinforcement during their training and learning period, never as a food supplement. Under no circumstances should you give your German Shepherd, or any dog, human food leftovers. Human food contains salt, sugar and seasoning contents which are very harmful to a dog's health. In addition, if you do offer your dog your food, it will pester you during meals [1]. For more, take a look at some of the harmful effects of treating a dog like a human. German Shepherd puppy diet: after 6 months When your German Shepherd puppy reaches 6 months of age, its daily food intake should be reduced to twice a day. When we do this we can increase the food portions and eating time accordingly. Our German Shepherd diet chart below should be taken into account depending on the age, lifestyle and size of your German Shepherd puppy. After 6 months, you should give your German Shepherd puppy shatterproof bones, such as beef, to gnaw on. For more, take a look here for more about; Bones For Puppies. German shepherd puppy: Dog food and water bowl hygiene Your puppy's food and drink containers should always be clean. Hygiene is very important in order to prevent the appearance of insects. If you notice that your puppy has not eaten for three consecutive meals, consult your veterinarian immediately. This lack of appetite in a puppy could be caused by bowel obstruction and stomach pain; due to the ingestion of toxic food etc. Don't forget that puppies are very sensitive and fragile and if you ignoring any symptoms of disease, it can result in severe issues or even puppy fatality. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppies should be socialized and trained to live with you from day one. These dogs are incredibly capable and have the ability, if trained properly, to learn tricks and perform activities [2]. In addition to the diet of a German Shepherd, don't forget the importance of preventative medicines, following the appropriate vaccination schedules and general German Shepherd dog care. For more information about your German shepherd, take a look at.Conclusion How many calories does your German Shepherd need? German Shepherds were bred to work all day herding livestock, which makes them high-energy dogs who are active both physically and mentally. This means that adult German Shepherds need a high-calorie diet of at least 1, calories to give them the energy to run as well as stay sharp. How many calories does your German Shepherd puppy need? As your German Shepherd puppy grows and seems to have an endless energy supply , she needs a calorie-rich diet. According to the National Research Council of the National Academies, a puppy needs twice as many calories per pound of body weight as an adult of the same breed. So, an adult German Shepherd weighing 70 lb needs about 20 calories per lb per day. That would mean that a German Shepherd puppy who will reach 70 lb as an adult needs 40 calories per lb per day. I advise you to discuss this with your vet and work out an accurate amount for your puppy. How often should I feed my German Shepherd puppy? As for a feeding schedule, once your pup is on solid food at about 4 weeks old , you should be feeding her 4 meals a day. At 4 months old, you can reduce this to 2 or 3 meals a day, and continue with this routine into adulthood. Common health problems in German Shepherds - how diet can help them Elbow and hip dysplasia Unfortunately, the primary health concern for German Shepherds is hip dysplasia , which is a malformation of the joint. It is a condition that can get worse if your dog is overweight or obese, so keeping her at a healthy weight is imperative. Another thing that can help this condition though, of course, will not cure it is to look for dog foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin which are both natural substances , as they stimulate the body to repair damaged cartilage. Bloat Large dogs like German Shepherds can suffer from bloat, which is a serious and sometimes fatal condition. It occurs if your dog is very active just after eating, or if your dog eats a very large amount in one go. For this reason, it is highly important that you feed your German Shepherd 2 or 3 small meals during the day instead of in one large sitting, and let her rest for at least half an hour after eating before letting her play or do any physical exercise. Nutritional requirements for German Shepherds — a macronutrient breakdown So how can we tell which is the best dog food for German Shepherds? Well, we need to look at a breakdown of what the nutritional requirement is for the breed regarding how much protein, carbohydrates, fat and vitamins and minerals she needs. Here they are, in descending order: Protein Dogs that are large, muscular and active like the German Shepherd need especially high amounts of protein, as they use it to keep their muscles strong and can also burn it off as energy. It is also essential for your German Shepherd's coat health. Her coat which is double, and usually long is mostly made up of proteins, so she needs a high amount for it to grow and stay healthy. How much protein does she need? You must check with your vet to get an exact figure for your dog. German Shepherds also need the right amount of fat to keep its long coat shiny and skin well-moisturized. Not only this, but such an intelligent dog will benefit greatly from those omega fatty acids, which aid her cognitive function. Carbohydrates As already mentioned German Shepherds are active, so some carbs should be present in her dog food. Many dogs, including the German Shepherd, can have allergies to grains like corn, soy, and wheat, however, so I would advise you to go for a dog food that sources their carbohydrates elsewhere. You could try her on whole grains like brown rice, barley, and oats, which are all good quality carbs. If you find these don't agree with her either, go for a grain-free food that uses vegetables such as sweet potatoes as the source of carbohydrates. Vitamins and minerals Your German Shepherd needs vitamins and minerals to keep her coat and immune system healthy. Not only this, but the antioxidant properties found in Vitamin C and E also serve as good brain food for her. Just as we do, she can get these from fruits and vegetables. A good choice of dog food will contain a variety of these. Breeds By Ben Team 15 min read March 13, 8 Comments K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. Shepherds are intelligent, loyal and easily trained dogs, with impressive builds. But like with all other breeds, they require a high-quality dog food as well as plenty of exercise and proper veterinary care to enjoy a long and healthy life. Read further for our guide on what to look for in a quality dog food for GSDs, or check out our quick guide below on the top German Shepherd dog foods! Also includes probiotics to aid in digestion. Smaller kibble size should also help prevent bloat. Wellness Complete Health [Pick 2] A grain-free formula with whitefish as the 1 ingredient and sole animal protein. No wheat, corn, soy, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives which could trigger allergies. Core Health Concerns for German Shepherds Most German shepherds are healthy dogs, but the breed is more susceptible to a number of few health concerns than other breeds are. Many of the problems that afflict German shepherds are congenital, and therefore out of your control. These fistulas are more common in German shepherds than any other breed. Food Allergies German shepherds are notorious for developing food allergies. Typically, food allergies manifest as dry, itchy skin, ears or paws; but some dogs also exhibit gastrointestinal symptoms. Food Intolerances Unlike food allergies, which usually cause skin problems, food intolerances make it difficult for German shepherds to digest some proteins like they should. This can cause them to vomit or experience diarrhea. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is common among many larger dog breeds, and German shepherds are no exception. Hip dysplasia can be quite painful, making it hard for your pup to get around. Osteoarthritis Like many other large breeds, German shepherds often develop osteoarthritis as they age. There is some evidence that suggests inflammatory bowel disease and perianal fistulas may be interconnected in the breed. Bloat German shepherds are at high risk of developing bloat, like most other deep-chested breeds are. Although the exact causes for bloat remain poorly understood, it is probably wise to encourage your dog to eat slowly instead of gulping her dog food down. Always consult with your veterinarian if you suspect your dog is suffering from any of these conditions. But whether your dog is suffering from these problems or not, it makes sense to select a dog food that may help you prevent them from developing. What to Look For in a High-Quality Dog Food Before discussing the specific characteristics that are desirable in a German shepherd food, it is important to outline some of the ingredients and traits that characterize all high-quality dog foods and are desirable when selecting a food for any breed. Select dog foods made in the USA, Canada, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand, as dog food made in these countries are usually subject to stricter dog food safety protocols than those made in other places. Look for a high-quality protein as the first listed ingredient. A few high-quality dog foods list a carbohydrate as the first ingredient, but most of the best dog foods for German shepherds feature a whole-protein source first. Meat-meals are not necessarily poor ingredients, despite the claims of some. Many of the products used to make meat-meals provide great nutrition for your dog — even if some of them seem gross to humans. However, it is important to avoid dog foods that do not indicate the species from which the meal was obtained. Byproducts are less desirable than meat-meals, but they are not necessarily a deal-breaker. This will help you address the specific needs of your dog. Some of the most important things to look for in a dog food for German shepherds include: Because German shepherd often develop food allergies, it may be helpful to select dog foods that do not include some of the most common allergens, such as corn, wheat, chicken and beef. Because German shepherds may develop osteoarthritis and other joint maladies, you should look for products containing glucosamine and chondroitin , which may help treat or prevent such problems. To help further avoid digestive problems, it is wise to provide your pup with a food that your dog seems to digest well. However, it may be helpful to seek out ingredients most dogs digest well — such as lamb and rice — at the outset. Because German shepherds often suffer from bloat, it is wise to encourage your dog to chew rather than gulp, and eat slowly. Your pup is more likely to chew larger kibble pieces, so try to compare the sizes of various options when making your selection. Below you will find five great options for feeding your German shepherd. Note the differences between these options and try to select the one that best suits your dog and her particular needs. Note that while there are a few dog foods available that claim to be specifically formulated for German shepherds, most have problematic ingredients, which make them less desirable than the foods detailed below. Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Best Grain-Free Option This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain High-protein, lamb-based recipe USA-made with lamb and lamb meal as the first two ingredients, along with beneficial probiotics and dried chicory root. Features: Formulated with probiotics to help promote proper and problem-free digestion Taste of the Wild is made in the USA, under some of the strictest dog food safety requirements in the world Made with real, antioxidant-rich fruits, such as blueberries raspberries Contains both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which may promote skin, coat and joint health PROS Taste of the Wild is usually well-received by owners and their dogs, and is considered a pet owner favorite. Most dogs appear to enjoy the taste, and owners report a number of health benefits, including increased energy, improved coat quality and problem-free stools. In short, this lamb-based, grain-free, pro-biotic fortified is an excellent choice for most shepherds. CONS Taste of the Wild kibble is relatively small — many owners have compared it to the size of puppy kibble. This may encourage your shepherd to gulp rather than chew, which is less than ideal. Ingredients List Lamb, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas.Learn more Wellness Complete Health Whitefish-based, limited-ingredient formula A grain-free formula with whitefish as the single meat protein. See on Chewy See on Amazon About: Wellness Complete Health is a whitefish-based , limited-ingredient dog food that is made with whole foods and no artificial additives. Features: Fortified with vitamins and minerals to help ensure a balanced diet and avoid nutritional deficiencies Contains no wheat, corn, soy, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives which may trigger food allergies Made without meat byproducts or unidentified meat-meals, so you know exactly what your dog is eating Made in the USA, so you can rest assured it is made in accordance with prudent food-safety practices In addition to being great for GSDs, this is a solid dog food for Dobermans and other larger dogs as well. CONS Although Wellness Complete claims to be fortified with pro-biotics, none appear on the ingredient list, which is somewhat disappointing. Natural Balance L. Learn more Natural Balance Lamb and Brown Rice Formula Mid-priced limited-ingredient dog food LID grain-inclusive dog food made with real lamb and brown rice, with lamb as the single animal protein source. About: Natural Balance Lamb and Brown Rice Formula is a limited ingredient dog food , based on easy-to-digest lamb protein and brown rice. Most dogs appear to find the food tasty, and owners appreciate the use of high-quality ingredients. Additionally, because of their tendency to suffer from food allergies, German shepherds often benefit from limited ingredient diets, like Natural Balance. Special Note: There has been some uncertainty about the location in which Natural Balance is manufactured. Learn more Purina Pro Plan Focus Dog food designed for sensitive skin This salmon and rice-based recipe blended with vitamins and minerals is great for dogs suffering from allergies or sensitive stomachs. Salmon and rice are typically easy for dogs to digest, and most dogs find them to be tasty ingredients. While not all German shepherds suffer from food allergies, enough have tummy troubles that we think this Purina Pro Plan is worth a consideration. Unlike many other foods at this price point, this recipe includes glucosamine and added vitamins while leaving out corn and other low-cost grains. Additionally, some owners complain that the dog food has a strong fishy odor, but this is a relatively minor concern. Real lamb is the first ingredient listed, which most dogs — including your German shepherd — will find delicious and easy to digest. Features Fortified with four different pro-biotics to help support proper gastrointestinal function Formulated with supplemental antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to ensure a complete, balanced diet Contains ingredients that are rich in both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, for skin and immune system health PROS CANIDAE contains both animal-based protein sources, such as lamb, as well as several protein-rich vegetable sources, such as chickpeas, peas and alfalfa. Additionally, CANIDAE is one of the relatively few dry foods that contains probiotics, which may help your shepherd digest her dog food more easily. Ingredients List Lamb, turkey meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, chickpeas.Just be sure to take her specific needs into account before making your selection. Want more GSD-awesomeness? Make sure to check out our guide to the best dog toys for german shepherds too! Tell us all about it in the comments below. Like it? Share it! Some less advisable carbs for GSDs: Soy Corn Wheat Starches from healthier sources of complex carbohydrates for GSDs because of the breakdown digest more slowly and often provide more fiber. Fibers are especially great for German Shepherds, and even similarly for because they are easy for them to get down and promote the movement of food through the digestive tract. Considering that the German Shepherd breed is predisposed to digestive complications, the development of grain-free dog food can be of great advantage to your puppy. Although they are important, high-quality dog food with all the above food groups supply enough of these nutrients, making supplemental vitamins unnecessary. Food with Digestive Benefits German Shepherds have shorter colons than most other dogs their size. As a consequence, they often have more digestive issues, struggle with nutrient absorption, and are at higher risk for gastrointestinal diseases. Bloat GSDs can be particularly susceptible to a condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus, more commonly known as bloat. The best way to prevent this condition in a GSD is by avoiding the following: Overfeeding Grain and carb-heavy dog food formulas Poor Absorption Due to their short colons, GSDs are thought to have more difficulty reaping all the nutritional benefits of their food. One example of an absorption-related disease dogs suffer from is exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. High-Quality Ingredients Quality ingredients matter because they have their full nutrients as nature intended to provide overall better nutrition for animals. Some pet food companies cut corners, mislead consumers or just buy lower quality ingredients to save money. Look for brands with high integrity who not only talk about the ingredients they use, but are also transparent about sourcing. Superfoods for German Shepherds Always look for foods that start with whole, natural, ingredients. Superfoods like the ones listed below are fantastic choices because they are packed with nutritional benefits: Flaxseed — is a wonderful source of fat and fiber for a German Shepherd. Flaxseeds and flax oil are rich in those Omega-3 fatty acids that keep your dog shiny and beautiful. Flax also has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes for healthy joints and prevents arthritis. Prebiotic balanced fiber is a fantastic ingredient to feed a GSD as it stimulates digestive bacteria activity and can improve regularity and quality of stool. Plant-based carbs — complex carbs digest more slowly and provide long-lasting energy and to the body. They come from legumes and vegetables and are an excellent fuel source for this energetic breed. How to Read Dog Food Labels Understanding the nutritional info on the back of a bag of dog food can get confusing. However, to confirm that your GSD is getting the diverse nutrients it needs at appropriate levels, being able to decipher these text-saturated labels is a valuable skill. Pet food labels list ingredients in descending order by weight prior to cooking. It is important to remember that no single ingredient is the most important. Some people try to only focus on the first ingredient or the first four ingredients. While these may comprise the highest percentage, it is critical to understand that your dog digests the entire kibble, not just certain ingredients. Therefore read the entire ingredient label to see what is in the full formula. The label will also indicate if it is for all life-stages or a specific age or weight of the dog. What is Kibble? Kibble is another way of saying dry dog food. It is the most popular kind of dog food and is widely recognized as one of the most nutritious options. What is a meat meal? Meat meal is not to be confused with meat byproducts. Meat meal is real meat that has been dehydrated, which leaves it with a higher concentration of protein. Sources: Dogtime. German Shepherd Dog. How does P. Calories German shepherds are a large dog breed, usually reaching between 70 and 90 pounds. Daily caloric requirements depend on the age and activity level of your dog. Older, less active German shepherds need between about 1, and 1, calories a day, while active young adults need between 1, and 2, Whole meat, like chicken or beef, should be the primary ingredient in the best food for German shepherd dogs. The ingredients on the label are listed according to weight, which means that the very first listed ingredient should be a source of whole protein. If the ingredients are listed as chicken, oats, peas, carrots, and chicken meal, the ingredient that makes up most of the recipe is chicken. You may see a meat meal listed, too. Carbs, grains, fats, and vegetables should follow. Vegetables and fish oils provide healthy fats and omega-3s that your German shepherd needs for healthy skin and a shiny smooth coat. Grains Look for grains that are easily digestible, like oats, barley, and rice. Avoid corn, soy, and wheat, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach as these grains are difficult to digest. Carbohydrates provide the quick energy this active breed needs. Some grain free food options are okay, too, if they make up for the fiber and carbs in other ways. Look for All Natural Ingredients Stay away from any German shepherd food with artificial ingredients, especially preservatives, colors, or flavors. Large breeds need whole, nutritious food like brown rice, deboned chicken, or high-quality chicken meal. Healthy Weight A German shepherd is extremely active, so if you make sure they get enough daily exercise, they should have no problem maintaining a healthy weight. This breed is prone to developing joint conditions, like arthritis, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. When a German shepherd is overweight, it puts a lot of excess stress on the joints which can affect mobility. A German shepherd is also at risk for developing absorption issues, which can cause weight loss and excess hunger even though the German shepherd is eating normally. Treatment often includes a low fiber, low-fat diet with easily digestible carbs, and a high-quality protein as the main ingredient. Some of the best dog foods for German shepherds meet these requirements, and high protein, grain free large breed best of food is easy to find. Dry dog food has a few benefits over wet dog food. You can measure out the exact portion you need without having to worry about anything spoiling or going to waste. Some dry dog foods come in large bags that can be stored for a really long time. This protein-rich recipe has a blend of tender, meaty chicken morsels and crunchy kibble that your dog is going to love. Each high-quality ingredient is chosen carefully to deliver well-balanced nutrition with no added fillers. Not only does it contain no wheat, corn, or soy, but there are no artificial flavors, colors, or additives. Nulo leaves out eggs and chicken, too, opting instead for recipes using lamb and chickpeas, salmon and peas, and turkey and sweet potato. These animal-based protein sources provide essential amino acids that work together to build lean muscle and a healthy heart. Each recipe also contains probiotics to encourage regulated digestion and omega fatty acids to improve skin and coat health. Omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to ease joint pain and stiffness, while omega-6 regulates metabolism and supports brain health. Every batch of Nulo adult dog food is carefully mixed and made in Austin, Texas. We recommend the pound bag for a large breed like a German shepherd. This high-protein dog food contains 34 percent protein, with real lamb as the first ingredient. It supports strong, lean muscle growth, and grain-free carbohydrate sources provide energy without affecting digestion. This recipe also contains no wheat, corn, soy, or artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors. The high-quality animal-based proteins support optimal conditioning, building strong, lean muscles and helping maintain a healthy weight. It also contains L-Carnitine and taurine for a healthier heart. This brand uses a special fiber system that promotes healthy digestion and nutrient absorption, making sure your German shepherd dog gets the best nutrition without stomach upset. Omega fatty acids support skin and coat health, and glucosamine and chondroitin help maintain agile joints to keep your dog active as long as possible. An optimal balance of fats and carbs provides the energy this active breed needs, while DHA and vitamin E contribute to healthy brain function and mental acuity. This recipe contains healthy proteins and essential nutrients that are easy to digest and carefully chosen fibers to optimize digestion. They use fresh, regional ingredients from local suppliers that they know and trust to deliver high-quality nutrition. It contains 85 percent protein and 15 percent vegetables, botanicals, and fruit. One of the great things about this dog food for German shepherds is that it provides nutrition for the whole body, including glucosamine for joint support, taurine for cardiac health, and probiotics to maintain healthy digestion. Wellness Complete contains no fillers, meat-byproducts, or artificial preservatives. Taste of the Wild includes K9 Strain Probiotics, a specially developed strain for dogs that is added after the cooking process to maintain its effectiveness. Omega fatty acids are included for skin and coat health, and antioxidants from ingredients like legumes, fruits, sweet potatoes, raspberries, and blueberries add necessary supplies of nutrients like vitamin E, selenium, and zinc. Taste of the Wild is hands down a best dog food for large breed dogs. This recipe features protein-rich beef, pork, and lamb and apples, flaxseed, and sweet potatoes. It contains no corn, wheat, poultry by-product, soy, or artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. The unique mix of natural ingredients helps give your pet healthier skin and a shiny coat. Wet food has its benefits, too. The higher moisture content also helps dogs feel more satisfied and may be helpful when it comes to weight management. Dogs that have trouble chewing can also benefit from wet dog food. When dogs get older, they often start to lose their sense of smell and may find kibble unappetizing. Wet food has a richer smell and flavor that may encourage a dog with a poor appetite to eat a little more. Each ingredient in this canned dog food was chosen for a specific nutritional purpose, giving German shepherds and other large breeds percent of the nutrients they need to thrive. It also contains omega fatty acids for skin and coat health. Real deboned chicken is the first ingredient in Blue Buffalo, and the high-quality protein supports healthy muscles and has a taste your dog will love. The real deboned chicken provides essential amino acids, and healthy whole grains like barley and brown rice deliver complex carbohydrates for energy. The Blue Buffalo homestyle recipe also includes whole carrots, blueberries, cranberries, sweet potatoes, and more, all things that your German shepherd. German shepherds benefit from the specific B vitamins and amino acids that support healthy skin and a shiny coat and glucosamine and chondroitin to support bone and joint health. This food can be fed alone or added to dry food to make it more palatable or to give your dog a special treat. One of the best things about Royal Canin is its breed-specific health formulas are percent satisfaction guaranteed. Other ingredients include brown rice, oat bran, and potatoes, all highly digestible carbohydrates that help maintain good GI health and give your dog the fuel it needs to stay active. Omega fatty acids support a soft, silky coat and healthy skin. Natural Balance performs nine safety tests on every batch of food to make sure that each one lives up to its quality standards. These tests are performed by chemists and microbiologists, and they share the results right on their website. Age A German shepherd puppy requires special nutrition, so if you have one, look for breed-specific puppy food. Most adult food is not meant for dogs younger than 15 months. Puppy foods have twice the amount of protein and fat than most adult foods because they have higher energy requirements and are actively growing. They usually have concentrated proteins, like chicken meal, and other ingredients to support the puppy as it grows into a large breed. Large breed puppies need less calcium and phosphorus to support bone development. Their bones mature at a slower rate than smaller breeds because they have so much more growing to do. Adult foods for German shepherds should have enough protein, carbs, fat, and fiber to support the breed. As your German shepherd gets older, their energy needs change and their metabolism slows. Older dogs are also more prone to cognitive decline and arthritis, so look for something that supports joint and brain health. L-carnitine was shown to improve cognitive function in a small study done on beagles, and some feeds meant for seniors have this additive. Breed Size German shepherds have unique needs, just like every breed. Look for diets that support them, especially joint and bone health, skin health, and GI support. The best food for this large breed contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which are thought to improve joint and cartilage health, helping to maintain mobility. Chicken and chicken meal have some of these nutrients naturally. Pregnant or Nursing Dogs If your German shepherd is pregnant or nursing a German shepherd puppy, it needs food that is higher in protein and contains a lot of water. Chicken meal may not be a good choice because it has the water and fat removed, but deboned chicken is fine. This will provide the nutrition the mother needs for the German shepherd puppy and support adequate breast milk production after delivery. One of the best things to do is to talk to your vet about brands they recommend for the best dog food for German shepherds. If your dog has a health condition and requires special food, your vet will be able to tell you what your dog needs. Look at online reviews to make sure other people who have used the food are happy with their results. Wet vs Dry Both dry and wet dog food provides your dog with adequate nutrition as long as you follow the feeding instructions. Wet dog food is good for dogs with urinary problems because they contain more water and can help hydrate the dog. They also taste a lot better than dry food, so if you have a picky eater, we food may do the trick. If you are okay with a food that has grain, choose something with brown rice or some other whole grain as opposed to wheat, corn, or soy. Ultimately, this one is up to you. Talk to your vet if you think your pet has GI issues because those dogs usually do a little better with grain-free food, but the best dog food for German shepherds is ultimately the one that is best for your pup. The most important thing to look at is the first five ingredients. For German shepherds, the best choices will have a high-quality protein listed as the top ingredient, like deboned chicken or lamb meal. Full protein meal is just concentrated protein, which delivers the necessary nutrients without any extra water. Anything that has a chicken meal, lamb meal, or salmon meal is fine. On the other hand, by-product meals of any kind should be avoided. If the label included chicken by-product meal instead of chicken meal, stay away. They can contain just about any part of the animal, which is not something you want to feed your dog. Some dog foods also have added probiotics, which are great for German shepherds because they help promote good digestion and get health. Best Dog Foods for German Shepherds There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a large breed dog food for your German shepherd, but the most important thing is that your dog wants to eat it, so try to choose something you know your dog will like. Whole protein meals like chicken meal or salmon meal are great for this large breed. If it has GI issues, maybe stick with grain free. Mary Nielsen I grew up in a household that was filled with animals. I believe that my fate as a dog-loving person was sealed in early childhood since my parents owned several dogs of varying sizes and breeds. As a life-long puppy lover, I know a thing or two about dogs and how to go about caring for them in the best way possible. Along with my husband, Dave, I run MySweetPuppy for like-minded dog lovers who want to have a single, clear, and reliable information source about anything and everything related to dogs and their well-being. May reduce the risk of bloat Here are some tips to get you started with feeding your puppy on kibble Avoid changing food in week one If you decide to feed your puppy on kibble, you may feel overwhelmed by the range and variation of puppy food available to you. There are grain free kibbles, hypoallergenic kibbles, and many other options to confuse you. In the first week with your puppy the choice is simple: feed the same food that the puppy was being fed by their breeder. Most breeders wean their puppies onto a well known brand of dry puppy food and will send you home with several days supply. Use this, and if your puppy has no problems, stick with it for a while. Moving homes is stressful for a puppy and stress can cause tummy upsets in young dogs. The last thing your puppy needs on top of a massive change in lifestyle and family, is a change in diet too. What To Feed: Key Points Feed the same food as the breeder Choose a mid range priced kibble 8 week puppies don't need milk Provide fresh drinking water all day Choose a mid-range priced kibble Brands of kibble vary widely in price. Sometimes the difference in cost is misleading as cheaper brands may have a lot more filler in them, and you may actually have to feed larger quantities of food to achieve the same result as a more expensive brand. If and when you decide to move on from the food that the puppy's breeder gave you, don't worry too much about which brand to pick. Choose a mid range brand and see how you get on with that. Many years ago, before good quality puppy food was available, puppies this age were fed on puppy milk replacements, and fillers such as breakfast cereal. This is no longer considered a necessary or adequate diet for a puppy. Provide fresh drinking water Dry food makes puppies thirsty. Your puppy should have drinking water available at all times during the day. It is fine to take the water away at bedtime provided your puppy has not eaten for a couple of hours. Remember to return the water first thing in the morning. Stored fat provided a reserve that the puppy could draw on if they were too ill to eat. Before vaccines became available this may have been of benefit to some puppies. Nowadays we know that the disadvantages of being a fat puppy outweigh any benefits. Puppies that are overfed, grow too fast which puts a strain on their joints. And being slim is now widely accepted as the most healthy body shape for a puppy. How Much Food: Key Points Start with the manufacturers guide Assess the puppy's condition Adjust the quantities Weight for weight, some brands are much denser in calories and nutrients than others. As a rule of thumb you should feed your puppy according to the manufacturers instructions as a starting point. Then assess your puppy's condition and adjust quantities if necessary. You'll find some tips below for making that assessment and your veterinarian will be able to confirm whether or not your puppy is a healthy weight when you visit them for vaccinations. It's important that you are not guided by your puppy's appetite. Many, if not most, puppies will seriously overeat if fed to appetite. If your puppy is full of energy, and you can feel but not easily see, their ribs, then your puppy is likely getting enough to eat. If you can easily see ribs then it's time to increase the manufacturer's recommended daily rations by a quarter for a week or so, and reassess at the end of that time. Assessing Your Puppy's Condition If you run your hands down along your puppy's sides you should be able to feel their ribs by pressing gently. Their knobbles on their spine and the tops of their hip bones should not be visible at all. They should be well covered and not easy to feel. A healthy puppy also has a bit of a waist when viewed from above or the side. If your puppy is much wider in the middle than at their hips and shoulders, and you cannot easily feel their ribs when pressing gently along their sides, the quantity of food recommended by the manufacturer is probably too much for your puppy. Reduce the daily ration by a quarter for a short period, and reassess every few days. This is the case even with great quality puppy food. You will need to divide your puppy's daily ration of food into small portions delivered throughout the day. Don't be tempted to put the day's ration down in a bowl and let the puppy help themselves. Many puppies will gorge the whole lot at once. For example, you could feed your puppy at 7am, 11am, 3pm, and 7pm. Make sure that the last meal is at least two hours before your bed time. This gives you the best chance that your puppy will last through the night without needing to poop. For example, you could feed your puppy at 7am, 1pm, and 7pm. After 6 months of age you can divide the daily ration into two portions, and just feed morning and evening. Feeding And Play Our dogs do not even own a food bowl until they are around six months old. We use up all their food in training games. This works well if you are at home during the day. Divide the puppy's four portions into four small containers with lids and starting from their previous meal time, feed them their kibble as as you play Puppy Games. When you get to the next meal time, give the puppy all the food that is left in the first box. Then repeat with the second box As you get better at doing this, you'll find you are able to spread the food ration out fairly evenly across the day This helps to create a brilliant bond between you and your puppy and gets you off to a great start with training Puppies That Need Different Diets Part of the reason for the bewildering variety of puppy food is that different types of dog may need different types of diet. Different Diets: Key Points Large breeds need different food Feed small breeds more frequently Size Matters Food that is manufactured for giant dogs is not the same as food that is manufactured for tiny dogs. And it is not just the size of each piece of kibble that is different. Different breeds of dog grow at different rates, and as a general rule, larger breeds grow more slowly than smaller breeds. It's important that we enable these correct growth rates because super fast growth can be very damaging for a young dog. When you purchase your bag of puppy food you'll need to make sure it is the right food for the size of your dog Adjust Schedules If necessary Very small toy dogs may need to have their daily ration divided into several portions for longer. Little dogs such as Chihuahuas may struggle to eat larger portions, even as they grow older and are prone to low blood sugar if left for too long between meals Feeding A Flat Faced Puppy While some flat-faced dogs will cope well with ordinary puppy food, you can buy puppy food that is specifically designed for flat-faced dog breeds such as Pugs and French Bulldogs. This is usually food that has been designed to be easy to grasp, and may contain ingredients designed to encourage chewing and reduce the dental problems that are common in these breeds. Have a chat with your veterinarian about these options. They do best on a high protein, high fat meal with limited Read More Raw Food for Puppies: How to Feed Your Puppy on Natural Raw Food Whilst most dogs nowadays feed on commercial kibble, there is a growing interest in raw food for puppies. They need a food that is high. It is also a vital element for brain and eye development. Fresh chicken meat in the diet provides protein with high biological value. Natural Prebiotics to boost the overall digestive process. The benefits of Orijen Puppy Large: A calorie limited diet to promote a healthy weight and to put less pressure on joints. Rich in protein for making German Shepherd pups healthy and strong. Highly delicious chicken and turkey liver tempt the pickiest of eaters. The crusty and crunchy kibble texture of this food promotes good periodontal health and helps in curbing problems like Tartar and Plaque buildup. An essential fatty acid like Omega 3 has been added in the diet for boosting the overall skin health of the dogs. A natural antioxidant like Vitamin E fortifies the natural immunity of the pups, keeping them strong and healthy. You can feed your adult German Shepherd 2 times a day. You should avoid feeding them synthetic preservatives. High in Fibres: Natural fibres maintain superior digestive health and also an ideal body weight. Vitamin C: Vitamin C keeps the joints healthy, preventing problems like hip dysplasia and arthritis. Natural fibres promote excellent digestion and maximum nutrient absorption. The benefits of Fidele Adult Large Breed: Contains a substantial amount of protein for enhancing strength and endurance in grown up German Shepherds. Omega fatty acids boost skin health and also maintain good eyesight. It consists of Real Chicken meat as the main constituent which is favourite for German Shepherds. It has a good combination of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids that significantly improves the skin health of the dogs. They do not contain any fillers or preservatives which makes this diet completely safe for German Shepherds to savour. Breed Specified Recipe specially made for German Shepherds Real Chicken meat offers good protein content for supporting strong muscle mass Excellent blend of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids endow the dogs with good skin health. This dog food has a rich protein content that fortifies the muscle mass in the dogs. Moreover, the crusty texture of this food helps in removing Tartar and Plaque build-up. Ideal dog food for a large breed like German Shepherd Consists of Calcium and Phosphorus that boosts bone density Glucosamine and Chondroitin provides anti-inflammatory effect to the dogs Beet Pulp and FOS prebiotics boosts overall digestive health of the dogs Crusty kibble texture of the food eliminates Tartar and Plaque build-up 5 Hills Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dog A highly nourishing meal that has Chicken and Barley as its primary constituents, the Hills Science Diet Adult Large Breed is an easy-to-digest meal offering a nutritional profile that suits an adult German Shepherd. Omega 6 and Vitamin E promote beautiful skin and coat in German Shepherds. Ample amounts of protein maintain lean muscle mass and endurance. They need foods that are low in protein and fat content while richer in fibres. However, an overall moderate diet with all the components is also considered healthy, provided your dog trains and exercises regularly. A senior German Shepherd consumes around calories daily. They can be fed 2 times a day. Fish Oil Omega 3 : Fish oil is an excellent source of Omega fatty acids that provides a good anti-inflammatory effect to senior dogs. Fewer Carbs: As elderly German Shepherds are quite vulnerable to obesity and diabetes, a diet that has a low glycemic index is most preferred to them. A combination of Vitamin E and C, builds a stronger immune system. Devoid of artificial flavors and preservatives. Fresh meat and freeze-dried liver make the meal highly delectable. A biologically appropriate diet that nurtures your older German Shepherds according to their biological and evolutionary needs. Thus, when you adopt a German shepherd pup, make sure that you provide it with a fully nutrition loaded diet and maintain a lifestyle with lots of physical activities. A comprehensive diet including all the above parameters will lead to a healthy and long life span of your little beasts. An avid nature and animal lover, Akhil likes to read and watch anything related to wildlife. He also has a great interest in athletics, mainly track and field events and is a big Masala Dosa fan. More like this.


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how much do french bulldog puppies eat - How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. And large dogs need to have many care factors taken care of to thrive. So, the first step is preparing for a home suitable for a German Shepherd puppy that will one day become a big dog. First, make sure you have enough space for them to run and play. If you have a small yard, consider getting a dog run or fence to give them extra room as well as space for you to do important obedience training exercises. And finally, be sure to stock up on puppy food, treats, toys , and other essentials. Separation Anxiety It is common for month-old German Shepherd puppies to develop separation anxiety when they are first separated from their parents and litter mates. It is because they have not yet learned how to cope with being away from their pack, especially in the first few weeks. Separation anxiety can manifest in several ways, including howling, barking , chewing, and pacing. If your German Shepherd shows separation anxiety, seek professional help from a vet or an animal behaviorist. With time, patience, and guidance, your German Shepherd puppy will learn to cope with being away from other dogs and, little by little, start getting used to you and your family. First, it is crucial to understand that basic training for your German Shepherd to potty is a process and will take time, patience, and consistency. No magic solution will instantly train your month-old German Shepherd puppy to use the bathroom outside. Instead, it requires positive reinforcement, consistent follow-through, and a lot of patience. It means taking your puppy out to relieve themselves regularly throughout the day. Your one-month-old German Shepherd puppy should have a potty training schedule first thing in the morning, after every meal, after naps and playtime, and before bedtime. If you stick to this schedule, you will succeed. German Shepherd puppies generally have to relieve themselves every two to three hours, so be sure to set a timer or alarm to remind yourself to take them out. Introducing a Puppy Crate Choose a designated potty area, a. You can find puppy crates for your German Shepherd puppy at most pet stores or online retailers. Start by taking them to the designated area on a leash and letting them explore. Give it a treat if it shows interest in the space. Try again later if the puppy shows no interest or seems scared of the room. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get started: Use a leash: When taking your German Shepherd out to relieve themselves, use a leash to keep them focused and prevent them from running off and exploring. Fixed routine: Try to take your German Shepherd to his designated potty area at the same time each day. It will help him develop a regular bathroom schedule. Give them time: When you get to the designated potty area, give your German Shepherd puppy plenty of time to relieve themselves. Reward good behavior: When your German Shepherd uses the bathroom in their designated potty area, praise them and give them a tasty treat. It will reinforce correct behavior and help your German Shepherd puppy learn that going potty outside is good. It will only scare your German Shepherd puppy and could cause it to hold urine or feces in, leading to health problems. German Shepherd puppies that are weaning for a few weeks to 12 years require four meals daily. After 12 weeks, you can switch to 3 meals per day. Your German Shepherd should maintain a diet of cups of puppy food per day, depending on their activity level. The German Shepherd breed is also prone to joint problems, so ensure they get the proper nutrients for healthy joints and bones. A quality dog food for your German Shepherd will have the right balance of calcium, phosphorus, and other nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin. The most common health issues seen in the German Shepherd dog breed are the following. These conditions are caused by a hip or elbow joint malformation, leading to pain, lameness, and eventually arthritis. German Shepherds with these conditions will require lifelong pain medication and surgery management. Bloating Bloating is another common health problem seen in German Shepherds. This condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas and then twists on itself, cutting off the blood supply. Some of the most common signs of bloating include restlessness, pacing, drooling, and abdominal pain. Contact your vet immediately if you think your German Shepherd is bloated. Hemophilia Hemophilia is a blood clotting disorder that can affect German Shepherds. This condition can lead to excessive bleeding, even from minor injuries. German Shepherds with hemophilia will require lifelong management with medication and close monitoring by a vet. The best way to prevent health problems in your German Shepherd breed is to get them from reputable breeders who do health testing on their dogs. Be sure to ask about the health history of the parents, grandparents, and brothers or sisters. Having your German Shepherd examined by a vet within the first few days of bringing them home is also essential. It will allow you to catch any health problems early and get treatment immediately. Degenerative Disc Disease Degenerative disc disease is a condition that can occur in German Shepherds. This condition is caused by the deterioration of the discs in the spine. It can lead to pain and paralysis. German Shepherds with this condition will require lifelong management with pain medication and surgery. Allergies German Shepherds are also susceptible to allergies , which can be caused by anything from food to environmental allergens. The most common signs of an allergic reaction include itching, redness, and hair loss. If you think your German Shepherd has allergies, it is vital to speak to your vet so they can recommend the best course of treatment. While there is no guarantee that your German Shepherd will never experience any health problems, working with a reputable breeder and taking good care of your German Shepherd will help to minimize the risk. It is essential for their growth. German Shepherd puppies usually wake up several times during the night for a potty break or a quick snack. Over time, your German Shepherd will learn to sleep through the night as they grow and mature. In the meantime, enjoy those cute German Shepherd puppy naps. Also read:. Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. And large dogs need to have many care factors taken care of to thrive. So, the first step is preparing for a home suitable for a German Shepherd puppy that will one day become a big dog. First, make sure you have enough space for them to run and play. If you have a small yard, consider getting a dog run or fence to give them extra room as well as space for you to do important obedience training exercises. And finally, be sure to stock up on puppy food, treats, toys , and other essentials. Separation Anxiety It is common for month-old German Shepherd puppies to develop separation anxiety when they are first separated from their parents and litter mates. It is because they have not yet learned how to cope with being away from their pack, especially in the first few weeks. Separation anxiety can manifest in several ways, including howling, barking , chewing, and pacing. If your German Shepherd shows separation anxiety, seek professional help from a vet or an animal behaviorist. With time, patience, and guidance, your German Shepherd puppy will learn to cope with being away from other dogs and, little by little, start getting used to you and your family. First, it is crucial to understand that basic training for your German Shepherd to potty is a process and will take time, patience, and consistency. No magic solution will instantly train your month-old German Shepherd puppy to use the bathroom outside. Instead, it requires positive reinforcement, consistent follow-through, and a lot of patience. It means taking your puppy out to relieve themselves regularly throughout the day. Your one-month-old German Shepherd puppy should have a potty training schedule first thing in the morning, after every meal, after naps and playtime, and before bedtime. If you stick to this schedule, you will succeed. German Shepherd puppies generally have to relieve themselves every two to three hours, so be sure to set a timer or alarm to remind yourself to take them out. Introducing a Puppy Crate Choose a designated potty area, a. You can find puppy crates for your German Shepherd puppy at most pet stores or online retailers. Start by taking them to the designated area on a leash and letting them explore. Give it a treat if it shows interest in the space. Try again later if the puppy shows no interest or seems scared of the room. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get started: Use a leash: When taking your German Shepherd out to relieve themselves, use a leash to keep them focused and prevent them from running off and exploring. Fixed routine: Try to take your German Shepherd to his designated potty area at the same time each day. It will help him develop a regular bathroom schedule. Give them time: When you get to the designated potty area, give your German Shepherd puppy plenty of time to relieve themselves. Reward good behavior: When your German Shepherd uses the bathroom in their designated potty area, praise them and give them a tasty treat. It will reinforce correct behavior and help your German Shepherd puppy learn that going potty outside is good. It will only scare your German Shepherd puppy and could cause it to hold urine or feces in, leading to health problems. German Shepherd puppies that are weaning for a few weeks to 12 years require four meals daily. After 12 weeks, you can switch to 3 meals per day. Your German Shepherd should maintain a diet of cups of puppy food per day, depending on their activity level. The German Shepherd breed is also prone to joint problems, so ensure they get the proper nutrients for healthy joints and bones. A quality dog food for your German Shepherd will have the right balance of calcium, phosphorus, and other nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin. The most common health issues seen in the German Shepherd dog breed are the following. These conditions are caused by a hip or elbow joint malformation, leading to pain, lameness, and eventually arthritis. German Shepherds with these conditions will require lifelong pain medication and surgery management. Bloating Bloating is another common health problem seen in German Shepherds. This condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas and then twists on itself, cutting off the blood supply. Some of the most common signs of bloating include restlessness, pacing, drooling, and abdominal pain. Contact your vet immediately if you think your German Shepherd is bloated. Hemophilia Hemophilia is a blood clotting disorder that can affect German Shepherds. This condition can lead to excessive bleeding, even from minor injuries. German Shepherds with hemophilia will require lifelong management with medication and close monitoring by a vet. The best way to prevent health problems in your German Shepherd breed is to get them from reputable breeders who do health testing on their dogs. Be sure to ask about the health history of the parents, grandparents, and brothers or sisters. Having your German Shepherd examined by a vet within the first few days of bringing them home is also essential. It will allow you to catch any health problems early and get treatment immediately. Degenerative Disc Disease Degenerative disc disease is a condition that can occur in German Shepherds. This condition is caused by the deterioration of the discs in the spine. It can lead to pain and paralysis. German Shepherds with this condition will require lifelong management with pain medication and surgery. Allergies German Shepherds are also susceptible to allergies , which can be caused by anything from food to environmental allergens. The most common signs of an allergic reaction include itching, redness, and hair loss. If you think your German Shepherd has allergies, it is vital to speak to your vet so they can recommend the best course of treatment. While there is no guarantee that your German Shepherd will never experience any health problems, working with a reputable breeder and taking good care of your German Shepherd will help to minimize the risk. It is essential for their growth. German Shepherd puppies usually wake up several times during the night for a potty break or a quick snack. Over time, your German Shepherd will learn to sleep through the night as they grow and mature. In the meantime, enjoy those cute German Shepherd puppy naps. Also read:.