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So, finding high-quality dog food containing only necessary and healthy fats is best. Likewise, treats should be given not in excess but only when deserved. Pugs are more than happy to spend most of the day on the couch, and while Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are similarly relaxed, they are a bit more energetic and willing to participate in activities. Regardless, your dog will need moderate daily exercise. Early socialization and obedience training will be essential to train your Pugalier properly. Pugs are sensitive creatures and do not respond well to harsh training methods. Without positive reinforcement and rewards, your dog can get hurt feelings and lose the desire to train. When training your Pugalier, you should never use punishments or other negative reinforcement. Instead, focus on the positives by providing rewards, praise, and treats for desired behavior. If the coat is more like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, they will require multiple brushings per week as well as a bath every month or so. However, you can minimize the chances of your pet suffering a chronic disease by maintaining regular veterinary appointments. Minor Conditions Pugs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are susceptible to eye conditions such as corneal ulcers and cataracts, so watch out for any signs of eye discomfort, irritation, or pain. Your Pugalier will also be prone to patellar luxation , which is essentially a displaced kneecap. The severity of this condition varies, and it can predispose your pet to other conditions later in life. Hip dysplasia is another condition to be aware of, which often appears as weakness or pain in the hind limbs. You may notice your dog limping, struggling to stand, or having difficulty climbing furniture or stairs. Serious Conditions A serious condition that your Pugalier is at high risk for is obesity. Mitral valve disease is another concerning condition that your dog may be prone to. The mitral valve is a structure that prevents blood from flowing backward through the heart. When Pugaliers develop mitral valve disease, the valve degenerates and becomes less effective. The cause of this condition is unknown, but genetics is suspected to play a significant role. However, spaying can be more expensive than neutering due to the invasive nature of the surgery, and a female Pugalier may cost a bit extra upfront. It is said that Charles II was so enamored by his dogs that he brought them everywhere he went. An assassination attempt on Prince William was thwarted due to his Pug barking at the sight of the intruders. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, on the other hand, were bred to aid in hunting efforts and still retain these keen instincts. However, they are also more than happy to snuggle up on the couch. They can thrive in nearly any family situation or housing and only require moderate exercise. They get along with other pets, making them an ideal companion for a multi-pet household. Bringing a Pugalier home will require a lot of work, especially if you acquire one from a breeder. You must dedicate a significant amount of time to researching any breeders you approach, as the Pugalier is considered a designer breed and may be irresponsibly bred as a result. If you think the Pugalier is the right fit for you, we recommend beginning your search at your local animal shelter. Wherever you find your Pugalier, they will undoubtedly become a cherished friend for life. See also:. Because a mixed-breed dog can inherit any combination of traits from one or both of their parents, you want to make sure you ask the breeder about the other parent breed. Should a Cavalier King Charles Mix take after their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent, they will be a small, sweet companion dog that loves their family and has a friendly, playful personality. They tend to make a great family pet and love spending time with their favorite humans. A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel tends to have a sweet disposition and a gentle nature. They bond closely with their families, are affectionate, and are also playful, friendly, and outgoing. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. If the other parent breed is similar, then you should be able to expect the same from a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Mix. The other parent breed may still introduce some other traits, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. You can also meet the mother dog in-person. The breeder should be starting to train and socialize puppies. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is highly adaptable and does well in apartments as well as larger homes. Because they bond closely with their families, they do not like to be left alone. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do have an urge to chase and will chase just about anything. Unless the other parent breed introduces other traits or quirks that could affect adaptability, you should be able to expect a similar adaptability level from a Cavalier King Charles Mix. Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? Mixed-breed dogs can inherit none of the health conditions common to their parents or they can inherit any combination from one or both of them. From the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel side, potential health conditions to be aware of include Mitral Valve Disease, hip dysplasia, luxating patella , and Syringomyelia. Make sure you ask the breeder about the other parent breed so you know what other potential health conditions they could inherit. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing issues on to puppies. So, you should be asking about the genetic and health history of both of the parents anyway. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a good fit for owners of any experience level as they are intelligent, eager to please, and naturally obedient. If the other parent breed is also highly trainable, then you can expect something similar in a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Mix. If the other parent breed is more difficult to train, then you will want to be prepared to enroll in puppy training classes. A Cavalier King Charles Mix can inherit a coat similar to one of the parent breeds or a coat that is a mix of both. Should they inherit a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel coat, it will shed moderately year-round and heavier as seasons change. It will need to be brushed a few times a week or weekly and bathed occasionally. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal dental care for dogs and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a low-energy dog breed. Daily walks and some playtime or other activity are usually enough for this dog. But, they will be happy to do more if it means spending more time with you. If the other parent breed has a similar activity level, then you can expect a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Mix to be a lower-energy dog as well. But, if the other parent breed has a higher energy level, you will need to be prepared for a dog that requires more daily activity. A fully-grown Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is usually inches tall and weighs pounds. The other parent breed can affect this, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. This can give you a better idea of a potential size to expect in a fully-grown Cavalier King Charles Mix. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels generally live for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar life span in a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Mix. We were both born and raised in Northwest Arkansas. We have been married 54 years, having 2 children, 5 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and have had cattle and dogs most of our life. They are a very loving, passionate and loyal companions that will steel your heart. The Cavaliers and Cavapoos love the outdoors, running and playing, or just as content cuddled up in your lap. We strive to raise beautiful, healthy puppies with a good temperament that will bring years of love and enjoyment to your home. Our puppies go to their new home pre-spoiled with up to date worming and vaccinations, complete medical records, microchip and a vet exam with health certificate. We also have a 1 year health guarantee against congenital heart defects. Dusty is looking for his new furever home. He is a very loving and affectionate male apricot UABR registered 5 yr. Cavaliers are the most amazing dogs ever!! They love to play then cuddle up in your lap. They love everyone and are eager to please you, so training is pretty easy. They are a toy breed, from 13 to 18 pounds, but are not ankle biters or yippers not a typical toy breed. I know that anyone would love this breed whether they love small or big dogs. All of our babies are beautiful, sweet and very smart. There could be a waiting list, but well worth it. Call us for details, and prices. We want our puppies to go to the very best homes. The Cavapoo is a great companion for anyone, from the elderly down to the small child. They are people dogs, they adore being with their family. They are eager to cuddle up on your lap and will take as much attention as you can give them without tiring. They are highly intelligent and learn quickly, but respond best to a kind attitude, patience and load of praise. Cavapoos mix well with other people, dogs and pets. These dogs are eager to please and will try hard to do what you ask. Gucci, her Blenheim puppy, and Prada Prada Tucker. Our first Cavalier male. He is now retired, father or grandfather to several of our dogs. He was in a home on a breeding contract where he gets all the attention he is use to having living in an only a 2 dog home. He is now retired. He is a very mellow boy and perfectly housebroken, weighs about .Tri is so much easier to write we will refer to the color as tri. Tucker is the father of several of our Cavalier moms and the grandfather of our second and third generation! He is a daddy, grandpa and great grandpa! If you may also be interested in an adult cavalier as a pet on "loan" from us until they are retired from breeding after which time you would keep them as a pet please contact us. Must live fairly close to us. Gretel and Tucker. She is a lovely little lady! She is now retired, we have a couple of her daughters. I wish the photos I had taken had turned out better she has the most lovely full coat! Nala is a sweetheart. She gets along with everyone, although will stand up to a Westie if needed. She loves to chase butterflies and play with a rope toy. Giving kisses and sitting in your lap is her very favorite thing to do. She also really loves her puppies. She cleans them so much she makes yellow saliva stains on the white parts of their coats! She never digs and even if the others dig out under the fence she doesn't go with them. Nala has OFA hips, patellas, eyes and cardiac. I need to call them. Mother to Rufus, and Aryne's girl Sophie, both who have Optimal selection DNA test have them negative for the genetic test's the panel checks for, including DM negative. Have to find the photo of Nala's very unique nesting! She didn't want to be in her box, chose the floor instead. She managed to dig around and wrap herself up in the sheet I have draped over Roxy's box to keep Nala from staring at Roxy's puppies, and upsetting Roxy. She knows that Nala intends to steal her babies. Roxy though is amazingly fine with her wrapping herself all up and getting under the visual barrier. Maybe she knows she's in labor. I am also right here so they couldn't crawl through the bannister. I wish she would go back in her box, but whatever makes them happy! She is just beautiful. One of our smaller girls only about 11 pounds. She has OFA heart and eyes. Covid seriously impared our ability to get more OFS exams done. She is on the list. Test Current mom's. We breed for beautiful healthy AKC Cavaliers. When we breed them to our AKC poodle instead we have top quality Cavapoo puppies. I tried to have several pictures of each. Some are as puppies, or in their funny teenage time, or with all their coat and furnishings trimmed short. I cant figure out how to put the name right on the photo with the website. We do not breed any who have been tested and do not pass their OFA check. Cavaliers worst problem in degenerative heart disease. There is no test to know who, or when it will happen. The goal is to test yearly and any who start to have a murmur are removed from the breeding pool. Over time the dogs who go the longest without a problem will parent the most puppies. Since we retire our moms at 6 years old, you do not wait until 6 to breed them its impossible to not breed those who may develop a problem. For the boys its terrific that the oldest males can still sire puppies if they are still passing their heart exams. If none were bred, there would be no cavaliers left the heart problem is so common. Fortunately they now often live a long life without needing medication, or only at the end of life. Before, and still happening in lines that no testing is done, they often only live until 6 to 8 years due to severe heart problems. Without testing you can assume they have bad hearts. Its up to the public to be sure the parent dogs are tested annually, or at least bi-annually and ideally have passed a heart exam within the last fiscal year. Then the older the mom the better, same for sires. Since we have been breeding them for so long and have many retired parents who are grandparents, or great grand parents I think a slide show of certifications will load better instead of years worth of testing posted individually by their photo.

Depending on the laws where you live, you may need to apply for a license from your local government. To find out if you need a license, inquire with your local law enforcement or animal control office. In many places, breeders of hunting dogs are exempt from licensing. A whelping box is a large box where your female dog will birth and nurse its puppies. Your whelping box should be 2 feet 0. Your female lab and her puppies will spend the first three weeks after birth in the box. Afterwards, the puppies and mother dog will be able to move into a cage or similar enclosure. In addition to a whelping box, you'll need cages to house your grown dogs, juveniles, and any other dogs you plan to keep as breeding stock. Grown dogs will need cages that are 42 inches cm long and 30 inches 76 cm high. Juveniles and younger dogs will fit in smaller cages, but make sure to move them into large cages when they are mature. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source The dogs should be able to easily stand up, turn around, and lay stretched out in their cages. If they can't, the cages are too small. Collect towels and sheets from friends or family. If you can't get enough, you can purchase new towels or sheets to use as bedding. Then, spread them out in your whelping box and cages. This will turn the whelping box and cage into a comfortable place for your dogs. In addition to cages, your dogs -- mature and juvenile -- will need access to open space. As a result, you should create two or three at least 20 by 40 foot 6 by 12 m fenced areas in your yard. This way, you'll be able to have dogs of different sexes and ages outside at one time. When your puppies are weeks old, you need to take them to the vet for an examination and their first set of puppy shots. If you don't take them to the vet for vaccination, you could put them at risk of contracting dangerous illnesses. Ultimately, a responsible breeder will stay in touch with their vet throughout the breeding process. Go to source Advertisement. Male Labradors A male Labrador becomes fertile after six months of age and reaches his full sexual maturity once he's 12 to 15 months old. An adult male Labrador can mate at any time. If the Labrador is healthy, he may be able to keep his fertility and be sexually active until old age. It's pretty straightforward with male dogs. However, several other factors come into play when we try to breed a female Labrador. So let's talk about breeding female Labradors in detail. Female Labradors A female Labrador will have her first heat cycle after she's six months old. This is the phase in which she can get pregnant. It reoccurs around every six months until late in life. We'll talk more about the heat cycles of Labradors in the next section. You should never breed a female Labrador during her first heat cycle. She is quite young at this point, and you don't want to impose the stress of pregnancy and lactation on her as she's still growing. Even though she may be sexually active, she isn't completely mature physically. Mating during the first heat cycle increases the chance of pregnancy and other health-related complications. We shouldn't breed the female Labrador until she's physically mature. Since Labradors fall into the category of large breeds, they mature around the age of 18 to 24 months, so it's best to avoid breeding until the third heat cycle or until she's around two years old. Litter Sizes Explained Understanding Female Heat Cycles Understanding the heat cycles of your female Labrador is essential to avoid failed breeding attempts or unplanned litter of pups. When we say that a female Labrador goes into heat, we mean that her body is preparing itself for possible conception. It's your dog's reproductive cycle. Phrases such as heat cycle, breeding cycle, and periods, all refer to the same thing. A Labrador stays in the heat for around three to four weeks; there's no exact number of days, though. Although your pet may stay in the heat for up to four weeks, the days when she's most fertile begin after days into the heat cycle. This high-fertility period lasts for around five days, so you should mate the Labradors between the 10th and 14th day of the female Labrador's heat cycle. This heat cycle is divided into four stages: proestrus, estrus, diestrus, anestrus. Let's briefly discuss each of them. Proestrus: The female dog is getting ready for pregnancy. Male dogs will start getting attracted to her, but she won't allow breeding as of yet. This stage typically lasts for nine days. You'll see physical signs such as the swollen vulva and bloody vaginal discharge. Estrus: At the beginning of this stage, the ovary releases eggs. The estrogen levels in your dog's body decline, while the progesterone levels go up. The female dog is fertile in this stage, ready to mate, and she will follow her bodily instincts and accept a male. This stage also lasts for around nine days. Diestrus: This stage lasts for two to three months or until the female Labrador gives birth if she's pregnant. She will no longer be accepting males. A bloody discharge may still be present, but it gradually stops. By the end of this stage, the hormonal levels in your dog become normal. Anestrus: This is the final stage of the heat cycle of your female dog. There's no sexual activity during this phase. Most female Labradors go into heat twice a year. The ovarian activity of a female dog starts to decline in the sixth year of her life. Most of them stop conceiving after they're seven years old. We've discussed that we should wait till the third heat cycle of a female Labrador before breeding. But what are the health concerns if a Labrador gets pregnant too early? You need to allow your Labrador's body to grow up. If the female Labrador gets pregnant before maturing physically, it'll put extra strain on her. The physical strain of carrying extra weight is a burden on the growing joints. Apart from that, pregnancy will suck out nutrients from your dog. Since the female Labrador is young, her immune system isn't fully developed. This means that she's more vulnerable to diseases and infections than an adult dog would be. Various bacteria can infect her reproductive tract, causing abortions, stillbirths, miscarriages, and even the death of the newborn puppies. Your dog may even end up dying while giving birth to the puppies. Because she hasn't fully grown, her pelvic canal may not be large enough for the puppies to fit through without endangering their own lives and the life of the mother. Here, she must go through surgery, which increases the chances of health complications for her. Since she is also not mature biologically, she is more likely to abandon her puppies than an adult mother. She may fail to care for them, which lowers their chances of survival. Performing Health Checks Before Breeding Both parent Labradors require long-term care to produce beautiful, strong puppies. They need to be physically and mentally healthy. The female Labrador should have decent muscle tone and a balanced weight before breeding. Apart from physical health, they also need to be in good mental condition. A mentally stable female Labrador will make a better mother than one that's insecure or has an unstable temperament. A month before breeding, the female Labrador should go through pre-breeding physical examinations by a vet. You need to get her checked for common health problems, such as elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and eye disorders. The vaccinations of both parent Labradors should be current, and the female Labrador should be tested for parasites as well. DNA Testing Another health check that I would highly recommend for any dog owner, but especially for one that is considering breeding, is to have DNA testing done. In recent years human DNA testing has become extremely popular with companies like 23andme emerging. People are interested in understanding their background, health sensitivities, etc. This is no different for dogs! This kit tests for over health conditions and uses over , markers to identify and build a complete genetic profile. It is simple and non-invasive. All you have to do is perform a quick oral swab and mail it in! Conclusion We've just talked about a lot of different things. Here are the important points from this article: Male Labradors reach full sexual maturity after 12 to 15 months of age. Female Labradors have their first heat cycle after six months of age. We should wait until the third heat cycle before breeding, which happens after 18 to 24 months of age. The mating should take place between the 10th and 14th day of the female Labrador's heat cycle, as she's most fertile during this period. Conception before physical maturity can cause health complications. We also need to perform pre-breeding health checks to ensure that the female Labrador is healthy and ready to conceive. What happens if you breed a female Lab at a young age? As a responsible breeder, you should be patient and wait for the natural breeding age of both male and female Labradors. When you plan to breed your dogs to get Labrador puppies, you will need to have a complete understanding of the heating cycles. A brief discussion on breeding age. Male Labradors can mate within 12 months of their age. While on the other hand, you should wait for the third heat cycle of your female lab before putting her into mating. It will be good to wait for two years to let the female lab mature enough to carry a large litter. At what age can a male Labrador mate? Soon after 6 months of age, a male Labrador is mature enough to breed and start the mating phase of its life. There is the recommendation to wait until two years because, in the 12th month, Labradors are sexually mature adult dogs. What is the best age to breed a male labrador? However, several factors play a role when you are about to allow a Labrador to breed. Male dogs of the medium to large breed need to be full size, so breeders should not put them into the stud services before two years. Some heart problems, along with hip and elbow dysplasia, may take place in them. Also, for the owner of the female Labrador, there is advice to confirm the age of the male lab before allowing any breeding. At what age can a female Labrador mate? The heat cycle phase comes after the completion of six months each year until late in life. Now again, here is a tip for you to never allow breeding during the very first heat cycle of the lab; otherwise, she may suffer from complications. At this age, she is quite young, and you should not impose the pressure of lactation and pregnancy because she is still going through her growing age. Even though female Labradors may be sexually active, she is not mature physically enough to carry multiple puppies in the womb. When is a female labrador ready to mate? Since Labradors are a large dog breed they hit their proper maturity level between 18 to 24 months. This is why you need to wait until after the third heat cycle for the female lab for them to have a large and healthy litter. Critically, not all dogs and breeds are similar in their cycle; some go into the cycle once every year. Some dogs may have their cycle multiple times each year. Abrupt changes may prompt a trip to the vet to guarantee that all is going great and in excellent condition. Female labrador heat cycle The cycle itself lasts 3 to 54 weeks. When is it too late to breed Labrador? But, with their growing age, some health issues and a reduction in litter size make it too late for the lab to breed. There is a possibility that female Labradors may suffer from genetic problems. If you are allowing the female to breed later in life, there are chances of getting serious uterus infections. However, there are some different opinions; if your female lab is healthy, you can safely let her breed over her lifetime. According to the research, Labradors usually have six puppies in each litter which reduces to four with her growing age. According to the American Kennel Club, there should be no breeding or mating when the lab is more than 8 years old. Moreover, the professionals never register the older females at the time of mating. In older age, male labs may face some difficulty in mounting, and age arthritis makes the overall mating painful. Therefore, the rule of thumb for the females is to pause breeding soon after noticing a decrease in the litter size. While on the other hand, male Labradors freeze the quality semen rather than allow breeding at the 13th year of age. As discussed above breeders should wait till the third heat cycle of the bitch Labrador before putting her into the mating phase. A 6-month-old Labrador with a healthy body can feed 4 to 12 puppies. Her immune system is not fully developed to tolerate this sudden reduction of minerals and nutrients. Furthermore, your darling lab may end up dying if you are careless to allow her to breed within the first heat cycle. One fine day you have an adorable Labrador puppy in your hand, and then the very next year, you have a fully grown muscular Labra who is nearly ready to fill your living room with more of his cute canines. But when truly is your Labrador prepared to breed? Is waiting for a specific time necessary? Or Breeding before Sexual Maturity can lead the Labrador into trouble? Well, no matter what question you have, we present answers to all of them. A Male Labrador becomes fertile as they reach the age of 1 year 12 months. Whereas a Female Labrador is fertile slightly later, around the age of 2 years 18 to 14 months. For breeding a Labrador pair, dog owners and breeders must wait until the female experiences her third heat cycle. It is when a female Labrador develops fully, especially with her reproductive organs. She, by then, has gained enough physical powers and abilities to mate, conceive and birth her little canines. What to expect as your Labrador dog sexually matures? When your Labrador starts maturing sexually, you may be able to notice several signs. When they reach their sexual maturity, male Labradors will start marking their territory. Some of them even start forgetting the basics of their behavioral training. Even the simplest things, including toilet training, potty training, or walking on a lead, may appear as heavily confusing. Male Labradors even start looking eye to eye with their owner or every human in general. They will stop enjoying the puppy privileges and will begin following female dogs from the same or even different breeds around. Female Labradors reach their sexual maturity slightly later and become reproductive not more than twice a year. It is when she is the most fertile and will probably conceive if mate. She does not bleed precisely like humans but has a red vaginal discharge for a week or 10 days. Following the smell of her vulva, male dogs often approach or even land them upon the female. Yes, even though the maximum work of reproduction is dependent on a female dog, the age ad physical health of a male dog too matters when breeding. Only male dogs who have reached their sexual maturity age and can produce sperm can breed. And unless they suffer from a very major illness, male dogs remain fertile for their entire life. They may have low quality and lower sperm count, but given the right circumstances, the male dog can impregnate a female dog regardless of their age. However, old male dogs may not have the same sexual drive as young male dogs due to their age. Male Labradors become fertile near the age of 8 to 10 months. Female Labradors reach their sexual maturity around the age of 2 years. Some might experience it near 16 to 18 months of age; however, for breeding, wait until the female dog turns at least 24 months. For many dogs, the first heat cycle usually arises at the age of 6 months. However, large dogs like Labradors may experience their first heat between the period of 9 to 12 months. Given their breed size, there have been instances when a female Labrador got her first heat at 18 months or even as late as 24 months. This delay may be a result of several factors, including environmental and, more specifically, dog genetics. Labrador Heat Cycle Chart. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. But why is this? Many studies performed have shown a resulting increase in aggression, over-reactivity, learning problems, fearfulness and anxiety in puppies removed too early. The puppy may throw a tantrum and feel hard done by, but the mother will be stern…although they always follow the discipline with a little nuzzling and some love :- This early and regular dishing out of discipline teaches the puppy about right and wrong, that actions have consequences and bad behavior is punished. If this learning is taken away, the puppy may develop behavioral issues and not accept direction and commands from its owner later in life. This can making training harder and ultimately lead to a less controllable dog. Also, the puppy will itself be the victim of too hard biting, so it gets some first hand experience of how painful it can be. This teaches the puppy that biting too hard hurts and results in bad consequences, so they slowly learn to control their bite. If taken away before these lessons are learnt, the puppy will bite too hard not knowing any better and this can be very dangerous as the puppy matures into a larger and stronger dog. You would have to go through the process of teaching bite inhibition yourself and this can be difficult and even painful work! They learn about hierarchy, canine body language, posturing and vocalizations barking, growling etc. They also learn about things like chasing and how to play correctly with other dogs, also how to interact fairly and safely with other dogs. By removing a puppy too soon, it will miss out on this vital education, will be under-socialized to other dogs and this can easily result in the puppy being fearful of other dogs or just plain not liking other dogs later in life. They Learn Tolerance To Touch A dog needs to be tolerant to touch for health and hygiene reasons and the safety of those around it. And a vet will need to touch a dog all over during a medical examination. So you really need your Labrador to be tolerant of humans touching it all over. A puppy will constantly be bumped, nudged, pawed and climbed all over during its time spent with its litter-mates. This teaches the puppy not to be afraid of touch, to get used to it and be more tolerant. But if a puppy is taken too young it misses out on all this touch and could grow up disliking touch in certain areas of its body. This can result in behavioral issues and even aggression when being touched which for obvious reasons is very undesirable. The things a puppy is socialized to during its first 12 weeks have a profound effect on its level of confidence and levels of fear later in its life. From about 7 weeks onwards, the puppy is very inquisitive and its willingness to approach unknown things and people is at its peak. This period declines at about 12 weeks of age and almost completely ends at 14 weeks where fear begins to creep in as a natural trait essential to survival if it lived in the wild. This is also the time when a Labrador puppy will form their strongest bonds with the humans they spends their time with. Bringing a puppy home at 8 weeks gives you just 4 weeks to do this, bringing one home at 10 weeks gives you only 2! A lack of decent socialization can result in the puppy being fearful of things, places and of human contact. This will put the puppy at greatest ease with the people and places where it will spend its future life. You may wish to bring your puppy home earlier than 8 weeks, but for all the reasons above, you should avoid this entirely. So be very suspicious of the breeder if this is their wish. This is so they themselves can provide a further week of socialization during this critical time and for the puppy to spend more time with their mother and littermates. So for the benefit of you and your Labrador, leave them with their mother and litter-mates until 8 weeks of age. Most dogs will happily bond with and love a new family if given the chance and can be valuable and loving companions. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Healthy female Labradors can have puppies between eight months and eight years old. When a female is around eight months old, she will experience her first heat cycle — a fertility cycle during which a dog can get pregnant. Most vets recommend waiting until your female is at least on her second heat cycle before you start breeding — this is somewhere between 18 to 24 months. Labradors experience heat cycles twice a year, and they last between two to three weeks. You will know your female Lab is entering the heat cycle when she has bloody vaginal discharge and a swollen vulva. A female will ovulate between the 10th and 14th day of the heat cycle. To ensure successful breeding, let your dogs mate after the tenth day every other day, for up to six days. Healthy male Labradors are ready to mate after 12 months of age. Males are fertile after six months old but reach full maturity between 12 to 15 months of age and are ideal for stud between those ages. However, the AKC specifies that dogs must meet certain conditions for optimum pairing and breeding. Labradors must look and behave a certain way. Breeders must strive for health, longevity, even temperament, and breed improvement. A Labrador judge or experienced breeder can help you make such an evaluation if you feel unqualified or uncomfortable. Once you can make this determination, you must take the following steps to meet the right breeding conditions: Step 1 — Whether you own the sire, dam, or both, you must evaluate the compatibility of the two mates. Both dogs could be excellent breed specimens but a terrible pairing if bred together. The objective is to improve and not weaken the bloodline. Keep in mind that genetic diversity has its advantages and disadvantages. Labrador retrievers are usually healthy but are prone to specific health issues. Health problems include elbow and hip dysplasia and retinal atrophy, so genetic testing is necessary. Though the sire and the dam may not display any symptoms of chronic diseases, they may still carry the gene, which could afflict the litter. Both owners must sign the contract to clear up any complications or ambiguity. Step 4 — Mate both dogs in a private location. No more than two people must be present. This is to ensure that the dogs are safe without being overwhelmed. If either dog is uncomfortable or the male is disinterested, wait and try another day. Step 5 — Take the dam to the veterinarian for pregnancy confirmation and develop a nutrition plan for optimal prenatal care. Step 6 — Get a decent whelping box for your female Lab; ensure the box is draft-free, clean, and large enough to accommodate puppies for several weeks of their infancy. You will require supplies such as replacement bedding, water, scissors, and floss to cut the umbilical cord. Step 7 — When the time comes to deliver the puppies, you will know the dam is entering labor because her temperature will drop below 99 degrees Fahrenheit. She will also lose her appetite, and she will begin nesting. How Often Should Labradors Breed? Reproductive experts suggest that continual breedings are better for your female dog. Skipping cycles can increase the likelihood of reproductive issues, cancer, and pyometra. With that said, the health and well-being of your dog must be at the forefront, and you must consider when is the best time to stop breeding your female. Legally, female Labs cannot have more than four litters in their lifetime. If she has produced healthy litters in the past, it can be tempting to keep breeding her, but even an incredible Labrador cannot sustain so many pregnancies. Most experts advise against breeding Labradors beyond the age of seven. Complications can arise, such as organ failure, calcified pubic region, and fewer pups. Seven may be the general cut-off point, but some female labs need to retire breeding earlier. Consider the following health problems older dogs experience: Old Age Pains And Aches As humans age, our bodies ache from wear and tear over the years, which can hurt. Pain can make dogs aggressive, and this can happen to the most mild-mannered dogs. Pregnancy is exhausting, and it can push your girl to her limits. If she is too old, one of her major organs could begin failing. Calcified Pubic Girdle The pelvic girdle is designed to help younger dogs give birth by expanding and extracting to make room for puppies. Dementia And Blindness Labradors are at high risk of having eye problems that can limit their eyesight or leave them completely blind. Miscellaneous Health Issues Aside from the issues mentioned above, there are other possible risks for your Labrador as she ages. These include miscarriage and failure to lactate. Labradors from the age of seven are considered seniors — this may seem young for many owners. You must consider that Labrador Retrievers have an average lifespan of around ten to twelve years. You may have retired your female Labrador, but she will need continued care and support to the end of her life. Consider the following ways you can support your female Lab to enjoy her life and be healthy in her senior years: Nutrition For Senior Labradors Dog foods for older dogs are formulated with fewer calories. If your dog enjoys strenuous exercise and work, there is no need to change his current diet. The best way to ensure your Labrador is on a low-calorie diet is by giving him his usual food in smaller portions. Supplements For Senior Dogs Chrondroitin and Glucosamine are supplements that show evidence of delaying joint problems, especially arthritis. You can try breaking up his exercise into two or three shorter walks. Pain Relief Pain relief is something to give your older Lab if he is in chronic pain. Final Thoughts So, what is the oldest age a female Labrador can have puppies? Labradors age quickly and become seniors almost in the blink of an eye; however, aging is unavoidable. Table Of Content. What is the best age gap between dogs? Have you loved raising your Labrador, and now started considering the best age gap between Labradors if you get another? You might be worried that he will be lonely, or that he needs a playmate as he grows. But what is the right age gap between Labradors in the same family? Should I get two dogs close together in age? Last week I received a question from the owner of a four month old puppy. The lady in question was thrilled with her beautiful dog and considering getting a new puppy as a friend. And wanted to hear my thoughts on the subject. Every family is different Before we go any further, I think we need to acknowledge that every family is unique. The dynamics are different and the dogs are different, from those in any other family. I can only tell you about probabilities. And point out that there are certain problems that commonly arise when two puppies are the same age, or quite close in age. Should I get two puppies from the same litter? Some people think it is a great idea to get two puppies at once. After all, they will be company for one another. If you are a very experienced dog owner, or very lucky. This may work out just fine. But, and it is a big but, the probability is, you will struggle. Not especially at the beginning, when two puppies are company for one another, but later, as they need training and guidance. What about staggered puppies? The lady who wrote to me last week is proposing a slightly different approach. Her current puppy has settled in and is progressing nicely. These two puppies would be staggered in age. So one puppy will be half grown, whilst the other is very small. In this situation, there are a number of areas for concern, and the dynamics of this two dog family are potentially even more challenging than with litter brothers. And here is why. Size and strength of puppies Two same age puppies are similar size and weight. They have similar reserves of energy, and like to play in a similar way. A five or six month old puppy plays in different way from a two month old puppy. Size difference alone can be an issue when puppies of the same age but different breeds, play together. But when there is an age gap too, the problems are exacerbated. Emotional maturity of puppies Adult dogs unless poorly socialised are usually very tolerant of puppies. There is an unwritten rule amongst them, that puppies under four months old can do pretty much what they please. He will allow the puppy to bite him and swing on his ears without retaliating A five or six month old puppy does not usually have the maturity to do this. He plays rough, and you can like it or leave it. In short, many pups, are bullies. Of course, there are exceptions. Some pups are quite gentle. In any case, an experienced owner will cope. Largely by supervising and separating to ensure that the smaller pup makes it through the next couple of months without too many bruises or too much damage to his confidence. But coping is not really the aim. This should be a time of pleasure and enjoyment. Bonding with two puppies If the two dogs are the same breed, the size difference will become less of an issue as the weeks go past, and the younger puppy grows. Unfortunately, there are other problems that now arise. In many cases a small puppy will bond fiercely to his bigger, rougher, older brother. So fiercely that he may have little time for his human friend. This is always a risk in a two dog household, but is more so when the older dog is still a pup and so willing to engage the younger dog in long bouts of play. The only way to combat this, is to ensure that the new puppy spends more time interacting with you, than he does with the other puppy. But this is not generally what people have in mind when they bring a second puppy home. House-training two puppies If you get a new puppy before your older puppy is six months old, there is a chance that he will regress in his house training. But it is something to consider, especially if you have just begun to allow your older puppy onto your carpets Two puppies will need two crates Most Labradors have not grown out of the chewing stage until they are well over a year old. This means that your older puppy will probably need crating at night, and when you leave the house. New puppies need small crates. This means you will need two crates in your home. Unless you have plenty of floor space, this could be a problem for you Obedience training two puppies Early training has to be done in a one-to-one situation until the youngest puppy is able to begin coping with distractions. You cannot train a six month old puppy with a two month old hanging onto his ears and biting his tail. You cannot train important behaviours like walking nicely on a lead, with two dogs at once. If you have a great deal of spare time and are happy to spend much of it on separate dog training sessions, then this may not be an issue for you. But in some families, it can mean that neither dog gets properly trained. And being dragged along the street by two unruly Labradors is more than twice as miserable and dangerous, as being dragged along by one. So what is the right age gap between dogs? By the time your dog is two, you should have him pretty well trained. A two year gap also gives the older dog a chance to reach maturity, and to develop the patience and tolerance for young puppies that so many well-socialised adult dogs have. At the other end of the scale, if you aim to get your next dog before your older dog is six, provided he is adequately socialized with puppies the older dog may still be willing to play with your new arrival. Watching an adult dog gently play with and become fond of, a new puppy is a real pleasure. And one that is worth waiting for. Bear in mind that elderly dogs can become irritable with young puppies, so it is best not to wait too long. So the ideal age gap between Labradors strike a balance between too small, and too big. People worry that their only dog will be lonely, or find it difficult to make friends later on. But raising a dog is not like raising kids in this respect. Dogs have to adapt to living with another species, and to crossing the communication barrier between us. This is definitely easier to achieve, when a dog is the only dog, at least for the first year of his life. Try not to worry that he is missing out, or needs a playmate. What he needs, is your attention, which will be halved if you get another puppy. He needs to form a deep and unshakeable bond with his human family. Short periods of play with tolerant friendly older dogs from time to time, will ensure that he grows up knowing how to be a dog. When he is older, and trained, he will be a much better mentor and friend for you next pup. And it will be far easier to manage the two of them. The best breeding age for Labradors, to be short and to the point, is the third heat cycle. I will explain why below. If your female gets pregnant too early, there are some health complications that you may run into. See below for health concerns in an early pregnancy. Lady was just over 2-years-old when she had her first litter. That will be somewhere between 18 and 24 months old. But I think your dog should be at least 2 years old before breeding. So the best breeding age for Labradors might not be until the third heat cycle. Let me explain why. If your Labrador is old enough to start breeding, you should also know how often to breed her and when to stop breeding her. Wait for Health Checks Before Breeding I would suggest, that to be fair to the families where you will be placing your puppies, you should wait until at least two years old. When a Labrador is 2 years old you can have them checked for the common health issues. If you find out that your female or male has bad hips, it is not fair to pass that gene onto another generation of puppies. It is also unfair to the family that will have to go through the trauma associated with a dog experiencing hip or knee dysplasia. Notice the malformed socket and ball in the dysplastic hip. Check out the specific health clearances you should get when your dog is 2-years-old below. Not getting these clearances can bring some pretty serious consequences. The families that buy your puppies will go through unexplainable grief when they have to deal with the reality of putting their best friend down years too early. It was devastating. In some circumstances, you might even leave yourself open to legal action if a family feels you did not do everything possible to ensure that their dog would not get hereditary diseases that can be tested for. It is just not worth the risk. That is why I say the best breeding age for Labradors or Golden Retrievers is after two-years-old. Things you need to consider before breeding your Lab or Golden Retriever There are so many questions that swirl around being ready to have a litter of puppies. I wish I had found this article before I bred my Labrador the first time. Of course, I am writing this largely because of the things I learned. Looking back, I would have still decided to breed her, but I would have done some things differently. Let me share what I learned from that experience. Should I breed my dog? Not all dogs should be bred. Let me say that again. So, the first thing for you to do is consider the following questions honestly. Why am I considering a litter of puppies? Am I aware of what having a litter of puppies entails? Am I willing to pay for the necessary health examinations to see if my dog is healthy enough to have a strong litter of puppies? What would I do if something went wrong while my dog is delivering her puppies? If you love your dog so much, or you are so bent on the fact that you want to have a litter of puppies, or even worse you think this is your way to pay for Christmas in Cancun, then you need to get a third opinion. If you fit one of those descriptions, you will not be able to answer them honestly. Below I will tell you the worst reasons to have a litter of puppies, but for now, just keep your mind open to the possibility that the best age for breeding Labradors in your case may be NEVER. Maybe you should leave that to someone that knows how to handle an emergency. You are turning your dog into a money machine. You are so greedy. That is why we have breeders. They have gone to school and stuff to learn these things. People on those social media sites and other forums are trolls and they can be downright nasty. You may leave one of those sites doubting whether you want to remain a part of the human race. Below are some bad reasons to breed your Lab or Golden Retriever. There is nothing that I can find in veterinary science that suggests any benefit to a female from having a litter of puppies before she is fixed. There are pros and cons to fixing your dog, but there is absolutely no advantage to having a litter of puppies first. As dogs get older, they typically calm down with age. That has certainly been the case with Lady my 5-year-old Labrador. She had a litter of puppies three years ago, and now after the litter she is calmer than before the litter. The problem, however, is attributing the cause of her calming down to the litter of puppies. It is not the litter that calmed her down, but her older age. I Want to Make Some Money There seems to be an idea that breeding dogs will make the breeder an enormous amount of money. This is because you must wait until your dog is 2-years-old before you can get some very important health examinations. You will need to get your Labrador checked for hip and elbow dysplasia as well as eye disorders. There are other tests that you can have done as well such as the Optigen test. These experts will assess the hip from nine different angles such as shape, angles, clearness, etc. If any feature deviates from the ideal, it is given a mark for the degree of deviation. The ideal hip will score a 0 and the worst score possible is 53 Think golf—lower scores are better. Each hip is given a score and the panel of will return the results on a certificate showing a pair of numbers one score for each hip. You should be looking for a score of 10 or lower if you hope to breed your dog. Eye Test for Labrador Retrievers There are five hereditary eye diseases that Labradors can pass onto their puppies. The tests for these diseases are simple. You take your dog to specialized ophthalmologists and they can perform the necessary tests in about 20 minutes. They will administer some eye drops and then check the simple mechanics of the eye. They can almost always tell you the results immediately. This site has an example of the eye certificate that you will need to get following the exam. This is basically arthritis in the joint that keeps the ball joint from rolling smoothly causing your dog mild to serious pain. In serious cases, the joint can actually catch and momentarily stick in place. Elbow Dysplasia in Labradors is almost always a heredity issue. So, if your dog has it, it is likely that she will pass it on to her pups. The same goes for males. Unlike the hip scores, the elbow scores only range from 0 to 3. Like the hip score and golf the lower the score the better. You want to shoot for a perfect score in the elbows because there is not much room to play with. Health Concerns If Your Labrador Gets Pregnant Too Young It is not unheard of for puppies to have puppies, but if your female gets pregnant too early there are some steps you should take to make it go as smoothly as possible. You will probably hear some people talk about young dogs requiring C-sections if they are too young. In other breeds, however, C-sections are more common and may become necessary if the female is too small when she gets pregnant too young. Not just the physical strain of extra weight, which is a concern for growing joints, but also the nutrients that a pregnancy will suck out of your dog. To accommodate for this extra nutritional burden, some vets suggest that you stick with the puppy dog food for an extra 6 months until the dog is two years old. Make sure you are using a high-quality food that will give your dog the nutrients and other building blocks she and her puppies will need. It is also a good idea to include a supplement that will provide extra glucosamine and other nutrients that will fortify the joints. Some people will recommend calcium to make up for any bone density, however, there are vets that believe calcium will cause metabolic issues more serious than any deficiency it might alleviate. As always, check with your vet regarding any specific supplement or brand and get a professional opinion. You do not want to use a vitamin that will help momma, but, at the same time, hurt the baby. It is important that you are familiar with what should happen following the birth of a puppy. And, if you are considering a litter of puppies, just know that when the time comes, you must be there with your dog to help her if necessary. If, for some reason, your female does not respond to her puppies, help her by gently rubbing the puppy with a warm, damp cloth. Then, when the puppy is starting to move around and is cleaned off, place it near mom so it can begin to nurse. Because your dog is so young, however, you will need to watch her and make sure she is taking care of the puppies. It will take several days before your puppies can manage their own body temperatures. They will rely on mom for heat and if she scoots one away in the middle of the night, the puppy could die. I strongly suggest that you sleep in the same room with mom and her pups for the first couple nights. This saved one of my puppies on the second night. Somehow, this little girl got away from mom. Lady was too tired to go get her. I heard the whimpering and got the little one back to momma before she got too cold. That is a fair question, and you should know that answer before you decide to breed. In addition to knowing the best breeding age for Labradors, there are other things to find out. Like: How long will my Labrador be pregnant? How should I feed my Labrador during pregnancy? How will I know my Labrador is about to deliver? What should I have on hand when the delivery day arrives? What should I expect when my Lab has the puppies? How can I best help my Labrador after the puppies are born? Resting in the middle of delivery. The gestation period of a Labrador Retriever is roughly 63 days. This can be a day or two shorter or longer, but that is a good average. You should already be feeding your dog a good quality brand and for the first few weeks, after your dog is bred, you will continue feeding her the normal amounts. After 5 weeks, you should begin increasing the amount of food. She will require at least twice the normal amount. After the puppies come and your girl is nursing, she will need to eat around three times as much food as normal. Get a rectal thermometer and margarine or KY jelly. Insert the lubricated thermometer about one inch and leave it there for three minutes. You may want to have another member of the family help by distracting your dog by petting and talking to her while you do this necessary task. When the temperature drops below F, labor will start within the next 24 hours. It is really important that you pay attention to her temperature every day. You do not want her trying to deliver the puppies on her own. Although many litters have come into the world without supervision, it would be tragic if something happened and you were not there to intervene. There are several things that you need to have before your dog goes into labor. There will not be time to run to the store if you do not already have them on hand. Some of them will already be lying around your house. You may need to make a quick trip to the store to get the others. Warm, Damp Cloth There are some things that you should just have ready. She will eat this and then vigorously lick the puppy. If your female gets too tired she may not have the energy for the later pups to get this job done. In that situation, you will need to be ready to step in and fill that role. Notice how Lady is cleaning her puppy from top to bottom in the video. That is what you will need to replicate. Dental Floss This was an interesting suggestion that I got from a nurse about three weeks before our dog delivered her first litter. The floss will create the seal and the puppy will be fine. I was so grateful for the tip when that exact thing happened to puppy number 7. My son held the puppy while I tied a square knot in the cord and all was well for one of the healthiest pups of the whole litter. Heating Pad Your new litter of puppies will not be able to moderate their temperature for the first couple of days. Momma will provide the necessary heat, but in the case that a puppy gets away from mom in the night, some people like to use a whelping heating pad. A Whelping Heat Pad will help keep your puppies safe and warm in the early days. This is a pad that will go in the whelping box and will provide a safe, direct heat to protect a puppy that might wander in the night. The first stage of delivery is the longest. The contractions will not be as easy to identify as in human, but your dog may appear restless, uncomfortable, and thirsty. She may pace or shiver. It can last six to eighteen hours. Your job is to keep her as calm as possible. When the cervix is completely dilated, the placental water sack will break and you should see fluid pass from the birth canal. This is an important bonding moment for mom and pup. A placental sack will follow each puppy. It is not uncommon for mom to eat that—yeah, gross and I am so glad that is not a trait common among human deliveries. According to my vet, there is no benefit from eating the sac, so feel free to remove it before she gets a chance. You can expect between 30 minutes and an hour between puppies. It is possible, however, for up to 4 hours to pass between puppies. You should have had your dog examined by a vet around day 45 of the pregnancy. With an ultrasound, the vet should have told you how many puppies to expect. If more than 4 hours pass without a puppy and you know there are more to come or if your female pushes for more than an hour you need to get her to a vet immediately. Your Labrador will expel the remaining placental material, blood, and other fluids in the final stage of delivery. Now it is time to praise and let your Lab rest with her little ones. Dogs can pass diseases by sniffing and licking each other. While many of these diseases will not do anything to an adult dog, they can kill puppies. When you puppies start biting and chewing, you can introduce them to solid food. You may need to water it down, soften it to a mush, and then smear a little on their mouths. By 4 or 5 weeks, they should be eating solid food regularly. Normally, mom will clean up the puppies pooping issues. The puppy stool should not be watery. So, watch for diarrhea. It might be loose, but not watery. If you notice that a puppy might be constipated, you can lubricate a clean rectal thermometer and slightly insert it as needed. This will usually get things going. Check out this page to create the perfect whelping area for birth and raising the puppies. Whatever you decide to use, make sure that momma can come and go as she pleases while keeping the puppies contained in a specific area.

Things to do with your English Bulldog North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina, 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 North Carolina, 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 North Carolina, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Pet-Friendly Businesses North Carolina 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 North Carolina. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, North Carolina 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 North Carolina? 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. Our Frenchies are cared for by passionate Puppy Agents from the moment they are born until they are ready to go to. Browse Lancaster Puppies for English Bulldog breeders. Kernersville, North Carolina. English bulldog puppies for sale. Text xxx xxx-xxx2 tm.We have several colors available, including chocolate, blue, black, lilac, brindle, and tri-color. Learn more puppies available certified breeders Transportation Location. Bulldogs of North Carolina. English Bulldog Puppies for Sale. The ideal traits of her English Bulldog puppies for sale in North Carolina is temperament, health, and the betterment of the breed in terms of conformationally. Find your puppy now! Grant has decades of veterinarian experience and expertise. Needs Good Home can no longer keep, No health p. English Bulldog Puppies-. Dogs and Puppies, Goldendoodle. We are committed to customer satisfaction. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and. Buffalo Bulldog North Carolina. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help. English Bulldog puppies for sale. Click here to see the litters due. They still enjoy outdoor time, but are perfect partners for hanging at home. English Bulldog For Sale in Greensboro .Our kennels offer purebred English Bulldogs only. English Bulldog puppies for sale Select a Breed. CKC registered English bulldog puppies. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. A puppy adopted from PrimeCut Bulldog comes with a one-year health guarantee, dog food, and a dog toy. Bulldog American Staffordshire Terrier. Brittany Albright Charlie is a handsome sable! His features will be stunning. Expected adult weight lbs. English Bulldog puppies are not an easy breed to raise. Take a look at our new puppies and upcoming breedings pages. The Mommas of English Bulldog puppies will often lay on. English Bulldogs are calm, non-sporting dogs with a sourmug face that love to chew and play tug-of-war. Their mama was a registered English bulldog. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we. Both parents English Bulldog Puppies .Male and female English bulldog puppies Goergemary Male and female English bulldog puppies available for new homes now. Each puppy will leave wormed flead vet check wks free ins microchipped KC reg and a cert th generation pedigre more. A few times a year we have quality English Bulldog puppies for sale to pet and show homes. English bulldog puppies for sale gatorestes 5 males, 2 females. Welcome to Bullies for Families, we are a family of bulldog breeders constantly looking to breed the perfect bulldog with great quality. Beautiful brindle and white ckc reg English bulldog puppies 2 fawn and white. Comes with all medical records, registration, and microchipped. He has…. Once dog fighting was outlawed in the. Bulldog puppies for sale in North Carolina from trusted breeders. Bulldogs for Sale in Hickory, NC. Contact Information: My email address is viviankivett yahoo. Check by email or phone for puppys or studd service. British Bulldogs rarely bark but. Olde English Bulldogges in North Carolina. She has been raised indoors with another English bulldog and our children. There is also a 5 years they are akc reg. English Bulldogs. Find Bulldog Puppies and Breeders in your area and helpful Bulldog information. Bulldogs for Sale in Wilmington, NC. Raised in a loving home with other dogs, a cat, and kids. English bulldog puppies ready for delivery now Goergemary Amazing male and female English bulldog puppies available for adoption to new homes now. Size: inches tall, lbs. Xica - English Bulldog Puppy for Sale in. The puppies from this litter have been socialized with regularactivity and biosense exercises, started at day three! English Bulldog Puppies for sale in Charlotte, nc from top breeders and individuals. English Bulldog Puppies in North Carolina. Blue and white with some ticking. He has. Check out " Puppies For Sale " Page at the top on the right. Should be about lbs when full-grown. Our English Bulldog puppies are often bottle fed, since some mothers have no milk. Find Bulldog puppies for sale. Both parents… English Bulldog Puppies .Dogs and Puppies, English Bulldog. Visit us in our home! Just 30 minutes north of Charlotte, NC. All puppies are brindle and white. English Bulldogs are special. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Rescue .History: English Bulldogs have a long history in the United Kingdom, as they were, unfortunately, bred and used for dog fighting since the 13th century. Find Bulldog puppies for saleNear North Carolina. Please We have stunning girls and gorgeous boys Pups are a mix of choc brown fawn beige black and white. She is a joy to have, Thank you! She has also been around chickens, goats and adult great pyrenees. We use his office for follow-up care of our own pets. Bulldog Puppies for Sale in North Carolina. All puppies go home paper trained, Vet checked, vaccinated, dewormed, with a health record, food. Gorgeous English bulldog puppies Will Meet the beautiful and super friendly pure breed English Bulldog puppies. Save this search and we'll notify you when they. Click here to see the available babies. Location: Raleigh NC .Bulldog puppies for sale in Charlotte, NC from trusted. Call Morgan .Eglish bulldogs ready and availble for sale. Brindle mini English bulldog hebhowardbullies member 1 year Raleigh, North Carolina Dogs and Puppies, English Bulldog Brindle possibly merle miniature english bulldog ready to. Bulldog puppies for sale in Charlotte, NC from trusted breeders. Coat: Short, smooth, and straight. Fully vaccinated and dewormed and healthy, will come with all his food and supplies! Find Bulldog puppies for sale Near North Carolina For a dog with such an unmistakable face — those chops, that brow! Search Location: Raleigh, NC change. The site for this kennel touts itself as a family-owned business that focuses on the health and betterment of the breed. Each puppy will leave wormed flead vet check wks free ins microchipped KC reg and a cert th generation pedigre… more Over 4 weeks ago on Advertigo. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for English Bulldog puppies in Oxford, North Carolina. English Bulldog. PuppySpot will bring your new English Bulldog puppy. English Bulldog puppies are born via C-section and must receive around the clock care for the first three weeks of life. English Bulldogs are different. Youngsville, NC. Our Frenchies are cared for by passionate Puppy Agents from the moment they are born until they are ready to go to their new. Bulldogs for Sale in Durham, NC. Search for an English Bulldog puppy or dog. Browse these English Bulldog rescues and shelters below. She has not been spayed yet and is looking for a new home. English Bulldog, North Carolina ». We do it with love and passion, always looking to breed Healthy and High Quality Bulldogs. For a dog with such an unmistakable face — those chops, that brow! All Sugarplum Bulldogs puppies are from multi-champion AKC registered English Bulldog stock only and our pups are the real thing: adorable, short, wrinkly little butterballs of English bulldog cuddliness except they mature at lbs. Tango will weight as an adult between 10 and 15 lbs. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. PetzLover helps you to find your lovable pets to your home. Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water.

Things to do with your English Bulldog Oregon 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 Oregon that are perfect for English bulldogs. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, and take breaks often. Visit the Campground Camping is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many campgrounds in Oregon that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in Oregon, 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 Oregon, 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 Oregon, 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 Oregon, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Pet-Friendly Businesses Oregon 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 Oregon. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Oregon 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 Oregon? 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. Bulldogs Need You. Bulldog Haven NW was founded by a group of experienced Bulldog and Frenchie rescue people and owners from the Pacific Northwest region. All of our members are unpaid volunteers who love animals so much they give their time to help the dogs and the cause. Whether a Bulldog finds itself at a shelter where they feel it has needs before placement, is found by someone in the community, goes missing from their home, a puppy mill is shut down, or an owner finds themselves facing the need to find their Bulldog help outside of what they are able to give. .Our team also consists of caring shelter staff who alert us of dogs who need our resources and care, Veterinarians and Veterinary Clinics who care for our dogs as if they were their only clients, Businesses who donate supplies and food for your foster dogs, and the public who donate to our program. Federal Tax Exempt Organization When adopting any dog who may have a difficult past, you need to let go of your pity and guilt before bringing the dog home. Instead, make the dog feel secure by providing the calm and balanced energy of a pack leader. This way, the dog can relax, knowing that you have things under control. When you adopt a pet, you are saving a life. Drexler Status: Adopted Welcome Drexler! Drex just turned 3 and is a high energy but very sensitive and gentle boy who still needs a little work on his manners, feeling secure, facing his fears and knowing when playtime is over. He is a quick learner and will respond well to compassionate training. This hunk is a total cuddle monster and loves couch or bed snuggles. He loves short sun naps, chasing crows and needs space to be curious and play. If you are interested Please click link below. Jack is 10 months old and he is a busy, busy guy. In addition to being a total hunk, he is super high energy and will need a home where he can be very active. Jack will do really well with one other dog in the home. If you are interested in jack Please click Link below! I can not say enough about this 1 year old fella! He is such lover! He loves to cuddle but is dog selective, so no other dogs in his home. Good with cats and older kiddos. If you are interested in Sherman please click Link below. What a handsome man you are! This hunk is 2. NO cats and absolutely NO children. He prefers to get ALL the attention. We are working on his temperament and will a experienced Bulldog parent. She just had to get her eye removed and we are working on getting her healthy for her perfect home! Polly is about 2. We are evaluating her temperament as she is healing. If you are interested in Polly click link below! He is such a good boy! If you are interested in Mike clink link below! He is one years old and is not getting along with the resident dog and will need a forever home with no other dogs or cats, no kids and light traffic to your home. He's is so sweet but gets anxious easily. I fyou are interested in Tucker click the link below! Welcome Dream! This girl is 2 years old, should be only dog in home. We are still monitoring her to see if she may have some other quirks. If you are interested in her click the link below. Lucy is a wonderful girl at 6 years old. If you are interested in Lucy click link below!

Insufficient relaxation or sleep time Other animals harassing your dog Lack of positive attention from you Inconsistent or unclear behavior rules taught by you Insufficient physical or mental exercise You give incorrect attention during arousal behaviors You can correct the lack of exercise through a balanced German Shepherd exercise routine for health. Boredom, due to lack of mental stimulation, is also correctable. Read this guide on using mental stimulation exercises for German Shepherds to improve their behavior. Motherhood, hypothyroidism, and physical pain all contribute to stress and hostile episodes. While motherhood passes, other medical conditions need treatment. Talk to your vet before trying to address aggression on your own as an underlying medical condition may exist. Triggers are immediate actions or behaviors that increase or begin the act of aggression in your dog. Determine what sets off your dog by watching their body language signs listed above and noting their environment. This requires identifying the trigger, eliminating any stressors, and creating a training modification program that is consistent to meet your GSDs end goals. Use the stress list, found above, to help you figure out stressors that you can control. Track what things cause your dog to react hostile. Use Safety Precautions to Prevent Injury Try a control management tool such as a muzzle or headcollar to regain control when out in public. Gentle Head Collar This control tool provides gentle corrections and prevents jumping, lunging, and pulling. It does, however, provide better safety and control. If you need more confidence in handling your aggressive German Shepherd, then place the head collar on them before going outside. Aggression Treatment To have the best chance of success with training an aggressive German Shepherd, use the entire treatment protocol listed below. Using all the steps of treatment gives you and your dog more positive results. The following chart provides the training step and the action to help lessen aggressive behavior. The program can take many months depending on what issues your dog exhibits and how deep those issues are. Instead, take an approach that touches on all of the daily life skills. In a nutshell, the NILIF technique means that for everything your dog wants in life they must perform a command that you give them. You can make yourself more predictable to your dog by teaching them that rewards only come when he asks nicely with a calm behavior, like a sit. Your dog earns all rewards such as food, treats, praise, and affection by giving you the behavior you want. Most importantly… Teach your dog the basic obedience skills to reinforce your expectations and use this obedience training in your daily routines. Instead, use positive reinforcement that promotes and rewards desired behaviors. Here are some problems and solutions to help prevent your German Shepherd from becoming aggressive. Rather than think your German Shepherd has simply become aggressive, look for the areas of their life that tend to upset her. German Shepherd Aggression Prevention There are many reasons you must consider when wondering why your German Shepherd is becoming aggressive. Use a complete training regimen to ensure success. Aggressive German Shepherds are a potential threat and a safety hazard. Safety is your priority. Both for you and your dog. Your patience and persistence help your GSD become a success story! The correct thing to do is to make sure your dog is kept away from harming any person or animal. Please share this to help others! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Food aggression causes dogs to exhibit behavior of being protective over their food. It can become an issue for a couple reasons: those living with the dog could be at risk of being bitten, and it could lead to your pup becoming possessive in other areas of its life. There are ways to treat food aggression in dogs by properly training your pup and managing their behavior. You can also take steps to prevent it entirely. Read on to find out more. What Is Food Aggression? Food aggression is a territorial reaction a dog experiences when eating meals or treats, in which they use hostile behavior to guard their food. Food aggression is quite common in dogs. One study reported that nearly 20 percent of all dogs show signs of food aggression. This aggression is a form of resource guarding - a behavior passed down through evolution, when dogs needed to protect every meal or resource they had. Resource guarding differs slightly though - it describes a behavior that is defensive of any object they consider to be of high value, not just their food. Typically, dogs only guard what they consider valuable. Because of this, the resources they guard can vary - though a very common one is food. This could be food in their bowls, food that has been dropped on the floor during mealtimes, scraps in the garbage bin or even food being prepped on the counter. This defensive behavior can be an issue if a food-aggressive dog lives in a home with children. Children, especially younger ones, have a harder time recognizing the signals of guarding and may disregard them completely. This could potentially lead to a child being growled at or bitten. However, here are a few common reasons: It can be learned in puppyhood - either by accidental training practices or by needing to compete over limited resources in a shelter environment. Dogs can also develop food aggression later in life as well. Trauma can be a massive trigger - something like losing a caretaker, physical abuse or neglect, natural disasters or fighting with another dog can bring on symptoms of food aggression. They become more protective over their resources.Some breeds are genetically predisposed to dominant or aggressive tendencies, and may guard food due to a pack-like mentality. Dogs like English Springer Spaniels, German Shepherds or Rottweilers are well-known for having hereditary guarding instincts - though these instincts typically apply to livestock or property. While there can be a number of causes for food aggression in dogs, those that spent time in a shelter may be at higher risk to experience this resource guarding tendency due to competition for the available resources like beds, treats, potential mates or food. Signs of Aggression There are several identifying signs of food aggression that are categorized in three degrees of harmfulness: Mild, moderate and severe. The mild degree of food aggression is best recognized by verbal signs. Your dog may growl when you approach their food, or them while they are eating. It may also bare its teeth or raise their hackles in warning. A moderate degree of food aggression is characterized by a dog snapping or lunging when a person or other dog approaches them. Severe food aggression can be dangerous to people or other pets, as the dog will bite or chase the perceived threat away. First things first, consider spaying or neutering your dog. Hormones can be the cause of aggression, and spaying or neutering may help reduce these tendencies. Another treatment option is training: many dogs that have food aggression can be put through a training sequence , laid out in seven stages, focusing on desensitization and counterconditioning to put your dog more at ease with eating near people. Stage One: Get your dog used to your presence when eating This step focuses on acquainting your dog with your presence when they are eating meals or treats. Stand back from your dog by a few feet while they eat food from a bowl on the floor. The goal is to have your dog eating in a relaxed manner for ten or more meals in a row before moving on to the next stage in this training method. Stage Two: Add a tasty treat, then step back Build off the first step by adding a tasty treat to their bowl, and immediately stepping back to your original distance after placing the treat. Consistency is key here. Each day, have a goal of moving forward one step. If you are able to stand two feet away after placing a treat for ten meals in a row, your dog is ready to move on to the next step. Stage Three: Stand close, and talk to your dog This step focuses on close proximity and conversation. While your dog is eating from their bowl, stand next to them and give them a special treat. Turn and walk away from your pup after giving them the treat. Repeat this process every few seconds. If your dog can remain relaxed while eating for ten or more meals in a row, you can move on to the next stage of this training process. Stage Four: Try hand feeding Hand feeding is a large part of this stage. It is important for your dog to understand that you are not posing a threat to their food when they eat. Approach your pup, speaking to them in a conversational tone - similarly to the last stage. Stand next to their bowl, holding a hand out with a treat to your dog. Instead of placing the treat in their bowl, encourage your dog to take the treat out of your hand. After they take the treat, turn and walk away to encourage the understanding that you are not interested in their food. Each day, try and bend down further, until your hand is right next to their bowl as your dog takes the treat. After ten meals in a relaxed manner, the next step can be made. Stage Five: Touch their bowl, but do not take food from it This stage is similar to the last, except this time, stay near your dog after they take the treat from you. Speak to them in a casual tone, and offer the treat with one hand. With the other, touch their bowl - but do not take food from it. This will help your dog become accustomed to your close presence during mealtimes. If your dog remains relaxed while eating for ten or more meals in a row, move on to the next phase of training. In a calm tone, speak to your dog as you pick their bowl up. Only lift it inches from the ground to begin with, add the treat and set the bowl back down. This will establish trust between you and your dog, and they should become fully comfortable eating around you by the end of this step. Stage Seven: Repeat this feeding process with the other family members The final step is to repeat steps with every family member in your house. As your dog begins to trust the people in your household around their food, their food aggression should wane or cease to exist entirely. Note: While your pup may be comfortable eating around you, they may not be around other family members or guests that visit your home. In this case, try creating a safe environment for your pup to eat. This includes separate bowls for each pet, separating them at mealtimes, or providing a gated area for your pup to enjoy their food. Your dog is a hungry one, and usually just wants to feel comfortable when enjoying a meal. If your efforts are not working, you can always consult your vet or a local trainer for advice on food aggression treatment. Sometimes a consistent feeding routine is all you need. Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest When a dog shows aggression to protect his food, it can be a serious issue. Not only is there the danger of other dogs or humans in the house being bitten, but over time it can lead to the dog becoming possessive over everything. What is Food Aggression? Food aggression is a form of resource guarding in which a dog becomes very defensive when eating, using threats to force others away. It can be directed towards other animals, humans, or both. The behavior can also extend to treats. There are three degrees of food aggression: Mild: the dog growls and may show its teeth. Moderate: the dog snaps or lunges when approached. Severe: the dog bites. For an alpha dog , showing food aggression is a form of dominance, but for dogs with a lower pack position, it can be a sign of anxiety or fearfulness. How to Recognize Food Aggression When a dog is eating, his body will stiffen and he may keep his head down. A dog may show any or all of these signs. Finally, there are the above mentioned signs of the severity of the problem: growling, lunging, or biting. Is she only showing possessiveness over food, or does the behavior extend to other things, like favorite toys, resting spots, or even people in the pack? If he is naturally a dominant dog, then you will need to assert yourself as the Pack Leader in a calm and assertive way. On the other hand, if he is timid or fearful, you will need to build up his confidence and teach him that his food is safe with humans around. For severe cases, start off by consulting a professional until you can get the dog down to a moderate level. Here are some of the techniques to use. Mealtime should be no different. Be regular in feeding to take away the anxiety. Always feed your dog after the walk, never before. Also, exercising a dog after he eats can be dangerous, even leading to life-threatening conditions like bloat. Never feed your dog before or while the humans are eating. This will reinforce your status as the Pack Leader. However, you can recondition the dog until she learns that she wins when she lets you come near her while eating. The goal here is to get your dog to stop eating their food to take the treat from you. This teaches your dog several things. One is that no one is going to steal his food if he looks away from it. The other is that removing his attention from his food when people come around leads to a reward. In rehabilitating a food aggressive dog, two things are happening. There are many other techniques you can use to reduce food aggression or to prevent it from happening in the first place. The key, as always, is to be calm, assertive, and consistent. Have you established a feeding ritual for your dog? Why Do German Shepherds Growl? A German Shepherd is a very good communicator and will show you that he is not interested in sharing his food with you. When a German Shepherd shows aggression towards us in relation to his food or treats, he will sometimes offer low-level stress signs first, but sometimes, depending on the severity, he will go straight to growling, snapping, lunging, and even biting. When a German Shepherd shows food aggression, considering their size and abilities, we risk serious injury. German Shepherds may begin to show signs of food aggression as early as during the first few weeks of age. If a litter is large, sometimes there is a puppy or two that misses out on meals often and these puppies may feel the need to fight to get access to their food. If your adult dog is showing signs of food aggression, he may have learned that food does not come easily, and he needs to fight to keep it once he has possession of it. German Shepherd dogs can become more food aggressive with age, if the behavior is not dealt with appropriately when younger or if the dog is experiencing any kind of pain, discomfort or cognitive difficulties such as canine dementia, which can be associated with an aging German Shepherd Dog. There are many possible triggers for a German Shepherd to become aggressive when he has possession of food: He has been struggling to keep food in his possession, so someone entering his space can be determined as a threat. People coming predicts the loss of that resource He has learned that people will leave him alone if he shows his teeth He is hungry and his nutritional needs are not being met He is not feeling well and when he eats, it makes him feel worse He is on medication a steroid like prednisone for example which has increased appetite as a side effect and his current diet is not satiating his hunger He is on a medication that causes some kind of discomfort Can German Shepherd Food Aggression Be Corrected? German Shepherd food aggression can be corrected. First, you should get to know canine body language and stress signs, ensuring that the environment is set up for success and safety for both your dog and you. Second, you and your family can use positive reinforcement training methods to ensure that your GSD feels safe enough to communicate in those stressful times. The resource guarding behavior that results in aggression needs to first be managed, then carefully broken down into small steps of what NOT to do and what TO do instead. And we will get into that later in this article. With complex behaviors like food aggression, there is a significant emotional component involved. That said, below are a few tips to prevent food aggression from your Gerrman Sheperd: Become fluent in canine body language to prevent your GSD from having to escalate in order to retain access to his food. An adult German Shepherd, on average, requires — calories per day depending on activity level and age. If they guard their food bowl, claim it as yours. Be the boss. Be the alpha…. There are several things that we can do to help our GSDs from becoming food aggressive. What TO Do 1 Respect the growl: German Shepherds cannot speak English to tell us that they are uncomfortable, so they use canine body language and stress signs to do that — the growl being one of the most important, the most misunderstood, and the most punished. If a GSD learns that growling results in punishment, he will resort to biting first, instead. Learn to respect the growl as a request for space or a signal that something is making him uncomfortable. Practice walking by his bowl and tossing a few pieces in at a time, getting closer and closer each time depending on what his body language is telling you. Make dinner time fun! Talk to him and tell him how great he is! There are some things that we do to inadvertently create food aggression in our GSDs. We lose our warning. Without that warning, we risk a bite. This is what happens after an animal has experienced aversive stimulation of any kind. German Shepherds are sentient beings with cognitive abilities and social-emotional needs similar to that of a pre-verbal child…a furry toddler just looking to us for guidance. Conclusion The German Shepherd Dog is a strong, intelligent, and driven breed, that puts incredible effort into everything that he does. When he feels safe, he is able to make peaceful choices but when he feels threatened or intimidated, especially while in the presence of his most valuable resource food , the situation can change from friendly to aggressive, quickly. GSDs are not genetically food aggressive. Resource guarding of high-value items such as food is typically a learned behavior and can be modified by simple management and consistent training. A GSD is a working breed that prefers consistency and clear expectations. Is Dog Food Aggression Bad? Any kind of aggressive behavior that a GSD exhibit is not only emotionally difficult for them, but for us as well. We trust that we can feed our German Shepherd without being growled at or bitten, so when that happens, we risk both physical injury and emotional distress. Sheila Gunston, Dip. Sheila specializes in aggression and other complex behaviors. Post navigation. Same question here. He was making no progress. Turned out the 'training' method was to turn the water hose on the dog in his kennel! All the dog had learned was that he better be aware of this guy 'cause he did these nasty things to him. So much for 'GSD savvy trainers', they may not be savvy when it comes to working with resource guarding. With resource guarding, what I look for when I evaluate a dog is the extent of it, both in terms of the object guarded and the severity of the reaction. Is it the full food bowl only? Or the area around the food bowl, too? Or the whole room? How about the empty food bowl? Any other objects? What is the dog's guarding behavior? A growl, air snap, nip, bite, rip? And if there is an owner, look at their relationship. Feel free to pm me for trainer suggestions in MA. Young Mr Fiance should understand that is NOT an emotional rejection by the dog, the dog is just acting like a canine. Domestication has reduced RG in dogs but it is part of the behavioral repertoire of canis lupus familiaris. The behavior can be modified, especially if the dog's guarding is limited and predictable. Even managed if it is limited. But if an owner's ego gets in the way, I agree that the dog might be better off elsewhere. Btw, Schutzhund trainers rarely have the expertise to do behavioral rehab for problem behaviors. They have different skills.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. Wish your golden retriever puppy would stop biting so much? Puppy nipping is one of the most frustrating things about raising a new puppy—their teeth are razor-sharp, it hurts when they bite, and they can ruin your clothes! But why do puppies bite so much? Puppies bite to learn acquired bite inhibition, or ABI. What exactly is ABI? He might leap up and bite you because you hurt him and scared him. But the important thing is this: how hard will they bite? This is where ABI comes in. So ABI is really important. Now the question is, how do they learn it? The only way for puppies to learn ABI is to bite, and bite often. The best teachers are other dogs. Next time they bite a little less hard and playtime continues. This is how they learn ABI. Obviously, it takes a lot of repetition of this scenario to happen for a puppy to learn not to bite so hard, but this is essentially how it works out. Yes, you will need to help teach your puppy ABI. You can do this two ways: Set up puppy playdates and take them to puppy kindergarten so other puppies can teach them ABI. You actually want them to bite a little bit and learn to control how hard they bite. That being said, letting them go on a biting rampage is not helping the situation, so here are five tips to help you stop your puppy from biting so much: 1. Socialize your puppy Other dogs are the best teachers of ABI so make sure to get your puppy in kindergarten and set up playdates with dogs that you know are vaccinated. Remove yourself from the situation Puppies can often be over-stimulated or over-tired. One thing we did with our puppy, Oliver, when he got in these moods was to go sit at our high-top table in the kitchen and ignore him until he calmed down or distracted himself with a chew toy. Exercise your puppy A tired puppy is a good puppy. Young puppies have weak jaws, so if they had dull teeth, a bite from them would be no big deal. Most adult golden retrievers bite out of fear and a professional can help you properly handle it. Puppy Biting vs. Chewing Puppy biting or nipping is when a dog purposefully bites you. As we already talked about, they need to do this to learn ABI. Puppy chewing, on the other hand, is when puppies chew on things to relieve the pressure in their mouths from their adult teeth coming in. Since puppies bite and chew for different reasons, you need to handle these problems differently. Mentally wear them by out by training them, going for long walks and letting them sniff around, and giving them puzzle toys or frozen kongs. Remember that a tired puppy is a good puppy. A: It can take up to six weeks or more for your puppy to learn ABI and what is appropriate to bite or not. If it takes longer than six weeks, just remember to be consistent with the steps to stop it and have faith that it will slow down soon. Q: Is puppy biting an act of aggression? A: Most puppy biting is a form of play. It helps them learn ABI. If you think your puppy is biting out of aggression, then you should talk to a professional. Q: Why are puppy teeth so sharp? Q: What is ABI? A: ABI is acquired bite inhibition, or the natural ability for a dog to not bite so hard. Q: Do all puppies bite? A: Yes! Instead, they need to learn to control their bite force, then learn to bite less. Have any questions about puppy biting? Let me know in the comments below! Related articles:. You are bound to want to know when your biting puppy will grow out of this phase and how you can speed that process up. Biting, as you will have discovered is usually accompanied by lots of noise! Why do puppies bite? So why do puppies bite? My puppy is biting hard Puppies do bite hard and it does hurt. But I want to reassure you that even at 8 weeks old, your puppy has learned to moderate his bite in play. Puppies have powerful jaws designed to tear through flesh and crush bones. Those of you who feed your puppy a raw diet will know that even an 8 week old puppy from a medium sized breed can crush bones the size of your little finger. He is deliberately attempting to be gentle. Puppy Biting — Bite inhibition This ability, that your puppy has, to moderate the power of his jaws in play, is called bite inhibition. It is something that his mother started to teach him when he was just a few weeks old. And now it is your turn to take over and complete the training process. Growling and Puppy biting One thing that often worries people who have a new puppy in the family, is the growling that accompanies puppy biting. It sounds horrific. Great snarls and snaps accompany the biting and the puppy can appear quite demonic as he grabs onto your skin, or clothes. Tugging away with all the strength he can muster. Ninety nine times out of a hundred this is completely normal play biting. Is my puppy biting aggressive? You cannot determine whether or not a puppy is biting aggressively by how hard he bites or by the volume of the noise he makes. Play biting puppies bite hard and growl fiercely. Some puppies do occasionally draw blood. But these are not normally savage or crushing bites and the puppy is clearly enjoying himself. Fierce but fun! The play biting puppy will launch himself at the target of his bite. Whether it is your slippers or your fingers, with equal tail-wagging enthusiasm, hanging on grimly and grabbing repeatedly when the item is removed from him. All this, shocking though it may seem, is normal, and is not a sign that your puppy is going to be an aggressive dog! In fact some of the gentlest and most amiable breeds the labrador for example are the worst and fiercest play biters. The puppy that is a cause for concern is the puppy that is frightened. Because although puppies rarely bite through aggression, the nervous puppy may become aggressive as he matures Is my puppy afraid? A scared puppy may bite and scared puppies can grow into scared adult dogs so this is something you need to address quickly. You will know that your puppy is scared because he will try to avoid whatever it is he is scared of. A really frightened puppy will sometimes give off a distinctive musky smell. This hiding, and retreating, and the scared smell are warning signs that you have scared your puppy badly, or purchased a poorly socialised puppy. In this situation you need to get specialist help right away. Your vet should be able to advise you. For the vast majority of puppy owners then, biting is normal puppy behavior. Will my puppy biting stop naturally? To some extent biting is a phase caused by natural puppy playfulness and teething. Some puppies do stop biting with very little input from their family. Which is great. You may feel he should have grown out of it by now. We can physically prevent puppies from biting and we can train puppies not to bite. Both of these are good strategies. Or when children are getting upset, or visitors are winding your puppy up. Prevention usually involves interrupting the biting behavior, then redirecting the puppy into an alternative and more acceptable behavior, such as chewing on a toy. Or, it may involve temporarily separating him from his playmates. Interrupting the puppy biting In mild cases you may simply be able to put a toy in your biting puppy's mouth and get him tugging on that instead of on your fingers. If you are on the floor with the puppy stand up. And if you are standing up, turn and walk away from the puppy. This is where dog gates come in very handy with small puppies. A standard baby gate works fine for most breeds of dog. Managing the puppy You may have to pick up your biting puppy to remove him from the scene if he is biting your children for example, rather than you If he bites your hands and clothes as you try to restrain him, put him on the other side of a barrier or in his crate or puppy playpen for a short while. Although the puppy does learn from them, these are useful management techniques to enable you to control the situation. They help you to keep your puppy calm, and prevent the biting escalating through over excitement. Over-excited puppies Puppy play biting is directly linked to excitement. The more excited your puppy gets, the more and the harder he will bite. And the harder it will be to interrupt and distract him. Rough play excites puppies and noisy play does too. Children tend to squeal when they play and get very physical with puppies. One of the first rules they need to learn when playing with dogs, especially big dogs, is to stand up and stand still when the game gets too much. Limit such play and call a halt to it if your puppy is biting. With medium to large breed dogs, physical rough and tumble play is not a great idea. It can lead to dogs bowling people over or humping them, neither of which is very pleasant. Stopping play when it gets rough is a good management strategy and it is a form of training too. Over time, your puppy learns that biting and rough play loses him his playmates and that people simply leave if he is being mean. When do puppies stop biting? Many puppies have stopped biting completely by six months of age and biting is usually subsiding by the time that the puppy is heading towards five months old. This is if the puppy has been managed appropriately If people have been exciting him, or rewarding him for attention seeking behavior then biting can persist And it can be much more of a problem in bigger stronger puppies than in little ones. Training Puppies Not To Bite The idea of this exercise is to teach a puppy to accept being stroked and handled in any way, without touching us with his teeth. The event marker is a distinctive sound. Even around his mouth, without him making any attempt to bite you. You can also make it easier for him by starting this training when he is calm and not distracted. But for now, keep things simple. It can be a good way of getting the training started so that you have chance to say YES and give the puppy the opportunity to learn what you want him to do. Over the next few sessions, you can work on getting your hand closer and closer to the puppy. Until you are brushing the sides of his face without him making any attempt to mouth or bite at you Progress to touching and holding his collar, stroking his ears, grooming him, examining his paws and so on, all the time rewarding him for the correct behavior. Anytime the mouthing returns, back up to a point where he can succeed and move forward more slowly again Bite Inhibition Training Some experts feel that puppies should be allowed to mouth and even bite gently for a week or two before being prevented from biting altogether. Simply follow the instructions for managing your puppy above when he bites hard. But allow him to mouth you when he bites gently without much pressure. This is a great way to teach a dog excellent control over his mouth. After a couple of weeks of this, you can progress to the training exercise I outlined in the previous section. Older puppies that bite in play have often learned that this gets them a lot of attention. They have discovered that people squeal and shout and get quite cross. Sometimes these people push and shove the dog around which young dogs quite enjoy when they are playing. For these dogs it is important that you stop all physical play, with all family members If a puppy is biting hard at your hands when you try to interrupt his game. Or an older puppy is getting out of hand biting at clothing, you need to put your puppy on a harness and house-line a short trailing leash. This will enable you to control your puppy, and take him to a calming place, without handling him. You can just pick up the end of the line and lead him away. Older biting puppies are often bright and bored. And the best approach to avoiding future episodes of bad behavior is a structured programme of training and interesting activities. A professional dog trainer using modern positive training methods will be able to help you with these. Summary So now you know some tips on how to stop your puppy from biting. The first few weeks can be tough with a determined biter in the house, but you will get through this and come out the other side. A few months from now, this difficult period will be a distant memory In the meantime, focus on keeping your biting puppy calm, avoiding too much rough play, and redirecting his biting onto appropriate toys and activities. Spend some time on the training exercise set out above. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. You envisioned that your new puppy, Max, would walk calmly next to you in heel position. So you wonder what you should do to preserve your wardrobe and how to stop a puppy from tugging on clothing. Why Puppies Tug on Clothing Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Anything is fair game. Pulling on our clothing is very enticing to them and fun. And it may be cute in the beginning. And, as a puppy grows stronger and has adult teeth, this behavior can become dangerous. It can turn into biting as he gets his adult teeth. And he may even knock or pull someone down when he tugs. The following are some reasons why your puppy may be pulling on your clothes: 1. They are little land sharks with needle-like teeth. So the cloth on your new jeans is fair game as far as your puppy is concerned. He may chew on the furniture, have potty accidents, and even see you as a living chew toy and tug on your clothing. And he will probably pull on your clothes. Your puppy may be bored Your puppy may just be looking for something to do. Unfortunately, you and your clothes can be what he literally latches onto. Shelties, Aussies, and corgis will engage in these behaviors. They want to control your motion just as they would a flock of sheep. This is especially true when someone walks by quickly or noisily. When my many shelties were puppies, they would try to grab the bottom of my pants leg and tug. So I worked with the issue using some of the techniques I describe below. A retriever sometimes has a need to have something in his mouth. And that something could be the clothes you wear if nothing else is handy. My rescued golden retriever Spencer always had to have something in his mouth. So, instead of it being the shirt on my arm or my pant leg, I made sure that he had an assortment of toys he liked to carry around with him. Your puppy may want to play It may be as simple as your puppy needs to play. Puppies are usually very playful and will grab whatever—or whoever—is nearby. Play biting is a common puppy behavior. So the pup turns tugging on our clothing into a fun for him game. Your puppy may want attention You may be busy working on your computer. All of a sudden, you feel a tug on your clothes. So he explores the world with his mouth. And your clothing is easy to reach. This can also occur while on walks, where a puppy may see many things that excite him such as squirrels, dogs passing by, or someone mowing the lawn. You may have unintentionally encouraged him to tug on clothes You may have inadvertently rewarded the behavior. Your puppy may have the zoomies Sometimes puppies tug our clothing because they need to release energy. And you can also use certain methods to break the pattern. Play biting is a normal puppy behavior. Luckily, most puppies outgrow it. But, in the meantime, you need to work through the issue. He starts ferociously tugging with all his might instead of grabbing the rope toy in your hand. Afterward, redirect him to another activity or obedience cue. Then, use some of the other techniques below. Make sure that your puppy has enough physical and mental exercise The amount of physical exercise your puppy needs for his physical and mental well-being will vary depending on his age and breed s. Generally, working, herding, and sporting breeds and terriers require more exercise than toy breeds do. And young puppies often require more naps than older puppies and adult dogs do. So have puzzle toys ready. A flirt pole can exercise and redirect your pup to another activity. And teach your puppy obedience commands and tricks. Teach obedience commands Certain training cues are especially important to help stop a puppy from tugging at your clothes. Of course, teach your puppy to pay attention and look up at your face when you say his name. Then, you can tell him to leave anything and not pick it up or put it in his mouth—including you and your clothing. Teach your puppy to heel alongside you. Of course your puppy should also learn to come to you and sit and lay down on cue. Teach impulse control exercises The more that your puppy can control his own behaviors, all of his actions will be better regulated. Teach him to go a place and settle there. But by the time a pup reaches five or six months old, he should be able to sit and down on your verbal cue and hand signal. This training lesson teaches a puppy to control his natural impulses and drives. Place a small treat in your hand, palm up, and close your fist. Have another reward treat ready in your other hand. If your pup mouths or paws at your hand, ignore it. Do this exercise a few times. End on a successful note. Put your fist behind your back and walk away. Next time you train him, set him up to succeed. You can give a small tidbit of a treat. Or you can give him a safe chew or frozen stuffed Kong so that he will remain lying down and calm. Licking the stuffing out of a Kong is actually calming to a dog. Use an interrupter This can help teach your puppy to remove his teeth from your clothes. Or, if he knows how to sit on cue, have him sit, then release him and reward with a favorite toy. Have a favorite toy of his ready and have him fetch it. Or have a safe chew or stuffed frozen Kong ready. Give him a nap If your puppy is overly tired, he may act out much as a small toddler would. So what he needs is a nap. So you can first have him perform an obedience cue and reward him. Then have him enter his crate with a safe reward such as an appropriately-sized stuffed frozen Kong. Give your puppy a time-out Sometimes when a puppy is overstimulated, he needs a place to chill out. So when I give a puppy a short minute maximum time-out, I use a different, safe, puppy-proofed area. It can be a laundry room or bathroom. If this method is to work, you must just leave the puppy for a short time until he calms down minutes at most. Then, release him from the place and have him perform an obedience cue or redirect him to an acceptable game. Puppies and children can be a great combination. But all interactions should be monitored and directed. And teach your puppy to ignore such distractions and redirect him to other acceptable activities. But also instruct children and rambunctious adults to be calm around the pup. No rough-housing or wrestling with the pup. Clothing, especially those with our scent, are very inviting to most puppies. Place a chew deterrent on your clothes If your puppy goes after the bottom of your pants leg, you can spray a chew deterrent such as Bitter Yuck there before your pup approaches. You can then spray the bottoms with Bitter Yuck immediately prior to wearing them. Use calming aids If you need additional help calming your puppy down, there are many things that you can use. You can get your puppy used to wearing a ThunderShirt. It comes in a plug-in, collar, and spray. Get professional help if needed If all else fails, get professional help if you need it. A positive reinforcement trainer who has experience with puppy behaviors can set you and your puppy on the right track. And save your wardrobe. I know that this is easier said than done. But try the above-listed methods instead. And they can be abusive. Doing so may even teach him to fear you and become hand shy. And he may even become aggressive when you attempt to handle him. But, if you get too excited and scream at him, your puppy will probably become over-stimulated and his behavior of yanking on your clothes will escalate. Or some puppies will even become afraid of you. And you may even create other behavior problems. This includes no wrestling games or waving arms round. And no tug of war for now. So use other safe toys made for dogs instead. FAQs My puppy tugs on my clothes and has already ruined a few pairs of pants. Should I push him away? And teach him obedience commands such as paying attention, leave it, sit, heel, and down. And have something ready such as a favorite to or chew to redirect him before his teeth are on your clothes. My family gives my puppy old socks as toys and now he always wants to pull the socks off my feet. What should I do? First of all, stop giving your puppy clothing as toys. Instead, have safe toys and chews available for him to play with. My puppy gets very excited when my two toddlers are playing. He grabs their clothes and pulls them over, which scares them. And he gets even more excited when they cry. Never leave your puppy alone with your children. Accidents can happen. Have them interact only when supervised and after your puppy has a sufficient amount of exercise for his age and breed. Teach your toddlers to be calm around your puppy. Reward them for being calm. Positive reinforcement works for people too! And teach your puppy obedience commands and impulse control exercises. Final Thoughts Puppies explore the world with their mouths. There are many reasons why they love to tug at our clothes. Then you can take the measures necessary to avoid and correct that behavior. Have you had a puppy who tugs on your clothes? What have you done about it? Did it work? Please tell us about it in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation.

This thoughtfully crafted dog food is formulated to meet the unique nutritional requirements of Labrador Retriever puppies up to 15 months old. It contains premium proteins and prebiotics for optimal digestion and energy. With vitamin E and minerals, it supports the immune system and overall health. The kibble size and texture promote dental health. This puppy food provides a tasty and balanced diet to support healthy growth and development, making it an excellent choice for Labrador Retriever puppy owners. This nutritious dog food is made with real chicken and eggs and provides essential vitamins and minerals for healthy digestion, immune function, and overall well-being. It also supports strong bones and healthy skin and coat. Its balanced nutrition and delicious taste make it a satisfying choice for adult Labrador dogs. This high-quality dog food offers a complete nutritional profile at a reasonable price, making it an excellent value-for-money option for pet parents seeking to provide their dogs with a nutritious diet. How to find the best Labrador dog food? Selecting the optimal dog food for your Labrador necessitates the meticulous evaluation of various factors. Look for high-quality ingredients: Choose dog foods that contain high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, and fats and are free from artificial preservatives and fillers. Choose a formula for Labrador Retrievers: Some dog food brands offer recipes designed explicitly for Labrador Retrievers, considering their unique nutritional needs. Suitability with age: Age factors matter a lot when choosing Labrador dog food. Puppies, adult dogs, and seniors have different dietary requirements, so select a formula appropriate for your dog's age. Read the online reviews to get an idea of how other dog owners feel about a particular dog food brand. You may be interested in Product. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Once they reach eight weeks, changing to dry kibble food is best. We recommend feeding a Labrador puppy dry kibble for the first months before changing to an adult food type. But to remain healthy, owners should know what to feed them. Dog owners should feed a Labrador puppy dry food kibble , wet food, or fresh human food, depending on their budget and lifestyle. There are many options for food for dogs, and it can become challenging to determine which one is the best option for the dog. We have found the best options and listed them below. They help us with our daily tasks, are always there when we need them, and bring great joy to our lives. But, it is essential to ensure that our dog gets the best nutrition possible. They have a lot of energy and need to be fed accordingly. This includes the number of calories, food type, and the number of meals per day. We will explain all of these factors to help understand what to feed these precious animals. A Labrador puppy needs high-quality protein in their diet, so they should not be fed just any type of food. This is why we recommend three food options: dry food or kibble, fresh food or human food, or wet food. We prefer using dry food or kibble in most cases, but it is beneficial to start with wet food for young puppies and transition to dry food after a few weeks. Feeding a puppy human food is possible, but it can be more expensive and requires extra work to stick to a cleaner diet at this age. We have found it to be a healthier and more convenient option for our pets. It is also a good alternative to wet food which can be difficult to store and prepare. The benefits of dry dog food are that it offers the pup a balanced diet that doesn't need refrigeration. It also offers convenience because we can buy it in bulk and store it in the pantry or freezer until needed. Dry dog food is also less expensive than wet food, which is another benefit for pet owners. Fresh Food Human Food Feeding a Labrador puppy a diet of fresh, real human food is one of the best things to do for their health and well-being. It will not only make them happy and content, but it will also keep them healthy. This eliminates the guessing game; they are only fed real, natural foods with no unknown ingredients. However, it will become expensive and require regular cooking and preparation. Wet Food Wet food is recommended for Labrador puppies when they are first born and for the first weeks while they grow. It can be either raw or cooked. Wet food is a good source of water and minerals, which are important in the early days of their life to help them grow strong bones and teeth. It should be given to a puppy as soon as it comes out of its mother's womb, but it must not be given before it starts eating solid foods because it will cause diarrhea. Once they get more mature, moving to kibbles is best. It is known for its low level of grain and carbohydrate content and high protein content. Once they reach the week mark, there are better options to help the puppy continue to develop and grow. This food also helps with digestion and weight management. It also promotes proper bone growth with antioxidants and necessary nutrients like vitamin E. The kibble is also shaped strategically to help puppies who chew fast while helping with jaw growth. Overall, this is the best food option for a Labrador puppy. It is designed for all life stages, from puppies to seniors, and we love the benefits it provides to younger labs. The product features a blend of highly digestible proteins, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, taurine, and glucosamine. This ensures the dog gets the nutrition they need while also reducing the risk of digestive tract problems such as bloat or pancreatitis. It also has a low glycemic index and no corn, wheat, or soy in the recipe. Dog owners can also expect an excellent protein ratio when using this food. Both veterinarians and nutritionists have recognized it for its high-quality ingredients for young puppies. The Acana High Protein formula is made with a blend of chicken, turkey, and fish meals, whole eggs, and natural beef or lamb meal. The product has a limited ingredient list with no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. It also has no added sugar and a low glycemic index. This food also contains probiotics and prebiotics to help the pet maintain a healthy immune system. This is the perfect dry dog food for puppies after eight weeks old. This brand is also very affordable for those who want to feed their dog a healthy diet without breaking the bank. It features a patented recipe that helps to promote healthy digestion, strong teeth and gums, healthy skin and shiny coat, a strong immune system, healthy joints and muscles, and a healthy heart. This is a high-protein food option for Labradors too. It promotes lean muscle growth and improved body health with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics 5. It is made with high-quality ingredients and has a great taste and texture for labs to enjoy. This food is to help with puppy development and is suitable for all Labradors under one-year-old. This wet food provides the perfect balance of healthy proteins to support a dog's growth while providing the energy they need to maintain its fitness levels. This can be fed as a meal or as an occasional snack between meals. It has no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or added sugar. It also contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are important for healthy skin and the dog's coat. They are large, strong, intelligent dogs that need a lot of attention, exercise, and food. These dogs can be picky eaters and usually need a lot of calories because of their size. This is especially true for puppies so they can grow properly and remain healthy due to their increased risk of health issues. Food Type Labrador puppies' most popular dog foods are kibbles and canned wet food. Kibbles are the best option for a puppy because they are easy to chew and digest. Canned food is a good option for pups who have difficulty chewing or digesting dry food and would benefit from a little moisture in their diet. The food type also depends on the owner. Dry food or kibbles are faster to prepare, while serving human food to a lab puppy requires extensive prep time. Nutritional Value When it comes to nutritional value, we want dog food that has high-quality protein and carbohydrates. This will help the puppy grow strong and healthy. This is why we need to take into account the nutritional value, quality of ingredients, and taste. It should be made with all-natural ingredients that are sourced from human-grade materials such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. A brand should have all the essential nutrients for a pup but still, be low in toxic elements and preservatives too. Dietary Restrictions Lastly, consider the dietary restrictions of the Labrador puppy before choosing a dog food option. This includes any allergies or health concerns for the dog and shopping for something that suits them best. For example, lab puppies must reach a certain carbohydrate and protein number daily. Labradors are also known to have allergies, especially young ones, so planning around this is crucial. A puppy should be fed at least three times a day, with a meal size that is appropriate for its body weight. They should also be given small daily snacks to keep them satisfied and happy, including treats to help with training. We feed our puppies the best that we can. We want to give them all the nutrients and vitamins they need. We also want to make sure that they are getting a balanced diet. The most important thing when feeding a Labrador puppy is that they get enough calories from their food every day. In the first weeks, the puppy should eat four smaller daily meals. Once the lab reaches three months, this can be changed to three meals per day. And after months, we recommend two meals per day. The key is not to change the calories much when the meals change but to simply modify the size of each meal to fit the total daily food amount. Feeding a Labrador puppy is not rocket science, but there are some things everybody should know about what to feed them and when to feed them. We have covered this basis, but changes need to be made as they age. This leads to a common question about changing food to fit the needs of a grown adult Labrador. The dog's age will determine how quickly they grow and how much energy they need. Lab puppies can stick with kibbles for up to 12 months. Diamond Naturals Dog Food Review An additional reason for there being specific food for puppies is the pieces are smaller which not only prevents them from choking, it also makes the food easier to digest. The pieces are richer, denser and the ideal size for smaller mouths. These ingredients are where your pup gets the nutrients they need to grow and live, nutrients that are sadly lacking in the cheaper dog foods. With foods that are a bit more expensive, your pooch can eat a more well-balanced meal and enjoy it. They eat more, they poop more, and this means house training becomes much harder for you. What you feed your puppy is a major factor in the success of your house training process. Firstly, dry food tends to be more complete and balanced with the correct amount of vital nutrients in it. The ingredients tend to be of better quality as long as you pick the right brand. Plus, dry food helps to keep teeth strong due to being a solid food, and the slightly abrasive nature of the solid food has a natural teeth cleaning effect. It also lasts far longer than cans as you need to feed less of it. Recommended Best Puppy Food For Labs And Large Breeds In this next section we give you 4 of the best foods on the market made from high quality ingredients but still available at a reasonable price. These foods will provide your puppy with all the nutrients they need in just the right mix and quantities, not just so they survive, but so they can truly thrive. Deboned chicken is high quality chicken protein, whereas the chicken and turkey meal is a concentrate. It is nutrient rich with vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin A as well as containing minerals like zinc, iron and calcium. It even has some fruit content like apples and blueberries. The Lactobacillus acidophilus, green tea extract and rosemary extract are all known to help prevent infections. This is a very high-quality food your puppy will truly thrive on and is our top recommendation as the best puppy food for labs. However, if price is no object, K9 is certainly one of the best foods available! K9 Natural Grain-Free Puppy Freeze-Dried Dog Food gives your puppy all the benefits of raw food, aiming for optimum levels of growth and development — not too fast nor stunted — and for lean muscle mass and peak conditioning. Its main ingredient is grass-fed New Zealand beef. And this is rounded out by whole food ingredients like flaxseed, kelp, New Zealand mussel, fruits and veggies, and hoki oil which provides DHA for EPA for healthy brain and eye development. It gets a big thumbs up from us. The first ingredient is bison and is a high quality meat product. The next ingredient is lamb meal, which has a large amount of protein in it being a meat concentrate, percent more than fresh lamb meat. The third highest ingredient is sweet potatoes, which are an excellent source of complex carbs. They contain fiber and beta carotene. In fact, this food consists of approx. This provides your puppy with a source of energy ideal for his busy puppy lifestyle. Overall, this food is highly recommended and your puppy should thrive on it. They also allow regular independent inspections of their manufacturing process and source ingredients the US, EU and NZ. So quality control is well taken care of. The large breed puppy formula contains a scientifically formulated balance of proteins, fats, phosphorous and calcium in just the right amounts and proportions to promote a healthy rate of bone and muscle development, highly important for large breed puppies where excessive nutrients can be just as harmful as malnutrition. The food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin for the health of connective soft tissues which is reassuring for large breeds, and especially Labradors, who can suffer from many joint problems in life. It also contains omega oils for healthy brain development, as well as other fatty acids known to promote healthy skin and coat. So Eukanuba large breed puppy food comes recommended. The fiber in it will help with digestion while it has antioxidants that are known to help keep your dog healthy for many years to come. Royal Canin Breed Specific Labrador Puppy Royal Canin is a very well-known brand with lots of positive reviews from past and present dog owners on Amazon. It has an above average protein content than the minimum recommended for your dog, coming in at 31 percent protein at dry weight. The protein it has comes mostly from chicken by-product meal which is considered somewhat low quality and consists of whatever is left after chickens are slaughtered. However, it does NOT — as you might read elsewhere — consist of anything from feet to beaks. According to dogfoodadvisor. After chicken by-product meal, the second ingredient in this food is brewers rice. The fourth ingredient is corn gluten meal which is a residue left over once most of the useful, starchy carbohydrates have been washed out of it. With such popularity, high ratings and reviews with so many people saying their dogs thrive on this, there must be some truth to it. The third to 5th ingredients are wholesome whole grains that provide high energy from complex carbohydrates that are easy to digest. These are far better than corn and most other sources of carbs found in cheaper foods that are hard for a puppy to get any nutrition from. Out of everything in this product, 40 percent of it is protein, which is higher than average. About 14 percent of it is fat, and of the remainder, 38 percent is carbs. And the omega oils may help reduce risk of developing arthritis. Not only this, but Labradors are a large breed and are more sensitive to nutritional imbalances than smaller breeds. You really do need to get their diet right to do the best for them. Luckily, many brands of food specifically aimed at large breeds and Labradors have been created that provide everything they need in just the right amounts, that are easy for an owner to feed by simply following instructions on the packet. I know there is a lot of conflicting advice out there when it comes to dog food and it can be a nightmare to wade through if trying to find the best puppy food for Labs. So hopefully this article has been of some use to you. A very good resource that does good work for dog food quality awareness. Check them out! Please be aware this page contains affiliate links and Labrador Training HQ receives a small commission if you make a purchase through any such links. This has no effect on the eventual price you pay and we are very grateful for your support. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. Increase portions as your puppy grows. Be sure to follow the rule of dog treats. This is about changes over time. Nutritional deficiency or excess can lead to disease and ultimately death. You may have noticed that your dog has dandruff after changing food, but the food is really good — try adding levels of zinc and vitamin A. Your main task as a pet owner is to monitor the health of a small family member and be responsible for this life. Image credit: canva. The first one is a protein that can be found in meat, poultry, fish, yogurt, and cooked eggs. Protein is responsible for the structure of muscles and tissues, as well as the formation and growth of new cells. In the diet for a Labrador puppy, it is imperative to include carbohydrates that are found in brown rice, potatoes, and wheat. Carbohydrates supply the body with glucose, which is responsible for the functioning of the brain and nervous system. An obligatory component of dog food is fats. It is a source of energy, development, and functioning of the cells and muscles of the body. Fats are included in oil and even fish oil. Puppy food for Labs or any other dog includes a certain amount of minerals such as calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and others. Minerals in dog food form bones and cartilage and balance the nerves. It promotes the production of hormones in the Lab puppies, regulates the balance of fluids in the body, and transports oxygen into the blood. Like people, dog and puppy foods should include plenty of water. Water is life! Once in the body, they strengthen bones, and teeth and fill the Labrador puppy with energy. Cost point Every time you buy pet food, you think about the issue of price. Of course, cost is important when making a purchasing decision. You should be aware that higher-quality puppy food can cost more than the average price. Your dog is an irreplaceable member of your family, which must be protected and loved with all your heart. Risks and diseases Lab owners should know well about all risks and diseases that their dogs may face. Numerous studies confirm that the Labrador Retriever breed is prone to digestive sensitivities and skin allergies due to irritating foods. This leads to pruritic diseases. Skin allergies and problems with the gastrointestinal tract are severe. Labs are prone to obesity. Maintaining a healthy weight and body is considered an important point of caring for a dog. In general, Labrador Retrievers should have a taut, hourglass-shaped figure. Obesity puts additional stress on bones and joints and makes it difficult to stay healthy. To combat weight gain, you need to exercise your dog with certain physical exercises, follow a proper diet, control portion sizes, and receive treats. Another disease caused by malnutrition is Gastric dilatation-volvulus. In short, this is boating. Indigestion is a severe problem that should not be ignored. The worst risk is death from the musculoskeletal disorder of muscles, nerves, joints, arthritis, and spinal discs. Also, you should be aware that feed processing of dog foods affects the occurrence and development of cancer. Dry food is cooked at a very high temperature, which leads to the formation of harmful chemical elements in the body of the dog. Such food also contains carbohydrates, which break down into cancer-causing glucose. You can combine dog food with homemade recipe food for your pet yourself. Moreover, it is a good way of feeding your dog if the dog food at home is over or there is very little left, but you need to extend the time until the next purchase. Dogs fed solely on home-cooked or combined diets lived for about 13 years, while those fed only processed food lived for about 10 years. Like human food, it can be chewed easily. Food is broken down in the body so that key nutrients are absorbed more quickly. Such food facilitates digestion and relaxes the stomach. Reducing stress on the digestive system reduces the likelihood of bloating. If you still decide to cook homemade food, follow the rules. Study each ingredient. Cook all animal products for the exact finish to kill harmful bacteria. Risks of homemade dog food Most of the problems are caused by a misunderstanding of the nutritional needs of the Labrador. If you do not understand the effect of food on the body of your pet, which reaction is correct and which can lead to negative consequences and different stages of life, contact a professional veterinarian who can tell you in detail about the effect of food on the body of a dog and how to properly form a pet diet. What food is best for a Labrador puppy? We made for you the list of the best puppy food for Labrador puppies. We can highlight the most noteworthy products from this list. Should I feed my Lab puppy dry or wet food? Mix dry and wet food. What is better to choose — opinions are different. But if you are in doubt about which puppy food to choose, consult your veterinarian. What is the recommended amount of water for a puppy? Older pups that have been nursed require one-half ounce to one ounce of water per pound of body weight. What do you feed an 8-week-old Lab puppy? An 8-week-old puppy should be fed several small meals a day. After 14 weeks, the Lab puppy can switch to two meals a day. Food for a Labrador puppy should be full of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals for healthy development. Giving treats is fine, but remember that Labradors are prone to overeating and gaining weight quickly. Also, try to give treats for obedience. You can choose canned food and dry food for your dog as you wish but you should always think about the effect of this dog food on your dog. Hope this article was helpful for you and that your pet will grow healthy and strong. The best large breed puppy food helps your Lab puppy dog grow into a healthy adult. What should I feed my Labrador puppy? One of the main differences between Lab puppies and smaller breeds is that Lab puppies have a lot more growing to do. For example, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel weighs about 8 pounds at three months old and grows to an adult size of about 15 pounds, their weight just about doubling. A Labrador puppy, on the other hand, weigh about 20 pounds and three months to about 65 pounds, more than tripling their weight. Because of this, large breed puppies grow and change a lot in the first few years, going through fast and dramatic bone changes. This makes them very sensitive to nutritional imbalances, which is why using the best puppy foods formulated for Labs helps them get the protein content and nutrients they need to promote healthy growth. That said, puppy food has more calories and vitamins than adult puppy food to support their rapid growth. Labs do not reach adult size until they are between 12 and 18 months old, and you should keep feeding them puppy foods throughout this time. What are the best foods for Labrador puppies? How much should I feed my 8 week old lab puppy? There should be detailed instructions on the side of the best puppy food for Labs packaging that tells you how much to use depending on the age of your puppy. A general guideline is four meals of two ounces per day at two months, three meals a day of about 3. Again, this is just a guideline. The best thing to do is follow the instructions on the package or ask your vet to be sure. Keep a close eye on your puppy, too. If they appear to be gaining weight, you may need to cut back a bit. Choosing breed-specific food from a well-known brand is usually a safe bet, and this is definitely the case with Royal Canin. This recipe is designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of Lab puppies between eight weeks and 15 months. The unique ring-shaped kibble is meant to help Lab pups chew and eat their food more slowly, which makes every meal more satisfying. In addition to providing your puppy with the best nutrition it needs to thrive, Royal Canin also includes an effective blend of antioxidants to help boost their developing immune system and proteins and probiotics to support optimal digestion. It promotes healthy bones and weight management to help your Lab become a healthy adult. This pound bag should last you quite a while, especially when your puppy is very young. Store it in a large air-tight container to keep it fresh between feedings. Farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient, which tastes great and provides the protein your puppy needs for healthy growth. A detailed feeding schedule is included on the package so you can be sure your puppy is getting the right amount of food every day. This natural dog food is also available in a lamb formula. The best food for puppies from this brand is the chicken recipe. It contains the optimal amount of calcium to support controlled bone growth and balanced minerals strong bones and teeth. Puppies love the delicious chicken flavor and the high-quality protein helps them develop and maintain lean muscle. Fish oil provides DHA for healthy brain and eye development, too. Something impressive about this brand is that its recipes are developed by a team of more than food scientists, vets, and Ph. They carefully choose their suppliers by making sure their facilities meet a high bar of safety and quality standards and each ingredient is examined to make sure it delivers the nutrition necessary to keep the recipe balanced for your pet. This dry Labrador puppy food uses only natural ingredients with no artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, or chicken by-product meal. High-quality chicken is the first ingredient, proving the lean protein your Lab needs for energy and to support lean muscle growth. This formula also contains optimized levels of phosphorus and calcium to support bone health, DHA for healthy brain development, and vitamin E to help a developing immune system, all ingredients to help your large breed puppy grow into a healthy adult Labrador retriever. Concentrated energy provided by the appropriate level of carbohydrates and fat keeps your puppy going, playing, and exploring while continuing to grow. There are three sizes available so you can choose the size appropriate for your Lab puppy. Whether you choose a five, 16, or pound bag is up to you. Serving sizes for Lab puppies are listed on the side of the bag for Labrador puppies at ages two, five, eight, and 12 months. Eukanuba is so sure you and your puppy will love this best dog food, satisfaction is guaranteed. The naturally grain-free kibble also includes turkey and chicken meal for concentrated protein which also delivers the DHA your puppy needs for healthy brain and eye development. This high amount of protein also develops leaner muscle mass. There are a lot of other great ingredients in this best puppy food for a Labrador puppy, too. Omega fatty acids from flaxseed and salmon oil develop a healthy coat and skin, antioxidants for a healthy immune system, glucosamine for healthy joints, and probiotics to encourage effective digestion. Plus, there are no fillers like wheat, soy, or corn. There are no fillers or gelling agents, GMOs, animal meals, or legumes and they never use any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. What you will find is whole, nutrient-rich food ingredients and the right amount of fats and vitamins to support whole growth and development. This recipe uses grass-fed beef from New Zealand along with fresh Hoki oil obtained from sustainably sourced fish. Every serving provides DHA for brain and eye development, phosphorus and calcium to support teeth and bone development, and premium protein for energy and muscle development. The best thing about this brand is that it was developed by a vet who looked at the evolutionary standpoint of dogs and their diets. Before dogs were domesticated, their diet consisted of raw animal proteins with minimal carbs and a high amount of fat and protein. So much pet food these days contains carbohydrates, which is why K9 Natural was developed. Another great thing about this large breed recipe is your Lab puppy is going to love the taste. K9 Natural is so sure about this that they provide a no questions asked money-back satisfaction guarantee. They always use real meat as the first ingredient, like the high-quality real chicken in this recipe that encourages healthy muscle growth. This puppy food also contains DHA and ARA, fatty acids present in breast milk that contribute to the development of the brain and eyes. A cool thing about Blue Buffalo is that they include something called Lifesource bits in their dry dog food. It uses the finest ingredients and contains no poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy as well as no artificial preservatives or artificial flavors. The large breed kibble size is also perfect for puppy Labs. This product comes in two sizes, 15 and 30 pounds, so you can get just what you need. It uses real chicken to encourage strong muscle growth as well as many other healthy ingredients. Lifesource bits are processed at a lower temperature which means that they do not degrade as quickly as regular kibble, maintaining the integrity of the ingredient. Blue Buffalo uses only the finest ingredients to deliver the vitamins and minerals Labs need without any by-product meals, fillers, or artificial flavors or preservatives. This grain-free recipe includes freeze-dried raw boost bits of natural chicken, supporting muscle growth, and providing the energy your puppy needs to play and learn. This large breed food supports teeth and bone health with adequate levels of calcium and phosphorus as well as natural DHA for eye and brain development. This food may also help your Labrador puppies have better-formed stools and help relieve food sensitivities. Most picky eaters gobble it up. It comes with a satisfaction guarantee. This delivers the optimal amount of amino acids and protein to help your puppy grow strong, lean muscles, and provides the energy they need to explore and grow. This recipe also contains DHA for healthy brain and eye development and superfoods for necessary antioxidants. By combining the protein your pet craves with real vegetables and fruits, Taste of the Wild gives your puppy everything it needs to feed its wild side while helping it grow into an adult dog that will be a loved and trusted member of the family for many years to come. It delivers percent of the balanced nutrition your puppy needs to grow and develop and maintains excellent coat and skin health. Plus, they taste great, so your puppy will love it. Every ingredient in this recipe is checked for quality and produced in US facilities so you can trust the quality of the manufacturing process, too. Pro Plan has recipes for every life stage, so once your puppy is ready to move onto adult and later senior dog food, you can stick with a brand you know and trust. They are what they eat Good health and longevity begin with good nutrition and quality ingredients for Lab puppies The educated dog owner strives to feed the best and most beneficial food that their budget allows. Even the choice of canned food versus dry is a big one, thanks to a wide variety of formulations, price points, and health claims with strong proponents on either side. Wet vs Dry Food for Puppies Both wet and dry food can give your puppy what they need. As we said, dry puppy food is more affordable and convenient than wet food. Dry food is also more calorically dense. Dry food is usually less than 10 percent water while wet food is as much as 75 percent water. So, dry food definitely gives you more bang for your buck. Your puppy or any large breed dogs will need to eat significantly more wet dog food to get the same amount of nutrition as it will get from a serving of dry food. Wet foods may be enough for a small puppy, but a large puppy like a Labrador would not be able to get by on wet food alone, which is why we recommend dry dog food. There are some cases in which you might want to consider mixing some wet food in with your Labs dry diet. Canned foods have ingredients that generally taste a lot better than dry food that puppies sometimes really like, so if you have a picky eater, this may help solve the problem. Wet food has a softer and more appealing texture for Labs, too. What about grain? Some dry dog foods contain a good amount of grain while wet dog food does not. Corn, wheat, and rice are often used to bind dry dog food and make it possible to have nice bite-sized pieces of kibble. This one way to tell high-quality Labrador puppy food from a low-quality one. There is a lot of debate about whether or not grains are good for dogs and puppies, including your Labrador puppy. Other people believe that wolves were scavengers and would have supplemented their diet with corn, roots, fruits, and vegetables when meat was scarce. Just remember that dry food is a little more economical and nutrient-dense. Look at the label. As you can see, nutrition is very important for large breed puppies like your Labrador puppy and it is very important to learn how to decipher the label. You should always be able to find a list of ingredients on the bag. This list is organized in descending order, meaning that the first ingredient is the one that the food contains the most of by weight and is what the puppies who are eating these foods are getting the most of. The first and second ingredients in good large breed puppy dog foods should always be meat of some kind, whether its chicken, lamb, of beef. You might see meat meal listed as the main ingredient. Like grains, the nutritional value of meat meal is often debated. Meat meal has less water than meat, which means it has more concentrated nutrition. Generally, this is not a bad thing. What you need to be aware of, though, is the quality of the meal. Some are made of waste products, like bones, hooves, and animal heads. Basically, the parts of the animal that you might not want your puppy to eat. What should you avoid? Any dog foods with ingredients described as an animal by-product meal or with a vague description like meat meal. Instead, look for clearly defined, honest ingredients like chicken meal, beef meal, or duck meal. If you decide to feed your Labrador puppy grains, look for whole grains on the label and avoid things like corn gluten meal or soybean meal. You should also always avoid artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, and sweeteners. Dental Health Another area where dry dog food has an advantage over wet food for your Labrador puppy is that dry food can help maintain good dental health. Some brands are shaped specifically to encourage chewing to scrape off plaque buildup as the puppy chews. Wet food, on the other hand, is believed to contribute to plaque. Because of its texture, it sticks to the teeth much more than dry food and may cause more plaque. Some studies done in the s showed that there really was no difference in the dental health of dogs who ate dry adult dog food versus those that ate wet, but things have come a long way since then. Some food brands have developed special shaped and textured pellets that have been proven to scrape off some plaque. Dave Nielsen I have lived in big cities my entire life. Having grown up on the Upper East Side in Manhattan, my early life was an exciting one, filled to the brim with interesting encounters and opportunities popping up at every street corner. Like many city people, my passion for dogs first started when my parents decided to bring a puppy into the household. For them, it was a way of getting me to spend less time at his computer or wandering aimlessly around the city with my friends. After a few years of doing basic cybersecurity and tech support work in various offices around Manhattan, I decided to leave New York and look for my calling in Boston, Massachusetts. Although they were originally bred to help with hunting and fishing, people have adopted Labrador retriever puppies as family dogs. Growing anywhere between 50 to 80 pounds, Labs make great service dogs , hunting dogs or general companions. Labrador retrievers love to eat, though, leaving them predisposed to obesity and a myriad of health issues that go with it. This article will cover health issues that Labs commonly deal with and how the right large-breed puppy food can prevent bigger problems later on. Knowing what health obstacles your Labrador pup may face later on in life can help you pick the right diet to prevent issues as they get older. Hip Dysplasia Early signs of hip dysplasia present as limping and painfulness when walking up or down the stairs. Unfortunately, Labs are predisposed to developing hip dysplasia for a number of reasons: Types of exercise Improper weight Lack of proper nutrition Some Labrador retrievers are genetically predisposed to developing this condition. Choosing a diet designed for large-breed dogs can help prevent excessive growth, which can lead to skeletal diseases like hip dysplasia and joint issues. Experts also suggest a diet rich in glucosamine and chondroitin. Arthritis Labrador retrievers are at risk for arthritis due to their size, causing joint problems in old age. Veterinarians recommend supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin, along with medications to alleviate pain. How can you prevent your Labrador from developing arthritis in the first place? Start them on the right diet early on. Like hip dysplasia, starting your Lab puppy on a diet that meets their nutritional needs early on can prevent harm to their joints and skeletal system. Add in regular visits to the veterinarian, the right kind of exercise e. In some instances, a mass in the brain, metabolic disturbances, exposure to toxins, anemia or electrolyte imbalances are to blame. Some recent studies suggest providing your pup with: Small amounts of fruit e. Developing the right balance of intestinal bacteria from an early age can help support a healthy immune system early on. Ultimately, this will help reduce the occurrence of stomach issues like constipation, diarrhea and digestive tract infections. Prebiotics, on the other hand, provide fiber to your puppy. The addition of fiber encourages the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon. All in all, the prebiotics help feed the probiotics. On the topic of health, you should consider how much you are feeding your puppy. Since puppies grow at different rates, there is no black and white answer as to how much they should eat. However, the general rule of thumb is to feed your puppy according to the guidelines on their puppy dry dog food. You should also consider the size, age, activity and energy levels, and medical conditions of your pup when buying dog food. However, by 12 weeks, your Labrador retriever puppy should have a definite waist. Weight gain is normal for your Labrador pup but should not be in excess. If you find your puppy to be a little more round than recommended, reduce the amount you feed them. Alternatively, if you notice your puppy is starting to look a little slim, increase their portion size. Once they start eating dry food, feed your puppy small, frequent meals throughout the day. When you first bring your lab puppy home, you might feed them three to four times a day. The best puppy food for labs should be nutrient-rich, providing your puppy with what they need without having to overeat. For a balanced diet, you should provide your puppy with high-quality food. The same can be said for dogs. Starting your Lab puppy on a clean, nutritious diet early on is a good way to set their future health on the right track. Starting your puppy on high-calorie kibble can help them grow and build muscle. Feeding your puppy a nutritionally sound diet early on can help prevent skeletal diseases , such as arthritis. How do you achieve this? Feed your puppy food specifically designed for their nutritional needs. For a Lab puppy, this means a diet for large-breed dogs, containing a higher protein level. Dietary Requirements In general, your Lab puppy needs fats, high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and water. Veterinarians have concluded that the main nutritional requirement for Labs is protein. In fact, protein plays a vital role in repairing tissues, maintaining the musculoskeletal system, supplying energy and keeping the immune system up and running. The second most important nutritional requirement for Labs is fat. If your puppy is incredibly active, for example, they might need more fat and protein content than a less active dog. Although wolves are carnivores, dogs are not. Even though grain-free is a common pet food buzzword, studies show that dogs need to eat grain for healthy heart function. Eating a variety of foods allows dogs to thrive, gaining access to the right amount of fiber, vitamins and minerals. For the healthiest life, a Lab puppy should eat an omnivorous diet. This means they should not only eat protein but also grains, fruits and vegetables. Where other dog food brands fall short, Bully Max steps in. In fact, the proof is in our formula: Chicken meal.

Adorable, charming and hypoallergenic, poodles are widely popular pets for good reason. Their personalities are good-natured, playful and affectionate. They make great family companions, are gentle with kids and are esteemed for being incredibly loyal to their owners. At Rozey K9 Farm, we specialize in offering the best standard poodle puppies in Michigan. We specifically choose our adult dogs to ensure the best breeding standards. They come from top lines that have undergone extensive health testing, and are thoroughly health tested themselves. This ensures that our animals are up to the highest standards all the way from conception to joining a new home. Come to us for pups that are very intelligent, eager to please, friendly and loving. These puppies excel in obedience, rally, agility and conformation. They make excellent emotional support, therapy and service dogs, as well as loving family companions. Many of our poodles hold therapy titles! At Rozey K9 Farm, we strive to breed well-rounded puppies suited for multiple tasks. You can learn more about the breed and breed standards here. Finding the right Standard Poodle puppy can be extremely hard work. Rozey K9 Farm Poodles provides a peace of mind and reassurance of selecting and purchasing the perfect Standard Poodle puppy or Standard Poodle puppies from the comfort of your home or on a visit to our farm. We have a great reputation as top Standard Poodle dog breeders, and our individual Standard Poodle puppy for sale listings with photos and detailed descriptions will be sure to please you and answer many of your questions. As one of the reputable Standard Poodle dog breeders with puppies for sale we also offer a health guarantee. With many Standard Poodle puppies for sale and several Standard Poodle dog breeders, we know the selection is hard, but you're sure to find the perfect Standard Poodle puppy with us. Our puppy Price is for limited registration. Deposits are non-refundable. Full AKC Registration breeding and show rights contact us for an additional fee. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Most importantly, we breed to better the quality and to preserve the fabulous bloodlines of the poodle breed. Therefore, the quality of our standard poodles, moyen poodles, and miniature poodles is of the upmost importance to us. As a result of this, they all have wonderful, gentle, and friendly personalities. Therefore according to AKC standards our parents also meet and have great build and conformation. Because of these outstanding qualities, our standard poodles excel in AKC performance and many also hold therapy titles. Consequently, we are always working above and beyond to bring out the best in all of our poodles. Poodle Puppies Our top priority, here at Rozey's Michigan Poodles, located on the West side of Michigan, is the happiness and health of our puppies. We pride ourselves in raising poodle puppies of all sizes that make wonderful companions for you and your family. Each puppy leaves here ready for a lifetime of love and companionship with their new families. Our joy especially comes from seeing our puppies bring joy and happiness to their new homes. Your new puppy is hand-raised, above all, with much love, personal care, and attention. We raise our puppies with constant positive socialization and gentle handling from birth. We especially make sure that your new puppy will exceed all of your expectations. You will, indeed, not go wrong with one of our puppies. Call us today for your new furry family member. He and Emmy one of your choc labradoodles are best friends. We moved to a house with over an acre in Valparaiso, IN and they run and play all day long. Thank you for our beautiful dogs! Tweed is five months on Thursday and he weighs 23 pounds. Many people comment on how mature he is. And, now, that he is just passed Buttons in weight, people assume he is the older dog. He taught himself how to ring a bell to go out. My old dog, Percy, took months of direct training before he understood that ringing the bell was the signal to tell me he needed to go out to relieve himself. Buttons knew what it meant, but never used the bell after we lost Percy in the spring. Tweed showed curiosity about the bell. And, when he rings it, I take him out, and he always goes to the bathroom! He is so amazing and is very closely bonded with me and our special needs 3-year-old son. Thank you so much for our beautiful boy! Has been sleeping all night since his third night and loves being by the pool with the kids. He did great at the vet and enjoyed all of the attention. Thank you for him. Mila I just wanted to let you know how wonderful my Mila is. She is the absolute joy of my life. She is the most loving baby you could ask for. She loves the grandkids and all people in general. The groomer said she is the best poodle that she has. The vet's office staff took turns all day getting to spend time with her the day she was spade. Their words were that she was the sweetest puppy ever. Buying a puppy from you one was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Mila is a beautiful little girl. She is mischievous and stubborn, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Boy has time flown. We so enjoy her. She is such a good girl. Booker is just 6 mo. She is so good with him. She is very affectionate, cuddly, and smoochy. So different from Chloe. Chloe was stoic, and very well behaved, but not necessarily cuddly. Mocha is just the opposite. She loves to give affection and get it too. It is the highlight of her day I am sure. She is also a much smaller dog. While Chole was 62 lbs. Mocha is 42 lbs. Chloe would gobble her food, Mocha, nibbles at hers. Mocha, I can leave food out and she just takes what she wants. I gave her a tiny piece of that corn bread. We do not feed her any people food at all. Chloe begged for it. Mocha could care less. You produced another winning Poodle. We are so happy we have her! Here, our dogs enjoy the fresh country air and open spaces with us. Contact us today, for more information on our poodle puppies for sale in Michigan and on how to add a wonderful puppy to your home. Call us at .We will surely be able to fulfill your request for the perfect puppy. State Inspected. Reputable Poodle breeders in Michigan limit the number of litters their dogs produce every year. Breeders should get their dogs tested for congenital health issues. This process allows them to breed without worrying about future litters inheriting breed-specific diseases. The best breeders in the state should have plenty of knowledge about Poodles to help new owners prepare for life with their new puppy. Poodle breeders prioritize placing their puppies in appropriate homes by reviewing every application submitted by interested buyers. Poodle Puppies in Michigan Poodles are a popular dog breed that many people across Michigan and the United States love. Their intelligence, loyalty, and energetic temperament make them great for families with kids. Their curly, low-shedding coat comes in several solid and patterned coat colors. Poodles need regular grooming, so you should brush them daily and take them to a professional groomer every six weeks. Many Poodle breeders get their puppies accustomed to grooming at an early age. Poodles come in several size types : Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Some breeders offer Moyen Poodle puppies, a medium-sized variant developed from smaller Standard-sized Poodles. Most Poodles live about 12 to 15 years without major health complications. Although many people keep Poodles as show dogs or family pets, others use them as therapy dogs or hunting dogs because of their trainability. Conclusion Finding reputable Poodle breeders in Michigan can be daunting to some first-time dog owners. Thankfully, many of them throughout the state prioritize the health and safety of their puppies to ensure that they find perfect, loving homes. Similar Posts.

What is the Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles? Guest Contributor .Along with the joy of having a Goldendoodle as part of your family comes the responsibility of providing for their nutritional needs. Like every dog breed, Goldendoodles need a diet of high quality, nutrient-rich food to ensure they grow healthily, live vibrantly and maintain their energetic lifestyle. With the right wet or dry food for dogs , you can help them maintain their well-being and longevity. Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Goldendoodles As an active and intelligent crossbreed that is fairly energetic, Goldendoodles require a balanced diet to support their health and vitality. Understanding their dietary requirements, such as the type of protein they need, the role of carbohydrates in their diet and the importance of essential fatty acids, is the first step towards choosing the right dog food. Additionally, considering the potential health issues common to the breed can guide you toward more targeted nutritional choices. All dogs, including senior canines need a moderate to high amount of protein. To choose the best food for your Goldendoodle, look for options with the following ingredients. These sustainable ingredients can help your dog stay healthy and happy at any stage of life: High-Quality Protein Sources Goldendoodles thrive on high-quality proteins. These can be derived from various sources such as chicken, beef, lamb, fish or plant-based proteins like lentils and peas. Protein should be a priority when considering the best ingredients in dog food , as it supports muscle growth and development. Our dog food products contain ethically sourced protein for your pet. Balanced Carbohydrates for Energy Given their energetic nature, Goldendoodles need a balanced amount of carbohydrates for sustained energy. Opt for dog foods with wholesome carbohydrate sources like sweet potatoes, brown rice and vegetables rather than those with simple sugars and fillers. To keep their skin healthy and their coat shiny, look for foods like Rawmix dog food that include essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega.These products contain ingredients like fish oil, flaxseed and certain animal fats high in omegas. Look for dog foods that include a variety of fruits and vegetables, which are natural sources of these essential nutrients. Your pet can also get these nutrients from bone broth. There are many benefits of bone broth for dogs , including stronger bones and joints and a healthier coat. Avoid Artificial Additives, Fillers and By-Products Choose dog foods free from artificial additives, fillers and by-products to provide your Goldendoodle with the most nutritious meals. These ingredients can be harmful over time and offer little to no nutritional value. Always opt for natural, wholesome ingredients when possible. All our dog food at Open Farm contains natural, sustainable ingredients. We never use artificial fillers or by-products; instead, we help you provide your pet with high-quality proteins, carbohydrates and fats to promote an improved quality of life. How much should I feed my Goldendoodle? To know how much I should feed my dog , consider their age, size, activity level and health. Should I choose grain-free or grain-inclusive dog food? If your dog has grain allergies or sensitivities, stick to a grain-free option. If not, consider dog food with healthy grains, like brown rice or millet, for the best nutrition. Can my Goldendoodle eat freeze dried food? When thinking about is freeze dried food good for dogs , it depends on the quality of the food. If your Goldendoodle is thriving on its current diet, there may be no need to change. However, if you notice signs of food intolerance or your dog seems unenthusiastic about their food, it might be time to try something new. Share this post. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Feeding your puppy meat meal is by no means an inherently bad thing. The owner pouring dog food in a bowl. Acana Regionals Grassland The main ingredients in Acana Regionals Grassland are deboned lamb, deboned duck, eggs, lamb meal, and goat meal. Most dog foods use one type of protein, which is perfectly fine, but your Goldendoodle can benefit from eating multiple types of protein. In that case, I strongly recommend considering Acana Regionals Grassland. When to stop soaking puppy food? This brand is among my highest recommended dog foods because of its well-roundedness. The Pomeranian puppy stands in front of a bowl. Unfortunately, some foods are difficult to digest, and in some cases, that can lead to digestion-related health issues, which no owner wants for their growing Goldendoodle. Also, even though this is for bigger breed puppies, there are multiple kibble sizes, so you can get the best size for your puppy to eat. Golden Retriever puppy eats kibbles. Some people mention how small the size of the kibble bag is, as the largest bag you can get is .However, depending on how much you feed your Goldendoodle a day, this amount of food can go relatively quickly, so you can spend quite a bit of money on buying new bags frequently. Giving a Jack Russell Terrier a dog food. Due to the sheer number of dog foods you can find, deciding on one is difficult because it might not offer your puppy all the things you desire. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Not all dog foods are created equal, nor is it a one-size-fits-all situation. Always talk to your vet about the best food choice for your goldendoodle. The protein content in your dog's food should not only be high, it should also be high-quality protein. There are many options available for high quality dog food. Congratulations on your new family member! Your adorable, teddy bear-like bundle of energy and cuddles known as a goldendoodle puppy, who has inherited intelligence , friendliness, and sociability from both of its parent breeds golden retriever and poodle. Obviously, you want a high-quality dog food, so you're probably wondering, "What is the best puppy food? Best Puppy Food for Your Goldendoodle There are a lot of requirements and factors to consider when you're selecting a pet food for your goldendoodle puppy. However, most high-quality puppy foods should be formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of your goldendoodle at any life stage. You should think about: Your puppy's weight and size Your puppy's nutritional needs. It should promote good health and prolong life. When determining what to feed dogs, you should consider their breed, age, size, and activity levels. Since a miniature Goldendoodle is slightly active, it should eat more proteins than grains. We will disclose seventeen of the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles below. Moreover, we will answer frequently asked questions. As a first-time parent to a miniature Goldendoodle, you should read food labels. Check the ingredient list to see if a dog food product can nourish your mini Goldendoodle. The best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles will provide a protein-rich ingredient as the first thing on the label. If the dog food has grains, they should be the lowest quantity on the label. A miniature Goldendoodle has a higher metabolic rate. Hence, dry dog food for Mini Goldendoodles alone is inadequate. Consider buying food with meat additives. It will keep your puppy more energetic and healthier. You will locate the most appropriate item for a puppy or a senior pet in our list of the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles. Also, you will discover the products that most veterinarians prefer and the items that can give you the best value for your money. It contains USDA-approved chicken liver, chicken, and brussels sprouts. Every cup of this fresh food provides up to calories. We picked it as our first choice because the highest ingredient on the list is chicken, a rich protein food. This is the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles as it contains forty-nine percent protein, thirty-seven percent fat, seven-point-five percent moisture, and one percent fiber. They also provide omega-3 fatty acids that could promote brain health. We like this dog food because it has no synthetic additives or preservatives. Above all, dog parents can choose from three other proteins: pork, beef, and turkey. The way you select food for your pet is easy. Wait for the company to send you a list of the best recipes for your dog. Lastly, this is the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles with a subscription plan. Once you choose a subscription, the company will send you dog food consistently. Pros The dog food is hypoallergenic. You can receive a dog-specific recipe. Cons 2. Ollie Fresh Dog Food Here is another choice of fresh dog food for your pet. Ollie produces the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles. This product is subscription only. As its top ingredients are protein-based, Ollie Fresh Dog Food is safe to buy. The protein content in this product consists of beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb. You can make fresh or wet food using beef, lamb, chicken, and turkey recipes. As for dry or baked food, Ollie gives you two recipes with beef or chicken. Its food is nutritious since it has antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries and chia seeds. It also has sweet potatoes, which contain a lot of vitamin A and other nutrients. Ollie Fresh Dog Food provides a quiz to help customers pick the correct pet recipes. Pros Can offer recipes for dry and wet food for Mini Goldendoodle puppy. Ollie uses fresh and natural ingredients. Slow-cooking and freezing retain all nutrients. You can serve your dog almost the same type of food you have at home. Cons Only dog owners from the continental U. S can buy this dog. You can only buy it by subscription. This dog food looks like a messy powder. You can make food recipes with deboned beef and salmon. We love this miniature Goldendoodle food for its high convenience and safety. Unlike other dog food products, we have described, this has no chicken recipe. If your Mini Goldendoodle dislikes chicken flavors, this food type fits it best. You can serve it as an only meal or use it as another meal topper. When going out with your pet, you can bring Merrick Backcountry Raw Meal as a snack. Pros Dog food is easy to serve. Your pet can digest it easily. Ideal for dogs that dislike chicken. It has deboned beef. Some customers dislike freeze-dried food. Storage of unused food can be challenging. This dog food is expensive. Cesar Classic Cesar has the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles. One of its top-selling products is the Cesar Classic. It is a wet option with many flavors. It provides ninety-one to one hundred and five calories. We highly recommend this loaf to any person with a small budget as it is affordable. You can choose beef, fillet mignon, grilled chicken, or porterhouse steak flavors. All flavors are delicious and soft enough for your miniature dog to chew and digest. If you have a senior dog with teeth problems, you might want to get it this meal. Pros This dog food is soft and easy to chew. A high-quality food product without grains. All ingredients are available in the USA. It is an affordable high-protein diet. Cons 5. It is dry dog food with a high protein content of twenty-five percent. Each cup will give your pet up to calories. Fourteen percent fat is a safe concentration for your dog. Other protein sources are soybean meal, sorghum, and dried beans. We would recommend this diet to owners of adult Mini Goldendoodles. The small puppies might not chew this kibble as it is too big for them. In terms of nutrition, this diet contains omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. These omega nutrients can improve coat and brain health. It is among dog foods with healthy levels of protein. An affordable dog food product. This dog food has energetic whole foods. Cons Small dogs might not handle the kibble size. This food is so oily. This dry dog food has fewer calories. If your adult dog needs to cut some weight or maintain a fit body, the Blue Buffalo food can help it. As you can guess, this adult dog food has the highest protein concentration. As a result, it can help your dog build some lean muscles. Pros Blue Buffalo is a low-fat dog food. Contains no fillers, additives, or by-products of grains, poultry, or dog meal. Ideal for weight loss and maintenance. This food is high in protein. Cons Some dogs disliked this product. It may not fit dogs with sensitive guts. Nutro gives you two flavor choices: brown rice and chicken. The dry kibble provides up to calories per cup. Protein content makes up twenty-eight percent of this dog meal. This product is a balanced diet for your puppy because it has nutrients for promoting body and brain development. Your Mini Goldendoodle will have strong bones, healthy skin, and a glossy coat. Instead, the Nutro Nature Choice diet has kale, spinach, bran, brown rice, pumpkin, and rice bran. All these are healthy foods. Pros A high-quality non-GMO dog food. Boasts high protein levels. An exclusive kibble for puppies. Cons The brand is hard to locate in stores. Slightly expensive for some puppy lovers. One dog food product that could give you exactly that is Sold Gold Wee Bit. It has whole foods like brown rice, pearled barley, and real bison. It is a holistic dog food without any potatoes. The ingredients label shows that this dog meal has a balanced amount of protein, fat, and fiber. Consult about the suitability of this as the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles with sensitive stomach. A high-fiber diet can prevent constipation and can also cause an upset stomach. Pros A nutritious dog food item with adequate nutrients. Sold Gold dog food has an ideal bite size for miniature pets. This is a high fiber diet. Cons 9. This dog food is fit for miniature Goldendoodle puppies as it has more protein. Its four recipes include water buffalo, lamb, egg product, and sweet potatoes. The fat content is seventeen percent. You can purchase bags weighing five, fourteen, or twenty-eight pounds. The protein content comes from water buffalo, venison, and bison. The Taste of the Wild has also added fruits and vegetables like blueberries, raspberries, and peas to this product. These are high in antioxidants. Your little pet can also get adequate omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from this dog food for Mini Goldendoodles. We have not found another dog food with probiotics and prebiotics. Hence, this puppy food can help dogs with stomach problems. Pros An adequate level of proteins. Has fruits and vegetables for healthier skin. Antioxidants reduce inflammation in the body. The product has nutrients that improve gut health. It has zero artificial fillers, additives, or preservatives. Cons Some puppies might excrete loose stools. Costly dog food. Solution Sensitivities. This is dry dog food with a salmon flavor. Each cup of this dog food provides calories. The fat and fiber portions are twelve and four-point-five percent respectively. This kibble has ten percent moisture content. Solutions Sensitivities is an affordable dog food for Mini Goldendoodles with sensitive bellies. Its nutrients are easy to digest. The product has no allergens or unsafe artificial additives. Instead, it contains a high-fiber food called chicory root plus coconut oil, chickpeas, and peas. Due to salmon, this best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles from Go! Solutions have high omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Hence, it will give your pet a healthy coat and skin. Pros Go! Solutions Sensitivities Dog Food has salmon protein. Dogs can digest nutrients fast. This dog food has no synthetic chemicals. You can buy it for puppies with digestive difficulties. Ideal for underweight puppies. This is a high-calorie diet unsuitable for obese dogs. Healthy puppies could get overweight. We have picked it as the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles because of this simple fact. Adult dogs weighing nine to twenty-two pounds can eat this high-quality dog food. Another good thing about this best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles is that it can potentially boost brain development. However, we dislike that this dog food provides low protein content and more grains. Pros Appropriate kibble size for small pets. Can give your pet more energy. It can boost skin and brain health. Cons .Protein comes from pork meat, chicken fat, and beef. Victor Classic Hi-Pro is also a grain-based dog diet without gluten. Eighty-eight percent of that protein comes from meat. This dog food can boost immunity through nutrients like selenium and omega fatty acids. Again, the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles by Victor Classic can assist dogs with poor gut health via healthy prebiotics and probiotics. Pros Contains nutrients fit for the immune system. This dog food can boost gut health. Dogs in all life stages can eat Victor Classic Hi-Pro dog food. It has a super high level of protein. Cons It might make some pets have an upset stomach. Some dogs dislike the flavor. The dry kibble has up to thirty-four percent protein, the highest we have seen. One cup of kibble contains calories, making this a high-energy diet. The fat content is half the amount of protein, fiber is three-point-five percent, and moisture is ten percent. If your miniature Goldendoodle loves non-stop play, it can replenish its energy levels with the Crave High Protein Dry Food. As this dog food formula has no grains, it will work for dogs that dislike cereals. Additionally, dogs that require nourishment from grains might not benefit from this item. It contains a high amount of protein. Provides a healthy level of fat content. Cons Can cause obesity in dormant pets. This dog food has no grains. Hence, it could be a perfect choice for an obese miniature Goldendoodle. Offering up to forty-six percent protein from rabbit meat and thirty-two percent fats, this dog food is super healthy. Additional nutrients are five percent fiber and an equal amount of moisture. Finding a high-quality raw dog food product like this is difficult. Thus, you are lucky to read this article on the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles today. It also contains organ meat, bone, fruits, and vegetables. Offering up to 50,, CFU live prebiotics, this raw dog food can boost gut health. Pros Raw rabbit is not an allergen. This dog food has live prebiotics. You can serve raw rabbit food as the main meal or as a topper. High protein dog food. Stella and Chewy is expensive dog food. Some dogs might dislike the food texture. It is in the form of delicious treats for your small dog. Including four different flavors, these treats offer flexibility when selecting the most appropriate taste for your pet. We made this product among the best choices because it is high in protein. It also has other pure ingredients. You can serve it to your pet as it has no gluten or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This dog food is in the form of jerky sticks. Pros This dog food is high in protein from venison and beef. Treats have no grains as the main ingredient. The only flavor of this dry kibble is chicken. If your senior dog loves chicken meat, the Iams Proactive Dog Food could be ideal for it. It has calories per cup and is up to twenty-four percent protein. This dog food has a lower fat content of .It is the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles who seven years are and above. Pros A recipe with nutritious free-range chicken meat. Chicken fat can enhance skin health. Ideal for older dogs. This kibble can cause bloating. Some small dogs might not like this kibble size. However, it might only work best for you if you have another high-protein dog meal. However, its fat content of 1. For healthy miniature Goldendoodles, this food alone might not provide adequate protein. Pros Perfect for dogs with indigestion symptoms. Proteins that take a short time to digest. Cons A prescription is a must to get this Mini Goldendoodle puppy food. An expensive food product. FAQs 1. The best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles puppies is the one you will select from our long list. Mini Goldendoodles do not necessarily need a grain-free diet. The best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles should have a low number of whole grains for fiber, antioxidants, etc. Ensure a product that has grains also has protein as the highest ingredient. Grains should be gluten-free to prevent stomach issues. Choosing the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles is not enough. You should feed the dog adequate food for its body size and weight. Older dogs should eat four to five cups twice a day. After finding thebest dog food for Mini Goldendoodles, feed your puppy according to its age. Small dogs should eat more often but in small portions. Larger dogs should eat big portions twice daily. We highly recommend Iams Proactive food for Mini Goldendoodles puppy. This dog food is a specific product for senior dogs. Related Posts. Foods made for senior dogs will not be suitable for puppies. The exception to this is when the label clearly states that the food is suitable for all life stages. Goldendoodles come in three sizes, depending on the size of the Poodle parent. Mini Goldendoodles are 15—30 pounds as adults. Medium Goldendoodles are 30—45 pounds as adults. Standard Goldendoodles can reach 45— pounds when fully grown. The type of Goldendoodle that you have will determine what type of food you need. That said, many of the foods on this list support healthy digestion and are gentle on sensitive stomachs. If your pup is sensitive or prone to food allergies , choose foods with the fewest ingredients possible and a novel protein source such as duck. Picky Eaters Most dogs love to eat anything and everything, but some can be picky eaters. If you notice that your Goldendoodle puppy is not eating with enthusiasm, they may prefer a different flavor. Lamb, bison, fish, turkey, and chicken are used as protein sources in many dog foods, and your puppy may just want to try something different. If your puppy is not regularly eating no matter which foods you try, talk to your vet to rule out any potential health problems that could be the cause. Growth Rate Goldendoodle puppies grow quickly. Since they grow and change so rapidly, high-protein food is best for them. A balanced diet filled with vitamins, minerals, healthy carbs, and protein will give your puppy the energy that they need to stay active and happy while growing. Dog foods should contain one to three main protein sources and be the first ingredients on the label. The protein content should always be higher than the fat content of the food. Fiber Fiber helps promote healthy digestion. In dog food, this is usually provided with fruits and vegetables. Rice and oats are also added for fiber. Fat Fat provides energy. Healthy sources of fat in dog food are flaxseed, canola oil, and omega fatty acids. Vitamins and Minerals Dog food with a balance of vitamins and minerals will keep your puppy healthy as they grow. If you notice that your puppy is having diarrhea, scratching themselves incessantly, chewing their paws, or vomiting, they may have an intolerance to something in their food. This could be an allergy or sensitivity, but switching foods may help. Try a different brand with a different protein source to see if the issue clears up. If your puppy is still showing signs of illness without an explanation, speak to your vet about possible food allergies. Then, different foods will gradually be reintroduced to try to identify what is making them sick. This food is ideal for dogs of all life stages and is minimally processed and gentle on puppies with sensitive stomachs. The nutritional value makes it ideal for promoting healthy growth in puppies. This food is high in protein and helps puppies stay energized and active. We hope that our reviews have helped you find the best food for your Goldendoodle puppy. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement.