lab vs golden retriever puppy

Based in the Los Angeles, California metro area, Sheri has over 20 years of dog training experience and also runs a general dog training practice specializing in rehabilitating dogs through positive reinforcement training techniques. This article has been viewed 73, times. You're looking to add a gorgeous, sweet, and super friendly golden retriever to your family. How exciting! You want to make sure your dog is as healthy, good natured, and happy as possible, but how can you know for sure? Choosing a trusted breeder or hobby breeder meaning, someone passionate about goldens who breeds the dog as a hobby is the way to go. Below, we'll walk you through your decision and offer some helpful tips for determining whether or not a breeder is the right pick. Read on to discover how you can buy a golden retriever puppy. Steps Section 1 of 5: Why should I get my puppy from a trusted breeder? All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. This means that if your puppy inherits an illness, the breeder will offer a refund. Your breeder will know their litters well. They'll advise you on your choice, depending on your needs and behavioral preferences. If something were to go wrong and you could no longer keep your puppy, it would likely have a safe home with its breeder. All in all, trustworthy breeders will have taken every necessary step to ensure each puppy is happy and healthy. Advertisement Section 2 of 5: Why should I avoid puppy mills, pet shops, and online posts? Puppy mills, pet shops, and online puppy sales often posted by puppy mills are motivated by money, not a genuine passion for breeding. Because of this, you can expect that each of these sources have cut corners. They won't have followed proper procedure that ensures your golden will be healthy, well-behaved, and standard in appearance. In addition to this, puppies from these sources are typically subjected to terrible, inhumane conditions at some point in the breeding process. Section 3 of 5: How can I find a trusted breeder? When hunting for a breeder on your own, it can be difficult to differentiate between scammers, irresponsible breeders, and genuine, high-quality breeders. The Golden Retriever Club of America has locations all over the country and is made up of golden retriever enthusiasts motivated by a love of the breed. Choose the club closest to you, get in touch with a GRCA volunteer via the contact information on the their website, and speak to a volunteer about the best, ethical breeders in your area. Advertisement Section 4 of 5: What questions should you ask a breeder? The answer to all three questions should be "yes. This refers to whether or not you will be compensated if the puppy falls ill. Do they belong to a breed club? This way, you can speak to their club as you would a reference. What have they been feeding the litter? It'll be crucial that you keep the puppy on the same diet for a few days after it's brought home. Do they offer support to the new owners of their puppies? It'll be helpful to know how much assistance your breeder offers with training and health concerns as the puppy grows up. Section 5 of 5: How can I avoid bad breeders? When looking out for responsible vs. A bad breeder may have many puppies at once. When done properly, breeding is time consuming. A good breeder will have only a few puppies at a time. Often, the reason this happened is because of irresponsible breeding. To increase your chances of having a happy, healthy, good-natured dog, you want to choose a reputable breeder. But how do you find one? Keep on reading to learn how! If you have two healthy parents as well as healthy grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts and uncles, previous litters from these parents, etc. Temperament is inherited. Everything that was said about health also goes for temperament. Inbreeding is a major problem with golden retrievers where dogs that are too closely related can produce unhealthy puppies. Responsible breeders will know and take steps to prevent this. If anything were to go wrong, you would want a breeder with integrity to help navigate the problems, whether that ends up in a refund, a replacement puppy, etc. For a new and inexperienced puppy buyer, it can be hard to distinguish a good breeder from an irresponsible one. For one, the mom and dad will have received OFA clearances for their hips, elbows, and heart, as well as clearances for their eyes, which is a yearly exam. To help further decide on whether or not a breeder is reputable, the next section covers a big list of questions for you to ask a breeder. What Questions To Ask A Breeder This section is broken down into questions to ask about the breeder themselves, questions to ask about the sire and dam, and questions to ask about the puppies. Questions to ask about the breeder themselves Why did you choose to breed golden retrievers? You want a breeder that truly has a passion for the golden retriever breed. How long have you been breeding golden retrievers? At what age do you start to breed your dogs? Goldens must be two years old to receive final clearances on their hips and elbows, so if a breeder tells you they start to breed their dogs before two years old, watch out. Do you provide registration papers? They should provide AKC registration papers for you. Do you participate in any dog sport or activities? Most good breeders are involved in something other than just breeding. Their dogs participate in sports, shows, or are even therapy dogs. Is there a contract when I buy the puppy? There should be a contract that covers costs, refunds, responsibilities, etc. If they do require the pups to be spayed or neutered , this will be in the contract. What happens in case something goes wrong? This is also a good time to feel them out and see if this has ever happened before. Do you have any references I can talk to? Good breeders will have previous happy customers. Are you a member of the Golden Retriever Club of America or any local golden retriever clubs? Most breeders have a specific reason they were excited to breed two dogs together. How many litters has this mom had? And how old is she? Can you provide proof of the health clearances for these two dogs? Do these dogs have any titles? Can I meet the parents? The parents should be friendly and outgoing to you and any other dogs around. Questions to ask about the puppies How do you socialize the puppies? A good breeder will be able to talk to you about this. Where are the puppies born and raised? Are they raised in the home, or out back in the shed? Will they be examined by a vet before they go home? The answer should be yes. What are the puppies bred for? This may include being bred for companions pets , or show, sport, or hunting. They may ask you: Have you owned a dog before? Do you currently have a dog? What type of lifestyle are you expecting with your new golden? Why do you want a golden retriever? Do you have children? What kind of home do you live in? How much time will you be able to spend with the puppy? Is it because the breeder is inexperienced and just trying to get started? Is it because they come from champion bloodlines? Is the breeder is experienced and takes their time to properly care for the mother, socialize and stimulate the puppies, feed them the best food, and take them to the best veterinarian? Or is it because the breeder is a good salesman and can charge a premium for their puppies? Check out this article to learn more about how much golden retrievers cost. One of the best ways is to go to a local club check out this list of them by location , email or call them, and ask them to refer you to a good breeder. Another way is to ask your friends who have golden retrievers where they got them. This is how we found our golden, Oliver. A friend from church had a golden and we went over to their house and met him. We instantly fell in love and decided we needed to get his brother. You can also find breeders on Google, Facebook, or Instagram. To find a good breeder ask about health clearances, pedigree, temperament, ask to meet the parents and try to get a referral. Have any other questions about choosing a golden retriever breeder? Let me know in the comments below! Related articles:. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for New York Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in New York? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in New York? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. This could cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills down the road. On the other hand, when you buy the animal from a licensed Golden Retriever breeder, you can pick out your future puppy with confidence. Not only will proof of his pedigree show that your breeder is certified, but it will also verify that your puppy is a true Golden Retriever. The best puppy breeders take pride in providing healthy dogs through careful genetic research. They should be so confident in their work that they offer you a health guarantee , which will tell you what to do if your puppy faces any unforeseen health issues. Since breeders are there from the day the puppies and their parents! And picking the right pet for your family starts with finding a breeder you can trust. No matter how nice they seem or how attractive their website looks, you should always do a little bit of research before choosing a Golden Retriever breeder. Here are important points that all breeders should address: Image Source Does the breeder give back to the breed? Breed preservation should be the primary goal of Golden Retriever breeders. They should participate in keeping the species alive through membership at a Golden Retriever breed dog club, a performance club, or an obedience club. What type of experience does the breeder have? Do they stay true to the pure genetic traits of the breed? Do they provide health screenings and health guarantees? Can you meet the puppies and parents in person? How many litters do the females have each year? Female Golden Retrievers can have up to two litters per year. However, breeders who follow ethical practices will only allow the females to have four to six litters in their lifetime. A female can breed between the ages of two and eight. Once you choose a breeder that seems like a good fit for you and your family, you should write up some questions to ask them. And in return, expect some questions about you, your lifestyle, and your home! One of the first things any breeder you inquire about should provide is a list of former buyers. Reviews posted online are one thing, but being able to talk with customers directly speaks volumes about the legitimacy of the breeder. When you speak with their former customers, ask questions about their buying experience and how their dog is doing years after purchase. Puppies should receive some level of preventative care that is appropriate for their age. Newborn puppies up to eight weeks old should stay with their mothers, but they will also receive their first round of core vaccines during these few weeks. They should have a yearly examination by a licensed veterinarian that will perform vaccines, flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, as well as general health checkups. A reputable, passionate breeder will be more than happy to receive updates and questions about their puppies well into adulthood. With that being said, the breeder should also provide a health guarantee. A health guarantee states that you are not financially liable for any genetic issues in the puppy, as long as the health condition is verified by a certified veterinarian. This is an essential point that you might not think twice about. A good Golden Retriever breeder will ask questions to determine if your household is a good fit for their puppy. Image Source 1 Why do you want a dog? This is a simple yet important question that you should have an answer to. Golden Retriever breeders that dedicate their livelihood to continuing the pure genetic bloodline will want to know what appeals to you about these energetic companions. Additionally, the breeder might ask who will be walking, feeding, and playing with the dog. Golden Retriever puppies require tons of attention, especially during the first two years of their lives. If the breeder asks this, they want to know how your children will be participating in the handling of the puppy. They also want to understand how you plan to introduce the puppy to other pets so they can coexist safely within the same home. No matter how nice a breeder may seem, you want to avoid accidentally contributing to backyard breeders or a puppy mill disguised as a reputable breeder. Doing so can cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills and years of potential heartbreak. Here are some of the most critical and obvious warning signs of an untrustworthy breeder. Less experienced breeders will charge on the lower end, and more experienced breeders usually with generations of pure genetic proof! Additionally, some of the best breeders will only sell trained puppies to ensure their pooches are family- and forever-home ready. Therefore, you should receive standard documentation upon adopting your new Golden Retriever puppies, such as care instructions, registration papers, vaccination records, and necessary contracts. The contract may also state that you agree to surrender the puppy instead of adopting him out to a shelter or the pound. Some warranties will say that the breeder should have the right to reclaim the puppy in an unexpected situation like this. If you do ask for references, and they give you a list of written reviews instead of contact information for former clients, this is a red flag. A refusal for a tour means that the breeder knows potential clients may be turned away by the environment. If you are invited to tour a facility, learn about what a professional kennel should look and smell like first. The bottom line is, you need to do plenty of research. Buying A Golden Retriever From A Respectable, Professional Breeder Purchasing a Golden retriever Puppy from a respected, responsible professional breeder is by far the best option when it comes to getting yourself a good quality, healthy puppy given the best start in life. A responsible professional breeder: Cares greatly about the overall quality and welfare of the breed and selectively breeds for the betterment of the Golden Retriever population as a whole. Screen sire and dam for health issues in trying to breed puppies with the lowest possible chance of inherited disease. Will help you to select the right puppy for you from the many different personalities in their litter. Not all dogs are created equal! Some are more energetic, more headstrong, more confident, others less so. They will match you to the perfect puppy for your hopes and lifestyle. They handle, care for, and socialize puppies in such an expert way that the puppies have had the best possible start in life and the greatest chance of growing up a confident, happy dog of good temperament. They provide some of the best advice and support that can be given about how you should care for your new family member, from the moment you make the decision right through your Goldens entire life. So as you can see, there are many benefits to buying from a professional breeder. But surely there must be some cons you may be thinking? Well it depends how you look at it, but: A professional breeder will ask you many questions to be sure you are a good fit and have the right lifestyle that fits in with owning a Golden Retriever. You could have a long wait. Good breeders are popular and do not breed excessively, so you may have to wait a year or more before a puppy becomes available. But a benefit to this is that it weeds out the impulse buyers which cuts down on puppies that are given up after rushed decisions. Compared to some other options, you will pay quite a high price. I say a high price but what I mean is a fair price really. A fair price for a good quality, healthy puppy. But mostly backyard breeders are the unscrupulous types. You usually will not be able to see the premises on which the puppies are bred, they will not ask any questions of prospective owners and there will be no commitment or offer of help and advice for the future of the puppies they breed. This results in a poorer quality of life for the animals, and expensive vet bills for the owners. One positive of backyard breeders though is the price. Yes, they are considerably cheaper than professional breeders. And the savings you make up front are more than lost for extra vet bills down the road. So the risk is your puppy has a higher chance of inherited disease and behavior problems than the general population. There will be no true guarantee of pedigree. But if your friend has taken steps to get veterinary advice and care for the puppies, has looked after and socialized them well, maybe even knows the father of the puppies and can prove he is of good health and pedigree then this option may not be so bad. However they got into the situation, there are way too many homeless dogs in the world. Lack of space and insufficient funding inevitably means that many dogs each year are euthanized. Maybe you could give a second chance at life to such a dog? But you should also be aware that some rescued dogs will have behavioral issues, though the center staff will inform you of this. They may also have suffered some level of abuse and have psychological issues, phobias or anxieties that may not be evident until a certain situation arises. So there is some due diligence and this greatly increases the success rate of finding happy homes for dogs that suit their new human family. This is obviously a good thing for both the dogs and hopeful owners too! Buying From A Pet Store Or A Puppy Mill A large number of dogs bought from pet stores originate from puppy farms, also known as puppy mills, which are profit driven businesses that mass-produce dogs and sell through pet stores and classifieds. In puppy mills, dogs are bred in appalling conditions, kept in overcrowded small wire cages, given little exercise or socialization, enjoy no human contact and receive nothing in the way of veterinary care. The puppies are usually taken away from their mothers and litter-mates at such a young age that behavioral issues in the adult dog are extremely common. The dogs in puppy mills are no more than a commodity, a cash crop to be produced and harvested while spending as little as possible to maximize profits as far as possible. Yes, many people have been lucky enough to have purchased the most glorious of family pets from a pet store, but for each one a lot of suffering has occurred for countless more. I strongly advise that you do not support the puppy mill industry and never buy a dog from a puppy mill or pet store. The risks of not getting a quality, healthy dog are too high, and the ethics of the industry are shocking with many dogs suffering at their hands. Everybody should work to eradicate the entire industry and the first step is by not supporting them financially. There are many places and options available to get a Golden Retriever puppy, some good, some bad, and puppy mills and pet stores just an appalling option to be avoided. In my opinion your 2 best options are to source a puppy from a professional breeder or to adopt from a rescue center. But there are other options available and I hope this article has given you some information to help you in your decision. Please let us know about your experiences of getting a GR from any of the sources above, or even one I may have forgotten. Thank you.

Best Chew Toys for German Shepherds Large breed dogs like the German shepherd can be heavy chewers, and you need some durable toys that can withstand those powerful jaws. So what are the best chew toys for these power chewers? Here are two we think are top of the line. The unique Orka TPE rubber material keeps these toys lasting through tough chewing while keeping dogs interested. The flat shape of the Orka Mini Bone helps exercise jaw muscles while rope pieces support good dental hygiene by… Chewy This is a great chew toy for your GSD. It has a rope running down the middle with knots at each end. You can use it as a tug toy, toss it for a fun game of fetch, or just let your pooch enjoy chewing it. It comes in different sizes, so you can get one for your puppy or adult dog. Featuring squeak and crinkle sounds dogs love, rope handle and ultra durable material, these plush toys stand up to tough tugging play. This eco-friendly rope Outward Hound tug toy is made of jute rope and durable rubber rings. It also doubles as a puzzle toy since your dog works to figure out how to remove the rings. Once he does, you can put them back on to keep the game going. This is a great toy for those tough chewers who really like their toys chewy, and it will leave your best buddy with clean teeth too! Best Interactive Toys for German Shepherds German shepherd dogs are intelligent dogs, and because of that, they need toys that provide them with hours of mental stimulation. Here are some of the best toys that are great for those intelligent dog breeds like the German shepherd. The tennis ball and multi-sized openings are sure to keep your pup mentally engaged for hours of play! Can your pup figure out which two tunnels let the ball out? You can even add treats inside for an extra tasty challenge. You can also put tasty treats like kibble or other types of dog food inside the tunnels so your dog will also be treated to a delicious reward. This intermediate level toy features three tiers with twelve compartments for dog snacks or kibble. The Dog Tornado is a level 2 interactive toy that will keep boredom at bay for hours. Stuff it with treats or even peanut butter. Some of them grow up to be working dogs too so they need to get out and about a lot! Here are some great toys to help them do just that. This durable fetch toy has a thick rim that doubles as an easy grip for you and a tough chew for your dog. Made from TPE material and reinforced with inner ribs and raised textures that feel satisfying to chew while being gentle on teeth and gums. The Orka Flyer bounces and floats so you can take… Chewy This is a great dog toy for your pooch. This fun fetch toy can soar and it also floats, making it a great water toy. This set is great for training your dog to learn new tricks or commands with an easy to set up obstacle course. This outdoor training set features one circular collapsible tunnel, six weave poles, and an adjustable jump with hoop that come in a slim carry case. You can teach him new tricks and commands with this easy-to-set-up obstacle course. He actually has a real hoop to jump through! The kit comes with 1 circular, collapsible tunnel, 6 weave poles, and that adjustable hoop. It will provide you and your dog with hours of fun, mentally stimulating exercise. Here are a couple of great toys that offer a new twist on the classic tennis ball. Your pup will love fetching this squeaky tennis ball whether playing indoors or enjoying the great outdoors. As far as rubber toys go, these are top-of-the-line! They can be used indoors or out, and they are made with high-quality rubber to ensure they will last a long time. Be sure to order GSD-sized balls. Balls that are too small can present a choking hazard. It has the classic rubber ball enclosed in a durable rubber phthalate-free and lead-free shell that helps it last longer. It also keeps your formidable chewer from damaging the squeaker as easily as with other toys. The outer natural rubber shell not only protects the rubber ball but also gives your dog another fun texture to work with. What more can you ask for? Final Thoughts German shepherds are a popular dog breed that will be a loyal best friend for many years. There are also some fun toys on our list for you to enjoy with your buddy too! This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one, Outward Hound may receive a small commission. Apply treats for training or relaxation, great for indoor rainy days or to help relive stress. Imagine your German Shepherd as a brilliant detective and puzzle toys as intriguing mysteries waiting to be solved. This not only keeps them entertained but also encourages persistence and adaptability. Imagine a toy that dispenses treats when your pup maneuvers it the right way. Puzzle Toy Pros Keeps their minds sharp and engaged. Enhances their cognitive abilities. Provides a mentally challenging activity. Puzzle Toy Cons Some puzzles might take time to figure out. Dogs with low patience levels might lose interest quickly. The Mammoth Cottonblend 5 Knot Dog Rope Toy offers a double delight: satisfying their natural urge to chew and providing an interactive game of tug-of-war. The robust texture of the rope soothes their teething tendencies, and the interactive tugging game solidifies the bond between you and your canine companion. Rope toys are the OGs of canine entertainment, and German Shepherds adore them. Rope Toy Pros Great for bonding through tug-of-war games. Helps clean teeth and massage gums. Provides an outlet for their energy. Rope Toy Cons Rope fibers can unravel over time. Supervision is necessary to prevent tearing away the fibers and swallowing. Classic Launcher Dog Toy. These nifty gadgets allow your pup to enjoy the thrill of chasing a ball without leaving your arm sore from all the throws. For a breed that adores fetch, interactive ball launchers are a game-changer. Just use the mitt-style launcher to grab onto the ball on the ground and save those back muscles for cuddles later. Provides exercise without exhausting you. Your dog can run, jump, and sprint with the power and height the ball launcher gives you. Interactive Ball Launchers Cons Some launchers might not accommodate larger balls. Why not give them the softness of a plush toy as a security blanket, providing comfort during relaxation time? Some plush toys, like the Multipet Lamb Chop Squeaky Plush Dog Toy, even come with squeakers to satisfy their instinctual need to capture prey. Plush toys offer a sense of comfort and companionship during their downtime. These toys become their cuddly buddies. Plush Toys Pros Provides a soft, cuddly companion during rest. Can ease separation anxiety. Satisfies their instinct to "capture" prey. Plush Toys Cons Not suitable for aggressive chewers. Squeakers can pose a choking risk, so always check for toy damage. Soft toys generally require more frequent replacement than harder toys. These toys are durable and can withstand the powerful jaws of a German Shepherd. Their stick-like shape can provide additional fun and variety during playtime. Pros of Squeaky Toys Provides mental stimulation, while the physical act of pouncing, chasing, and shaking it helps release pent-up energy. You can toss the toy, play tug-of-war, or simply watch as your dog enjoys their solo playtime. Can keep your German Shepherd entertained and distracted, especially when they are alone or need to redirect their focus. Cons of Squeaky Toys Some dogs may play too rough with the squeaky stick-toy. While the squeaky sound can be delightful for your German Shepherd, it may not be as enjoyable for you or your neighbors, especially if your dog becomes obsessed with the squeaker. Some German Shepherds can become fixated on the squeaker and develop an obsession with it. This unique toy engages their natural foraging instincts by hiding treats or kibble within its furry fabric, encouraging them to use their nose and paws to uncover the hidden treasures. With its soft texture and stimulating design, the Pet Parents Forager Snuffle Mat provides a relaxing and enriching experience for mealtimes or playtime. German Shepherds enjoy the challenge of using their problem-solving skills to find the treats, turning mealtime into a fun and engaging activity. Just a quick pull of the drawstring closure and your treats are safe from falling out, so taking the snuffle mat with you for a day out is a breeze! Encourages German Shepherds to use their sense of smell and strengthens their foraging skills. Slows down mealtime, preventing dogs from gulping their food too quickly. May help alleviate stress and anxiety in dogs by providing a calming and enjoyable activity. Cons of Snuffle Mats Always use the snuffle mat under supervision, especially with German Shepherds who tend to chew or ingest non-food items. With the Chuckit! The Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Tough Dog Toy provides an outlet for their high energy levels and allows them to engage in an exciting game of fetch. Watching my German Shepherd sprint across the field, her tail wagging with enthusiasm, is a true joy. Playing fetch with your German Shepherd and their favorite ball toy is not only a fantastic way to bond but also a wonderful opportunity to keep them physically fit and mentally engaged. Grab a ball, head outside, and get ready for endless hours of fun with your playful and loyal German Shepherd companion! Pros of Ball Toys Provides an excellent opportunity to engage in physical exercise. Engages their mind, as they have to track, chase, and retrieve the ball, stimulating their problem-solving skills. Strengthens your bond as it involves interactive play and encourages socialization. Can be used as a positive reinforcement tool during training sessions, as German Shepherds are highly motivated by the opportunity to chase and retrieve the ball. Cons of Ball Toys Select appropriately sized ball toys to prevent the risk of choking, especially for German Shepherds who have a tendency to chew or swallow objects. Can sometimes lead to overexcitement and overexertion, which may result in fatigue or potential injuries. Some German Shepherds may exhibit possessive behavior with their ball toys. I own about a dozen!! KONG dog toys, from the classic red to the extreme black, and swear by them! Its unique shape and hollow center allow for treats or kibble to be stuffed inside, turning it into a mentally stimulating and rewarding puzzle toy. German Shepherds will spend hours working to extract every bit of deliciousness from the Kong, keeping them engaged and mentally sharp. More importantly, chewing is a natural, daily activity that German Shepherd puppies enjoy. The durable rubber material of the Kong toy satisfies their natural urge to chew, providing a healthy outlet for their chewing instincts and helping to keep their teeth and gums clean and strong. Treat your German Shepherd puppy to the joy and entertainment of a Kong toy, and watch them happily chew, chase, and puzzle their way to endless fun! Can help alleviate boredom and separation anxiety in dogs by keeping them occupied. Come in various sizes and strengths, making them suitable for different chewing styles, whether you have a strong chewer or a teething German Shepherd puppy. Cons of Kong Toys If the toy is too small or not strong enough, it may pose a choking hazard or get easily destroyed. Can accumulate food residue or become dirty over time, but this is easily remedied by cleaning the toy regularly. While many German Shepherds enjoy Kong toys, some dogs may not show much interest in it. The Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole is a fantastic toy that can kick your playtime up a notch and release the runner in your German Shepherd! The flirt pole consists of a long pole with a rope attached to one end. To play, you simply move the pole, swinging the toy around in different directions, enticing your German Shepherd to chase and catch it. German Shepherds love the flirt pole for several reasons. Firstly, it taps into their natural prey drive and instinct to chase. The quick movements and unpredictable nature of the toy mimic the movements of prey, triggering their hunting instincts. As your German Shepherd leaps, jumps, and sprints to catch the toy, they engage their muscles and get a great workout. This is especially beneficial for high-energy dogs like German Shepherds, as it helps prevent boredom. Additionally, the flirt pole can also serve as a training tool. It enhances their focus, impulse control, and obedience skills while having a blast. Grab a flirt pole and get ready to kick your playtime up a notch with your energetic German Shepherd! Pros of Flirt Poles Provides an excellent form of physical exercise since chasing after the lure burns off excess energy. A great bonding experience because it allows you to interact and have fun together. Easy to use and require minimal effort on your part, plus you can control the movement and speed of the lure, making it suitable for dogs of different ages and fitness levels. Cons of Flirt Poles Avoid using it on hard surfaces to prevent joint injuries. The Frisco Silicone Treat Lick Mat is a distraction toy that promotes positive reinforcement and mental stimulation. A lick mat is a flat mat with textured patterns, made of food-grade silicone. This activity can be highly engaging and satisfying for your dog. Lick mats are a great multipurpose toy that German Shepherds like. Firstly, they provide mental stimulation as your German Shepherd has to figure out how to access the treat. This can help alleviate boredom and prevent destructive behaviors that may arise from a lack of mental stimulation. Secondly, the repetitive licking action can have a calming effect on your dog, helping to reduce anxiety and stress. It can be particularly useful during times of separation or when your German Shepherd needs to relax. Moreover, lick mats can also promote good dental hygiene. The repetitive licking action may have a calming effect on your German Shepherd, helping to reduce anxiety and stress. Can serve as a slow feeder, extending mealtime and preventing rapid eating. Only hold a certain amount of food, so you need to be mindful of portion sizes and avoid overfeeding. What are you waiting for? Let the games begin! Use it along with all the free training advice here on ShepherdSense to give your skills a boost. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Not only do you have to make sure that the toy is big and strong enough to withstand a dog that is as powerful as a German shepherd, but you also have to make sure that it is interesting and engaging enough to keep their attention. If you are the owner of a German shepherd, then you know how true this is. Fortunately, there are a few German shepherd toys on the market that are sure to please even the most discerning dog. Here are my favorite picks for the best German shepherd toys of the year: 1. KONG Extreme Dog Toy One of the most important factors in finding the right toy for your German shepherd is making sure that it is strong enough to withstand their powerful jaws. The KONG Extreme Dog Toy is specifically designed for the toughest of chewers, with a durable natural rubber formula that can withstand even the most powerful bites. Another great feature of the KONG Extreme Dog Toy is that it can be stuffed with bits and kibbles, making it a fun and interesting toy to play with. German shepherds are known for their intelligence, and this toy is sure to engage their minds as they figure out how to get the treats inside. You can fill it with your dog's favorite treats such as peanut butter or cheese, or you can even freeze it to keep them entertained for even longer. This bounce helps to fulfill a dog's need to play, providing them with hours of entertainment. Plus, the unpredictable bounce also helps to keep your dog's mind sharp and engaged. The Harry Barker Cotton Rope Tug and Toss is not only a great toy for playing games of tug-of-war with your German shepherd, but it can also help floss their teeth. This flying disc is perfect for playing fetch with your German shepherd in the park, throwing it around in the yard, or even taking it to the beach or lake for some water fetch fun. West Paw Zogoflex Zisc Flying Disc is made from a material that is more pliable than a hard-shell Frisbee and faster than those made from fabric. This means that it will fly farther and faster than other discs, making it more fun for your German shepherd to play with. The pliability of the material also means that it is more likely to bounce back into your hand when thrown, making it easier to play with for both you and your dog. This means that it is safe for your German shepherd to play with, and you can feel good about using it around them. There are no bleaches or chemicals used in the manufacturing process, ensuring that the Barkworthies Elk Antlers Dog Treat is a safe and healthy treat for your pet. Here are some of the benefits of giving your German shepherd the Barkworthies Elk Antlers Dog Treat: German shepherds are an active breed of dog that needs proteins and minerals to maintain their health. Barkworthies Elk Antlers Dog Treats are a good source of both of these things. The antlers are hard enough to help remove plaque and tartar from your dog's teeth, but they are not so hard that they will damage your dog's gums. The Barkworthies Elk Antlers Dog Treat is not only good for your dog's teeth and gums, but it is also beneficial for their mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. Chewing on the antlers helps to reduce stress and anxiety, and it also provides a healthy outlet for your dog's natural chewing instincts. Don't wait any longer - get your German shepherd the best toys money can buy from Glad Dogs Nations today! With such a wide variety of toys to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect one for your pup. With a curved base, this chewable wiggles back and forth as your pup tries to lick and chew, keeping him focused on the tasty task. Features: Made of vanilla-scented natural rubber Can be filled with liquids like bone broth, pastes like dog-safe peanut butter, and solids like kibble Safe for washing on the top shelf of your dishwasher for easy upkeep Made in China Can be used with most common canine treats Fun, tasty way to beat the summer heat Great pricing perfect for stocking up and having several ready at a time! Cons Not the toughest chew on the market Different Types of Toys for German Shepherds The German shepherd is a large, active dog requiring daily physical and mental exercise. Toys are an excellent tool for making the task easier and provide a fun way to unwind with your pooch and build your bond. Dog toys come in many forms, however, with some better suited for German shepherds than others. The most common types of toys enjoyed by German shepherds are: Balls and Fetch Toys The German shepherd is a chase-happy floof ready to run, making fetch toys like balls or Frisbees some of the best toys for him. Like retrievers, German shepherds can be a little too fetch-obsessed, giving your arm one heck of a workout. Invest in a dog ball launcher to make things easier and give your arm a break. Incorporating a treat-dispensing ball is another great idea, as these toys keep your shepherd occupied on his own as he paws, nudges, and shakes the ball to free goodies hidden inside. Doing your homework here is vital since chews come in various types, from chew toys for teething puppies to long-lasting chews for the most determined chewers. Some German shepherd owners like to offer edible chews on occasion, too, such as beef collagen and bully sticks. Tug Toys Most German shepherds love a good game of tug, so tug toys are a natural choice for the breed. These toys should be large enough that you and your dog or your dog and another dog can safely hold either end of the toy. Training Toys Many German shepherds have specialized skills that require ongoing training. This can include working dogs like police pups and herders or those who practice canine sports like Schutzhund or agility. Maintaining these skills takes a lot of training that can get boring or repetitive. Adding dog training toys to the mix makes sessions more fun and engaging. Water Toys Not every shepherd is wild about the wet stuff, but water-loving ones are obsessed. Puzzle toys offer a great test and heaps of fun for your wise woofer, usually with a tasty reward that food-motivated shepherds are eager to work for. Every dog has likes and dislikes that may not always align with their breed. Also, consider his age and overall health. Picking a Toy for Your German Shepherd: Things to Think About Every dog is unique, but there are some basics to consider while toy shopping, as only some products are a good fit or even safe for your dog. This is especially true with a large breed known to be hard on toys like a German shepherd. Another dog might prefer a simple chew for laid-back fun. Food-motivated shepherds love Lickimats as an indoor option. Freezing them helps them last longer, too. Snuffle mats are another great option, as they put his sniffer to work for hidden goodies. Toys made of solid heavy-duty rubber or nylon are ideal, particularly those without small pieces that can be chewed away. While fun for a dog to gnaw at, these nubs are choking and ingestion hazards if chewed free and swallowed. Materials Dog-safe construction is a must for any toy. The U. Dangerous chemicals like arsenic and lead have been found in toys manufactured overseas. For this reason, many pet parents opt for American-made dog toys only. Other toys can be used for games of fetch on land or in water, and some can double as chew toys and tuggers. Warranty Some manufacturers stand behind their products so much that they offer a money-back or replacement guarantee if your doggo damages or destroys the toy. Sometimes, these have time limits such as 30 days, while others offer lifetime guarantees. These warranties are great for peace of mind about the product and for getting the most for your money. Most toys can be rinsed clean with mild soap and water, while others are dishwasher-safe for more in-depth cleaning. To keep your German shepherd safe around his toys: Purchase responsibly: Only buy size-appropriate toys for your dog made of dog-friendly, non-toxic ingredients. These super hard chews are especially risky for dogs who chomp down on toys versus gnawing at them. To see if a dog toy is too hard, press your fingernail into it. You also want to see if any are due for a cleaning or if your pup has outgrown them super important with puppies! Discard damaged or small toys: Promptly trash any broken or damaged toys. These are serious choking and ingestion hazards, as well as risks for mouth lacerations if they have sharp edges. Not only are these foul-smelling, but they can also make you and your dog sick. Every dog is different. When in doubt, ask your vet. The Importance of Toys for German Shepherds All dogs originated with a job, but few take working as seriously as the German shepherd. From herding to police work to sniffing out bombs, these doggos are the floofs-of-all-trades in the dog world. This makes the breed one of many that need a job, which can be hard to offer all the time. This is where toys come in. Here are a few ways toys benefit German shepherds: Burning off physical energy. German shepherds started out herding livestock around the farm, covering large swaths of land with speed and agility. This athleticism remains at the heart of the breed and demands a daily outlet. A long walk or brisk jog is ideal, but not everyone can go as fast or as long as the breed would like to. Toys help take off some of the physical workload of exercising your German shepherd. Instead of hiking with your dog for an hour every day which not everyone can do! Providing mental stimulation. He can and will get bored quickly. This is where toys can shine. Easing anxiety. Anxiety can lead to many issues, from destructive chewing to nuisance barking and even health problems. Offering a safe outlet for chewing instincts. Chewing is a natural instinct that dogs need to express. This is as costly as it is dangerous, with non-chew items risking potential mouth injury, bowel obstruction, and poisoning. Does your German shepherd have any of the toys we listed? Share the details in the comments for other shepherd parents! Like it? Share it! Goughnuts Toy Collection This toy collection has a style and shape for every bite. They are virtually indestructible dog tug toys for aggressive power chewers that come with a Lifetime Guarantee! They are ideal for interactive play and bonding. This toy is excellent for even the most aggressive chewers and helps reduce problem behaviors such as chewing and separation anxiety. It has dental ridges that are stimulating for your dog while also cleaning your dog's teeth while he chews, helping prevent tooth decay and bad breath. Made from an all-natural rubber compound that is FDA compliant, non-toxic and biodegradable. It is sustainably harvested helping us reduce our carbon footprint. Animal and planet friendly! It is one of the most durable dog balls around! These balls will stand up to the toughest dogs and comes in several sizes. They roll and float on water and will help your dog relieve his built-up energy. Proudly made in the USA from hard plastic. This mat provides hours of enrichment for your pet. Licking soothes and calms your dog. Also promotes fresh breath, healthy teeth and gums and stimulates saliva to aid digestive health. This is not a chew toy! They fly slow, straight, and level, making them easy to catch. They are made of highly durable soft foam that will hold up to being in your dog's mouth without cutting or hurting them. Even floats in water. Colors may vary. These are not chew toys. Ball On Rope Hollow -Gappay This fun tug toy is built to last and is made from high-quality material for a long life. However, the ball is tapered on the inside to help prevent it from pulling off the cord so that the risk swallowing is minimized. Hollow cast, colors vary. Bite tug, fetch toy-Bull Fit These tug toys equal fun and great for training. They are made from high quality firehose and French linen material that will provide hours of interactive play to help strengthen the bond between you and your furry buddy, to keep them happy and healthy. At the end of play, the bright color is easy to spot. This toy is durable but is not a chew toy. The ring is light and easy to work with which allows you to train a dog for a long time. The unique durable non-toxic material will not damage your dog's teeth and gums. It also floats which opens up additional opportunities for training and interacting with the dog. Made in the Ukraine. Comes in 2 sizes. This durable ball is perfect for pet parents seeking a new and exciting game to play with your dog. Strategically created with our four-legged friends in mind, this ball toy for dogs is designed with a unique indented shape that creates a handle for both dogs and their human play buddies to pick up, carry, and roll. Made of durable rubber with an authentic basketball feel, this fun dog toy keeps its shape, even if punctured. Plus, the innovative design offers mesmerizing bounce-and-roll action. Bounce crazier, grip better, and play harder with the Original B Ball Gripz basketball toy for dogs! Puppies Since GSD puppies are generally stronger, more energetic, and have a higher drive, they can have a knack for destroying toys more than other breeds. This article will give options for the best toys for German Shepherd puppies in different categories so you will be sure to find a toy perfect for your young pup. Start by determining all the types of toys they need and are most excited by. Do they need chew toys to help with their teething? Or are you looking for toys to keep them occupied? Once you know what you need, look for the specific features that would make a dog toy perfect for your specific pup. To reduce the chances of that happening, consider the following when choosing dog toys for your pup: 1 Size Size is the most critical part of choosing a dog toy. This is especially important for balls and chew toys. Most puppies are excited by squeaky sounds, while others love chasing after toys that bounce. Apart from giving them an object to bite, chew, or grasp, these toys provide extra mental stimulation. For most puppies, the louder the squeak, the better. They are durable but not too tough for young puppy teeth. What I love:. Evidently, their natural yearnings to observe things and the people around them, are very high. This makes them highly interactive with their surroundings. Have a glance at some more benefits of interactive toys: Self-entertainment: interactive toys are a great way to keep your pet entertained on its own. If you are having some work and errands to run, feel free to leave your dog with such toys. Weight management: Interactive toys give your pet enough physical time. Tugging on a rope, fetching a ball; just all the physical games a dog needs! Satiate the natural hunting instincts: Since dogs are wild animals, they do have their natural urges to hunt. Using interactive toys allows your pet to use that part of its brain and allows it to forage around. Activities that incorporate interactive toys have been known to help against future disorders like Dementia. Note: There is a word of caution here. Do not let the toys take away from the daily walks and exercises. While toys are a great help in exercising your dog, they are not a substitute for walking or other outdoor activities. Dogs are inherently well at sniffing and uncovering things. This mat works wonders in triggering their senses. The mat has long fringes of different colours. All you have to do is hide their favourite treats here and there amongst the fringes. Once done, see how busy your dog gets while using this mat on its own. These mats are made out of polyester and cotton. Easily washable. Trixie Playing Rope If your dog is high-spirited and keeps frolicking around, Trixie Playing Rope is your best friend! This playing rope has a woven ball at one end and a grip at another. Grab it in a hand and see how well can your pooch tug and pull. This interactive rope might also be used to teach commands. Teach your dog when to pull and when to expel the pressure. Helps in alleviating stress levels in your dog. Chew Toys A very traditional way through which dogs try to interact is by chewing things off. You must have seen your pooch doing the same. Chewing on slippers, clothes, and anything that they find chewable! Getting a Chew Rope Ball will save all your furniture and accessories to be chewed by your dog. Additionally, Chew Toys are much more than what meets the eye. The toys may turn out to be safer than dog bones! Despite having a long way of being related to dogs, bones may be hazardous. Excessive chewing on bones may lead to broken teeth, blockages, and digestive issues. Chew toys are also proven to be beneficial for dental health. Frequent chewing keeps the teeth clean and naturally scrapes away any tartar build-up. This activity also leads to the production of antibacterial components in the saliva and cleans the mouth. Chewing on toys helps with separation anxiety. Just like humans, dogs also face separation anxiety issues. Chewing for dogs is analogous to meditation for humans. Mental stimulation: Just like physical activities, mental stimulation is also necessary. If you have some other work to do, leave your dog with this ball and watch it immerse itself for hours. Sturdy; does not wear off easily. Clearly, dogs are fond of chewing. This is why you must have some chew toys other than ballies! Kong Classic Rubber Chew Toys have been the favourite toys for many years. Ever noticed your dog becoming nervous when you are about to leave? This rubber chew toy helps pooches with their separation anxiety as well! Try leaving this with your pup in your absence and see how occupied they stay with it. Also helpful for teething puppies. Teething often makes your dog chew a lot to pacify the sensation. You may fill the toy with little pop treats or peanut butter if your dog likes it and prolong the playtime to snacking as well. Suitable to play fetch with. The toy comes in different sizes given ages. This chew toy also procures comfort when your pup feels anxious. The soft texture makes them feel relaxed even when you are not around. It does not contain any plastic or rubber. Waago Rubber Ring Dogs get entertained with almost anything that you choose to play fetch with. Be it a slipper, a remote, a ball, or any toy. It depends solely on your pup and you will be fortunate enough if they prefer toys like Waago rubber rings over your slippers or phones! This toy by Waago is yet another simple but fascinating toy. Adequate for a great game of fetch, chewing, hiding and seeking as well. Made with good quality rubber and is non-toxic. Easily cleanable with soapy water. Soft Toys German shepherds may seem intimidating but they also are goofballs. They do love toys that intrigue them, but they also adore having some stuffed toys. Depending on what your pup prefers, it may be a stuffed fishy, a turtle, a starfish, or even a stuffed ball. No wonder, your dog too will. This cute stuffed Waago Clown Fish Toy is a must-have for your pup. When you get one, you will realise that having just one is not enough. Additionally, you may also double it as a throw toy. The toys are hand-stitched to perfection. Not just a clownfish, you can avail this stuffed toy in a lot of shapes and animals. Dogs love to eat meat and this toy completely parallels a thick meaty sausage. This toy is soft and also makes up for a good cuddle partner. It is about 14 cm long and made out of vinyl. Easily washable, just like any other soft toy. Squeaky Toys As the name suggests, these toys squeak or play sounds when pressed. Now, this may not seem like a very good option from your end because of the undesirable turmoil. However, dogs respond differently and rather humorously to such noises. It makes them wonder what it is and where it is coming from. When your dog finally catches it, there comes the squeak. This makes the simple game of fetching more interesting and interactive. The toy floats in water. Throw it in the water and see your dog swim up to it. Made out of non-toxic material. Everyone has grown up having seen this. Well, it is kind of true. Dogs do love bones. Made out of non-toxic material so that it is safe for your pup. It is very lightweight, hence easy to throw and fetch. Rather than just leaving it with your dog, involve yourself in the gameplay as it helps in bonding. The bone comes in several sizes, for different ages. Dogs do not need anything fancy. They do not long for expensive gifts or cars. All they need is your love and kindness. This is why making time and playing around with them does more than half of the work. Small things like these mean a lot to them. But just giving the toys will not be enough. You have to be there with them to play those. This is all they know, to play and to love you unconditionally. Related Blog.

We will only ever breed from adults that approximately two years of age and over that have been health tested to meet their breed guidelines outlined by the Kennel Club and The BVA. Our puppies will only ever be born and reared in our home. Puppies will never leave here before eight weeks of age, when the puppies are ready to leave us they will have been vet checked, had first vaccination, be microchipped, wormed up to date and will leave here with a scent blanket, puppy pack, Skenasdoodles information booklet, 12kg bag of food, pet contract, whistle and flea treatment. We also offer our owners and goldendoodles a lifetime of support through our closed owners Facebook page 'skenasdoodles'. We do not send out our health test results via email or any other way. Our adults are KC registered so some test results can also be found on the KC website. We will need to speak to you over the phone before you come to visit us. Owning a dog is a huge commitment that can last approximately years so please don't be offended if we ask questions about your daily routine and working life - we strive to place our puppies in the best possible forever homes from the very beginning. Our home is not open to the general public at any point, we do not accommodate any viewings outside of our puppy viewings. This is our family home and a calm environment for our adult dogs whilst pregnant and nursing - they simply will not tolerate strange dogs during this time and should not have to. My family and I live just outside Monkton in Kent. Our three children are all now studying at college and University, I am at home full time and spend the majority of my day with our dogs. My husband works from home part of the week too We breed Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles, we have both the standard Poodle and Miniature Poodle stud dogs of our own see our stud dog page for details and so breed the standard sized and the mini cross. Please note that we never advertise the smaller cross as 'Miniature' - these dogs will be medium sized due to one large breed parent in the mix. Our main aim is to produce a happy, healthy family companion. We have bernedoodles living all over Europe and are happy toa ssist with exporting a puppy safely. Many of our Bernedoodle puppies are trained assistant dogs or are resident dogs at schools. We are really proud of the work our puppies are achieving in developing children's confidence and abilities. Many of our bernedoodles have instagram pages also. Here at spring well we have the show-type cocker spaniel. We love the cocker spaniel for their intelligence and their loving temperment. Our cocker spaniels make excellent family dogs , They aim to please and are fairly easy to train. We have 2 cocker spaniel males - Wichyn and Prince both are available on stud Cockapoo A firm family favourite; which Chlidren seem to love! Cockapoos are loved for their playful characters and for the less shedding of hair. Cockapoo are produced from an English Cocker Spaniel and our Petite Minature Poodles; we always try to get a great variety of interesting colours. Their sweet, loyal and affectionate traits are a big part of what we as a family love about the breed. Many people have returned to buy more of our beautiful Bernese. Spring Well Kennels is situated in a peaceful, rural setting with stunning views of the Carmarthenshire Countryside; which, of course - all of our puppies have access to on a regular basis. The Cocker Spaniel comes in a great variety of different colours. Bernedoodle The Bernadoodle; a large breed, semi-hypoallergenic, has a fun nature and is fairly active. The Bernadoodle comes in a variety of different colours. Cockapoos A firm family favourite, who children seem to love - simply because of their playful character! All our dogs have the ability to explore hedgerows of beautiful flowers, walk through untouched woodlands and play across acres of land. We are very lucky where we live! At Spring Well Kennels, we keep a few breeds of Dogs; We love it when customers travel to us from all corners of Great Britain and enjoy the untouched treasures of West Wales. We always recommend a meal and an overnight stay at our Local! Why not visit the stunning Llanstephan Castle or the miles of beaches at Cefn Sidan? Nothing gives us more pleasure than our feedback from happy customers, enjoying their new additions to the family.

Download an adoption application here Please email the completed application to adoptionteam1. She is one of the cutest dogs, who makes the cutest noises, that we have ever met. She reminds her foster mom of a baby hippo. She is the kind of dog you can take anywhere and who will be happy to meet anyone. After a 10 minute play, she will return to the activity that occupies most of her days.In addition to lounging on the sofa and showering her foster mom with affection, this girl really appreciates a good sunbathing session in the backyard. Her absolute favorite thing in life though are belly rubs. She is amazing with everything. She regards every car ride as a total adventure. She is thrilled when company comes over for a visit and is kind of like the Walmart greeter of her foster home. We will reach out to you as soon as your application is processed. Thank you in advance for your patience. All of our dogs start their journey in Memphis, Tennessee where they remain in loving foster families until they are adopted. Once adopted, some pups stay local in Memphis. Many others travel via one of our transport partners to their new forever homes. For our Midwest adopters, we have our own private transport. Breed selection is done in conjunction with two local vets and is not to be considered a guarantee but rather a well-educated decision from well qualified staff. Due to the extremely high volume of inquiries we receive, we ask that you request, complete, and submit an application before asking additional questions. We try very hard to include all pertinent information in our bios. We are excited to help you find your new family member. We want to spend our time saving dogs and assisting those adopters who have taken the time to complete an application. Thank you for understanding. Thank you for choosing rescue!! Phone e-mail: shelbynicole hotmail. Sundance French Bulldogs! We are located in beautiful East Tennessee. They might be descended from English. We're on FB and Instagram! No matter if you are looking for a lilac French Bulldog puppy, chocolate Frenchie, a merle Frenchie, a tri French Bulldog, an isabella Frenchie puppy, a fluffy Frenchie long-haired French Bulldog , a blue Frenchie, or a champagne French Bulldog — we have you covered. Welcome to Tennessee French Bulldogs! We are a small hobby breeder of high quality French Bulldogs! Meet Vinny. Pepper is the cutest little brindle frenchie. Our French Bull Dogs have great temperaments, are well-mannered, friendly, easy to train, and always eager to please. Our Frenchies are cared for by passionate Puppy Agents. French Bulldog Puppies for Sale near Knoxville, …. French Bulldog Puppies for Sale in Tennessee. Definitely my favorite pup of the litter. Because all breeding programs are different, you may find dogs for sale outside that price range. Photos and contact info on Advertigo website. Check with the breeder for up-to-date information on puppy availability. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help. Breed: French Bulldog. If you are looking for well bred and perfectly socialized French bulldog puppies for sale in Tennessee, then welcome home to one of the most respected Frenchie breeders. French Bulldog puppies for sale in Clarksville, TN from. Find Bulldog puppies for saleNear Tennessee. Find Bulldog puppies for sale. What kind of dogs are French Bulldogs? The gorgeous French Bulldog puppies for sale Nashville have patient and affectionate natures that make them impossible not to adore. Our quality English Bulldog puppies are available from time to time, both rare and standard colors. Reserve your puppy today! Sundance's French Bulldogs. We have one precious chocolate fawn male available! See Available Puppies page. He is a handsome boy who is very dark black with minimal brindle markings, and a lot of white on his chest. AKC proudly supports dedicated and responsible breeders. French Bulldog Puppies. The French Bulldog also known as the Frenchie is a striking, cheerful, affectionate little dog. Meet Sammi. She is very playful and just wants to curl up with someone. All About Me! Find your French Bulldog puppy for sale in Tennessee. Stunning French Bulldog puppies for sale in Tennessee! Our quality puppies are bred for conformation and temperament. French Bulldog Breed Info. Our Innovative Process. How Much is French Bulldog in Tennessee? We analyzed the prices of 29 French Bulldog puppies that were listed for sale in Tennessee. Evangeline Walter White. They still enjoy outdoor time, but are perfect partners for hanging at home. Goofy, sweet, free-spirited, and joyful, this dog is a natural-born comedian. If you are unable to find your. Save this search and we'll notify you when they are. She will be vet checked and has a 1 year genetic health guarantee. The life expectancy of a Frenchie is around years. French Bulldog Puppies for Sale near Clarksville, …. She is a beautiful lilac and tan. French bulldogs in Tennessee — French Bulldogs for sale …. She is a beautiful blue and tan. Search for a French Bulldog puppy or dog. Stud service also available by AI only, inquire for the details. Our puppies are sold DNA health tested and come in a wide range of colors standard to exotic. Our Frenchies are cared for by passionate Puppy Agents from the moment they are born until they are ready to go to their new homes. We have an experienced hand that has been handling the Frenchies for years and consistently strives to improve the quality of the breed. French Bulldog Puppies Description: Blues, platinum, fawn and blue brindle available. Blue Diamond French Bulldogs usually mature weighing around pounds and inches to the top of the back. Somewhat submissive French bulldog puppies for here these puppies are Up to date with all shorts. Spike is a black brindle French bulldog. Males tend to be larger in size compared to females. We find so much fulfillment in providing that same companionship to other homes! Our frenchies are bred to the standard of the French Bulldog Club of America with an emphasis on health, temperament and structure. For sell vallesc member 1 year Memphis, Tennessee Dogs and Puppies, French Bulldog Mac Daddy is a beautiful boy proven stud he loves everyone house trained he has. See Available Puppies Great for Small Homes The French Bulldog's small stature and relatively low exercise needs make them a great choice for families with apartments and small homes. All of our dogs are genetically health tested and puppies come with a one year health guarantee. Delivery is available via flight nanny for an additional fee. He is super sweet and loves to play and cuddle. French Bulldog puppies for sale from dog breeders near Tennessee. French Bulldog Puppies Description: Exceptional Quality Frenchies These adorable female pups are looking to find great homes with mostly naps and cuddles. About French Bulldogs. He loves belly rubs and cuddles, games, and stunts, and thrives on human interaction. Located in Hendersonville, TN which is just outside of Nashville. He will be vet checked and has a 1 year genetic health guarantee. French Bulldogs for Sale in Nashville. We breed top-quality Frenchies and Bullies. Puppies won't last long. After you have been approved for a French Bulldog Puppy for sale in Tennessee, the puppy will undergo an industry-leading health examination. French bulldog puppies in Tennessee FantasticFrenchies. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be. Stell If you would like to purchase a puppy please contact us. Puppies are healthy and will be ready for new homes .For a dog with such an unmistakable face — those chops, that brow! The average can be impacted by a few very expensive puppies listed or sold or even a few cheap puppies often advertised or priced to display the deposit-only price. We begin calling the puppy by the name you choose. Registered puppy shots and wellness certificate-priced from and up. He gladly fills the house with giggles and laughter. Adorable little guys ready to go -Born -. We are a small hobby breeder of high quality French Bulldogs! We work. They might be descended from English Bulldogs but Nashville French Bulldogs for sale are by far the more popular breed these days. Pricing is determined by the unique attributes of each particular puppy. Pepper brindle is a French Bulldog puppy for sale in. These attributes include sex, temperament, coloring, and more importantly, breeder experience. Find Bulldog puppies for sale Near Tennessee For a dog with such an unmistakable face — those chops, that brow! French Bulldog Puppies For Sale. We are dedicated to producing soundness, type and personality in our French Bulldogs. We do not ship our puppies. Absolutely Adorable There's something about that goofy, cute little French Bulldog face that makes it hard to say no—to tummy rubs and treats, especially. Make sure to do research on th MORE. Meet Snooki. This is the price you can expect to pay for the French Bulldog breed without breeding rights. French Bulldog, North Carolina » Cleveland. Located right outside Memphis, Tennessee, we are small hobby breeders dedicated to producing happy, healthy, and outstanding quality standard, blue, and chocolate french bulldog puppies. French Bulldog. Please call to contact us about our puppies or stud service. We stay pretty busy with family life as we have 2 teenage boys! The boys keep us on our toes with activities and the frenchies often come along with us or the boys come with us to the vet, lol!! Website: PuppySpot's French Bulldogs.

For the complete list please see our German Shepherd page page. The average price for a German Shepherd puppy in New York can vary depending on the breeder. Some breeders may charge more for certain colors or markings. German Shepherds with a normal temperament are more expensive than those who have an aggressive temperament due to health or poor breeding practices. Puppies from working parents tend to be more expensive as well, because of their intelligence and high energy levels which make them excellent service dogs. Some things you may want to ask the breeder include: Are the puppies parents certified free of genetic defects? Do the puppies have a health guarantee? What vaccines and deworming medications have the puppies received? What type of food and exercise do the puppies receive? Can I see the parents of the puppies? How often do the breeders screen for potential health problems in their breeding stock? Do they offer help with training or behavior issues after I take my puppy home? These organizations are full of wonderful dogs who need homes, and most of them are already housebroken and know basic obedience commands. You can see how they are being raised, which will give you an insight into their personalities and temperament. Also, you may have the opportunity to meet the mother of your future puppy which is also important when choosing a breeder. When you buy your puppy from a reputable breeder, you are getting the highest quality GSD that money can buy. You know that their puppies come from healthy parents and have received appropriate vaccinations for their age. The breeder ensures their pups are dewormed, microchipped, and spayed or neutered before they leave for new homes. Good breeders are happy to provide this information because they want you to find the perfect puppy just as much as you do. They will be able to tell you about other families who have purchased puppies in the past and give personal testimonials about their experiences with the breeder. Breeders should offer help long after you take your GSD home. A responsible breeder will have years of experience working with German Shepherds and be able to answer any questions you may have about the breed. When looking for a reputable breeder, always remember that price is not everything. The health and temperament of the puppies should be your top priority when making this important decision. Take your time in finding the perfect breeder and puppy and you will be rewarded with a lifetime of companionship from your new best friend, the German Shepherd. A good breeder will have nothing to hide and will be more than happy to provide you with contact information for families who have purchased puppies from them in the past. References can tell you a lot about a breeder, such as how healthy their puppies are, how well they were socialized, and if the breeder was helpful after the puppy was taken home. When meeting past customers, make sure to ask lots of questions. A reputable breeder will have years of experience working with German Shepherds and be able to answer any questions you may have about the breed. They should also be willing to provide references from past customers and allow you to meet puppies and their parents. The puppies should be healthy, well-socialized, and come from healthy parents. Make sure that the breeder has a good relationship with a veterinarian, as this is a sign of a kennel that cares about the overall health and well-being of their dogs. Good breeders will typically go to their veterinarians for vaccinations, check-ups, and other issues relating to the puppies. Be aware that if your breeder does not have a veterinarian they use or trust, then this may indicate larger problems within their kennel. What kind of facility are they using? Do they have any references from past customers? Do they care about where their puppies end up once you take them home? These questions can help you determine whether or not this is the right German Shepherd breeder for you and your family. A good breeder will be able to answer any questions that the veterinarian may have about the breed and their individual puppies. If they do not have a current relationship with a veterinarian, ask them why? How often do they visit their vet? What kind of services does the veterinarian offer? Is this someone you would trust with the well-being of your German Shepherd? Signs that you may be dealing with an unethical breeder include: The breeder is not willing to provide references from past customers. The puppies are unhealthy or have health problems. The breeder does not have a good relationship with a veterinarian. The puppies are not well socialized. The breeder is asking for more than the average price for a German Shepherd puppy. If you encounter any of these red flags, it is best to walk away and find another breeder who can provide you with a healthy, well-socialized puppy. It is better for everyone involved to know who the reputable breeders are so that they can be trusted by future families looking for a German Shepherd puppy. All puppies are born with a predisposition to certain health problems, and the German Shepherd is no exception. Some common health problems that can occur in German Shepherds include: Hip dysplasia. It is also a great dog state with the German Shepherds being one of the most popular dog breeds in the state. The German Shepherd is arguably one of the most remarkable dog breeds in existence as they are quite versatile dogs used as service dogs, companion dogs, working dogs, and even show dogs. They are blessed with a high level of intelligence, playful and energetic nature, and most times a calm temperament. They are also easy to train as they have a sweet and adorable eagerness or willingness to please their owners. If you reside in the state of New York and you are considering purchasing or owning a German Shepherd puppy, then you should most definitely search for a reputable breeder that truly cares for the breed and is focused more on breeding quality, healthy and well-socialized puppies. In this article, we provide a list of some very good German Shepherd breeders located in New York. This list should be used as a guide toward helping you find the best German Shepherd puppy for you. So, do ensure you read till the end as we reveal our personal pick from the list below. They claim to be the number breeder and seller of superior European German Shepherd dogs and they are located at the heart of New York in a town called Canisteo. They are mainly focused on producing German Shepherds that make great family companions. Their puppies are blessed with a playful energy that is adorable. Don Spear, the main breeder and founder of Upstate German Shepherds has been breeding beautiful canines for over 40 years. He is focused strictly on German Shepherds from championed European lines, this is why most of his chosen sires and dams are imports from Europe. His dogs are given the full check before being accepted into the breeding program. They have their DNA tests done early and even have X-rays done for hips and elbows. Their dogs have never been raised in a kennel. They are strong believers of close human interaction, this is why they raise their puppies in the family house in Canisteo, New York. Some of their dogs get to live with guardian families within the area. They are properly vaccinated, dewormed, and each comes with written health guarantees. They are also exposed to both human and non-human interaction and stimulations. We offer both puppies and adult-trained dogs that will be your new best friend! Our goal is to provide you with an unforgettable experience as a top German Shepherd breeder nearby in New York State. Our GSDs are known for being intelligent, loyal, and balanced. They are also great at obedience training and make wonderful companion animals. You will see our dogs on Instagram around children and adults. The state capital is Albany, but the largest city is New York City, which is home to more than 8 million people. The Brooklyn Bridge connects Manhattan with Brooklyn, another borough with a rich history. Open tennis tournament. Staten Island is home to the Staten Island Ferry, which provides free transportation to and from Manhattan. New York offers a variety of hiking and training for German Shepherds that make the state an ideal location to raise both a family and a German Shepherd puppy. What Sets Us Apart? Regardless of which option you choose, we will work with you to find the perfect GSD for your family. Contact us today to find the perfect German Shepherd for your needs. Visit us on Instagram to see photos and videos of our adult German Shepherds and puppies. All Rights Reserved. Questions about German Shepherd puppies for sale in New York? We have answers. How much do your German Shepherd puppies for sale in New York cost? Instead of being priced based on region, puppy prices range based on a variety of factors that include but are not limited to coloring, temperament, personality and sex. German Shepherd puppies for sale NYC are similarly priced to comparable puppies from our nationwide network of breeders and businesses. Yes, we do! We vigorously screen all breeders and companies who want to join our network for ethical breeding and humane puppy care. Our success comes only from pairing each pooch with the ideal dream home based on its distinct personality and your specific needs. We thrive on leveraging our large network to make satisfying placements every day! Are any of the puppies from a puppy mill? Uptown will never connect you with a breeder or company that serves as a puppy mill. We ensure that the background, standard of puppy care, animal welfare and healthcare are all met before accepting an application. Unfortunately there are plenty of pet stores and breeders out there who neglect their animals and are only in it to sell as many animals as possible. Do you have purebred German Shepherd puppies for sale New York? We sure do! To get the Uptown badge of approval, the breeders and companies we work with have to demonstrate the highest standard of pedigree and breeding. We can guarantee that all purebred German Shepherd puppies for sale NYC that come through Uptown Puppies will have verified lineage and the highest quality in puppy care. How am I matched with a puppy? Our unique MatchMaker process works to understand your lifestyle and key wants for a new pooch and then connects you to breeders and businesses who can provide you with the perfect new pooch for you. Can I trust Uptown Puppies? Uptown Puppies takes the stress out of researching and adopting your new furry best friend and makes it a fun and easy process.

Share 0 Shares The Goldendoodle , which is a mix between the very popular Golden Retriever and the Poodle breed, is an incredible canine companion. They serve as the perfect furry companions to share your highs and lows with as they are loyal and family oriented. Their high intelligence level makes them super trainable which is why they are used as service dogs or as emotional support dogs used in therapy. For families living in the North Star State of Minnesota, It has become a lot easier to get a Goldendoodle puppy, as numerous breeders of the designer dog exist in the beautiful state. Read this article to get information on some of the best Goldendoodle breeders that exist in the state of Minnesota. These breeders have dedicated their resources to providing high-quality Goldendoodle puppies for families in the Gopher state and the United States as a whole. They are responsible breeders of the Goldendoodle designer dog breed and are all about producing high-quality pups that would be loved and catered for by families in the United States. They produce low to no-shedding multi-generational miniature-size Goldendoodles that are of various colors. Their puppies possess high intelligence but their utmost priority is health. Founded by the dynamic duo of Kathy and Eric Kelly, Timber Rock Goldendoodles have been able to improve their breeding line with top-quality breeding dogs that each come from AKC-registered parents and are champion title holders with pedigrees to show it. Their breeding dogs are carefully considered based on their health which is easier decided through rigorous genetic health testing done through Embark. In addition to this, the breeding dogs each have their hips, eyes, hearts, and elbows checked by licensed bodies such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Every Goldendoodle puppy from Timber Rock Goldendoodles is raised in a family-oriented environment that is constantly kept clean and is relatively safe for each breed. The pups enjoy the best of socialization through their interactions with people and other house pets. They are clicker trained, undergo aptitude testing, and are touch and sound desensitization. Each Goldendoodle puppy is properly health checked by a vet. They each come with a 2-year genetic health warranty and are given their full list of vaccination shots and dewormings. Also, the puppies are microchipped and each has their dew claws clipped at a tender age. If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. You need to be aware of all kinds of things to ensure you end up with a happy, healthy puppy. Filling you in on these things is the fundamental purpose of this article, where we discuss crucial criteria for judging quality breeders of Goldendoodle puppies in Minnesota and recommend some of the best ones. Choosing a Responsible Goldendoodle Breeder Choosing to adopt a Goldendoodle puppy is one of the easiest decisions in the world. Once you are sure that you are ready for all the commitments a dog entails, a Doodle really is the obvious choice. These gorgeous pups have been carefully bred to combine all the very best of other dogs in one super family-friendly package… just as long as you find the right breeder. This is where things get complicated. The price of designer Doodles attracts all sorts trying to make some easy money by deceiving potential buyers. This type of scam is sadly all too common. See Also: Click the image Puppy mills are another potential problem in the world of dog breeding. These are kennels where profit is king above all else. The puppies and their parents are poorly cared for and raised in inhumane conditions. The best way to avoid a puppy mill is to ask to see where the dogs are being kept — either in person or via video chat. Then you can gauge the conditions for yourself. Other breeders may do their best by the dogs but may not know all that much about guaranteeing the best health of the puppies they produce. The output could be Goldies who are sick or that have inherited genetic issues from their parents, which may not be apparent until they are older. A few ways to ensure a high-quality breeding facility is to: Check Certification While a breeding license is not necessary for those with fewer than ten dogs, other types of certification can help you judge the quality of the facility you are dealing with. Just always make sure to double-check that they actually are. Never just take them at their word. Make sure you always ask for evidence of these. A reputable facility will be used to providing this information and will not hesitate to do so upon request. Specific details on what to look for with Goldendoodles can be found here. Look For a Health Guarantee Facilities that are really secure in their breeding standards will be happy to provide new owners with a health guarantee. This basically shows that the puppy is in the best possible health as far as can be determined by the relevant vet checks and tests. The length of such guarantees can extend for 48 hours — just long enough for you to have your vet give the pup a good looking over — to up to two years. This allows the owners to rule out any genetic disorders that may only develop as the puppy matures. Seek Recommendations from A Trusted Source A preferred method of selecting a good breeder among dog owners is to seek recommendations from those in the know. Numerous expert websites such as Goldendoodles. See below for our recommendations for where to buy Goldendoodle puppies in Minnesota. Read Online Reviews Finally, online reviews can be an excellent source of information when trying to establish the reliability of breeders. The people writing these have gone through precisely the same process and can provide handy insights about what to expect. These could very easily be fabricated. You can start here at Doodle Doods to look for reviews. For more guidance with the tricky issue of finding a good place to buy a puppy, take a look at our designated article, How To Choose A Responsible Breeder. Best Goldendoodle Breeders in Minnesota For a great place to start, here are our top 4 Goldendoodle breeders in Minnesota. Maybe one of them will work for you. View all Minnesota Goldendoodle breeders listed in our extensive Doodle breeder directory! Part of that is offering lifelong breeder support, standard with each puppy purchased. The health and genetic testing of the parent dogs is also a priority. Tests include a range of OFA certifications, including hips, elbows, patellas, and thyroid. These all go a long way towards ensuring the future health of the puppies. What Makes This Breeder Unique? Personal experience with purchasing a puppy from a disreputable breeder has made the owners of Timber Rock Doodles all the more committed to producing the very best dogs around. They have undertaken a significant amount of research to make sure they know as much about responsible and effective breeding as possible. They can even test the coat traits of the parent dogs to determine breeding pairs to achieve the most desirable coats possible. The facility provides a month health guarantee. Together we are a mother-daughter team, raising Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles at two convenient locations: south central Minnesota, and central Wisconsin each about 2 hours from the Twin Cities. We offer exclusive, limited boarding for our Doodle families, and keep in touch for a lifetime to support your puppy journey. My family and I have heated and cooled indoor puppy space, and our puppies are hand raised from birth to adoption in our home, where we can give them the hour hands on care, attention, and the one-of-the-family bonding they deserve. With our family-focused lifestyle, there is always someone home to snuggle puppies, work on training, or play fetch. We are dedicated to the puppies-first life so we can provide our families with not only a well-bred, well-adjusted puppy, but also the connection and confidence that marks an exceptional puppy experience. Would I recommend Brooke? Definitely and already have! Brooke and family take care of and love these puppies so much! You can tell by how well they are socialized once you pick them up. They are playful, happy and extremely adorable! She is great at answering questions and giving training tips for when you take your puppy home—not to mention you get a gift bag of pure love. Our Puppies: Our puppies are raised in my home with one-on-one love from the start. We pride ourselves on intelligent, healthy, beautiful, balanced, and well-socialized dogs and puppies. Everyone in my home is involved in raising, training, and caring for our puppies. It's part of our family vision. As a family, we understand the value of a puppy that blesses the home. Health, attractiveness, and a loving temperament are prerequisites for each of our dogs. Our Process: We prioritize making the Brooke's Doodles puppy experience personal and joyful for every puppy family. Emails, phone calls, video chats, and in-person visits are a regular part of the process. Consider us your personal puppy professionals! With a structured puppy process from day one, you can expect to really feel like one of the family. After your puppy is home, we offer boarding for our puppies as available, and are happy to answer questions and offer guidance as your puppy grows with you. You can prepare for and adopt your puppy with confidence knowing you will have support from us both before and after your puppy is home. We named Gabby because as a puppy she was in the middle of her litter and always was the playful one! Comes with 3 lb bag of dog food, 2 toys, 2 small shampoos, 2 sample treats and a soft blanket! She loves cuddling most of all but loves to follow "dad" around the yard. We know she will make a great pet. Zaylee connects with her eyes, looking straight into yours, and tries to reflect your excitement. She was easily trained and loves to be pet and cuddled! Zaylee loves the coolness of the cornfield dirt.Name: Zaylee - loves cuddling, and walks Status: Retired - Looking for her forever home. Comes with 3 lb bag of dog food, 2 toys, 2 sm shampoos, 2 sample treats and a soft blanket! If he could follow you around all day, he would be so happy. He enjoys being held, going for long walks and just looking and smelling everything. Comes with 3 lb bag of dog food, 2 toys, 2 sm shampoos, 2 sample treats and a soft blanket. Is there room in your heart for Cheese? He has the longest tongue for such a small guy. Do you have room for him?

Let me define and give a brief description of each… Crate Training: Confinement And Supervision The first method of house training makes use of a crate and a constant mix of supervision and confinement. Our favorite is the Midwest Life Stages Crate. We bought one for Linus over 14 years ago an still use the exact same crate today. Using a crate during house training works so well because dogs have a natural instinct not to soil their dens, to keep the place that they sleep free of feces and urine. This teaches and encourages your puppy to learn how to control their bowels and bladder. So by supervising your puppy when they are outside the crate and taking them to their toilet spot when they need to go, and crating them when you cannot supervise them, a puppy never gets a chance to make a mistake by toileting in the wrong place. This dramatically speeds up the house training process. For a more detailed discussion of using a crate during house training, please click here. And you can find a complete and detailed guide to crate training your puppy by clicking here. Paper Training: Starting Inside Then Moving Outside With this method, the idea is to train your puppy to toilet on papers or specially manufactured pads inside your home. Once they are consistent with this, you begin to move the pads or paper closer to a door to the outside, and then place similar pads or paper outside for them to use before eventually completely removing the pads from inside the home unless indoor training of course. This works well because a puppy very quickly learns to potty only ever on the paper or pads and they are always accessible in the home. Also, Puppy pads are steeped in a specially formulated scent that strongly encourages a puppy to toilet on these and not on the floor or other places in your home. However, the biggest disadvantage to this method is initially your puppy will have learnt that toileting indoors is acceptable behavior. So if your end goal is to train your dog to only ever toilet outside, the house training process will take far longer with this method. Constant supervision This method is exactly what it sounds like and is simply where you constantly supervise your puppy. You must never allow any accidents to happen inside the home or your training can suffer a set back. As this method requires nothing but your attention and speed of action, this is the cheapest of all options as you need no crate, no pads, no nothing. But this method is very time-consuming and takes more effort and concentration than using a crate as you can never let your guard down and allow puppy the chance to make a mistake. Finally we have… Umbilical Cord House Training This method also relies on constant supervision for its success and is exactly what it sounds like: You have your puppy attached to you by looping their leash around the belt on your jeans or trousers. Puppy will be right by your side so you can correct any mistakes and take them to the right spot every time. This is also a very good alternative method to use for those who would prefer not to crate or confine their dogs at all. But so you know what to expect, here a few universal truths that apply to house training: Very young puppies have very little control over their bowels and bladder. The larger the breed, the quicker the control comes. For a Labrador, you cannot expect them to have any control until 12 weeks of age, for smaller and toy breeds, this could be as much as 16 weeks old. Start house training the minute you get your puppy home. Do not delay. This will pay dividends in the long run. Some puppies learn quicker than others. This is normal. Even when a puppy can control their bladder and bowels, they cannot hold it for long. Frequent toilet trips are essential! Continue with the house training plan and it will stick eventually. You cannot expect any puppy to be fully house trained before 6 months of age. With proper house training, expect your puppy to be fully house trained by 6 to 7 months of age. By fully house trained, I mean you can completely trust them and will never see any more accidents going forward. As long as you follow the advice given throughout the many parts of this guide, from 16 weeks onwards accidents will be rare. With a decade or more of love to come. The generally accepted rule of thumb written in most books and articles is: A puppy can hold their bladder for A MAXIMUM of one hour for each month of their age So a 2 month old puppy can hold it for 2 hours, a 3 month old puppy can hold it for 3 hours, etc. After this time period, an accident is all but guaranteed. However, I have some bones to pick with this rule myself… All puppies are different. Generally speaking, the bigger the puppy, the longer they can hold it. Not all are the same and bladder control varies too wildly to use a rule like this. Outside of a crate and roaming around with you in the home, I would say: A puppy can hold their bladder for 30 to 45 minutes max at 2 months old. Use this as a rule of thumb and you will be closer to reality. But if you follow my guide, you will see in article 6 that we will be keeping a diary and forming schedules so there will be no guess-work needed. Certainly far less than during the day! A puppy at 8 weeks old should be able to last between 4 and 5 hours, varying from puppy to puppy. Over the next few weeks, the time they can last through the night will lengthen and lengthen until at 16 weeks a puppy will be able to last a 7 hour night without you having to take them to their bathroom spot for relief. Though many will reach this point at any time between 10 and 16 weeks. Some puppies need to go immediately after eating or drinking, while others cannot go until a full half hour later. What you can rely on though is that after eating or drinking, all puppies will need to go very shortly after. As a general rule, all puppies should be taken to their bathroom spot: First thing in the morning when you rise. Just before the last person in the house goes to sleep. Immediately after the puppy wakes up. This is after any nap, at any time of day. Within the first half an hour after eating. Within the first 15 minutes after drinking. After play or experiencing any form of excitement such as a visitor saying hello. And because, like us, puppies and dogs need to go often throughout a day, You also want to take them to their bathroom spot on a schedule such as the following: 8 weeks old — take them to their bathroom spot every 30 minutes. Common ailments such as urinary tract infection, gastroenteritis and many medical problems affecting internal organs and the genitalia can cause a dog to toilet much more frequently than they usually would. So have your puppy or dog checked, and if further down the road they start to have accidents you cannot explain, have them checked again. It may not be their fault. After reading this article you now know what house training is, how long it should take, will have some respect and understanding for the fact a puppy has little bladder and bowel control and know how often and when you need to provide toilet breaks. You should also now have realistic expectations of time-scales, the amount of effort required and exactly what your growing puppy can do at different ages. At first, an 8 week old puppy will relieve themselves without hardly knowing, they cannot help it and yes this is frustrating. But be patient, stay calm, and with consistency and patience eventually your puppy will develop enough control of their little bodies to hold it longer and longer. In this article we discuss the attitude and approach you should take and the mindset you need bring with you to be successful at house training. We also cover the skills and attitude your puppy brings with them to the process. If your puppy can still smell the scent of urine he will want to potty again in the same spot. Please see the entire series linked to below:. Learn to spot the signs Never punish your Lab after an accident Use potty pads as a temporary indoor alternative Recognize excitement urination Be aware of submissive urination Allow more freedom as your puppy improves The ultimate aim of housebreaking your puppy is to prevent accidents. Control His Environment When potty training your puppy, the first thing to do is to control his environment. Use a long leash and attach your pup to your waist, even when inside the house. This allows you to look out for warning signs. Your pup will sleep in the crate, whereas the playpen provides extra space. Make sure to choose a pen with a door so that you can attach it to the crate, such as the Midwest Homes for Pets Folding Exercise Pen from Amazon. I also recommend the Midwest Homes for Pets icrate. Introduce the Crate Slowly introduce the crate when crate training your Lab over the first few days. When you let your pup out of his crate, immediately take him outside. When he is away from his own room, make sure you closely supervise him by keeping him attached to you on a long leash. Allow Frequent Potty Breaks Give your dog lots of opportunities to go outside. Create a Puppy Potty Schedule Dogs thrive off routines, including mealtimes, exercise, and potty training! You can set an alarm on your watch or phone to remind you to take your dog outside to his toilet area. Your pup will need to go first thing in the morning, after a meal or drinking, when he wakes from a nap, after playtimes, and before bedtime. Look for clues such as sniffing the floor or carpet, circling, restlessness, becoming overexcited, whining, or making towards the door. This includes whether you catch him in the act or if it happened a while ago. Moreso, the latter, as your dog will have no idea what he is being punished for! This is because dogs have a terrible short-term memory and will forget an event in two minutes. Instead, take him straight outside and reward him with a treat and lots of praise if he finishes off his business. Use Potty Pads as a Temporary Indoor Alternative Potty pads can be handy in extended periods of bad weather or if you live in a high-rise apartment and it takes longer to get outside. They can also be useful when traveling. This is when your Labrador gets so excited he will pee a small amount. It may happen when a family member or friend visits. To prevent this, allow your dog to eliminate before a visitor arrives and ensure visitors make their entrance low-key with no fuss, even ignoring the pup for a few minutes. Dogs will usually grow out of excitement pee by 18 months of age. Be Aware of Submissive Urination This is also common, but your puppy will outgrow it. It occurs when your Labrador wants to show submissive status to a person or another animal. He may squat and urinate during specific situations. To prevent it, avoid yelling and physical punishment, appear less intimidating when approaching, kneel down, and stroke under his chin instead of the top of his head. At first, keep his sleeping area small and then gradually increase the size slowly and methodically. Remove the divider in the crate or make the playpen area larger if you arent using a crate. You can use a crate to your advantage as it helps your pup develop quicker bowel and bladder control. To potty train a Lab puppy with a crate, use the crate as a tool. When the door is closed, your Lab will let you know he needs to eliminate by whining or scratching. He will learn self-control quicker. Crates are great when you cannot fully supervise your puppy and are an ideal way to control his environment. However, you still need to keep a close eye on him and spot the signs when he needs to go. Make it smaller using a divider. He will be less likely to eliminate in a smaller sleeping area. Check out my recommendations for the Best Dog Crates for Labradors and Playpens , including soft crates, travel crates, and furniture styles. Just be aware that it will probably take a little longer. Use dog gates to section off an area of the house. When away from his confinement, tether your pup to you with a long leash and establish a strict potty break schedule. If you choose dog gates, there are many styles you can choose to match your decor and configure how you like. This area should contain training pads or newspapers. Potty Training Puppies Between Months Old Most puppies are around eight weeks old when they leave their mother and littermates, but occasionally your pup may be a little older when you first bring him home. You may wonder how to potty train an older puppy and whether you should do anything different. Generally speaking, you should follow the same principles as training an 8-week-old Lab. However, a more mature puppy should be able to grasp housebreaking quicker. Time to start potty training your Labrador Puppy Potty training or house training is one of the first things that you will have to focus on after bringing home a Labrador Puppy. However, you must know what to expect when toilet training a Lab puppy, you must be prepared with patience and dedication since house training can be difficult in the beginning. Here are the house-training basics that you will need to follow to train your puppy. House training is done over time, and here is how. You can also take your puppy into your yard if you have one. Teaching your lab puppy go potty in the yard is the best idea since Labradors produce a lot of waste when they are grown. If you live in an apartment you have no other option but to take your Lab outside to evacuate. Lab puppies love to go outside and explore new territories. So for apartment dwellers, the first months of potty training will happen indoors. Puppies can refuse to go potty on surfaces that they are not used to. For example, if your puppy gets used to evacuating on hard floors, going potty in the grass will feel awkward to your puppy, and will prefer to do it on the sidewalk. So, using an artificial grass puppy pad while you potty train your Lab indoors can help to transition to real grass when your puppy is ready to explore the outside world. How to toilet train a Labrador Retriever Puppy Keep an eye on your puppy for signs like circling, sniffing, and scratching the floor. This means that your puppy needs to potty. Take your puppy outside or to the designated potty place in your house or apartment. This will help your dog know that is the place to go do the thing. If the activity is successful praise your puppy for doing a good job. You can also give your Lab puppy a treat for doing a good job, Labs are a food-motivated breed, so yummy treats help a lot with training. Positive reinforcement will help your Labrador to go potty in the right place. Limiting the movement of your puppy will make it easier to keep an eye on during this process. Consider using baby gates to close an area of your house. The area must be big enough so that your puppy can move and play inside. It should be close to your yard or the area of your house where you want your Lab to go potty. Also, this area must be easy to clean, you can expect accidents in this part of the potty training. Then take the puppy to the potty place and let it finish there. Do not scare the puppy if you catch it in the act, the goal is to get its attention and let it know that it is not doing the right thing. This is something you must teach your dog. Do it patiently and be consistent with the training and eventually, you will get your Labrador fully house-trained. Use some white vinegar diluted in water or an enzymatic odor remover to thoroughly clean the area. For this period, you might need the following items to begin potty training your Labrador puppy. Make sure they are all pet-friendly and of a reputable brand name. Absorbent pee pad : Dog training pads mostly come in handy in the first stages of house training, before your puppy can go potty outside. The benefit of a pad is that the mess your puppy makes will be confined to just one place and it will be easier for you to clean up. Stain Remover : As a routine, accidents are bound to happen. And this is why having a good cleaner is extremely important. Along with a pet, cleaner make sure you also have ample small towels on hand. Dog poop bag and Pooper scooper : Having these is also very important. They will come in handy when you have to pick up and discard the mess your little friend makes. You can carry these in your bag or even in your pocket when you go out on a walk with your dog. Treats: Many dogs are motivated by food, and this is why you will need food treats that your Labrador puppy enjoys. After your dog listens to your commands and goes to the right place, give him a treat, so he understands that food comes after he goes to the right place. A leash and collar: This will allow you to show your dog where the right place is. Barrier gates : This is also an essential supply as it will confine your dog to a specific place. Barrier gates make it easier to keep your house floors clean. Pee finder : Finding and cleaning dried pee will help prevent future accidents. You might also want a car seat cover in case you have to travel somewhere with your little friend. An artificial grass pad to train your puppy for the outside. When to start house training your Labrador puppy: On a general note, younger Labrador puppies have very short attention spans. At what age should a lab puppy be potty trained? House training should begin as soon as your Lab puppy arrives at your home. Which is normally at 7 to 9 weeks of age. So, if your little Labrador puppy is a few weeks old, you might begin with basic command words to get familiar with the house routine and also your voice. You can use this time to show your new Lab puppy the areas of your house it is allowed to be in, and close off any part of your house that is off-limits to your dog. The best moments to train your Lab puppy are: After a nap. Labrador house training routines. We want them to learn to wait until they are outdoors before emptying their bladder or bowels. It is about maturity too. We need to understand that tiny puppies have immature bodies and are not physically capable of waiting very long. On your side There are two factors on your side in the potty training process. When it comes to bladder control, fortunately your puppy improves with every day that passes, so this factor does not work against you forever. The same applies to the fact that the puppy has been removed from his nest, he will soon learn to accept his new nest. The principles of puppy potty training The puppy is learning the principle of extending the nest area, which he keeps clean instinctively, to include your entire home. Punishment is counter-productive in this process as it teaches the puppy to avoid emptying himself in your presence. Rewards are helpful, but given the right routine, a puppy will naturally learn to be clean without them. The secret to successful house training lies in selecting targets that the puppy can achieve. If your puppy sometimes needs to wee every 15 minutes whilst he is awake and active, you will have to take him outside every 15 minutes. Restricted access Start small applies here too. Allow your puppy access only to a small part of your home. Increase the area he has access to, only when he is capable of keeping the current area clean. Just because he can. And because the sensation of a filling bladder is a new one. Your job is to teach him to wait a little longer. You do this by confining him for a short time, every time his bladder fills. You can confine him in his nest within a crate , or in your arms. He will be reluctant to wee in either location. If he wets himself, you have waited too long! It takes two You need to go outside with your puppy, and stay out there with him, each time he needs to wee. A tiny puppy is unlikely to empty himself on his own. This especially applies in cold or wet weather. Routines Matter When House Training a Labrador Retriever Based around these practical requirements you can create your own house training routine. For a puppy that needs to wee every half an hour, it will go something like this Take puppy outside to the toilet area and wait with him until he empties himself Bring him indoors and allow him free access to your kitchen for fifteen to twenty minutes Crate or cuddle the puppy until it is thirty minute since his last wee Take the puppy back out to the toilet area If at any time the puppy does not empty himself then confine him for another ten minutes and try again. As soon as he is regularly not needing to wee after thirty minutes you can extend the duration of free access to your kitchen. Provided you stick to these principles and strategies, the house training process, though quite intense for a short while, will pass smoothly. Print Potty train your puppy quickly Housebreaking is one of the least desirable tasks when adding a new puppy to your family. It is never fun but consider it a necessary task. You will never regret having a dog that knows your home is not a bathroom. When to start housebreaking Housebreaking should begin the day you bring your puppy home from the breeder. It is important to establish quickly that there is a right and wrong place for your puppy to go potty. How long does it take to house train a lab puppy? I wish I could give a definitive answer for this, but the truth is that every puppy is different. Most puppies can be completely house broke by the time they are months. But assume there will be a lot of ups and downs through the process. Some puppies learn very quickly and rarely have an accident. Others take more time to make the connection. Here are some things you can do to help the process go smoothly. Have the right attitude! Keep your attitude in check to help this process go quickly and smoothly. Have patience! As already stated, potty training can take some time. It may happen, but it is unlikely. Instead, plan for a long haul and then you will be more patient and understanding when mishaps happen. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Step 1: Establish a place for your puppy to go potty To get started housebreaking your puppy, you must first establish a place where it is okay for your puppy to do his business. Find a place outside that is not too far from your home, but an area where you are not worried about killing the grass or trampling plants that are important to you. Consider this carefully, because once your puppy starts going potty in this area it will be exceedingly difficult to move or change the area. Once the scent is there, it is natural for dogs to continue going potty in the same area over and over. Do I have to potty train outside? In some areas of the country, winters can be very cold. Some new puppy owners wonder if it is too cold for their Labrador puppy to go outside to potty train during these times. The answer is no. Most Labs can easily be outside for a few minutes even during the coldest nights to go potty. A pee pad is a disposable, leak proof pad that is scented to attract your dog and encourage going potty on them. We highly discourage using pee pads because in the long run it is confusing to your dog. If you spend time teaching your puppy to NOT go potty inside your home and then flip-flop and begin letting them go inside your home on a pee pad, your dog will be confused. Besides, eventually you must retrain them to going outside, so the best policy is to never start letting inside be an option. Step 2: Establish a routine and schedule for your puppy Establishing a routine is the single most important step for housebreaking. The more consistent you are, the faster your puppy will learn to go outside for potty. This time will increase rapidly over the next few weeks, but that first week is going to take a lot of time and energy on your part to consistently let your puppy out on a schedule. To make being consistent easier, consider this: Set a timer When housebreaking puppies, we find that setting a timer is helpful. An hour flies by and you hardly realize it. For the first few days at least, set a timer and let your puppy out hourly, especially if your puppy is not in a crate. We will discuss that more in a bit. Timing is everything There are other times when you need to let your puppy outside. Immediately after eating or drinking your puppy should go outside. Eating and drinking will trigger a need to go potty, so to avoid accidents, take your puppy out every time they eat or drink. And if they drink a lot of water, you may have to take them out several times before they are back on schedule. Anything you can do to make going potty a routine will help your dog learn and associate that going outside is where I need to go to go potty. Use a command I know this sounds crazy but using a command can help your dog form an association between the command and going potty. At first this is meaningless to the puppy. And you cannot discipline your puppy for a potty accident in the house that you never saw happen. The solution for this is never let your puppy go unsupervised. This can be exhausting, that is why we suggest using a crate to help. The stern words must be said during the accident or immediately after to have any effect. Using a crate to house train your puppy First, while your puppy may not love his crate right away, if properly introduced and used consistently, Labs usually come to love their crates. As den animals, dogs will view their crate as a den where they can go to sleep or get away from the business of the home. Learn more about crate training your Labrador puppy here. When using a crate to housetrain your puppy, you first want to make sure that you have a very small crate. One that is just a little bigger than your puppy. This is particularly important because you do not want your puppy to be able to move around much in the crate. If they can move around, they can and often will go potty in the crate. So, start with a very small crate and get bigger crates as the puppy grows. Whatever you choose to use to block off the larger area, make sure that it is not something your puppy can chew on or ingest. You will still need to find a way to gradually increase the area that the puppy has access to, so I just find the multiple crate solution easier. You should still set a timer and take your puppy out on a regular basis, and you will want to schedule some time each day for the puppy to run around the house and play while supervised. Step 4: Using praise to speed the house breaking process You can help your puppy more quickly understand that going potty outside is the right thing to do by giving your puppy well-timed praise. But the praise must be well-timed. You should give the praise while your puppy is going potty outside or immediately after. Timing is very important! Lots of people get upset when the dog goes inside but fail to praise when the dog does the right thing. Not all dogs are the same. Some puppies will whine just before they go potty in the house, or whine at the door when they need to go. Some will hide somewhere you cannot see them and do their business there. Still others may scratch at the door. How long can a puppy hold it overnight? With young puppies, weeks old, you will need to get up several times a night to let them out. It can be helpful to limit the amount of water your puppy has access to close to bedtime. We usually aim for every 3 hours and then steadily increase the time as they get older. But each puppy is different. Final thoughts on how to house train your Labrador puppy Remember that housebreaking is a process. It rarely follows a straight line and more often there will periods of success and occasional mishaps. Stick with it and before long your puppy will understand that going potty in the house is not okay. Until next time, happy retrieving. How to housebreak your Labrador puppy. As I mentioned earlier, I think this is a somewhat subjective question. Why is it a subjective question? Here are a few questions you might ask yourself when deciding if your puppy is potty trained: Is she potty trained when she knows to go to the door and wait for your to let her out? What if she has an accident waiting for you to get to the door? Is she potty trained after she learns to ring the bells on the door to let you know she needs to go out? Or try the Might Paw Smart Bell. My definition of a potty trained puppy is: I can give my puppy freedom around the house without worrying about potty accidents. My puppy will go to the back door when she has to potty and wait at least 30 seconds for me to let her out. Now, this definition does not eliminate all potty accidents. Elsa is 6 months old and potty trained by my definition. One last thing I want to say about when a puppy is potty trained. While your puppy may be potty trained and perfect in your own home that may not be the case everywhere your puppy goes. If you leave your puppy with a friend, your pup may not know where she is supposed to potty in her new environment. You should keep in mind and advise any novice puppy sitters that your puppy may need some help learning where to go potty. Golden puppy potty break Frequently Asked Questions How long does it take to potty train a puppy is one of the most common questions we get on the blog, but as I said earlier, it feels like we are a blog about pee and poop. However, I was talking to a colleague of mine who has experience working with hundreds of puppies. So, the answer to the question of can an 8-week old puppy be potty trained is yes, but it very rarely happens. In order for them to be fully potty trained by 8 weeks old, they would have to be trained by their previous caretakers. Our most recent puppy, a black Labrador Retriever named Elsa came home to us when she was exactly 8 weeks old. Her breeder started potty training her by teaching her to do her business on a piece of artificial turf. When she came home to us at 8 weeks old Elsa still had accidents in the house. Even though she understood the place to go potty I think at 8 weeks old she lacked the bladder control to hold it. First of all, most week old puppies lack the bladder control to hold their potty. It would be difficult to potty train a puppy in 7 days, but not impossible. When we brought home Raven she was just over 1 year old and she was not potty trained. We were able to potty train her in less than 7 days. However, she was older and could control her bladder, we had potty trained many puppies before her and understood how to potty train a puppy. Finally, I think her previous caretaker may have started her training before she came to our home. Since we crate train all of our puppies our answer to this question is the same as our original answer. Of course, our answer is not without a little insight. I suspect new puppy owners who use their crate properly to potty train their puppies are accident-free sooner than those who do not use a crate. The key to potty training is to prevent your puppy from having accidents in the house. The crate is a great tool to help prevent accidents in the house. A properly crate-trained puppy will not pee or poop in the crate. Therefore when you go to bed at night you should not have to worry about accidents in the house. During the day when you need a puppy break, you can crate your pup and not worry about accidents during your puppy break. Check out our blog post about how to crate train a puppy for more information on crate training. I am not an expert on all dog breeds. However, I have worked with many different breeds apprenticing as a trainer at our local doggie daycare. That being said I have worked extensively with Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers and the majority of my experience is based on these two highly trainable breeds. I have talked to many trainers and in general, the more trainable breeds tend to learn potty training more quickly. Final Thoughts Every puppy is different. Every puppy is different. In our experience, it takes our puppies approximately weeks before they are potty trained. Now back to you! Did it take longer or shorter than weeks to potty train your puppy? Tells us about your experiences in the comment section below.

Ethical breeders only breed new litters from carefully health screened parent pups. This helps detect any genetic defects , which might be carried onto the puppies. This will give you some added peace of mind, but make sure that the health guarantee comes in written form with your adoption documents. Although it might seem like an unnecessary step, being affiliated with any of these organizations means that a breeder has to follow their strict health testing standards and ethical breeding practices. Moreover, if you know anyone who has adopted a Labradoodle puppy in Washington, reach out to them and ask about their own personal experiences with Doodle breeders in the state. Our article on How To Choose A Responsible Breeder has tons of more tips on this topic, so make sure you check it out. They specialize in breeding Medium, Mini, and Micro Mini Australian Labradoodle puppies in a variety of beautiful coat colors, including chocolate, red-apricot, caramel, and phantom patterns. In addition to breeding Labradoodle pups, they also raise purebred Golden Retrievers. At Moonlit Acres, their main focus is on breeding healthy and happy puppies with wonderful temperaments. In fact, many of their puppies have gone on to become registered service dogs for families and individuals who need that special canine support only Doods can provide. All of their puppies are born and raised in their very own home so that they all receive round-the-clock care and nurture that they deserve. Their puppies are all well-socialized with young children, adults, and also with other dogs. They start potty training at 3 weeks of age, crate training at 4 weeks of age, and also utilize the Early Neurological Stimulation ENS training. Moreover, they teach their puppies basic commands and even take them on car rides! What Makes This Breeder Unique? Waitlist: Yes. Our dogs are smart, calm, intuitive, and beautiful. We only breed one litter at a time. Together we discover that there is nothing more rewarding than making people happy with healthy, social and gorgeous puppies. They have soft coats and wonderful temperaments. We breed carefully with low inbreeding and provide you with a pedigree. Our breeding dogs pass many tests to qualify for our breeding program. Tests on breeding dogs include hip and elbow xrays, cardiac screening, healthy eye certification, and DNA tests for common diseases in the breed. We take special care of all our dogs and puppies. We love our Australian Labradoodle puppies from start to finish! We do not breed with anxious, aggressive, nervous dogs, but we select our breeding dogs with good temperaments. They have a gentle, calm, happy character with just enough spirit to be playful and fun. We raise our breeding dogs in our own home or in foster families called guardian homes. All dogs deserve to live with a family. We are not a kennel operation. Because the puppies grow up in our home, they are socialized and love people and other dogs. They are introduced to people, children, and other dogs at a very early age. Training with commands such as come and sit start at 5 weeks of age. We introduce them to their crates at the same time. Our labradoodles keep us laughing with their clownlike antics. We have a lot of experience and knowledge raising and training dogs and we promise a lifetime of support. We distinguish ourselves by having the healthiest, friendliest dogs with wonderful temperaments. They are mostly hypoallergenic dogs. They are very intelligent and easy to train, so Australian Labradoodles are used for emotional support and service. Our whelping boxes and pens are cleaned and sanitized every day. The puppies start pottying on grass outside at about 5 weeks old. They are introduced to crates at 5 weeks old but will not be fully crate trained. We want them to love their crates. We send one home with you. Reserve early as most puppies are sold before they are born! Responsible Breeding Early Socialization and Positive Training Starts at Birth Responsible Breeding Inbreeding analysis before breeding any dogs to be sure there are no close relatives for generations. Pedigrees, and health tests posted. Our breeding dogs do not shed. Tests on breeding dogs include hip and elbow xrays, cardiac screening, healthy eye certification, DNA tests for Common diseases in the breed. We socialize with many people and other dogs. We introduce crate training at 5 weeks in a manner that they will love their crates. Love and handling starts at birth. Most puppies come and sit before they go home. Olympic Peninsula:. Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Sheepadoodle Comparison Two dog breeds, one purpose: to make your life a joy-filled journey powered by strong bonds, friendship, and unconditional love. Meet the Mini Labradoodle and the Mini Sheepadoodle. Two very adorable and friendly dogs with upbeat personalities, the Mini Labradoodle and Mini Sheepadoodle make the perfect addition to any lucky family. Your way of life, hobbies, and work schedule are all important factors that can help determine which of the two dog breeds is a good fit for your lifestyle.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? They are fun, easygoing, and gentle. Mini Labradoodles enjoy canine games like chase, fetch, and Frisbee, and thrive on cuddles and love. Energetic, friendly, and full of life, the Mini Labradoodles make wonderful jogging and hiking companions. They are known to enjoy a good swim, a long stroll, and are very fond of adventures. The Mini Labradoodle puppies are happy, energetic, and bright bundles of joy. They are loving and eager to please, love to play and cuddle, and are excellent training students. A cross between Labrador Retrievers and Mini or Toy Poodles, the Mini Labradoodle may take after one parent breed or the other in appearance or they may have their own unique look with an added bonus of a hypoallergenic coat. They have beautiful, soft, wavy fleece, hypoallergenic coats and a strong, sturdy build. All of the characteristics that come to mind when you think of the quintessential dog can be used to describe this incredible breed. As a result, our puppies carry on their exceptional attributes and become treasured members of families throughout the U. Our Sires go through OFA hip and elbow testing, CERF exams by an ophthalmologist vet for eye health, and full genetic testing to detect any genetic health defects. The physical soundness, health, temperament, and overall appearance of male puppies held for breeding must meet the highest breed standards. In addition to in-depth health and genetic testing, all of our Sires are evaluated as puppies. With detailed assessment of structure and temperament, we are able to identify top scorers to hold back for future breeding, as well as better pair our Australian Labradoodle puppies with the families who have reserved them. We choose Sires and Dams for their strong structures and gentle, therapy dog temperaments. Our Sires and Dams are paired with the utmost care to produce exceptional Australian Labradoodle puppies in a variety of colors and in both miniature and medium sizes. Breeding dogs are chosen for their stunning soft fleece coats, which are unique to the Australian Labradoodle, and in a full range of accepted solid, parti, and other multi-colors. Our Sires fall between 20 and 45 pounds. If you think one of their puppies would be a good fit for you, fill out our puppy reservation form and get on the list for one of our upcoming litters. We look forward to helping you add a beautiful, sweet, and loving pup to your family! Ready to go home beginning of October ! Call Barbara for more info! My parents have done an amazing job raising these puppies and they also have both parents on site. Our Doodles are exceptionally intuitive, loving with calm temperaments! Our Dreamydoodle puppies have been specifically bred to be family dogs. Not hunting, herding or guard dogs but they can be trained to do all of the above if necessary. Our Dreamydoodles are easily trained and very eagar to please. All Dog breeds are developed for very different and specific reasons with varying degrees of success. Most dog breeds have been bred to accomplish a job. A Doodles job is to want to be with you and to make you happy, to play with the kids and to let them pull on their ears without wanting to bite them and they are known to let kids dress them up in funny outfits. As long as you raise your Dreamydoodle with some discipline and clear boundaries from the start not just praise, praise, praise… then you should end up with an amazing adult dog and this is really regardless of your previous dog training experience. Youtube has tons of free videos on puppy training!! My favorite channel is McCann Dog Training!! Dreamydoodle puppies are unique-looking, intelligent, intuitive, sweet and easy-to-train! If you want a Great puppy…. Contact Us Today! Just call me! Parents are on site! We are keeping Tom. My husband fell in love with him. Thar tends to happen after bottle feeding them every two hours for a month. Our Flight Nannies are independent contractors and reasonably priced which has made it more challenging for me to consider using cargo shipping anymore. One of our Dreamydoodle Families! We have a home. We are a Family. The fleece coat types are great for families with moderate to severe allergies. The fleece coat is also extremely silky, soft, and great for cuddling! The wavy and curly fleece coat types both grows in length away from the skin unlike wool which is made up of much tighter curls. This is a Medium coat and requires a moderate amount of brushing to prevent matting. Doodles have one of the more complex coat types to maintain, and most will require a professional groomer every weeks, depending how long you want to keep them. Grooming a Doodle is not an option unless you become a groomer yourself. I recommend combing your Doodle weekly in between your grooming appointments to avoid mats and do not expect your Groomer to attempt to brush out your Doodles mats because most will not. Comb out those hidden mats! All you need to do is spend mins a week using a simple metal toothcomb or a good Slicker brush to stay on top of mats. A Dreamydoodle Puppy! Please be prepared to take your puppy home the day you come visit us! Very few have ever left empty-handed! Contact Barbara at for more info! Need an Emotional Support or a Service Dog? Our Dreamydoodle bloodlines have been specifically bred for several generations to be the perfect candidates for Therapy and Service work. Our dogs are not only great for emotional support or service work, but they can also work double time as an exceptionally sweet family member too!! Are you looking for an excellent dog for your kids? We got you! Our Australian Labradoodles LOVE kids and are known for peacefully co-existing with other dogs and animals of all sizes, no problem! I believe most of our Doodles thrive when they live with another dog or a cat! Even Cats! Loving More than one Dreamydoodle! Many families have returned to get their second or third Dreamydoodle puppy; when it comes to Dreamydoodles it seems the more, the better and happier your dogs become! The families with multiple Dreamydoodles who post picture updates on our Facebook Family group never fail to lift my heart! Dreamydoodles are always happiest together!! Our Standard Size Doodles are 21 to 24 in tall for a male and 21 to 23 in tall for a female; both can range in weight from 45 to 65 lbs. Our Medium Size Doodles aka Moyens are 18 to 20 inches tall for a male and 17 to 19 inches high for a female, with both weighing from 30 to 45 pounds. Our Mini Size Doodles are 13 to 17 inches tall and range between 20 and 30 lbs. So many fun activities to choose from! Pretty cool! Many of our Dreamydoodles have also passed The AKC Canine Good Citizen test , which tests for ten specific skills, and passing is meant to be difficult for both dogs and owners. To pass, they must be able to do all ten steps successfully, for example, Sitting Politely For Petting, Greeting a stranger, Reaction To Another Dog, Welcoming being groomed and brushed, Allowing paws and ears to be handled, and maybe the most dreaded the Supervised Separation! The Labradoodle is a cross between two purebred dogs, the Labrador Retriever and Poodle. The F1 generation Labradoodle can grow quite large and, unfortunately, most likely to shed. Then so on and so forth; each Breeder is essentially developing their unique version of the Labradoodle. Every Labradoodle bloodline is a unique creation with varying amounts of genetics from each family member in their pedigree, just like us humans. Even purebred dogs were initially developed using several different breeds to accomplish the goals of their breeders, for example, goals to develop a dog to use for hunting, swimming, or a non-shedding dog that has all these qualities — like the Labradoodle! Eventually, these purebred breeders became satisfied with the dog they created and they started breeding like with like instead of one with different, and Labradoodle breeders do this as well. How did the Wolf became a Chihuahua? Mixing different breeds for many generations. Questions about Labradoodle puppies for sale in Washington? We have answers. Give me an overview of Labradoodle puppies for sale in Washington. Because of their incredible coats, Australian Labradoodles are completely non-shedding and hypoallergenic—unlike many other breeds. Extremely Intelligent Teaching your Labradoodle new tricks is a breeze thanks to their exceptional heritage that includes both super-smart Poodles and super-obedient Labrador Retrievers. The Uptown Family We treat our pups like family, and we want to help you raise the ultimate Australian Labradoodle! Perfect Family Pet Whether your family is small or big, outgoing or quiet, has pets and kids or none at all , Labradoodles fit in just about anywhere. Doodles simply love people and get along with families of all sizes and shapes. Our pups come in a ton of different coat colors and four unique sizes, offering nearly unlimited choices when it comes to finding your new best friend! Premium Network of Labradoodle Breeders in Washington Meeting the huge demand for our dogs while maintaining the health and wellbeing of our dogs is always a challenge. Highest Washington Labradoodle Breeder Standards Uptown Puppies thrive because of our high standards, including guardian homes for our mommy dogs, strict breeding retirement ages and litter limitations for mommy Doodles, and always giving our dogs all the love and care they deserve.

Will my dog get sick from eating poop? Poop eating can definitely be a concern to a pet owner since it can make your dog sick. If your dog is eating its own poop, itmay be OK, but there is still a chance of illness. Especially if your dog is eating the poop of another dog or animal, there is a large risk of infectious diseases or parasites. Some symptoms of poop eating include gastroenteritis, vomiting and diarrhea, decreased appetite, tiredness and intestinal parasites , according to Muenster Milling. Consult your veterinarian if your dog has eaten poop and is experiencing any behavioral changes or symptoms. How often should I take my dog to the vet? And how to know if your pet needs a checkup How can I keep my dog from eating poop? To curb your pup from eating poop, you may consider vitamin or enzyme supplements. These can help if your dog is eating poop due to a lack of certain nutrients, such as vitamin B, says the AKC. There are also various deterrents on the market, which make poop less appetizing to your dog. Other methods to stop your dog from eating poop include training, — using commands like "leave it,' — keeping a close eye during walks and cleaning up poop immediately. Harsh punishment during house training. And one important factor for this stinky act is the influence of other dogs. And who is the most influential to your pooch? His mother, of course. They lick the puppies as a way of encouraging them to pass their bowels. And when the little ones do, mommy dog will clean them up by eating their feces. Because of this, puppies develop the habit of eating poop. But it is not only mommy who is at fault. Having more than one German Shepherd, or several dog breeds, under one roof leads to imitation. It is not surprising if they begin to act alike or share the same habits, like snacking on poop. Your four-legged pal is snacking on poop! Stop him, of course! While veterinarians like Dr. Hart revealed that eating poop is natural for canines, it is still important to end the behavior. Well, for one, you would not want to kiss and cuddle with a pooch that reeks of stinking feces! But that is the least of your concerns. It can cause serious health issues, such as parasitic infections. Why is your German Shepherd buddy feasting on disgusting feces? Is he eating enough? And getting all the nutrients that his body needs? Are you giving him enough attention? Or maybe he is suffering from a medical condition? Prompt identification of what is causing the problem is crucial in solving it. But more than that, it will frighten you. What is wrong with my furbaby? A proper health check will reveal things that will help you understand why your dog is acting that way. More importantly, you will be able to find out whether your canine buddy is suffering from an illness or not. And you can help him before it gets too late. From there, you and the vet can develop a plan of action that can help your dog, like giving the necessary medications and administering proper treatments. If it is, then the solution is easy. All you have to do is provide a complete and balanced meal for your big buddy. Omega 3 fatty acids from vegetables. Healthy fat from sources that contain fish oil. Small amounts of digestible carbohydrates from barley, oats, and rice. High-quality protein from whole meat sources like beef and organ meats. The most common deficiency is that of Vitamin B. If this is the case, consider this: What is in the food you give your German Shepherd? Do you feed him enough? Does he need supplements? Consult your vet to find the answers. Then, you can give your pooch the proper supplements he needs to stay healthy and fit. This does not only refer to the inside of the house. The yard also needs to be kept clean, especially if this is where your dog takes his dump. As soon as your German Shepherd does his business, pick up his poop. This might sound like the simplest and most obvious thing to do. Because when he gets bored, he can start munching on anything he finds, poop included. But, attention alone is not enough to keep your pooch away from poop. Proper supervision is essential in stopping coprophagia. Distract the eager canine when he starts sniffing on something debatable. And keep him away from places where there is bound to be dirt and poop. Note: Put your German Shepherd on a leash when you go on walks. But also give him time to run freely in a safe environment, a dog park, for example. And the best way to avoid this feeling is not to punish them. If a German Shepherd is punished for pooping in the house, he may eat his poop in order to get rid of it. This is his attempt to remove the reason which he gets punished for. So, instead of punishing your dog, you can potty train him more effectively. Because if you are too hard on him, you can ruin your relationship. When you successfully do this, your big buddy will slowly ignore his waste after taking a dump. Reward him with a quick treat when he comes to you afterward. This will make him salivate, allowing him to naturally wash his own mouth. Let your dog chew on a dental stick or treat. Just be careful not to push your fingers too far in or your dog might gag. Conclusion It is uncomfortable, disgusting, and quite disappointing to know that your German Shepherd is eating poop. But remember, dogs are inclined to do it. Once you put the tips above into action, your dog will surely steer away from the unwanted behavior. Just make sure you couple your actions with patience, understanding, and love for your best buddy. They may act inappropriately or display unwanted aggression toward something harmless. Other times, canines follow instincts that have no basis with humans. Perhaps one of the most unpleasant aspects of pet ownership is coprophagy or eating stool. German Shepherds are just as likely to show this unwanted behavior as any other breed. Some may theorize that instinctive drives are stronger in these dogs because of their resemblance to their wild counterparts. However, there are also other reasons why it occurs that may have health or behavioral roots. Knowing the cause can help you find a way to stop it. New evidence suggests a different path where the two species share a common ancestor. That means some of the hardwiring that existed in the wild may still reside in your German Shepherd. Their canine ancestors lived a life of feast or famine. Coprophagy may be a remnant of those survival instincts. Image Credit: cvop, Pixabay 2. Other animals will also eat feces, such as rabbits, nonhuman primates, and rodents. Maternal Instinct Is at Work Dogs are born helpless at birth. They are utterly dependent upon their mothers. That even covers the most basic things, such as staying warm or eliminating. A female will lick the puppies to encourage them to urinate and defecate. To protect them and themselves, the pup will clean up after the offspring. Another health condition that occurs frequently is thyroid disease. That can manifest itself in stool-eating behavior. Some disorders cause an abnormal increase in appetite, which a pup tries to meet this way. The bacteria interfere with the absorption of nutrients, which a pup will try to meet with other inappropriate sources. A Parasitic Infection May Encourage This Undesirable Behavior An intestinal parasitic infestation can cause similar symptoms, such as an abnormal appetite. The parasites consume the nutrients that the German Shepherd should get from its diet. Dogs can get infected in various ways. One of the most common is eating the feces of other animals, such as rabbits. This breed is an affectionate and loyal dog that is prone to separation anxiety if left alone too often. Failure to provide a mentally stimulating environment can set up the perfect storm for the pet to pick up undesirable behaviors, such as coprophagy. Image Credit: Vach cameraman, Shutterstock Controlling the Problem The first step toward stopping this problem is getting your dog a thorough examination by a vet. As our list shows, several medical reasons may prompt this behavior. Nutrient deficiencies are another common cause. A supplement is also an appropriate way to treat this condition. Your vet will likely recommend follow-up testing if a medical cause is behind the problem. The next steps may focus on the behavioral side. Factors such as separation anxiety or long stretches in a crate can cause a dog to act in this manner. You should also take an active role in preventing it while on walks or at the doggy park. Some of the canine instincts may not make sense to us. Nevertheless, they are perfectly normal in the canine world. Fortunately, correcting unwanted habits like stool eating is possible. It involves finding out the cause behind it and taking the appropriate actions. German Shepherds may eat their own poop for any number of reasons. Dietary deficiency, diseases, copycat behavior, behavioral problems, and even ancient genetic instincts may be reasons why your GSD eats their own stool, as the American Kennel Club AKC points out. This term applies equally to dogs, cats, and other pets. In the rest of this article, we will talk about the many reasons why you might catch your German Shepherd eating their own stool. While it is unlikely your dog is physically feeling hunger pangs when they go to eat their stool, it is quite possible there is an underlying dietary deficiency driving the behavior. As VCA Animal Hospitals explains, dietary deficiency in dogs can arise from a number of different potential causes. As this iFeeder report indicates, analyzing pet foods is big business in and of itself, and there is a lot of money riding on manufacturer reputation. So often you have to look for other clues — such as poop eating — to detect when there may be a mismatch. When a dog is missing certain vital nutrients, they may go back to their own poop to try to absorb more nutrition from each portion of the food they eat. This is a practice that is so essential for some mammals such as guinea pigs that they die if not permitted to engage in coprophagy. Luckily, dogs do not have a genetic nutritional need to eat their poop. But they may do so if their diet is chronically lacking. Your dog has parasites When your dog has parasites, they are essentially eating for the parasites as well as for their own health and nutrient needs. Unfortunately, eating poop is one of the primary ways that a dog can pick up parasites like hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm in the first place, as Vetz Insight explains. But it is not the only potential trigger. Deficiencies in certain key digestive enzymes may also be a culprit. As PetMD explains, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, or EPI, is the best-known medical problem that can result in coprophagy in dogs. The pancreas is responsible for producing a number of important digestive enzymes along with insulin. The latter is caused by defective cells. The former can be genetic or induced and may also be triggered by canine diabetes. Ongoing issues with diarrhea. Increased stool output. Eating stool. Interestingly, some German Shepherds that only seem to want to eat the stool of a particular dog may actually be responding to disease in the other dog. This can include stool, although it can also extend to other non-food objects like rocks, grass, leaves, stones, sticks, fabrics, and more. While most cases of pica are considered to be linked to behavior rather than medical problems, with coprophagy there can be a clear medical component as well. If your German Shepherd has a tendency to eat poop and other items that are not on the menu of a typical canine or are not on any menu at all , your pet may be suffering from pica. Your German Shepherd Dog Eats Poop for Behavioral Reasons If your dog has been evaluated and tested and your canine veterinarian has ruled out a possible medical cause for coprophagia, the other main area to look at is behavioral. In other words, German Shepherds that are healthy otherwise may still choose to eat their own poop. But why, you are probably wondering? This is what we will look at in the next section. GSD puppies, like all puppies, rely on the mother dog to lick them and remind them to do their business. Learning how to poop on their own is a big part of early puppyhood. It is a big deal! When your GSD puppy came home with you, potty training became a big part of daily life. Your puppy probably got lots of attention and praise when it was potty time and things went well. In the same way, if your puppy pooped in the house, they likely got quite a bit of attention for this as well — you might not have been happy about it, but your puppy was because your attention was focused on them. As Canine Journal explains, a poorly trained and socialized or previously traumatized German Shepherd may resort to poop eating rather than seeking attention in more positive and acceptable ways. This outdated and ineffective form of training is now thought to actually encourage coprophagia in dogs that have been subjected to it. The dog may start to eat their poop to hide it and avoid further discipline. Along the same lines, German Shepherd dogs can be especially prone to developing separation anxiety, which is another behavioral issue that is linked to poop eating. Your German Shepherd is acting out of instinct While this explanation walks a fine line between genetics and behavior, wild canid females have often been observed eating the feces of their young to try to remove the scent and throw potential predators off the trail. But what about when male puppies or adult GSDs do this? In this case, canid behaviorists think it may have to do with puppies watching their mother eat poop and picking up the behavior from her. After all, canid pups in the wild have to learn everything from their mother and would be carefully watching and mimicking everything she does — including eating their own poop. According to a research study reported in Live Science , the majority of dog owners that have tried to discourage stool eating in their dogs have experienced low or no success. However, this is not to say it is impossible to train your dog not to eat their own poop. You will just need a lot of patience and persistence to find what works to discourage your German Shepherd from eating poop. This will require consistent, determined effort on your part. You will need to watch your GSD closely on potty breaks and quickly remove the feces and dispose of it in a secure location. If your dog goes out at night or early in the morning, you will need to bring a flashlight to make sure you see where the poop is and can pick it up right away. Then you will reinforce this with praise, pats, treats, and attention. This way, you always know where to look to pick up the stool and your GSD is not lingering near it long enough to potentially eat it. But to dogs, it is quite possible they just eat poop because they like it! This can have an unexpected benefit if you need to train your GSD not to eat their own poop. As PetCareRX highlights, there are soft chews and additives available that may change the taste of the poop to make it undesirable. Foods like zucchini and pineapple can also change the tastebuds and may make poop and everything else taste different from your dog. Use a head or muzzle restraint This is not an ideal choice for training your German Shepherd dog not to eat poop for two reasons. One, restraints can be difficult to manage and your dog may be very determined to get out of a neck cone or head collar. And two, if your dog decides to mash their muzzle or restraint down on the poop to try to eat it anyway, then you have to clean it and your dog. But if nothing else is working, it is certainly worth a try. For example, if your GSD has developed separation anxiety, this can require special and intense training to overcome. You may need to temporarily put your dog in a daycare program or hire a dog sitter to keep your anxious GSD from eating their own poop. Alternately, if your German Shepherd hates their crate or some other aspect of their living space, you may need to explore an alternate arrangement for when you need to confine your dog. German Shepherds are extremely intelligent working dogs that have been bred for more than a century to work hard at difficult, demanding, and sometimes dangerous jobs. Your dog may be bored and lonely and acts out because eating poop is something to do to fill the time. You may find that adding more canine athletics, taking your dog for more walks, adding some additional playtime, and using more puzzle toys and treat toys work to tire out your dog and keep poop eating behavior at bay. Remember, above all else, your German Shepherd dog wants your attention, time, and love. More of you often equals less eating poop. Coprophagia consumption of feces can be divided into 3 groups. These are: 1. Autocoprophagia: means a dog consuming its own feces 2. Intraspecific coprophagia: the consumption of feces of other dogs 3. Interspecific coprophagia: the consumption of feces of other animals and humans. Studies have shown that, historically, many dogs in developing countries developed a taste for feces while scavenging through trash including feces while trying to scavenge their next meal. While this behavior may seem rather indiscriminate, studies have also shown that the same dogs actually displayed a level of discernment, as they showed a disinclination to consume feces more than 2 days old. Wolves that are old or injured attempt to clean up their den areas that are shared with others by eating their feces. This is because they are intuitievely aware that the feces contains parasites. By consuming the feces within two days of defecating, it is ensured that the feces will be consumed before any parasite eggs hatch and infect any other wolves present. While there are many reasons why GSDs may eat poop, some of the most common reasons are as follows: Underfeeding Hungry dogs, dogs who do not eat regularly, or are starving are more likely to eat the feces of other dogs, animals, and humans. Dogs that eat only once a day and start eating poop may need more daily meals. Malabsorption Sometimes a GSD will eat feces if he is fed poor quality food long-term, especially if the food is high in fat content. Eating poop can also occur in dogs that are nervous, frightened, or under the influence of stress. Stress is a common cause of behavioral problems in dogs. If you feel that this may be the case with your GSD, it may be wise to consult with a dog trainer or behaviorist. A solution may be as simple as alleviating boredom. Other times, a GSD may see another dog eating feces, so he will want to try it too. It is also not uncommon for a young puppy to see his mother eating feces. It is common for a puppy to then simply imitate the behavior. Punishment If a GSD is being verbally scolded for pooping in the house, he may resort to eating his own feces in an attempt to make it disappear — no body, no crime! It is for this reason that it is very important to never scold your dog for pooping in the house. The true solution is proper potty training. For a detailed understanding of how to potty train your GSD puppy, I have written an excellent article for you right here. For example, when intestinal parasites are present, they exhaust the body and draw nutrients from it, causing your dog to feel increased hunger. A very common cause of this issue in German shepherds can be the Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency EPI. This is a condition characterized by a lack of digestive enzymes, which results in the inability to digest food properly, and thus leads to the inability to absorb nutrients. A dog suffering from this disease loses weight despite its good appetite and suffers from frequent and abundant diarrhea. Diabetes One of the causes of increased appetite and coprophagia as well can be diabetes. When cortisol levels are too high or too low, it can cause a host of problems. Attention-Seeking Behavior A German Shepherd may eat poop simply as a way provoke his owner into reacting. This is not too different than the behavior of a child when it wants attention. And, just like when dealing with a child, it is very important that you keep your cool if this is happening with your GSD. Reacting to it will only serve to reinforce the behavior. Forced and Restricting Confinement German Shepherds need space. This is why we highly recommend owning a GSD only if you have a large living space and preferably a yard. This is very common in GSDs that have been rescued after spending time in a crowded shelter. For more information on German Shepherd space requirements, check out this great article that we have for you right here. Living In Isolation German Shepherds are especially social dogs — much more so than other breeds. It is for this reason that they do not do well living in isolation. In fact, GSDs are highly susceptible to separation anxiety. As previously mentioned, anxiety can be a cause for poop eating behavior. For more information on GSD separation anxiety, take a look at this informative article. Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet for this one. There are, however, a few actions that you can take to curb this behavior if you feel that it is problematic. Make sure that you guide him away from eating poop while the behavior is under your control Properly Socialize Your German Shepherd As a German shepherd owner, you have to be prepared for long walks and running, because your dog needs them, at least twice a day. If possible, allow your dog to socialize with other dogs, which, along with a quality relationship with his owner, will help help him to avoid boredom and anxiety — both common reasons for a dog eating poop. A happy and occupied GSD will be less likely to engage in poop eating behavior. For a through guide on how to socialize your German Shepherd, we have a great article for you right here. It contains all that you need to know in order to successfully socialize your GSD. Instead of one meal, divide the daily amount of food into several meals, so that your dog does not feel hungry during the day. In my experience, dogs that eat balanced raw or cooked foods are less likely to consume feces. Feed Your German Shepherd a Holistic Diet Feeding a holistic diet to your dog works to get to the root of a problem, rather than just addressing the symptoms as they arise. For example, using an anti-itch cream may lessen the desire to itch, but it will not address the underlying problem. A holistic diet works to resolve the issue of your dog itching in the first place. Think of resolving health or behavioral issue as a series of connecting the dots — this can be a complicated process. A holistic approach to feeding your dog can make it so that there are no dots to connect in the first place by erasing the cause of them. The fundamentals of a holistic diet include: Probiotics: great for digestive system support Prebiotics: great for digestive system support High-quality protein: based in fish, beef, pork, or chicken Herbs: great to prevent inflammation Vitamins: essential for overall organ and bone health Minerals: essential for overall organ and bone health Antioxidants: great for immune system support and disease prevention Fiber: great for digestive system support Whole grains: contain high-quality carbohydrates for energy If preparing a holistic diet for your GSD is too time consuming for you, a great alternative is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food. This blend contains ingredients that include precise amounts of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that have been selected by animal nutritionists and, importantly, holistic veterinarians. In addition, if your GSD is suffering from diarrhea or related issues, beneficial bacterias in probiotics are a great way to boost them back to normal levels. These products usually come in different forms, such as yogurt, kefir, powders, capsules, chews, or dog foods. This probiotic contains a blend of 7 selected species of live beneficial bacteria with added Inulin. Your GSD is likely acting out of instinct, stress, or as an attempt to resolve a digestive or health issue. Just remember to be patient and understanding with your GSD, and have confidence that you will be able to curb this behavior.