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Three to four times a day 4 — 5 months 6 months and above Two times a day Pregnant or breastfeeding French Bulldogs may eat up to three times a day within eight hours. Meanwhile, puppies require more frequent feedings than adult dogs due to their rapid metabolism. In general, a French Bulldog puppy should be fed three times daily between two and six months. Once the French Bulldog puppy reaches the age of six months, the feeding frequency can be reduced to two meals each day. As developing puppies, your Frenchie requires a consistent daily feeding plan. The feeding plan should incorporate at least three measured meals per day. Its dinner schedule is vital, as it allows ample time to digest the food and go pee or potty before bedtime. Between 14 and 18 weeks, you can begin accustoming your French Bulldog puppy to two meals each day. If your veterinarian advises you to keep your French Bulldog on a three-meals-a-day diet, this must be properly followed. Senior dogs can be fed on the same schedule when given three meals a day. Since elderly dogs do not move as much, they may develop too much weight. Consequently, you should ensure that the food contains fewer calories, more fiber, and an appropriate balance of fat and protein. Your veterinarian should have a recommended amount of treats you should give your dog. Again, it will vary according to its weight and level of activity. If you must frequently use treats for training, use tiny bits or give them a licking mat. Best Dog Foods for French Bulldog A feeding guide for Frenchie dog lovers would be incomplete without the information on the best dog food for their furry companion. There are numerous food options available for French Bulldogs. The best pet food varies from one Frenchie to another. Perhaps your French Bulldog is a fussy eater or suffers from food allergies. It is feasible to provide a balanced diet for your French Bulldogs if you use the best store-bought or homemade dog food that contains all the nutrition needed by your dog and as prescribed by your veterinarian. The list below shows the best dog food options you can provide your French Bulldog: Dry Food: Dry dog food is commercially available kibble. This can be an excellent alternative for French Bulldogs with sensitive stomachs. French Bulldog puppies require high-quality dry food that is high in animal protein to aid in growth and muscular development. Wet Food: Wet food is contained in a can; it is primarily composed of water and is considered highly mushy food. However, wet food expires more quickly than dry food, making it the least practical alternative. Home-Cooked Diet: A home-cooked, protein-rich diet like a chicken meal is excellent for French Bulldogs. Unlike ordinary kibble, it contains no additives or preservatives. It supports healthy digestion and may help avoid various problems related to a bad diet, including obesity, dry skin and coat, pancreatitis, diabetes, and a low immune system. French Bulldogs are prone to developing a variety of joint and back issues. Along with other joint problems, they may develop luxating patella or hip dysplasia. Both glucosamine and chondroitin are critical components of a high-quality French Bulldog dog diet. These essential vitamins assist your French in developing the connective tissue necessary for healthy joints and spine support. Omega-3 fatty acids can assist your Frenchie to keep muscle mass and strength by reducing inflammation and soreness. Also, this can promote healthy skin by preventing itchy and flaky skin. Whether wet and dry food, raw food, or a homemade diet, each dog food offers several benefits and drawbacks. Consult a veterinarian before deciding to know exactly what food option suits your Frenchie. Any French Bulldog owner will attest that vomiting is far more common in this breed than in other dogs. While it cannot be totally prevented, you should know what human foods are toxic to French Bulldogs. Some of the foods to avoid are not only bad for Frenchie; many of them can be fatal. They may result in poisoning and, in the worst-case scenario, death. This section enumerates some of the most dangerous foods for French Bulldogs. I will discuss why these foods are poisonous and when you should contact a veterinarian. The first and most prevalent is chocolate. It contains a toxin called theobromine , which can cause a variety of health problems when consumed in large amounts. This can cause irregular heartbeats, seizures, and sudden death. Garlic and onions should also never be included in the diet of your Frenchie puppy or adult dog. Even a trace of these vegetables can result in anemia and red blood cell failure in your pup. Poisoning symptoms include lethargy, fatigue, vomiting, rapid breathing, and an increased heart rate. However, remember that you may not immediately notice poisoning symptoms because the toxic consequences may take a few days to manifest. Additionally, grapes are one of the most toxic foods for your Frenchie. A dog that has consumed grapes may exhibit stomach bloating and diarrhea. They need to be taken to a veterinarian immediately. In severe cases, gastric lavage is the best course of action. Candy, artificial sweeteners, corn on the cob, roasted bones, avocado, raisins, almonds, cherry, peach, plum, coconut oil, mustard seeds, alcohol, coffee, blue cheese, and tomatoes are also regarded to be unsafe for French Bulldogs. Furthermore, there are certain foods that you should avoid giving your Pitbull owing to the negative side effects they may cause. While they are not considered dangerous, they can cause nausea, diarrhea, and weight gain. Numerous dogs wind up at veterinarian clinics due to improper food intake. While prevention is always the best course of action, it is critical to understand emergency care and medication expenses. Read our article on French Bulldog costs to learn more about the medical expenditures associated with a French Bulldog. These adjustments should ideally take place over 5 to 7 days. Consult a veterinarian in this scenario, especially if you intend to switch to a raw or homemade diet. Feeding an Overweight French Bulldog French Bulldogs can quickly gain weight, resulting in various health problems. Thus, dog owners need to notice when their Frenchie gets overweight to assist the dog in maintaining a healthy weight and living a healthy life. Average adult French Bulldogs should have a body weight between 19 and 29 pounds for males, while 18 to 28 pounds for females. The most common indications that your Frenchie is overweight include lack of muscle definition and difficulty breathing during brief exercises. In terms of visual indicators, a Frenchie within their healthy weight will have a thin layer of fat covering their ribs. Meanwhile, those with excess fat have noticeable deposits in the chest and stomach area. Also, you should be able to see and feel their spine as they bend and curl into a sleeping position. Furthermore, Frenchies have an hourglass form, with a visible waistline that is smaller than their chest when they are not overweight. Regardless of these symptoms, it is always advisable to seek confirmation from a professional veterinarian. Feeding an obese Frenchie means maintaining a consistent food plan throughout the day to aid in weight loss. Additionally, this stops your dog from eating more than it requires. Apart from planned feeding times, serving the correct meal proportions is essential. If your Frenchie is overweight, owners should focus on how much food is offered to them. Reducing their daily kibble intake by half a cup can help them significantly reduce weight. Moreover, you should offer them foods with fewer calories, more fiber, and more protein. As a result, your Frenchie will burn more calories and lose weight more quickly. It is preferable to give your dog treats that contain only one ingredient, are low in calories, and contain no added sugar, such as sweet potato and blueberry bites. Alternatively, you can treat your dog with items that are already in your refrigerator, such as tiny portions of sweet potatoes, apples, and bananas. Regularly weigh your dog, monitor how many calories they intake, and establish a target body weight for them. Also, pain can make a Frenchie nervous and unable to eat, so keep an eye out for evident signs of injury. Another common reason for your French Bulldog not to eat is discomfort in the mouth caused by dental issues. Furthermore, gastrointestinal conditions, certain medicines, vaccination, overfeeding, or other serious health problems can cause a French Bulldog not to eat. As a result, you must keep an eye on your Frenchie and contact your veterinarian if the condition persists for weeks. Do French Bulldogs Eat a Lot? French Bulldogs are opportunistic feeders by nature. Thus, they will continue to eat as long as you provide pet food. They may begin to require more than is necessary to fulfill their appetite due to this behavior. Also, when a French Bulldog is agitated, it may begin to overeat. The most effective strategy to combat stress-related overeating is to thrive in a calm environment. At times, your dog may become bored and eat more than usual to keep itself occupied somehow. Thus, you must keep a watch on any of these factors. Can French Bulldogs Eat Bones? Dogs should not consume cooked bones of any kind. The bones may splinter, resulting in deadly shards that might cause injury due to choking hazards. Thus, if you wish to offer your Frenchie a bone, vets recommend raw meat bones, preferably from farm-raised chicken. These are best given after a meal to prevent them from eating too much. Remove it after around ten minutes and store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for tomorrow. To avoid bacterial contamination, it is recommended to discard it after a few days and keep it separate from other raw meat and food. Can French Bulldogs Be Vegetarians? Each Frenchie is one-of-a-kind. Simply because your French Bulldog likes veggies does not mean it can go full-on vegetarian. Also, bear in mind that many veggies are dangerous and toxic to your French Bulldog. Certain vegetables are acceptable to be fed to a French Bulldog, but only in small portions. Final Thoughts French Bulldogs are, without a doubt, playful, intelligent, and compassionate dogs. On the other hand, Frenchies are greedy eaters, and food serves as their primary motivator. Thus, a critical component of owning this breed is understanding how much, how frequently, and what food to feed a French Bulldog. You can supply dry food, wet food, raw food diets, or a homemade diet for your pet. Since Frenchie pups and adults may have food sensitivities, providing or making the best dog food for their age and nutritional requirements is critical. By doing so, you can help your Frenchie prevent undesirable health problems. This can help guarantee that your Frenchie receives the safest and healthiest diet as much as possible. Let us know in the comments below about your experience with feeding your French Bulldog! My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. They are a loving and sensitive breed. One of the most common questions asked by new French Bulldog owners is how much food they require, and how often should they be fed. French Bulldogs typically will eat as much food as you give them. The amount of food required depends on their age, weight, and activity level. Source Feeding French Bulldog puppies When puppies are born they get all of their nutritional needs by drinking milk produced by their mothers. Breeders typically start to wean the puppies off their mother's milk by weeks and by six weeks they are eating kibble 1. When your puppy is home with you at 8 weeks old they will typically require 1. I recommend splitting this up between meals over the day. When our puppy was at a very young age we would mix the kibble with a little bit of water to soften the food for them. As your puppy is at a stage of rapid growth over the following year we recommend feeding your dog the best nutritional food you can afford. Active Frenchbuilldogs based on a weight of 15kg 33lb requires caloiuries a day. This can be split over several meals and would be approximately 3cups of kibble. How much should I feed my elderly French Bulldog? As your French Bulldog ages and activity levels decrease they will require less food. Typically they will require calories per g 1lb of body weight. However, if your dog is showing they are still hungry and underweight feed them. How much should I feed my underweight Frenchie? Increase the amount of food you are feeding your dog up to between calouries per g 1lb of body weight until they are at their ideal weight. What can you feed your dog? Kibble Dry food is very accessible and can be purchased at most supermarkets. Nutritional values provided by kibble differ by product sold. We recommend doing some research to provide good quality kibble to your dog. Some of the benefits listed for kibble are: Increased dental health Reduced risk of bacteria Raw diet Raw food can be homemade, and or store-bought. Meticulous care and planning need to be done to ensure your dog does not get sick. Some studies have found many benefits of raw diets: Healthier coat and fur Increased longevity Fresh diet Cooking for your dog at home allows you to provide nutritionally valuable ingredients of your own choice. The downside is that it does take up time and requires planning to make. If you decide to feed your dog fresh food we highly recommend that you consult an animal nutritionist. Some of the benefits of feeding your dog fresh food are below. Avoids fillers Allows a variety of food Food quality To learn more about your dogs microbiomme and gut health visit our blog post here. If you are after dog shirts, or cooling shirts for your French Bulldog visit our shop here. It helps them to grow faster, and keep their bones strong. When they reach the fourth week, you can offer them semi-solid food or puppy-formulated food soaked in water or in a mushy texture. It is suggested to feed them at least thrice or four times a day. As their body is at the developing stage so, they need more food and calories. In addition, during the developing stage, their metabolism also works effectively and can digest the food easily if fed in the right ratio. We have prepared a French Bulldog puppy feeding chart, which is bifurcated into the younger puppy stage and older puppy stage. For instance, if you are raising a younger French Bulldog puppy, whose weight is around .And the total calorie intake ratio should be around kcal per day. Note:- Advisable to have a word with a vet, regarding puppy-formulated food, they will guide you to buy the appropriate one. Follow our French Bulldog puppy feeding guide for the correct amount of food and calorie ratio. Knowing how much to feed your furry pal is very important for their proper growth. So, to help you, we have also covered other feeding topics also. Such as how much should a labrador eat a day, and how much should Shih Tzu eat. During this stage, their metabolism, and activity level remain at their peak. This is because their body requires different nutrients level, and you need to cut down their feeding frequency. We have prepared an adult French Bulldog feeding chart, which will give you the right direction in which your furry pal needs to be fed. For instance, if you are raising an adult French Bulldog whose weight is around .It is recommended to feed him grams of food daily, and the calorie intake ratio should be around kcal per day. On the other hand, if he weighs the same but not an active one. Then it is suggested to cut down his calorie intake ratio. Because if he will not carry out any physical activity, it will lead to obesity issues in him and other severe health issues. Note:- French Bulldogs are prone to obesity and skin allergy issue. French Bulldog Senior Feeding Proportion Just like other breeds, French Bulldog also becomes inactive with age, and encounter health issue which decreases their appetite. It is recommended to switch to senior dog food as soon as they reach their senior hood. This is because their body needs different nutrients that adult dog food is no longer able to provide it. For your reference, we have prepared a senior French Bulldog feeding chart, which is bifurcated as per weight. Let me explain it to you with an example, if you are raising a senior French Bulldog, first you need to check out his weight. Like if he weighs around .Then it is recommended to feed them grams of food, and the total calorie intake ratio should be around kcal per day. Note:- If you keep a track of the food and calorie ratio and follow the feeding guide wisely, you will not overfeed your furry pal. They will guide you on which ingredient will be best for your pup and will not create any skin issues. Avoid overfeeding, as obesity increases their risk for back injuries and may aggravate any underlying airway issues. Even the same breed with the same weight can not have the same meal. Because of the health and body requirements of each individual. The food should be enriched with all the essential nutrients, which match their body needs and keep them healthy for a longer period of time. It is suggested to feed four times a day to puppies, whereas twice a day is more than enough for an adult, and senior French Bulldog. If you are raising an adult French Bulldog, make sure his meal includes protein meat such as pork, turkey, chicken, beef, fish, lamb etc… As with age, weight, and nutrient requirements will vary. Always take advice from a vet when you are switching his food or changing nutrient proportions. This will help you to keep his weight in control, and accordingly, you can feed him. In such a case, it is recommended to feed him kcal per day. Health Consideration It has been noticed a healthy French Bulldog can live up to 10 to 14 years. Only, if he is getting the right amount of food, time to time check-ups are done and takes good care of his physical as well as mental health. This is because if you feed him any type of food which is toxic or allergic to his health, it can lead to skin issues and other severe health issues. For instance, if he is in his senior hood stage, and weighs around .This is because without physical activities if you keep on feeding him it will lead to obesity issues in the future. Foods to Avoid French Bulldogs are picky eaters, still, you need to monitor his diet closely. So, you need to be careful while selecting food for him or planning to make homemade recipes for your furry pal. Pin64 71 Shares When we first brought Claude home, we had no idea on how much food we should be giving him. We spoke to our vet, and this is what he told us about how much you should feed a French bulldog puppy. A French bulldog puppy should be fed 3 times a day whilst there are still 2 to 6 months old. Once the French bulldog puppy reaches 6 months, you can reduce the feeding schedule down to 2 meals a day. But now having been a French bulldog owner for 3 years, I can now look back and give you some more detail on exactly what our French bulldog puppy feeding schedule was like and how it worked for us and him. French bulldog puppy feeding chart Below you can see a French bulldog puppy feeding guide I put together. It contains some rough guidance on how you should schedule and plan his feeds, and what other factors you might need to take into account. Please do print it out and put on your fridge. How many cups of food should I feed my French Bulldog? Before you look at the French Bulldog feeding chart below, you might want the quick answer to how many cups of food to feed your French Bulldog. As a general rule of thumb, you should feed a French Bulldog puppy aged 8 to 12 weeks around 1 and a half cups of food a day, in 3 separate meals. As your Frenchie gets older, the number of cups of food you should feed them will change. You can see the cup amounts and frequencies in the French Bulldog feeding chart graphic below. This French bulldog puppy feeding chart tells you how much you should feed them Source: Canin The French bulldog puppy feeding chart shown above is taken from the Royal Canin dog food range. This is exactly what we fed Claude as he was growing up. They range a specific French bulldog puppy food, and on the packaging you will see a version of the chart above, including how best to feed your own puppy. Handy Hint: To stop your Frenchie from bloating and possibly choking you should use a suitable feeding bowl. Here are the best French Bulldog food bowls that vets recommend. When you take your puppy to his new home, he should already be used to eating puppy food. As I mentioned earlier, you should be feeding your French bulldog puppy 3 times a day. They need that regularity as they are growing and burning a lot of calories. You know how energetic they are! How much you feed them at each mealtime will typically be half a cup of their dry puppy food. Across the day, that will equate 1. However, their weight and health will then determine how much you feed them as they get older. Calories matter, but are hard to count As French bulldogs get older, you should try to feed them according to their weight. For every pound, they should be fed between 25 and 30 calories. However, for the rest of this French bulldog puppy feeding guide, I am just going to talk in cups. Puppy weight How can weigh your puppy at the vets or, and this is can be a more interesting and fun way if your puppy already knows how to sit, have them sit on a scale at home. It will not be as accurate as a scale at the vet, but it could be a cheap and fun experience for you and your pet. Because of this, your puppy may be a little stubborn about eating dry and wet food if they were only just recently weaned. Here is where the math gets a little more detailed, but not too complicated. When they are between 8 to 12 weeks old, the puppy should be fed about 1. This food should be high in calories since they need extra nutrients that they are no longer getting from their mother. This kind of follows the main rule when it comes to spreading out the meals to 3 times a day. But for younger pups, many owners will split the 1. Because feeding them 0. Once they are between 6 and 9 months old, they should be used to their eating routine. That is when the main rule is applied because by then, the pup will be maturing into its adult size and should weigh between 20 and 25 pounds. What about older dogs? Also, if you are wondering how much they should be fed once they start hitting their senior years, they should be fed a little less as long only if they are not as active. Make sure you still stretch out the meals to 3 to 4 times like when they were puppies because it is not uncommon for their stomachs to weaken with old age. Overweight or underweight? French bulldog puppies usually weight between 8. Once they reach 6 to 9 months, they are just at or are closer to reaching their adult weight, .If the puppy is underweight, then add very small increments to each meal every day until they are no longer underweight. It is important to not add too much food because of the possibility of them getting a twisted stomach. If the puppy is overweight, you can either slightly reduce the size of their meal until they lose weight, or you can give them more exercise. Many people prefer the later since it helps the pup to get stronger and adds more bonding time. The same methods apply to grown French bulldogs as well. Handy Hint: Read this guide which explains how to check if you have a fat French Bulldog who needs to lose weight, with tips on how to get the pounds down. If the dog does not appear to be gaining weight when they are underweight or vice versa if they are overweight, you might want to take them to the vet since it could be a sign that something is affecting their health. Health conditions Since not every animal is the same, ask your vet the next time your pup has a check-up what a French bulldog of their size and age should weigh. Health factors like diabetes yes, dogs can have diabetes , can make your pup need a more strict diet or feeding routine. Here are some different diets and feeding routines. Raw food vs. Many dog lovers say that there are too many preservatives, fillers, wheat, corn, and protein in dry and wet food. While the raw food diet can be more natural, especially if it is organic, you also have to make sure your pup would be getting more foods with vitamins and minerals mixed in with the raw food that your pup would need. Raw food diets can be more expensive, require more storage room for the meats and veggies, and take longer to prepare. However, you would be personally ensuring that your little French bulldog pup is getting their full daily nutrition without harmful by-products and additives. Is there a good dry food diet? Possibly the biggest questions out of all of them: is there any good dry dog food out there and how do I find them? The answer is yes, there can be some healthy dry dog food products, but it takes some time to look for. The key is to look for dog food that does not contain any preservatives, fillers, wheat, corn, and too much protein. Fillers basically do not provide any nutritional value and can even harm your dog since most of the ingredients they use as fillers are common allergies for dogs that can cause skin conditions, bowel issues, and more. Wheat and corn are included since they are also a popular allergen for dogs. Too much protein is even more dangerous for them since it can put more pressure on the organs, throw off nutritional balance, increase the likelihood of diabetes, and can harm dogs that already have diabetes. To see the safe and dangerous fruits list, click here. Another two meat choices would be duck and turkey, but these are a little less common to find, especially if you are looking for a French bulldog specific dog food. Your dog eats his food too quickly Another common problem is how do you control how fast your French bulldog puppy eats. French bulldogs love to eat their food and eat it fast, which is one of the primary causes of GDV. Frenchies will stop eating for a number of reasons, some more serious that others. Conclusion So there you have it, your guide to how much you should feed your French bulldog puppy. Everything in this feeding schedule and the French bulldog feeding chart you see is based on personal experience. Once in the morning, and once in the early evening. Keep a regular feeding routine, and your Frenchies will stay as healthy as ours has! In this article, I will cover some key information about feeding your French Bulldog puppy, including how much you should feed them and a suggested outline for a feeding schedule that you can adapt as they grow. Keep reading to find out more. Typically speaking, the breeder that you have bought your French Bulldog puppy from should provide you with all of the information that you need on feeding your puppy. This includes what food your new puppy has been eating as well as how often your puppy has been fed throughout the day. French Bulldog puppies have high caloric and nutrient needs. Generally speaking, French Bulldog puppies aged anywhere from weeks of age need a total of 1. That being said, you will need to bear in mind that the quantity your dog eats depends on a number of factors, including their size, metabolism, and activity levels. Spreading out the meals is the key to a healthy, happy puppy, as it minimizes the peaks of energy your French Bulldog will experience due to dramatic rises and decreases in blood sugar levels between meals. Ensuring you feed them in these intervals will allow your puppy to maintain a healthy amount of energy and nutrients throughout their day. Once your French bulldog puppy reaches 6 months, you can reduce the number of times that you feed them down to 2 meals a day. Puppies can have sensitive stomachs. You will need to feed a puppy the same type of food, the same amount of food, and feed them at the same times of the day to ensure that their stomach can cope. To come up with a feeding plan for your specific puppy, you should consult with your veterinarian and come up with a suitable feeding schedule in conjunction with their advice. Age You will need to consider when feeding your French Bulldog puppy is their age. As a result, your puppy may initially be a little stubborn about eating dry and wet food if they were only just recently weaned. In this circumstance, you will need to ensure that you remain patient and consistent when it comes to meal times. Alternatively, you could try adding a dash of water to the dry kibble to make a type of gravy. Not only will the meaty aromas tempt them to the bowl and encourage them to eat their food, but it will also soften the dry kibble slightly and make it easier for them to chew. French Bulldog puppies are allowed to be separated from their mothers at 8 weeks, at which point they will weigh somewhere between 7 to 12lbs. How much your French Bulldog puppy weighs will depend on their gender, as male French Bulldogs typically weigh more than their female counterparts. They are considered fully grown around 12 to 14 months old, but may continue to put on muscle until they are two years old. They are a greedy breed by nature, and you need to be wary of overfeeding your French Bulldog as this can lead to a variety of health conditions if they become overweight. When assessing whether your Frenchie puppy is overweight, you should be able to see a little rib and they should have a defined waistline. When it comes to choosing to give your dog treats, fewer high quality treats on special occasions are much better than feeding them many lower quality ones more often to train them. When it comes to training your puppy, positive reinforcement in the form of praise also works. Calories As your French Bulldog puppy gets older, the number of calories they are eating should increase according to their weight. You should feed your puppy 12 to 30 calories per pound of their body weight. However, if you are not sure how much to feed your French Bulldog puppy, consult your vet. Nutrition One of the most important factors to consider when feeding your French Bulldog puppy is nutrition, as a healthy, well-balanced diet is essential for their growth and development. This simply comes down to the fact that puppies have higher energy requirements and are actively developing muscle and other tissues. Energy comes from the breakdown of protein fats and carbohydrates. Health Conditions When feeding your French Bulldog puppy, you will also need to bear in mind any health conditions that your Frenchie could be prone to developing. Diarrhea Stomach upsets are very common in Frenchies, so monitoring their diet is absolutely essential. Signs of a digestion problem include wet, runny, and loose stools. If a food allergy is suspected, the only treatment is an elimination diet. As a result, you will need to watch out for any food sensitivities your dog has. Reflux Flat-faced breeds such as Frenchies can suffer from reflux or struggle to swallow their food. You will need to monitor this when it comes to giving them their food. Dental Problems Flat-faced dogs often have crowded teeth which, in turn, can cause dental problems when it comes to chewing. While some French Bulldogs are hyperactive, others are lazy and love nothing more than lying on the couch all day. As your French Bulldog edges closer to adolescence, the amount of exercise they need will increase. Around 60 minutes of daily exercise split into two walks is plenty for your fully grown French Bulldog. As a result, too much exercise can even be bad for French Bulldogs. As a flat-faced breed, French Bulldogs can overheat and struggle to breathe and pant, especially in warmer weather. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome BOAS is a condition that can cause severe breathing problems and is caused by their shorter faces. As a result, you should make sure that you take precautions to keep your dog cool and make sure that you understand the signs of heatstroke in dogs. Consult With Your Vet Above all else, consulting with your vet should be your first port of call when bringing home your new puppy. Invest In A Slow Feed Dog Bowl A slow feeding bowl is a useful dog bowl to have as they are designed with ridges or grooves which are designed to slow your dog down when they are eating. However, some treats contain high amounts of sugar, colourings, milk products and fat. As a result, you will need to make sure that you choose your treats carefully and use them wisely, as failure to do so can quickly result in your puppy becoming overweight. The moisture in wet food reduces the risk of urinary infections and other related issues while your puppy is still getting used to drinking water. As a result, it costs more to feed your dog, even if you are buying the product in bulk for a cheaper price. Wet dog food cannot be left in a bowl for hours on end, and it can be messier. As a result, people often consider wet dog food less convenient to feed their dog and store. Dry Dog Food Benefits Cheaper Dry dog foods are affordable and are incredibly easy to store for longer periods of time, meaning that they have a longer shelf life than wet foods. Dry kibble is excellent for getting rid of plaque build-up in the process of your dog chewing crunchy, dry kibble. However, despite the lack of hydration this dog food provides. Your French Bulldog puppy requires high-quality dog food that provides everything it needs to meet its requirements and ensure healthy development. In Summary Generally speaking, you should be feeding your French Bulldog puppy 1. Before coming up with a consistent feeding schedule for your French Bulldog puppy, you should consult with your veterinarian. Following their advice, you will be able to make a feeding schedule that suits your dog and you. Good luck and enjoy welcoming your new French Bulldog puppy into your family! Post navigation. We do not claim to be veterinarians. French Bulldogs can easily become overweight or underweight , especially the lazy ones. Some french bulldogs are hyperactive while others are couch potatoes. It is also critical that you maintain a consistent feeding schedule and never slack off on feeding your French Bulldog. Even more important than that is feeding your Frenchie the proper amount of food daily. Young Frenchies have high caloric and nutrient needs. French Bulldogs aged anywhere from weeks of age need a total of 1. Spreading out the meals minimizes the peaks of energy your French Bulldog will experience due to dramatic rises and decreases in blood sugar levels between meals. Feeding only twice daily can sometimes lead to gastric dilatation volvulus. By this stage, your French Bulldog is ready to get into an eating routine that they will continue on for the rest of their happy, little chubby lives, barring no serious medical ailments later on in life. From around 6 months to 1 year of age, you can start feeding your French Bulldog a very high quality adult doggy food. It is important to maintain a strict routine for your French Bulldog. You can always supplement a few treats in between. Wink wink. A half a cup at a time will make sure your Frenchie is pleasantly tubby and happy. Some days, it seems like a French Bulldog can never get enough food. This seemingly natural hunger is relative to the breed and you should be weary of overfeeding your French Bulldog. Monitor your Frenchie as she eats and make sure she only eats her own food, especially if you feed your French Bulldog near other pets. Note that non-neutered males may grow into the low 30lb range. Always consult a vet. Ideally, 2. This sort of consult is always quick and cheap sometimes free and you owe it to your companion to get the opinion of an expert veterinarian. Overweight Frenchies can suffer from some very severe health problems, including heart disease just like humans , labored breathing, and lack of physical exercise. Never take a French Bulldog out to play in sweltering heat, they can die. Generally, older French Bulldogs will require slightly less food than their young counterparts. However, do not restrict food from your French Bulldog if they appear to be underweight or hungry. A reader pointed out in the comments below that these calculations would put french bulldogs in the 40lbs range somewhere around calories per day. This is obviously an outlier situation and no french bulldog needs that many calories. This means feeding your french bulldog less food as they age. If they look thinner than usual, you can move up by 5 calories per pound of weight until you find a magic number. No french bulldog is identical and our suggestions are based on average weights computed to a mean average calorie intake suggestion. Read: I use this calculator and a pad of paper. See this guide in order to determine the appropriate weight for your Frenchie. Subject: How much should I feed my French Bulldog? As such, knowing the ins and outs of their dietary requirements is crucial. Welcome to our comprehensive French Bulldog feeding guide, tailored for Aussie Frenchie owners. The dietary needs of a French Bulldog puppy vary with age, weight, activity level, reproductive and health status. The age of your Frenchie plays a pivotal role in determining the amount and frequency of their meals. Regular check-ins with your vet can further ensure your pup is getting the right amount of food and at the right intervals. Typically, puppies in this age bracket should be fed 3 times a day. For those aged between 10 to 12 months, feeding twice daily is generally recommended. When it comes to the vibrant health and vitality of French Bulldog puppies, the role of nutrition and the proper food is of paramount importance. Puppy-specific food is distinct from adult dog food in several ways. These formulations offer more calories to support their energy needs, ensuring that every leap, play, and nap is backed by proper nourishment. Expertly crafted, these foods address the nuanced needs of growing Frenchies, striking a balance between energy, growth, and overall health. For a typical adult French Bulldog weighing around kg, roughly calories per day is recommended. For optimal digestion and routine, splitting the daily food intake into two meals, breakfast and dinner, is ideal. Regular feeding times can help regulate their metabolism and prevent overeating. Measuring food portions and keeping to a consistent schedule can go a long way in maintaining their health. Remember, always consult with your veterinarian for tailored advice on feeding, ensuring your Frenchie stays in tip-top shape. Special Considerations French Bulldogs, like all breeds, can have individual dietary needs that set them apart from the general canine population. Some may suffer from allergies, requiring hypoallergenic diets to avoid certain triggers. There are specialised dog foods crafted to mitigate allergic reactions. Then there are Frenchies that require specific diets for coat and skin health, ensuring they maintain their distinctive, shiny coat without any skin issues. For those who are either a tad underweight or on the heavier side, weight management foods can help balance out their physique. They can provide expert guidance, ensuring your French Bulldog gets the best nutrition tailored to their individual requirements. Best Food to Feed a French Bulldog Choosing the best food for your French Bulldog involves understanding the various diet options available, including wet, dry, and raw foods. Each type offers unique benefits, catering to different preferences and health needs. Wet Food Wet food is moisture-rich, making it particularly palatable for many dogs. It can help with hydration and might be easier for some Frenchies to chew, especially if they have dental issues. If your dog has sensitive teeth, for example, wet food often emerges as a preferred choice. Dry Food Dry kibble is a popular choice among many French Bulldog owners, primarily due to its convenience and long shelf life. Quality dry food can offer a balanced diet, ensuring your Frenchie gets all the nutrients they require. Furthermore, the crunchy nature of kibble can aid in dental health, acting as a natural tooth cleaner. Proponents argue it offers a more natural diet, closer to what dogs would consume in the wild. However, there are considerations about potential bacteria and ensuring a balanced diet. The best food for your French Bulldog depends on various factors, including their health, age, and personal preferences. Always prioritise quality and balance in whatever diet you choose for your beloved Frenchie. A proper balance of nutrients is necessary. Providing the right mix of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals supports everything from bone health to energy levels. Avoiding excess calories is another critical aspect. While treats are a delightful way to bond with your Frenchie and reward them, moderation is key. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which brings a plethora of health issues. Steer clear of dangerous foods. Foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, and certain sweeteners like xylitol are toxic to dogs and can be fatal. The journey to a healthy and fit French Bulldog lies in balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and a dash of love and vigilance. The rhythm of feeding your French Bulldog is as crucial as the food itself. A consistent feeding schedule not only aids in digestion and metabolism but also instils a sense of routine and security in your pet. For puppies, their growing bodies and smaller stomachs demand more frequent feedings. Typically, French Bulldog puppies should be fed three to four times a day to support their rapid growth and continuous energy. When thinking about how much to feed a Frenchie puppy, bear in mind their developmental stage and activity levels. As they transition into adulthood, their feeding frequency can be reduced. Adult French Bulldogs thrive on a twice-a-day feeding schedule, ideally once in the morning and once in the evening. This not only satiates their appetite but also divides their daily caloric intake efficiently. Consistency is key. However, moderation is essential. Striking a balance ensures your French Bulldog remains happy, healthy, and eager for the next treat-filled training session! Hypro Premium presents a superior whole grain range, meticulously tailored for the unique dietary needs of breeds like the French Bulldog. Rich in essential nutrients and made with premium ingredients, it helps support muscle growth, maintains a lustrous coat, and ensures robust overall health. Thinking of making the switch? Give your Frenchie the premium life they deserve.
All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. But those first weeks of puppy development are very similar whatever the breed, and these landmarks are good general rules for any dog. Puppy development week by week, changes quickly. Newborn Puppies Newborn puppies are born at the end of nine weeks of pregnancy, with their eyes and ears tightly closed. They already have a fur coat but they cannot yet control their own body temperature. They are dependent on their mother or another heat source to keep them warm. Newborn puppies may cry if cold. But they do not have the strength to cry for long. Newborn Labrador puppies snuggle together to keep warm when their mother is away How Helpless are Newborn Pups? Although they rely on mom for a lot at this stage, newborn puppies are not completely helpless. They can use their front feet to drag themselves towards a heat source or their milk supply. This means their mom, not milk alternatives like cow or goat milk. Newborn pups have no teeth yet. But they can move their heads about to search for a nipple, and they can latch on and suck strongly. Their mother leaves them only to eat, drink and for bathroom purposes. While she is away, the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat, as you can see in the photo above. They may also crawl under a heat lamp source to keep warm. In every other respect newborn puppies are completely dependent on the care of their mother. Newborn pups have little control over the rear end of their bodies. The mother dog washes them and licks their bottoms to encourage elimination, licking up and swallowing anything they produce to keep her babies and their nest scrupulously clean. In fact, he may even double his birth weight! One week later and the puppies have doubled their birth weight. Changes are taking place under his eyelids to prepare them for opening. And usually begins during the second week of life. Ears open at this point too, so your puppy will begin to hear. The Labrador puppies in this picture are two weeks olds. Two weeks old and the puppies eyes are now open! You can see that their eyes are now open and the puppies are beginning to look a little more dog-like. The breeder will be handling the puppies more now. And most puppies are wormed for the first time at two weeks old. Most 3 week old puppies can stand and sit, and are beginning to totter about. They are also starting to develop their individuality. No longer are they just a row of identical little fat furry sausages! This little three week old puppy :- Can easily be distinguished from his brother: Teething and Further Development At 3 weeks old, this is also the point at which puppies start teething — cutting their first deciduous baby teeth. Obviously the teeth are appearing for a reason! Some breeders will start to offer the first tastes of solid food at this point. Especially if the litter is a large one and putting a strain on the mother dog. It is lovely to watch a litter of 3 week old puppies beginning to interact with their brothers and sisters. They are running, playing enthusiastically, and have started to wag their little tails. The puppies will start to show bowel control as they move away from the other puppies to defecate. And solid food is becoming a major part of their diet. These little pups are tucking into some puppy food. Four week old puppies having their dinner in the fresh air If the weather is warm enough, puppies will be spending some time outdoors now. Mealtimes are a messy process, so feeding puppies out in the yard can be a good idea. Breeder Involvement Some mother dogs will lose interest in cleaning up after their pups at this point or soon afterwards. And many puppies will be wormed again this week. Vocalizations are becoming stronger at this puppy development stage. The litter will greet their mother noisily when she returns to them, and try hard to follow her out of the whelping box whenever she leaves. The puppies themselves are now eating solid food several times a day and gradually being weaned of their dependency on her milk. Puppies will still suckle ravenously when their mother returns and she will now often feed them standing up and only for a short time. She will also be teaching the puppies not to bite too hard. So, they should be increasingly spending time with humans and learning to be familiar with the sounds and sights of a human family environment. Puppies being raised in kennels must be brought into a home environment regularly from now on to ensure they develop into confident, friendly dogs. Six weeks old and full of mischief Puppies Still Have a Lot to Learn at 6 Weeks In some countries, puppies are taken to their new homes at this age. But this is not a good idea, and can result in a puppy that has poor bite inhibition and is challenging to manage. The puppies are learning not to bite too hard from the reactions of their mother and siblings. Growth is not quite so fast now. But the puppies will still grow strongly for the next few months. Many puppies will be wormed again this week. All that remains is for plenty of great socialization experiences to be packed into this week, with final checks on health. Many breeders will arrange for each seven week old puppy to have a vet check this week. And though some vets advise against it, some puppies are also given their first vaccinations before they leave for their new homes. Some breeders will now have the puppies trained to pee and poop on puppy pads or newspaper. And some will have been whistling to the puppies at meal times to get them used to coming to a human signal. Potty training is now underway and puppy socialization plans are being made. At this point, many of you will be thinking about training your puppy too. The next four weeks are vital in puppy development stages. Your main job is socializing your puppy. This means taking him to lots of new places and exposing him to lots of new experiences. So, life will be starting to get back to normal. Most puppies in the U. In the U. So, not all puppies will get their vaccinations at the exact same age. Socializing your puppy is still the most important job for you at this age. But, you cannot put your puppy on the ground outside until they have received their final vaccination. So, make sure you know exactly when their final jab is. And carry on introducing them to as many new people, things, and experiences as possible throughout this puppy development stage. Some people can suffer from the puppy blues at this stage too, as your life has completely changed! But, that does not mean socialization can stop. Puppies who are isolated at this point will soon lose that friendly fearlessness. You have an important job now, building on what has been achieved so far, and introducing your puppy to the world at ground level. This part of his education can begin once his vaccination cover is complete. He should be fully immunised at around this point. But check with your vet for confirmation of the actual date. Three months also marks the point at which many puppies will drop down from four daily meals, to three. This can cause problems for some puppies because the portions are larger If your puppy gets an upset tummy when you make this change, just go back up to four meals again for a few days, and give smaller portions for a few days when you try again. But, many will need another month before they can cope without frequent bathroom breaks and the occasional accident. Your puppy will begin to lose his baby teeth. This can also be a time at which biting can be most challenging. And try not to worry, this stage will soon be over! A few will need another month or two to complete the process. Remember, no two puppies are the same. That puppy fluffiness will have gone. For many puppies, five months is an awkward, gangly time. A five month old puppy may have shed the last of his soft puppy lines and be looking quite skinny. By the end of this month most puppies will have finished teething but an urge to chew may continue for another few months in some breeds, Labradors included. Some female dogs will have their first season during this month. But, for many, it will be another three or four months before this happens. This is a major milestone for your puppy. He is now looking very much like an adult Labrador. Still a Puppy Because he looks quite grown up, people expect a lot of their 6 month old puppy. But inside, he is still very much a puppy. The beginnings of adolescence and with it an increasing independence of spirit can bring its challenges, but also a whole lot of fun. However, a healthy six-month-old labrador will grow significantly in size. Some of them can weigh up to 50 pounds. For a more balanced diet at six months, you can shift from feeding your puppy three smaller meals per day to two meals a day. To counteract this, you can drop the amount of food and gradually increase it. Setting Your Lab Puppy Up for Successful Potty Training Training an animal to control their bladders until you get outside is no different than potty-training for toddlers. In other words, crate training speeds up the potty-training process for your pet. Effective crate training depends on two things: Praising and rewarding your puppy for relieving itself outside. They come to understand this as a desirable behavior. Preventing your puppy from going to the toilet within the home. So, why is using a crate to train your puppy to go outside so effective? Initially, this should be every hour or so. As labs grow older, you can reduce the frequency as they learn to hold and release independently. Step 2: House Training a Lab Puppy Housetraining or potty-training small labs can be, well, frustrating. As a pet owner, there are simple ways to train your puppy to understand ideal behavior quickly. Instead, they simply forget that they should control it. This helps avoid any issues early on. Keep small labrador puppies off the carpet. How to Feed Your Dog for Optimal Growth Feeding your labrador puppy a balanced diet could be an entire guide all on its own. It can feel overwhelming because you do have many options when it comes to feeding your dog. For example, if you work from home, it would be easy to feed your dog homemade dog food. Similarly, you might work a and yet want to reap the health-related benefits of a raw diet. Make sure to speak to your vet first. You do have choices for what to feed your puppy and you can mix and match these. Popular feeding options for any animal include kibble, wet food, raw food, and home-cooked food. Remember, a puppy is still growing, and they need a complete profile of nutrients and minerals to support their development. There are many commercial brands of dry food or kibble to choose from and you can adjust what you buy based on the ingredients. Do your research and find a brand you trust, with as much bioavailable nutritional content as is helpful. These can harm your puppy. In order to maintain good health and prevent simple ailments, your puppy can also benefit from taking a supplement. Some families choose to mix scraps or raw food with kibble to provide moisture and decrease the amount of food versus the calories consumed. Any veterinarian will tell you that a hard and fast rule is not necessarily the type of food but the amount. Obesity is a condition that can lead to many health issues for this breed. Over-exertion, especially for a puppy, is possible. This includes activities like playing fetch or tug and release. However, breeds that worked as a hunting companion for humans love to be active. Again, this goes back to the strengths of the breed. Keeping up with your puppy could be a task-and-a-half, so in the first months of life, you should be keeping them in your backyard or playing with them at home. As they become house trained and get all their vaccinations, you can turn walks into light jogs or runs if you want. In the long-term, exercise will help keep dogs healthy and disease-free. However, early dog training can eliminate common problems with puppy temperament and help make sure that your fur friend is always as friendly and happy as possible through the years. Puppy socialization simply means making your puppy open to and familiar with new experiences. You want to provide stimulation and encounters with experiences that they will probably face as adults. The window of opportunity to make sure your puppy is always a happy and friendly pooch closes around 14 weeks. Pre-Vaccination Lab Puppy Socialization Any veterinarian will tell you that a puppy is all done with their vaccinations after 12 weeks of age. The main point is to keep your puppy away from other dogs who may not yet be vaccinated or the excrement and markings of other animals that could carry data diseases. You can head to an off-leash dog park to allow them to explore and meet other fur friends. You can also take them beyond your backyard to the countryside to enable them to swim or set up obstacle courses and play with them. Another thing that people forget about is spaying or neutering their dogs. Spaying or neutering your dog could help with behavioral issues and can also reduce the onset of certain health conditions. At the same time, spaying or neutering a puppy too early may also lead to health issues. For many people, this is a worthwhile and even enjoyable trade-off. A happy, sociable dog is always the result of consistent training. Training your dog is a significant aspect of their early years. The different stages include: Get it — Using positive reinforcement, trainers will help your dog carry out actions without commands. Teach it — This stage harnesses the progress you made in the previous stages. Your dog now knows the word and the action that goes with it. Proof it — Proofing is where many people get stuck. Your dog will learn to listen and obey commands at this stage even when they are engaged in other things. Maintain it — Consistently using the techniques you learned to keep your dog following the same desirable behavior. All breeds of dogs respond best when you train them. Every labrador retriever relies on their human taking control and showing them how to respond in any situation. You can be sure that if you follow these tips that you will be taking proper care of your new puppy and will be able to make sure that your puppy will live a long and healthy life. Share on.
And, along with all the joys, you may have a few new puppy jitters too. I get it! In other words, I am over the moon for Doodle dogs. Now what? Choose your veterinarian and make a new puppy appointment. As your Goldendoodle becomes a senior, your vet may suggest twice yearly well check visits. Your veterinarian is an essential part of helping your puppy live the happiest, healthiest, and longest life possible. But how do you choose a veterinarian? For a veterinary clinic to become AAHA accredited, they are assessed on standards for veterinary care. Also, you can ask friends, family, and other dog parents for recommendations on vets, check out veterinary websites, and visit the veterinary offices. Schedule a new puppy vet visit. When we called our veterinary office, the care team asked for some basic information about the puppy so they could get her records set up. This way we could rest assured that our puppy was in good physical health, on track for vaccinations, and had the proper testing for parasites and worms. For example, our new puppy had hiccups. Finally, we could ask our vet about the proper nutrition for our puppy, how much to feed each day, and get expert answers on puppyhood — everything from tips on potty training to puppy socialization. The list of veterinary specialty services sounds much like the specialty services that we receive as humans. Why do I bring this up? With so many advanced veterinary resources available—much like humans use insurance to cover the healthcare costs—you may want to investigate pet insurance. Since there are so many insurance options to research, doing your homework ahead of time makes sense. Also, from my research, the younger your puppy is when you enroll, the lower your monthly payment will be. Alternatively, if you are unsure about insurance, you may want to consider putting money aside each month to cover unexpected emergencies or life-saving procedures that may be down the road. Start planning your new schedule. What will your schedule look like when your new puppy comes home? Who will be available to care for your puppy? Every family has different daily routines, so arranging a schedule looks different for everyone. If there is more than one family member in the household, perhaps you can flex your schedules. Prepare your home and start new habits. Dropping backpacks by the door or leaving socks on the floor is real life. Yes, many Goldendoodles—and other Doodle dogs—are notorious sock thieves. Scratch grapes and raisins off the shopping list because they are a hazard for dogs. Clear the coffee table a. Buy the lidded trash cans for the bathroom that are dog-proof. Make sure your kitchen trash cans are not where puppies can get them. In addition to preparing your home, you may want to puppy proof your car too. I know a lot of people put packs of sugarless gum in their car console. Order your new puppy supplies. Crates and puppy toys and water bowls and leashes and collars. The list of puppy supplies is long. For a complete list of new puppy supplies, please check out my new puppy check list. You can also visit our Goldendoodle Supplies store. Here you will find puppy supplies that we have used and recommend. Determine you puppy space—a designated puppy area. This one was big for us. When our new puppy first came home, we thought we had a puppy space the family room with puppy gates to block off the other rooms determined. So we MacGyvered a solution by sectioning off a smaller area of the family room using our new three-panel wooden dog gates and our L-shaped couch to make a play area. For example, we could easily observe when our puppy started to wander away from us, lost interest in toys, or started sniffing. These were all her signs that she was just about to go potty! Set up your puppy supplies. For example, if you bought a new crate, assembling it now will be easier than when you have a curious puppy helping you. Rest up! New puppies have tiny puppy bladders and need to go out at night to go potty. Choose a designated area outside for puppy potty training. Determine where your puppy will sleep. More than likely, your puppy is used to sleeping next to puppy siblings, listening to puppy sounds, and feeling the warmth of her mom and puppy brothers and sisters. Since dogs are so social, for our puppy, we wanted to provide reassurance that we were nearby. We decided that our new furry family member would be safest in a crate. But the crate would be placed next to the bed so that our puppy could feel close to us—her new pack. Plus, we could comfort her with the sound of our voices or a gentle touch. Also, we placed a Snuggle Puppy in the crate. I thought our puppy might see the Snuggle Puppy as a play toy rather than a calming toy, but no! Our puppy loved it! This is a day for heaps of love and time and attention. Here are some tips to help the day go smoothly. Before going into your home, allow your puppy the opportunity to go potty. Before you walk through the door with your new puppy in your arms, allow her a little time to explore her new puppy potty spot in your yard or green space. Even as a puppy, our week-old Goldendoodle was a little speedster, so we knew we had to keep her on leash. Start small. As mentioned earlier, rather than giving our puppy the ability to roam our home immediately, we started small. So on her first day home, we created an even smaller area using our couch and our dog gates. This allowed us to be able to sit with our new Goldendoodle puppy and also let her explore and sniff within a small space. Also, we could watch her like a hawk as well as enjoy spending time with her. We had a couple of puppy toys for her to play with and a small dog bowl of water in her improvised play area. Bond with your fur baby! Give your dog heaps of your love, attention, and time. If you take away just one tip from this article, this is the one! In fact, multiple research studies have shown that when you bond with your dog, your dog releases oxytocin—the love hormone. Our puppers are counting on us to protect them from canine diseases like parvovirus.Expect your puppy to need you. Your puppy is going to need you, want to be with you, and count on you. Puppies have years of biology telling them that being part of a pack is security. They want you. Before that big day, you can plan ahead by puppy-proofing your home, getting the puppy supplies bought, and more. I hope that even one or two of these tips will help make your day even happier. And, by being prepared, I hope any new puppy jitters quickly become new puppy joys. Make sure everyone knows the rules that your puppy will be expected to follow, and how to properly train your puppy. Doing this ahead of time will help you create a structured and consistent environment for both your family and puppy. Some examples of rules to set for children include: Small children should not pick up your puppy and carry him or her around. Allowing your children to hold the puppy while sitting is okay, but puppies like to squirm and jump out of your arms and it's possible to accidentally injure the puppy while trying to carry it around. Puppies should not be unattended on couches, chairs, and beds. They will jump off and potentially break a leg. Puppies need to feel that they can eat in peace without having to defend their food, making it important that children know to leave your new puppy alone while eating. Children bothering your puppy during a meal could lead to defensive behavior. Your puppy may be tired already as there have been lots of changes to its environment. However, a short little play session before bed never hurts. Two hours before bedtime, take away your puppies water so he or she will not have to get up to go to the bathroom during the night. Puppies should have access to water all day until this time. Your puppy will most likely whimper and cry the first few nights. This is normal. Follow the guide provided here and your puppy will be happily crate trained in no time. For night-time crate training, listen to the video I post on your Marco Polo litter group. Welcome to my first puppy blog! His expected weight as an adult is between 40 and 50 pounds. Before bringing Henry home I did months of research on puppies. I wanted to make sure I knew as much as possible. I grew-up with a shih-tzu and now my parents have a havenese. My parents used potty pads with both dogs and they were difficult to house train. I researched different breeds, breeders and also considered adoption. However, most of my research was focused on crate and house training. I am not a dog expert and have no education as a dog trainer, but I thought it would be helpful to share what has worked well for us. In our home we created a designated puppy room. For about his first two weeks home he rarely left this room. He has a tiny, weak bladder and is easily confused in his new home. You can create a puppy room or space anywhere in your home, I think it just helps to do-so close by to an exterior door. It is key that this area is very close to the puppy room. Fortunately, he went potty right away on that first day. We gave him lots of verbal praise then took him inside. Each time he comes inside we wipe his paws with a wipe because he does not have all of his vaccine boosters. I have spoke with a few veterinarians on this topic and suggest everyone do the same. Taking Henry outside to go potty was the right choice for us. When Henry entered his room his crate was setup with the door open. Inside we had a crate pad and the towel he sat on in the car during his ride home. I was a bit nervous about the crate situation because neither of my family dogs took a liking to their crate. We let him explore his new room for a bit and before we knew it, he walked into his crate on his own to lay down. From that moment on, he loved his crate! I originally planned to move his crate into our bedroom next to my side of the bed. Since Henry easily went in and out of his crate on his first day home we decided not to move his crate. I totally understand that this is not the case for every pup! When we took Henry home he was about 9lbs and he started with a 24 inch crate. As most sites suggest, he had enough room to turn around, but not enough room to play. Too much extra space in the crate may cause puppies to go potty on one side and sleep on the other. The crate should only be big enough for relaxing — not relaxing AND potty. Tip 4 Stick to a schedule. Day and night. We brought Henry home on a Sunday afternoon and I was able to stay home the following two days. Starting on the first night we set alarms to wake up every two hours to take Henry outside. I know that some sites suggest not waking your puppy up, but this is the method that we chose and it worked very well for Henry. We chose this method because we wanted him to understand that night time is for sleeping and going potty — not playing. By waking him up we felt were inconveniencing him, not the other way around. For the most part, he was always sleeping when we took him out until he woke up for good around 5am. We followed the 2 hour approach for about five days then increased to 3 hours. After about another five days we increased to 4 hours. He has never had an accident in his crate and can hold it for hours at night. Henry eventually started sleeping later util about 6 and am. For the first two weeks, we also wrote down every time Henry ate, drank and went potty. During the first two days, we peed 14 times before dinner. Patience is not my strongest venture. My husband on the other hand, has the patience of a saint. Brining home a puppy is without a doubt stressful and exhausting. The first few weeks are especially tough, but hang in there! I promise it gets better. Your little guy was taken from his mama and siblings then placed in whole new world. It is going to take some time for him to learn, but he will learn. During the first two weeks Henry went nuts for food and water. Here we are 5 weeks out and he plops his little butt down when we bring his food over. The calmer you are, the calmer he will be too. Our next goal is to tackle puppy biting — check back soon! Share this:. You have found the puppy of your dreams and you are probably feeling really excited and maybe a little nervous. One way to feel less nervous prior to bringing home a Goldendoodle puppy is to make sure your new Goldendoodle puppy has everything it will need. There are so many puppy items to choose from, you may feel completely overwhelmed. In order to help you, I have compiled this handy shopping list which includes all the essential items you will need when bringing home a new Goldendoodle puppy. The puppy items on this list will make sure you are well-prepared for the first few days or weeks. Hey there! Some links on this page are affiliate links which means that, if you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I greatly appreciate your support! Essential Goldendoodle Puppy Shopping List To learn more about any item on the must-have puppy shopping list, simply click on the photo or any underlined text to be directly linked to Amazon. Thank you. A lot of collars are adjustable, but you will probably end up buying several collars as time goes on. You want something that is light, but durable. Therefore, I like to start with a 6-foot leash like the one linked above, as this length is great for training and teaching loose leash walking. I also suggest investing in a foot leash for recall training. The longer leash allows the puppy to have some freedom, while still being under my control. Food Dish Your new Goldendoodle puppy is going to need a food dish. Some people like stainless steel food dishes because they are easy to clean. If your pup eats quickly, you may consider a slow-feeder bowl or even a muffin tin! Alternatively, your puppy may prefer ceramic, like this food and water bowl set that is weighted, food-grade, and lead-free. With my Goldendoodle, I use a ceramic bowl for her first meal, and then I am a big proponent of ditching the bowl and offering her second and third meals in a canine-enrichment feeder. Water Bowl Your new Goldendoodle puppy is going to need access to clean water throughout the day. If you research water bowls, it would seem that everyone has their favourite. The Neater Feeder is also a popular choice. As a puppy, my Goldendoodle enjoyed standing in her bowl and making a mess. Also, since she has a fuzzy muppet face, her beard would ultimately soak up the water from her bowl and she would drip water all over the house. After some trial and error, the best bowl I found for her was this one from LumoLeaf. It solved all of our problems and I highly recommend it. Food Your puppy should continue to eat the food it was eating before you brought it home. Goldendoodle Brush When bringing home a Goldendoodle puppy it is very important for it to become accustomed to being groomed from the start. To begin, use a soft slicker brush and provide treats while gently stroking your puppy to form a positive association with grooming. Goldendoodle Crate There are many crates to choose from and they can be very beneficial for housetraining and keeping your puppy safe when you ar e not there to monitor her. A wire crate usually comes with a divider, so you buy one for the size you think your puppy will eventually be and section it off with the divider as needed. You can also choose a plastic crate. These are great because they can also be used for travel in a car. There are also decorative crates that blend in to look like furniture. To start, the crate should be about two inches taller and longer than your puppy. Toothbrush and Toothpaste Dogs can have tartar and plaque build-up just like you. It is important to get your new Goldendoodle puppy used to dental hygiene. A finger toothbrush is usually the easiest to work with and most dogs enjoy the taste of liver-flavoured toothpaste. Puppy Playpen I found having a playpen to be absolutely essential with my Goldendoodle, so I am including it on this list. I used it for house training and when she was in the biting stage. It was also an excellent place for her when she was overstimulated and needed a quiet place to settle. The playpen was a positive space for her with her favourite stuffies and chews. In fact, I even served my Goldendoodle puppy her meals in her playpen so she could form a really positive association with her playpen. I never used it for discipline. Playpens come in all different sizes and shapes depending on your space. I have always used clippers for my dogs but recently purchased a Dremel. I am still getting used to the Dremel, but so far I really like it. I suggest watching some videos on puppy nail cutting prior to trying it yourself. If you are uncomfortable doing it yourself, then take your pup to a groomer that you trust for nail care. Benebones or Nylabones When bringing home a Goldendoodle puppy it is essential that you have some puppy-approved items for your puppy to chew on. Benebones and Nylabones are life-savers during the biting phase of puppyhood. When your Goldendoodle puppy is biting your fingers or a table leg, quickly stop the unwanted behaviour and give your Goldendoodle puppy this safe alternative to chew. Benebones and Nylabones come in different flavours and can help you to avoid ruined furniture or injured skin. Be sure to pick one that is made especially for puppy chewing. Soft and Hard Toys Undoubtedly, my Goldendoodle has no shortage of toys. Soft Training Treats You can never have enough training treats when bringing home a new Goldendoodle puppy, as training should start in the first few days. In fact, you will be amazed at how quickly they learn with direct training. Most importantly, soft training treats can be consumed quickly allowing you to practice training without having to stop and wait for chewing. I like to mix up higher-value and lower-value treats when training her to keep her guessing and motivated. Freeze Dried Meat Another training must-have is freeze-dried meat. My Goldendoodle has a chicken allergy which seems to be common in Goldendoodles so I like to use freeze-dried beef. The ones pictured above come in a variety of different meat types. Since freeze-dried meat is a high-value treat, it works great for potty training. In fact, some even come with a dispensing container that attaches to a leash. The Snuggle Puppy has a heartbeat that your new Goldendoodle puppy will find very comforting. Even though my Goldendoodle is now 1. Although it may seem a little pricey, I am so happy I had it for my Goldendoodle puppy. Final Thoughts In conclusion, the excitement and anticipation prior to bringing home a Goldendoodle puppy is something that all new Goldendoodle owners experience. Hence, why it is important to be prepared for the arrival of your Goldendoodle puppy ahead of time. By stocking up on the items on my Essential Goldendoodle Puppy Shopping List before bringing home a Goldendoodle puppy, you will have everything you need, and your time and energy can be dedicated to spending time with your new furry bundle of joy. Happy Tail Wags xo Money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make him wag his tail. Kinky Friedman. Preparing for a Goldendoodle Puppy Preparing for a Goldendoodle Puppy Preparing for a new puppy is an exciting endeavor, but when the breed in question is a goldendoodle, the experience becomes an extraordinary one. However, as with any new furry addition, preparation is key. From learning more about this breed to choosing a vet and puppy-proofing your home, getting everything ready for your new goldendoodle addition can make the transition easier for you and your pup. What You Need To Know About Goldendoodles A fairly newer crossbreed that emerged in the late s, these pups are hybrids of golden retrievers and poodles. Likely inspired by the successful crossbreeding of Labrador retrievers and poodles resulting in the popular labradoodle, the goldendoodle mix has also proven a resounding success. Goldendoodles come in four size variations: petite, mini, medium and standard. This is a highly intelligent, nonaggressive breed that thrives on pleasing their humans. Goldendoodle puppies can have different coat curl patterns, from tight coils to looser waves. Doodles are quiet, typically only barking when they feel threatened. Goldendoodle puppies love to swim, a trait inherited from their parental breeds. Prepare Your Home for a Goldendoodle Puppy Anytime you bring home a new goldendoodle puppy, some preparation is needed to make the transition easier for you and your furry addition. From puppy-proofing to training tips, it might seem a little overwhelming at first. When you set up your doodle den, make it as comfortable as possible. Introduce it to the crate in as positive a manner as possible to get your puppy accustomed to the idea of sleeping there. Goldendoodle Puppy Housing Training Tips Getting your doodle accustomed to certain behaviors at home will help make the transition much smoother. The key to proper home training, even outside of what you learn in a more structured training environment, is consistency. If there are certain behaviors you plan to implement from the outset of bringing your goldendoodle puppy home, make sure that you — and your family members — remain as consistent as possible. It takes puppies time to learn, so keep in mind that like a small child, your puppy is bound to make mistakes. This is one of the reasons you should enforce anything you do with a structured training protocol with your new pet. Remember to always use positive reinforcement for your new pup and take the time to learn its body language. Tips for Puppy-Proofing Puppy-proofing is as important as baby-proofing, as your new doodle may let its curiosity lead it to investigate anything and everything. The best thing you can do to combat any unwanted shoe or furniture damage is puppy-proof before your new puppy arrives. Being proactive in puppy-proofing will save both you and your new family member a great deal of stress when you bring your puppy home. Use puppy gates to block off any dangerous areas of the home. Get Family Members Ready for a New Furry Friend In addition to preparing your home for a goldendoodle puppy, you may need to prepare your family members as well. It can be challenging to give any new puppy space to acclimate, especially one as cute as a baby doodle. Kids especially may have issues respecting boundaries where your new pup is concerned. A daily schedule and plenty of conversations about not overwhelming your new family member are key to getting everyone on the same page. A daily puppy schedule will help everyone get acclimated and will set expectations in terms of crate training, meal and playtimes and potty breaks. One of the biggest adjustments you may have to make is that goldendoodles need lots of time for play and exercise. Try to allot at least 30 minutes a day to spending time outdoors, playing with toys, running around and learning new tricks. These dogs enjoy the mental stimulation as much as they do the physical activity. House training may be a slow-going process in terms of potty training and breaks, so you may have to be patient here as well. A new goldendoodle puppy is going to have accidents — this is a fact of life. If you plan to be away from home for long periods, consider hiring a dog sitter for the first few weeks. So once you get your puppy established with a vet and integrated into your household, consider daycare if you spend a lot of time away from home each day. Shop for a Few New Puppy Essentials One of the most fun parts of bringing home a new puppy is shopping for the essentials. This is true of toys, treats and even some types of collars and leashes. This goes for toys, food and even more expensive bedding options. Similar to their human counterparts, puppies develop their own likes and dislikes over time. What To Know About Caring for Your New Doodle Caring for your doodle puppy requires consistency and attentiveness to everything from the food you choose to the vet you feel most comfortable with. Choose a Veterinarian With Goldendoodle Experience Preparing for a goldendoodle puppy also means finding a veterinarian to care for your new puppy. When you start the search for a veterinarian, look for one with experience with this breed. Doing so ensures your local vet is more likely to be proactive with any health or genetic issues that may crop up down the road. New Pup Food Facts Anytime you bring home a new puppy, choosing the right dog food can be a matter of trial and error. If you do opt to transition to another brand, discuss it with your vet first. It may take time — and lots of patience — to transition your puppy to another food, so keep that in mind before you make the switch. This also applies to puppy treats. Any food or treat changes should be implemented slowly and with care. Keep in mind that puppies have sensitive tummies and may not take to a new food brand or type very well. So be prepared to go back to the food they were eating before the switch if the new option causes them stomach issues. Brush your pup daily and schedule a grooming appointment every six weeks or so. Failure to properly groom your doodle can result in matting, which is both painful and unsightly. Keep the at-home grooming to daily brushing and find a professional you can trust for the more extensive process. Doodle Training Is Crucial Like any puppy, your new doodle addition will likely require dog training at first to stop bad habits from forming. Finding a professional dog trainer is as essential as settling on the right veterinarian. Once you find the right person for the job, create a consistent training schedule to cover the basics. Decide if you want to engage in training at home or at a training facility. This allows it to associate certain behaviors with specific areas of the home. For instance, if part of the training process deals with meals and food access, initiating it around its own bowl might be more beneficial than doing so at another location entirely. Goldendoodle puppies are lovable and ideal for dog lovers of all types. They make for an ideal choice for families with small children and individuals who just want a canine companion to make a family of two. If there is a behavior your puppy exhibits that you may think is cute while your puppy is small, you need to think ahead and determine if this behavior will be acceptable from an adult dog. Consistency is the most important tool for training a puppy in their first year and beyond. Each family member needs to use the same techniques and commands so as not to confuse your puppy. It is important to remember that a puppy associates a reward or a disciplinary action with its behavior in the past 3 seconds. Waiting longer than 3 seconds to reward or discipline is very confusing to a puppy. You cannot stop this behavior, but you can certainly direct your puppy to chew upon acceptable items until this phase passes at about a year of age. The only way puppies know how to play is the typical wrestling, biting, chasing, tackling, pulling, and nipping they do with littermates. In the absence of littermates, you and your family suddenly become the littermates. Repeat this same disciplinary action a total of three times in a row. Every now and then, a particularly feisty puppy will become more excited by this disciplinary action and need a more distinct disciplinary measure. This next action needs to be initiated quickly. This will be uncomfortable for your puppy. When behavior meets with uncomfortable consequences, the behavior will stop. With all this being said, the absolute best remedy is for you to arrange daily play dates with other puppies or young dogs. The bottom line is that your puppy needs to have active playtime each day. Jumping — Your puppy will jump on you to get your attention. This may seem innocent while your puppy is small, but Grandma may not appreciate being knocked over by the full grown untrained dog. Make sure you do not reward the puppy for the act of getting down as this will enforce the behavior of jumping up only to be told to get down for a reward. This is not a sign of aggression unless you allow this to go undisciplined over time. You need to actively discourage any and all growling directed at you. If your puppy growls at you when you get close to the food bowl, immediately remove the food bowl and feed the puppy out of your hand. Do not stop brushing until the puppy accepts this without growling. Each puppy needs to learn its place in the pecking order of a family. Obviously, they need to be the lowest on the totem pole. If allowed to be boss, growling is a normal thing for a puppy to exhibit when showing its dominance. Each family member must establish they are boss. This includes young children who are timid or fearful of the puppy. Remember that any behavior you allow as a puppy is then extremely difficult to curb later in life. If you do not wish to have your adult dog on the furniture, do not sit on the sofa holding your puppy. If you do not want your grown dog to grab your pant leg, etc. Leash Training — Training your Goldendoodle puppy to walk on a leash without pulling will take some time. Be patient and read our complete guide to leash training here. Buying a Trained Puppy — You can opt to have your puppy purchased at Fox Creek Farm trained by a professional trainer. Buying a trained puppy can save you a lot of time and benefit the entire family. Please visit our board and train services page for more information. Pet Insurance — We always recommend that any dog owner have a good quality pet insurance. Choosing the best pet insurance will take you a bit of time to learn about the coverages and fees associate with the brand and your particular dog. Spend some time with our blog articles on pet insurance linked above to determine what is right for you and your furry friend. This will be a place for them to sleep and relax. Make sure that this bed is big enough for your Goldendoodle to sleep on. As a puppy, your Goldendoodle may chew on their bed and blankets. Make sure to get a bed that is made of out tough material but is soft enough for them to want to sleep on. As your Goldendoodle gets older , you may want to transition them to an orthopedic dog bed. These beds would not be a bad choice for a puppy either. Most dogs love the plush sides to rest their head. This bed is waterproof, which is great for those puppies learning to potty train. This bed is very comfy and is made of memory foam, which is a plus for older Goldendoodles. Check Price Food and Water Bowls As soon as you get your Goldendoodle home, they will need to have food and water available. There are many different size and shape food bowls that you can get for your Goldendoodle puppy. There are even pet water fountains to keep your Goldendoodle entertained while drinking water. This is a very personal preference. When looking for a food and water bowl, also look at your new puppies eating style. Many people will let their Goldendoodle eat out of Tupperware for a few days until they know if they have a dog that is constantly moving the bowl around the house or one that eats very fast. If your dog is moving the bowl around the house, consider a bowl with a rubber bottom to help it stay in place more. Stainless steel bowls are great for cleaning but may be strange for your puppy to eat out of. If your pup is eating their food very fast, consider a puzzle bowl. This bowl is designed for them to have to eat around different parts until they finish their meal. If your dog eats very fast, they are prone to vomiting shortly after eating or even Bloat. In the first week you've probably already introduced your new little guy to the family, offered a tour around the new digs, made some key introductions with other housemates in their furrever home and maybe even said hello to a neighbor or two…but now what? Many new goldendoodle owners are often unprepared for what comes next and find that the honeymoon period is not always as glamorous as imagined. This is a HUGE transition both for you and for them! Many new owners will buy the best food money can buy or, more commonly, offer the same food the breeder has been using. It is very common for puppies to have a transitional period where eating is suppressed. Different factors can be at play here — homesickness, stress, or even intimidation by other household pets. We encourage you to be patient, supportive and just keep offering food — especially during those down times when things are quiet and pup is feeling settled. Eventually, your little guy will come around! This is the first night your pup has been away from littermates so he or she may spend a lot of time whining in the crate spare a tear for sibling bonding. This can last for several nights, but usually decreases with each passing night. At JLDD, we start all pups on crate training by the time they are just two weeks old. At JLDD we introduce a potty area at around three weeks old and encourage the pups to use puppy pads throughout their time with us. The smaller the area, the more likely your pup will be to use the puppy pad. In fact, confining them to just a room or two of your house at first is often a good idea in general to make things less overwhelming for them. Bonus points if your predesignated area is within direct eyeline to the outside door…that way your little guy can quickly get familiar with the way outside. Be prepared…young pups have to pee A LOT! This aspect of owning a new pup takes time and is sometimes a 2-steps forward, 1-step back process.At night, you can expect your pup to be able to go around hours at first without needing to potty…some of our bigger pups can go 8 hours from night one, but it just depends on the pup. Most will need a potty break at some point in the middle of the night for the first couple weeks—it can be tough, but fortunately they are usually able to stretch it out pretty quickly. To review, when raising a goldendoodle puppy, the best tools you can have in your belt are patience, a good sense of humor and consistency. Puppies thrive on schedules and predictable expectations, and lots of snuggles and chew toys! Doodles are very smart and learn fast, so you should see marked improved by the week, meaning that each progressive week is generally easier than the last. The transition in the first week with your goldendoodle is tough for them, but remember, they are learning that YOU are their new pack. This is a critical phase for bonding to humans and you are about to have a profoundly loyal best friend for life. You got this!
Frequency Of Feeding Bernedoodle puppies have different nutritional requirements compared to adult dogs. Puppies need more frequent meals as their stomachs are smaller, and they require regular energy to fuel their growth. Generally, Bernedoodle puppies that are two to six months of age typically eat three times a day. It is essential to maintain a consistent feeding schedule when raising a Bernedoodle puppy. Choosing The Right Type Of Food When it comes to choosing the right type of food for your Bernedoodle puppy, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, you will want to make sure that the food you select is appropriate for their size and nutritional needs. Soaking Kibble For Easier Digestion One of the recommended feeding guidelines for Bernedoodle puppies is soaking their kibble in raw milk. Soaking kibble can make it easier for them to digest and absorb nutrients from their food. When puppies eat dry kibble, they tend to swallow large pieces whole, which can lead to digestive issues such as bloating and constipation. For example, by the time Bernedoodles are weeks old, they will be eating one raw meal per day and two kibble meals per day soaked in raw milk. Raw milk contains probiotics that can help promote healthy gut flora and improve overall digestion. It is also high in protein, calcium, vitamin D and other essential vitamins and minerals that support growth development at this stage of life. Factors To Consider When Feeding A Bernedoodle Puppy When feeding a Bernedoodle puppy, age, weight, activity level, and nutritional requirements should all be taken into account to ensure that they are getting the proper amount of food for their growth and development. Age As your Bernedoodle puppy grows and develops, their age plays a crucial role in determining the appropriate feeding regimen. Each stage of growth has specific nutritional requirements to ensure healthy development and weight maintenance. For example, at eight weeks to 12 weeks old, these fluffy pups need about one cup of food three times a day to fuel their rapid growth. Around four months of age, it is important for owners to establish a regular feeding schedule with meals served at consistent times each day. This helps develop good eating habits and prevents potential gastrointestinal issues caused by erratic meal timings. Weight One of the most important factors to consider when determining how much to feed your Bernedoodle puppy is their weight. Activity Level The activity level of a Bernedoodle puppy plays a significant role in determining the appropriate amount and type of food they require. Puppies with higher energy levels will burn more calories throughout the day, thus needing increased caloric intake to support their growth and development. A common rule for puppies is providing 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, times per day; this can help you estimate how much food your pooch needs. Additionally, consulting with your veterinarian about tailoring meal portions can further aid in promoting healthy weight gain and avoiding overfeeding issues. These adorable pups require high-quality, animal-based protein in their diets for optimal growth and development. Additionally, Bernedoodle puppies need higher amounts of calories than adult dogs due to their growth stage. As they grow older, the caloric requirement will decrease gradually before reaching adulthood at around two or three years old. It is recommended to weigh your Bernedoodle at least once a month, preferably more frequently during their growth stage. Moreover, regular weigh-ins can also prevent obesity, which is a common problem among dogs. Overfeeding or underfeeding can lead to various health issues such as joint problems, heart disease, and diabetes. Here are some signs of overfeeding or underfeeding your Bernedoodle puppy: Weight gain or loss: Sudden and drastic weight changes can indicate an imbalance in their diet. Ensure that you keep track of their weight regularly. Low energy levels: Overfeeding can lead to lethargy and low energy levels, while underfeeding can make them restless. Digestive issues: Overfeeding may cause digestive problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, or constipation. Behavioural changes: Overfed puppies may show lack of interest in activities, become irritable or overly aggressive, while underfed puppies tend to become anxious and overly active. Dull coat: Both overfed and underfed puppies may have a dull-looking coat due to poor nutrition. Increased thirst and urination: Overfeeding can lead to excessive water intake resulting in frequent peeing while underfeeding can cause the opposite effect where they drink less water than required. Reduced appetite: Underfed puppies often lose interest in food altogether leading them with a reduced appetite. As a general rule of thumb, the amount of exercise should be limited to 5 minutes per month of age until they reach maturity. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can adversely affect their health and cause other problems down the line. Also, be sure to measure out the exact portion sizes recommended for each meal as free-feeding or guessing can lead to overconsumption. Importance Of High-Quality Ingredients Choosing the right type of food for your Bernedoodle puppy is crucial, and one of the most important factors in ensuring their health and wellbeing is selecting high-quality ingredients. High-quality dog food should provide your pup with a balanced diet that includes all the necessary nutritional requirements, such as protein, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and carbohydrates. When choosing a dog food brand for Bernedoodles puppies or dogs, look out for products that use real meat such as chicken or lamb rather than by-products. Additionally, avoid foods that contain artificial preservatives and fillers like corn gluten meal or wheat flour. This dog food brand also has wholesome grains like brown rice and barley which are easy to digest sources of complex carbohydrates; it maintains energy levels throughout long playtime sessions spent outdoor exercising while supporting digestive health thanks to fiber content from fruits and vegetables plus probiotic strains supplements found within each kibble bite-sized piece they consume. Consider the benefits and drawbacks of dry, wet, and raw food options to make an informed decision. Type of Food. You have done your research, and are ready to take the leap. It is no surprise that many people are adding Bernedoodles to their families. This large breed puppy has a friendly temperament and a fierce loyalty. We personally got a Bernedoodle last year, and she just turned one. I remember the day we brought her home trying to figure out how much to feed a Bernedoodle puppy. As a new puppy parent, the last thing you want to do is over or under feed your new pet, so hopefully this post serves as helpful for you with your new Bernedoodle puppy. This post may contain affiliate links All about Bernedoodles Bernedoodles are adaptable, making them a wonderful choice for novice or veteran owners. They are smart and protective dogs. This makes them great for young ages. If you are just doing your beginning research, the Bernedoodle breed is a combination of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. They inherit their intelligence from the Poodle parent. It is obvious that the goofy traits are those of the Bernese Mountain Dog parent. These parent breeds create a perfect family dog. Their size is determined by the Poodle parent. They are broken down into size categories. Bernedoodles can be toy, mini or standard. One thing that is pretty surprising is that the different sizes do not typically affect their food choices during puppyhood. Bernedoodle puppies are known to love younger children. They are playful and gentle as a lifelong companion. Bernedoodles are smart but are also silly. This trait makes them a good choice for all ages. As a mom of four kids, this was very important to me. If you want to learn more about owning Bernedoodle — I have a whole blog post here with all the details on what is like to truly own a Bernedoodle puppy. How much to Feed a Bernedoodle Puppy As you prepare to become a bernedoodle parent, their growth and development are important to you. You are undoubtedly concerned about health issues or health problems that may arise. Did you know that there is a big difference between puppy food and adult dog food? It may be hard to know where to start, but I will break it down for you! In their full size, they are big dogs. At their full height, they are also very tall. Their looks can be deceiving. Even though they are larger dogs, they may not need more food than a typical dog. You want to be prepared with this knowledge before you decide if this dog is right for you. How do you ensure a healthy lifestyle for your pup? It is important to learn how much food is necessary in their different life stages. The Reasoning Behind the Puppy Food New dog owners have several choices to make when it comes to food. It can be overwhelming, but there are a few simple things to keep in mind for a balanced diet. Your main goal is a healthy, happy dog! Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs. Puppy food is specifically designed for growing pups. As they grow, they are burning more calories. This means that they need more calories per pound of body weight to sustain their developing bodies. Bernedoodle puppies need more fatty acids and high protein diets. These puppies complete a majority of their growth within two or three years. In these first few years, they will need higher amounts of protein calories. Veterinarians will say that it is, however, not toxic for your puppy to eat adult dog food. They may suggest that you do your best to stick to these separate kinds of dog food for optimal health. This type of food is typically referred to as adult maintenance for day-to-day living. It should be clearly labeled on the packages. Once they have reached their adult weight, they can maintain the health benefits from their simpler diet. The transition from puppy food to adult dog food should be seamless. Bernedoodle dogs are laid back and not picky! Most of the time, they will eat what is put in front of them. Now that we have covered the difference between the types of dog food, we will get right to specific amounts for Bernedoodle puppies. Our Penny had a very sensitive stomach as a puppy, and we have stuck with this puppy food and been very happy with the choice. She seems to be happy and thriving on it. Specific amounts of Food for Bernedoodle Puppies Young puppies that are two to six months of age typically eat three different times a day. The daily amount of puppy food depends on weeks of age and how much they weigh. It will also depend on how much exercise they receive. I will break that down specifically. But, it is important to keep in mind that their food intake will increase as they grow. At around six months of age, Bernedoodle puppies can eat twice a day. This schedule may continue for adult Bernedoodles. They are growing very quickly. Setting your puppy up with proper nutrients will benefit growth, brain health and a long lifespan. It is helpful to stick to designated eating times for your puppy. Do not forget that It is a good choice to check the directions of the healthy dog food you purchase. On the back of each package, there should be a suggested serving size. As always, contact your veterinarian if you are concerned about how your Bernedoodle is developing. Interestingly enough, adult Bernedoodle dogs tend to only eat one serving a day. They can finish their larger amount of food in one sitting. When they reach an even older age it may be difficult for them to finish this serving in one feeding. It is helpful to spread these servings out for older dogs while it gets harder to finish a meal. At this point you will be in tune to what your Bernedoodle dog needs. Bernedoodles are known for their love of food! It is easy to over-feed your puppy. A general rule is to check their ribs. You should be able to feel the ribs easily but not be able to see them at a glance. This is a great way to check on your Bernedoodle dogs and their weight gain. It can be tempting to feed your pup food from the table. This seems innocent but can create poor eating habits down the road. It can also disrupt their digestive systems. You have worked hard to create a healthy diet and want to keep it that way. If a Bernedoodle puppy is hungry, they will eat from their designated spot and will not need anything extra. Do not forget that although the feeding schedule is important, we cannot forget about giving our dogs plenty of exercise! Long walks will encourage a healthy life for your Bernedoodle and for you. Overall health includes diet and exercise. This is another reason why Bernedoodle puppies are a wonderful family dog. They have plenty of energy to keep up with toddlers. It is also a helpful way to encourage your teens to get outside and away from their technology. Bernedoodle Puppy Food — Dog Food Options With a growing amount of dog food brands, it can be hard to pick the best food. As you browse the isles, it is obvious to note that wet food is more expensive than dry food. However, they are both great options! The standard Bernedoodle loves to eat and they are such large breeds that they can eat a lot. Fortunately for dog owners, many dogs love dry food. Wet or raw dog food has less carbohydrates than dry food and can be more hydrating. Many veterinarians suggest that either kind is a great choice! I would find a brand and type that fits into your grocery budget. Bernedoodles tend to eat what they are given. If only this trait would rub off on the human puppies we have. There is nothing wrong with the dry kibble choice! Each type of dog food has the nutrients it needs to help your dog grow. The biggest difference between dry and wet dog food may be the way it is digested. Keep in mind — that as with kids and yourself there may be adjusting to find what is best for your puppy. Start with a small bag the first time you purchase puppy food, and if you are changing them from what they were on at a breeder or in a shelter mix the new food with the previous food for a slower change on their gut. Now that you have been prepared with nutrition knowledge, you are ready to welcome that pup in to the family. Giving them proper puppy and adult dog food will help create a healthy dog. More than food, your Bernedoodle needs love and affection. This will not be difficult at all. Bernedoodles are easy to create a bond with. I know that you will love your Bernedoodle puppy as much as my family does! If you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comments below, and be sure to pin the photo below to find this post later. Related Posts:. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Mini Bernedoodles planned for, loved on, and prepared for forever families. If you want to give your dog a treat, then get a treat that is meant for your dog and not for you. The best kinds of treats for your dog are freeze dried meat or fish. This is strictly meat, no additives, no coloring. Chews are good for your dog but do not give your dog rawhide because it comes off in big chunks and can choke your dog. Other chews you should avoid are any sort of treats or chews made in China, buy local as much as possible. Go to your local butcher and ask for raw meaty bones, specifically for dogs. Bully sticks, pig ears, chicken feet, and cow hooves are all very good options. If you would like to get your puppy on a good potty schedule you need to offer your puppy food at least three times a day until it is at least 4 months old or over 3 pounds. After it is 4 months old and eating well and weighs over 3 pounds you can offer it food twice a day, in the morning and evening. Put the food in the pen and leave it for approximately 15 to 20 minutes and then take it up again. Pay attention to see if your puppy does it and just take note that they are eating regularly twice a day. Once you dog is potty trained and if it is not a glutton, you may leave food out for longer periods of time if you prefer. Nutrition The idea that canine diets should be grain free may have come about due to some allergy concerns as well as the realization that dogs are carnivores and should be eating a diet with a substantial amount of meat. Of course, many manufacturers were quick to promote this new fad diet and eager to capitalize on sincerely concerned pet owners. The problem is that there have been no significant studies conducted on these grain free diet feeding plans for dogs. In fact, many veterinarians and even the FDA are now realizing that grain free dog food is actually causing more harm than good. The concern is that when grains are taken out of the food, another filler must be added to take the place of these grains. These fillers are usually high in carbohydrates like peas and lentils, which have been linked to Dilated cardiomyopathy DCM , diabetes, and other serious health issues in dogs. When you are looking for dog food be sure that you do your due diligence and check ingredients, do your research. Look for a reputable brand, which is generally one you can't get at the grocery store. Your local feed store is an excellent source of high quality dog food that often comes with some great advice. Keep mixing and giving more and more of the new food, little by little. In this way you can avoid tummy upsets for your dog. Nutritional requirements of a Bernedoodle What exactly should the diet of a Bernedoodle consist of for optimal health? Protein from quality meat sources 2. Essential Fatty acids and omegas 3. Natural vitamins and minerals from bone and plant sources 5. Hydration — high moisture foods and drinking water 1. Protein When selecting what to feed your Bernedoodle, choose a diet with high-quality animal-based protein sources, such as beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, eggs, and fish. As such, protein impacts canine health in many ways, including: Providing consistent energy Forms new skin, hair, nails, and other tissue. Keeps the immune system healthy. Makes hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. Properly balanced fats are essential for optimal health, and also provide energy. Dietary fat we generally refer to as a triglyceride. There are two types of triglyceride, saturated and unsaturated fat. In balance, they promote a healthy coat, skin, eyes, nervous system, control hormones, fuel brain and learning, and reduce inflammation. Carbohydrates, such as vegetables and some fruits, provide fibre, prebiotics food for beneficial bacteria , and antioxidants that are lacking in meat alone. Dogs are carnivores, but they can benefit from some vegetation in their diets for optimal health. Natural vitamins and minerals A raw food diet aims to replicate what dogs evolved to eat in the wild. As such, meat, bone, offal and a small amount of plant ingredients are all important ingredients in the diet of a Bernedoodle, each adding highly beneficial vitamins and minerals to meal times. Incorporating ground bone in meals or providing recreational bones for enrichment add nutrients that will support digestion, skin and bone health, and mobility. As such, water is a vital nutrient for all cells, systems and functions, including: The regulation of body temperature Maintaining healthy organ function. The digestion and absorption of nutrients. Detoxification; water helps to flush out toxins and waste products from the body. Preventing dehydration which can lead to serious health problems, including kidney damage and heat stroke. Lubrication and cushioning of joints, thereby supporting ease of movement. Discover more about a raw food diet for dogs in our complete. Bernedoodle raw feeding guide Whilst you could create homemade raw food meals for your Bernedoodle, dog owners new to raw feeding can often find making their own raw dog food meals complicated. Formulating meals with the appropriate ratios of key ingredients is essential to ensure your dog receives optimal nutrients, so going it alone can seem daunting. The good news is there is a much simpler approach. By choosing a reputable supplier of pre-prepared raw dog food supplier, you can stock your freezer with quality raw food meals at the click of a button. Bernedoodle Feeding Chart. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. How Much to Feed a Bernedoodle One of the most common questions we get is how much to feed their puppy, teenager and adult bernedoodle. Great question and unfortunately many do not understand the needs and requirements of an F1 standard bernedoodle bernese mountain dog x standard poodle that has Bernese mountain dogs in them. So to expect a bernedoodle to have a waist line like a Great Dane will put your bernedoodle into hunger mode and if young will lead to potential behavioral challenges and this is a time when they need calories due to them being a fast growing mixed breed. We shoot for always having a little bit of food left over and we let them have access to food for about minutes but this can be adjusted based on your schedule. We only do this for the breakfast. We will begin adding about tablespoons of different types of lightly cooked meats can go raw as well and sardines to the above topper along with a little bit of cut up or shredded carrots, blueberries and can add other dog friendly fruits and veggies but make sure you check before using. We would also add dog-based salmon oil according to the instructions about a tsp. Often in the morning we would do sweet potato, yogurt, and a meat and dinner some of the other ingredients. Lunch we keep plain. Be sure you are washing your food and water bowls once per day with hot soapy water. Lastly we recommend starting with TLC adult all life stages dog food for large growing breeds like bernedoodles and even for the puppies. The adult food exceeds AAFCO requirements for puppies and has glucosamine and chondroitin which is important for joint development. Many vets compare bernedoodles to what they consider a typical healthy dog build high thin waist line, etc but that is not the case for F1 standard bernedoodles as they will have a thicker build. Recent Posts. My Bernedoodle is 18 months old and around 60 lbs. She currently eats 1 cup three times per day and has maintained a healthy weight. Bernedoodles perfectly pair the loyal and laid-back Bernese Mountain dog with the intelligent, low-shedding Poodle. Their gentle but playful nature makes them a popular choice for families with children, but even active seniors and singles can enjoy the company of a Bernedoodle. Also referred to as the Bernese Mountain Poo, Bernedoodles love to eat! Because of this, many new owners have concerns about whether their Bernedoodle is getting enough food. Variations in breed types toy, mini, and full-size , as well as the specific activity levels, age, and health of each dog, can further complicate the feeding time and schedule required for optimal health. Gain more insight on feeding your Bernedoodle in this guide , including the amount, type, and frequency of food. Dogs need a well-balanced diet to support a healthy immune system and proper growth like all living things. As omnivorous animals, dogs need a diet of animal and plant proteins. Malnutrition, or failing to supply any nutrients, can result in serious health complications for a Bernedoodle. Protect your pup with a varied, high-quality diet rich in protein, grains, vitamins, and minerals. Each has its own set of pros and cons. Wet dog food can ease the transition for a weaning puppy, but the prolonged feeding of wet foods particularly canned versions can lead to digestive problems. Dogs who consume a diet primarily of wet foods also tend to have more dental problems, such as plaque buildup and tooth decay. While you can counteract this effect by offering whole bones to your dog, it may not be sufficient in helping them avoid dental issues. Kibble dry dog food is generally the preferred feeding method for dogs, particularly among large dog breed owners. It is often because kibble tends to be less expensive per pound than other dog foods. Kibble also typically lasts longer than raw or cooked food, so there is less potential for waste. The hardness of kibble can also protect a dog from dental issues, as it helps to wear away plaque, the leading cause of tooth decay. If you choose this feeding method for your Bernedoodle, take some time to research and compare the various brands. Pay special attention to major recalls. Opt for a trusted and reputable brand. Consider using dog brand comparison sites for an in-depth look at the ingredients. Avoid by-products and focus, instead, on kibbles that contain mostly whole-food ingredients. Cooked and raw dog food diets have emerged as a trend over the past few years. These diets typically involve the preparation of human foods like liver, eggs, cottage cheese, sweet potatoes, chicken, and beef cuts. However, there are commercial selections available for purchase. The potentially large size of a Bernedoodle can make raw and cooked food diets cost-prohibitive for some owners. Even those that can afford it should talk to their vet. Should it be administered incorrectly, a raw or cooked diet can lead to serious nutrient deficiencies. This can lead to long-term and even life-threatening health problems for your Bernedoodle. Regardless of the age or size of your Bernedoodle, a feeding schedule should be used to prevent overeating and obesity. The only exception is when the pup is weaning during its first three months. Grazing can be permitted during this stage to help them adjust to regular dog food. When Bernedoodle puppies reach four months of age, owners should move to a regular feeding schedule. The pup should be fed at the same time each day, three times daily. At around six months of age, the growth of a Bernedoodle begins to slow, and obesity becomes more of a risk. To minimize it, Bernedoodle puppies should be transitioned to twice-daily feedings once they reach six months of age. Older senior dogs may sometimes need to return to grazing, as they may struggle to eat their entire serving in one sitting. Just be sure to watch your dog for excessive weight gain. Bernedoodles tend to be voracious eaters, so they can quickly become overweight when allowed to graze. Puppies can be especially prone to bone problems if permitted to gain weight too quickly, so watch them closely for any signs of excessive eating. Also, be sure to feed your Bernedoodle the right amount of food. Larger Bernedoodle dogs will need more. However, the amount of dog food should not be determined through charts alone. They are only guidelines. Health, age, exercise and activity levels, and sub-breed can alter the amount of food a Bernedoodle needs — sometimes significantly. Healthy Bernedoodle pups can eat as much as three times the food as an adult dog of the same weight. As such, Bernedoodle owners should start at the minimum amount of food and then monitor the dog for weight loss and weight gain. An observation journal can help you note small changes over time while also allowing you to keep track of how much your Bernedoodle is eating. Dogs getting the appropriate amount of food usually have visible ribs and a tucked tummy. This is when viewed from the side. When viewed from above, they should have a visible waist. If your dog continues to appear underweight, despite increases in food intake. You may need to schedule a trip to the vet to rule out parasites or underlying health conditions. Should you start noticing a rounded stomach, a waist disappears when viewing your dog from the side. Reduce their food amount slightly until their shape returns. You can also take your Bernedoodle out for more exercise to reduce their weight. Bernedoodle Treats — Yes, No, or Sometimes? Treats are often used to train young Bernedoodles. Of course, senior dogs love treats, too! Yet, because Bernedoodles can be prone to overeating, avoiding excessive treat giving with this breed is important. Bernedoodles rarely mind. Give only limited amounts of commercial dog and protein-dense treats to minimize the risk of obesity in your Bernedoodle. Bones with marrow should only be given on occasion. Keeping Your Bernedoodle Healthy Diet is not the only health consideration that Bernedoodles owners need to make, as it is not the only pillar to good health. Depending on their age or specific health needs, your dog may also need additional vitamins or supplements; your vet can advise you further. Such as malnutrition, tooth decay, excessive weight gain, sluggishness, unusual shedding, or other alarming symptoms. Regular check-ups and vaccinations are also important for ensuring good health in your pet. From puppy to senior, you can keep your Bernedoodle happy and healthy. Whereas by feeding them a well-rounded, high-quality diet rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Good health allows them to be a loved member of your family for years to come. Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. Sharing is caring! They are smart dogs, family-friendly, and very loyal. They can vary in size from 10 pounds to 50 pounds because poodles come in different sizes toy, miniature and standard. Their personalities can vary quite a bit as well, making each Bernedoodle unique! It really depends on which parent breed they take after. They can differ even more the original litter is bred with other Poodles or Bernese Mountain Dogs. Additionally, the Bernedoodle is a newer breed so people are still learning about them with each generation. They usually have curly or at least wavy coats that tend to shed less and cause fewer problems for allergy sufferers. They do not like to be left alone and can develop separation anxiety. Good training can help to prevent this, however, and this quality makes them wonderful canine friends anyway. Feeding Your Bernedoodle Puppy Thorough knowledge of puppy feeding can help deter bad behavior and potential health issues down the road as your puppy blossoms into an adult. Your puppy needs a well-balanced diet just like a human baby. It should contain a combination of proteins from both plant and meat sources, as well as some grains. Also, puppy food and adult dog food are not the same. Puppies require more nutrients and more calories than adult dogs because they are growing so quickly. You can choose between dry food, canned food, cooked food, or raw food. Dry and canned foods are designed to provide all of the nutrients that your puppy needs to grow and be healthy. There are also size-specific food types you can choose from that contain different nutrient amounts or smaller kibble. As puppies transition from nursing to puppy food, it may be easier to feed them a mixture of wet and dry food. This will help them adjust to eating just kibble as they get older. Bernedoodle puppies tend to overeat, so they must be kept on a feeding schedule. Puppies younger than four months can be allowed to graze as needed as they transition from nursing to puppy food. At four months old, Bernedoodle puppies should be fed three times per day, at the same times each day. At six months old, you should transition your Bernedoodle puppy to feedings twice per day instead of three times. Be sure to feed your Bernedoodle puppy early enough in the evening that he has time to digest and go potty or he may have accidents overnight. The amount of food you feed your Bernedoodle puppy can vary greatly based on the size of poodle the Bernese was bred with toy, mini, or standard. Smaller Bernedoodle puppies, those that were bred from toy or miniature poodles, will require much less food than the larger Bernedoodle puppies. Keep an eye on the shape of your puppy. You should be able to see his ribs slightly and his tummy should tuck upward. You should not be able to see his hips, however. Begin feeding your Bernedoodle puppy the smallest amount for their weight, but if he looks underweight, increase that amount gradually. If he looks overweight, decrease his food intake. The first step to determine how much to feed your puppy is to figure out approximately what your puppy will weigh once he is an adult. The following chart show approximately how much to feed your puppy based on weight and age range: Bernedoodle Puppy Feeding Chart 6 weeks to 3 months 4 — 5 months. This is important for all dogs but especially for a growing puppy. Protein is what essentially determines the quality of dog food. When you read the label, you will see one or more of the following protein types: Meat protein. As the name implies, this type of protein comes from other animals. It is usually made up of muscle or organ meat and is the closest protein to human quality. It is superior to other types of protein for dogs. Animal by-products. This protein type is made up of the parts of the animal that are not included in meat protein. It can be made of hair, hoofs, lips, and even eyelashes. Vegetable and grain proteins. These are mostly soy- or corn-based. The goal is to provide a diet with more animal protein than veggie protein, which you can do by choosing a food with at least two animal sources of protein listed within the first five ingredients on the bag. Carbohydrates Just like humans, Bernedoodle puppies get energy and dietary fiber from carbs. Many different types of carbs can be found within puppy food. High-quality carbs include rice, barley, and oats, while lower-quality carbs include corn or wheat. Fats and Preservatives Of all the ingredients in puppy food, fats are the most expensive. Because they are harder to extract and more challenging to preserve. The best usable fats for puppies are those from chicken, sunflower, or canola oil. Other fats you might see include fish oil and lactose-free dairy fats. Remember that vitamins are nothing more than organic additives that help give the puppy anything it needs that it is not getting from its food. If the food is of high quality, then there should not be a need for a significant amount of calories coming from vitamins. That said, some vitamins should be included within the food to allow your Bernedoodle puppy to digest it properly. There are two main types of vitamins: Fat-Soluble. Examples include A, D, E, and K, and these types of vitamins are stored in the liver and fatty tissue. Water Soluble. Examples include B and C. You will find plenty of foods with long lists of added vitamins. This might look impressive, but, again, if the food is of high quality, then less is more when it comes to vitamin additives. Consider the Ease of Obtaining Puppy Food Another factor to consider is how easily you can get a food. When it comes to ease of access, you will find three main options: Brands you can find anywhere. These are the most popular brands you have likely heard of, and they can be found at just about any grocery store, big-box store, and even some drug stores. These are also generally the least expensive options. However, they often choose meat from 4-D categories, which means the animals that make up the protein are dead, dying, or diseased. It is also common for the fats used in these brands to be of lower quality and not as easily digestible, which might require your Bernedoodle puppy to eat more to get the nutrients they need. Premium brands. Historically, they were found in specialty pet stores and animal hospitals. They generally use a higher grade of meat and higher quality fats, which means that puppies generally need less of these foods than those that are more commercially available. Holistic foods. These are only found in specialty pet stores or online. These are the cream of the crop and generally have human-grade meats and highly digestible fats. Even the grain carb mix will be made from high-quality foods. You will find many of these to be free from hormones and steroids. Of course, this quality comes with a high price, and they can be harder to find. Once again, the high quality means less food is needed compared to lower-priced options. Balancing Cost and Quality Not everyone can effort to pay for holistic food. The key is to find the best quality you can for the price you can afford. You do not need to spend that much money to keep your puppy in good health. Adult Bernedoodle Nutrition As your Bernedoodle ages, it no longer needs the extra calories for growth. Most dogs will become less active once they leave the puppy stage between 18 months and two years, which further reduces their need for calories. The type of Bernedoodle affects its total expected weight: Standard Bernedoodles get to pounds Miniature Bernedoodles get to pounds Tiny Bernedoodles get to 10 — 24 pounds If you are not sure how much your particular dog is likely to end up weighing, you can talk to your vet. Smaller Bernedoodles might be at their adult weight by six or seven months old, while standard Bernedoodles often grow well beyond 12 months of age. Once again, look at the package for its breakdown of nutrients. The two main options for adult dogs are adult maintenance all-stages. Adult maintenance is generally the better choice for dogs that are overweight or not as active, while all-stage food contains extra nutrients for more active dogs. Senior Bernedoodle Nutrition As your Bernedoodle becomes a senior dog, its nutritional requirements will change. Many senior dogs deal with a wealth of health issues , including obesity, arthritis, and cognitive issues. Meanwhile, they can also suffer from appetite loss. The opposite is actually true. A healthy senior Bernedoodle will need more protein to fuel their muscle. As dogs age, they begin to lose muscle mass — sometimes so much that they cannot move around with assistance. Find the Right Calorie Balance Younger senior Bernedoodles are often overweight, but as they get older, they tend to become underweight. You will need to know the calorie content of the food you are feeding and adjust it accordingly if your dog gains or loses weight when you do not want them to. Because many of the elements that you want a lot of — or none of — vary widely or are not listed at all on regular senior dog food. For example, a dog with heart or kidney disease should have low sodium food, but the amount of sodium on the most popular senior dog food brands ranges from 33 to mg per kcal. Likewise, a dog with kidney disease would need a diet that is low in phosphorous, but no dog food label notes how much phosphorous is in a diet. If your senior Bernedoodle develops a health condition that requires strict control over specific elements of their diet, a prescription diet might be the only place to achieve that goal. You Will Need to Find a Food That Your Dog Likes When it comes to feeding younger Bernedoodles, unless your dog is particularly picky, you can likely feed them whatever is healthiest, and they will be happy to eat it. The same cannot be said for senior dogs, who often do not have a healthy appetite. In addition to loss of appetite, senior Bernedoodles might have dental issues that make it hard to chew their food, or digestive issues that make them uncomfortable after eating certain food types. At this stage, you might choose canned or soft food that they enjoy eating more. You can also help your dog eat more easily by feeding them on a raised platform or while they are lying down so that they do not have to bend down. Bernedoodle Treats When your Bernedoodle is still a puppy, you will need treats for training. You will need to experiment to determine what this is for your puppy. One of the most popular options is freeze-dried liver. Your dog might prefer small pieces of chicken or other proteins. For training, treats should be very small so that your dog can quickly eat them and move on to the next part of the training. If you are training for an extended period and offering a significant number of treats, then you should reduce the amount of kibble you give your puppy to balance the calories they received via treats. As your dog grows, you might still want to treat them from time to time, but you will not be offering them as many treats as you did when they were training. Feeding Schedules for Bernedoodles The amount of food you feed your Bernedoodle will depend on the food you choose for them. Look at the bag to see the recommended number of cups. If you have a puppy, there will be a chart with weeks or months of age along with weight. Find where your puppy fits and feed based on that amount. Note that these are just starting places. Your food might suggest 3 cups of food, but if you find that your puppy is constantly hungry and not gaining weight as quickly as they should, then they might need more. Feeding Frequency Until six months of age, puppies should eat three times per day. After they reach this mark, feeding them twice per day is recommended for the rest of their life. However, if you cannot feed your puppy three times per day, trust that your puppy will adapt. The number of times you feed them is not nearly as important as feeding them the correct amount. If your lifestyle allows for it, feed your puppy or dog at the same time every day. This helps comfort the pup because it will learn that food is coming. It also helps keep their digestion regular and makes it easier for you to notice if your dog is eating more or less than they usually do. If their appetite varies slightly from day to day, there is likely nothing wrong. However, if your Bernedoodle suddenly loses its appetite or changes its diet preferences for several weeks, it is time to call the vet. Post navigation.
We have made it our mission to find loving suitable homes for displaced, abandoned, or stray dogs with golden personalities. We work with volunteers in New England and with our partner rescue groups outside of New England. Our dogs come to us in different ways: relinquished by their owners, found as strays, or abandoned at a shelter. All of our volunteers have rescued and placed dogs for years. We are committed to decreasing the numbers of dogs euthanized at overcrowded shelters, primarily in the south. Our rescue dogs come in different shapes, sizes and colors. Most of our dogs come to us from our rescue partners in areas outside of New England, taken from kill shelters where they have landed due to no fault of their own - many are strays, others have been turned in by their owners. Because of their various backgrounds, we rarely have any medical or ownership history on them. All of our dogs are vetted age-appropriate meaning they are spayed or neutered and given all necessary vaccines. Together with our vet we will treat them for medical issues that are diagnosed. When they are ready to go to their forever homes, our dogs are transported with a USDA certified transport company and require a license to cross state lines aka a health certificate to travel. For additional information about who we are and how the adoption process works, check out our adoption information. Since , the volunteers of SGRR have rescued Golden Retrievers, Golden mixes, and Golden-hearted dogs who have been abandoned, abused, or relinquished by their owners. We are dedicated to finding the best possible homes for these dogs in need. September is National Preparedness Month! The peak of Atlantic hurricane season is here which is why it's important to take some time to reflect on disaster preparedness. As unlikely as it may seem, a disaster can strike at any moment. Whether it's a fire, tornado, hurricane, flood, or blizzard, it's critical to be prepared and have a plan in place. Unfortunately, pets are sometimes unintentionally left out of their owners' disaster preparedness plans which makes it difficult to know what to do with them during an emergency. Luckily, you can plan ahead for your pets using these tips: Listen to your veterinarian Make sure your pet wears a collar with up to date information on it, get them microchipped, and have them vaccinated. These recommendations will come in handy during a disaster and help you avoid any potential pitfalls, such as being unable to get into a shelter with an unvaccinated pet or losing them during an evacuation. If possible, take your pet's medical records with you and attach their rabies tag to their collar. Find out which shelters allow pets Do some research into where you can safely evacuate with your pet during a state of emergency before a disaster occurs. Your local police department can typically give you this information. If not, they'll likely be able to point you in the direction of someone who can. Though unfortunate, it is not true that hotels must accept pets during evacuations, so please keep that in mind while planning ahead. Prepare a pet disaster kit In a suitcase or other easily movable storage container, pack food and water bowls, a manual can opener, two weeks' worth of canned food and bottled water per pet, plastic poop bags for dogs , litter and a small litter box for cats , and two weeks' worth of any medications your pet may need. You should also pack cleaning items, sturdy leashes and harnesses, toys, and a copy of your pet's medical records. For small animals and cats, have a carrier ready. Use this checklist to prepare. Create handouts Create an identification handout and a boarding instruction handout. Have both ready to go at a moment's notice. They should contain important information, such as your pet's name, age, sex, markings, microchip number, allergies, and vaccination status. If you get separated from your pet, make sure you're safe before you begin your search. If you're in a shelter that houses pets, inform a caretaker and provide them with the identification handout. Once you've been given the OK to leave the shelter and return home, contact animal control and call the microchip company to make sure all information about you and your pet is current. Stay safe out there! Some dogs become comfort or therapy dogs, while others are champion security systems. Dudley's adopters, however, found he is quit the poet!! Kind of melts your heart, doesn't it? We hope you will be too! Looking for a good gift for yourself or someone else and make an impact at the same time? Go over and see our friends at Golden Retriever Coffee Company! Not only do they have amazing products, but they're big supporters of SGRR! Also, shipping is always free in the U. This all-natural craft bakery offers delicious treats for your furbabies such as pumpkin hearts, peanut and blueberry chews, turkey and sweet potato duckies and more pup-alicious flavors. Everything in the dog bakery is made with natural, healthful, nutritious ingredients, blueberries, duck, cheese, turkey, rolled oats, whole dried eggs, and more. Sunshine also will share a percentage of the bakery profits with other golden rescue organizations. Our Goldens and Golden-hearted dogs make wonderful pets. We want our applicants to also know that rescued dogs come from a variety of backgrounds. Some dogs are older dogs, including well-behaved and cared for pets whose owners have become ill or died. A patient and loving owner can make all the difference. The joys of seeing these dogs become the devoted and contented pets they were meant to be is remarkable. New to SGRR? Want to Learn More About Us? We at Sunshine Golden Retriever Rescue take the job of finding the best possible forever homes for our dogs very seriously. The adoption process is thorough so that we can learn as much as possible about those to whom we entrust our precious pups. Once a dog is placed with an approved adopter, they are welcomed into the SGRR family and given the tools and support to make the adoption successful. We have gathered comments from some of our adopters who are happy to tell you how they feel about us! You can read more comments on our Get to Know Us! To make a very long story short, she went on to become the saving grace of my life and a certified therapy dog who was with me for 13 years. After she crossed over that rainbow bridge, I did a lot of research with adoption agencies and came across SGRR. After filling out the application and being interviewed I was offered a dog by the name of Daisy, a beautiful red Golden Retriever. I thought I would never feel about another dog the way I felt about my Julie but it was not long before I fell in love with that sweet, sweet girl who was also with me for 13 years. Everyone loved Daisy, she would go up to people and do that lean into thing, a Golden thing, and they would just laugh and pet her. That is when I realized what an amazing organization, so full of caring and wonderful people who often go above and beyond for these wonderful animals. When my Daisy girl crossed over after a few months went by I thought it time to bring another friend home. Golden Retrievers had become hard to find so I decided to take a mixed breed home which was a big deal for me being the Golden Retriever lover that I am. I never had a male or a mixed breed before so I did not know what to expect. Finnie settled right in and is a wonderful companion and friend to furry sibling Gracie. Finnie took some training but I knew in time he would be a great dog and he is a great dog. He is very different than the other dogs in my life but he is so much fun to have with us. He loves people and gets very excited with everyone and will jump up in the air like an acrobat we are working on that , but a great dog. I would encourage everyone to think about a mixed breed. With time, love and patience you get a great dog and companion. We are excited and proud to share it with all of you. Click the button below and enjoy! The soft light and subtle fragrance will be a sweet reminder of the love you have shared. Please check out their website to learn more about J. Lilienne Custom Candles Pet Collection. SGRR is designated as a c 3 organization which means your donations are tax-deductible. You can make a donation to our general fund or designate your donation for a specific purpose such as a memorial or a tribute. Single Payment Use for a single donation or to pay an adoption fee. Recurring Donation Sponsor a Dog If you would like to provide for the care of a particular dog's needs, you may sponsor that dog. We will then note you as a sponsor on the dog's dedicated bio page. We thank you in advance for your generous support!
The range of amounts is based on the activity of your Golden for the day, either low, moderate, or high level of activity. Golden Retrievers should have scheduled times to eat daily. The scheduled times will help them with their energy levels and keep them healthy. You can schedule their eating times as to what works best for your schedule. For example, feeding them before you leave for work and then when you get home. As a puppy, they will eat three times a day, so you will need to find times in those first few months to feed them more often. When they are an adult or senior, the scheduling of feeding times will be easier because they will only eat twice daily. For a Golden Retriever puppy, the best feeding schedule is once in the morning, noontime, and in the evening. For example, you could feed their first meal at am, lunch at noon, then dinner at pm. Planning their mealtimes around your mealtimes will often make it easier for you and the puppy. Make sure to give them plenty of time after eating to got to the bathroom a couple of times before heading to bed. Hopefully, this will help them sleep for a longer period. After about six months, your Golden Retriever can go down to two daily feedings. This usually occurs once in the morning and once in the evening. They can usually last about 12 hours between meals. If it goes past 12 hours, they could become nauseated. Golden Retrievers can experience food allergies often caused from proteins in dairy or meat products. If your dog experiences symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or itching they may have a food allergy. They warn that feeding dogs any raw animal-source protein could cause illness because it has not gone through a process to remove harmful pathogens. However, a raw diet can be healthy if you are willing to go through the extra cleaning processes of the meat. This is a lot of work and difficult to do correctly and safely. We do not recommend it without expert veterinary help. Before starting a raw diet with your Golden, be sure to consult a veterinarian. Find one that is familiar with raw foods and can help with the proper handling of the foods. If you work hard to make sure your homemade foods are rich in the vitamins and minerals that a dog needs, then it might work for your Golden Retriever. It takes a lot more time to find recipes and make sure it has all the nutritional value of a store-bought dog food. If you are willing to research expertly formulated recipes internet is making it easier to do this , and take the time to cook for your golden then go for it! Consulting your veterinarian is a must before starting any homemade diet. A veterinary nutritionist should also review your plan before starting. Feeding your Golden Retriever table food is not the best practice but a small amount of dog healthy table food is fine. Some example table foods that are healthy for them are carrots, blueberries and plain yogurt. Just be aware that feeding them too much table food can throw their entire diet out of whack. They may not be getting enough vitamins and minerals like they do from their dog food. Conclusion Making sure your Golden Retriever is getting the right foods at the right amounts will help them live their best life. There are many choices of foods with all the right ingredients. Be sure to choose one that works best for you and your Golden. Consult with your veterinarian on which food will bring the most nutritional value to the health of your Golden Retriever. If your Golden is experiencing any health issues related to changing foods, visit your veterinarian. If this article was helpful, please consider sharing this post on Facebook with the button below! She is board certified a specialist in canine reproduction. In her day job, she is a leader in a small biotech where she and a team of veterinarians and scientists work to develop new medications for pets. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of this wonderful breed of dogs. She and her husband have 2 children, 3 dogs and one cat. They love camping and hiking and she can often be found with her head in a good book. Recent Posts. A low-calorie diet is enough for an older dog, but it should still be full of nutrients. Moderate protein and fat content are still needed. Typically, Golden Retriever puppies need to be fed at least three times daily. Meanwhile, adult and senior Golden Retrievers are satisfied with two meals per day. A Golden Retriever puppy should be fed three times a day at scheduled intervals until it reaches six months. You may divide the three meals into breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When your Golden Retriever puppy turns six months, you can begin feeding it twice a day until it reaches adulthood. For adult Golden Retrievers, the most ideal feeding schedule will be twice a day with equally spaced meals. You can give it high-quality food in the morning and evening. The same goes for senior dogs but with fewer calories. For an easier routine, you can create a customized feeding plan based on your daily schedule or commitments. A proper routine also prevents under and overfeeding. As Golden Retrievers have a ravenous appetite, you might be tempted to feed your dog often. But you should be firm and watchful to avoid any weight-related problems. Here, we provided the optimal feeding times you can follow for your Golden Retriever: 2 to 6 months: am — am, pm, pm 7 months to 8 years and above: am — am, pm — pm Ideally, you should not feed your Golden Retriever puppy after pm. Instead, give your pup an ice cube to chew on when it gets thirsty. Your Golden Retriever puppy should also be fed in the same area daily without distractions. This way, your young puppy can focus on eating its puppy food. Allot around 20 to 30 minutes for your Golden puppy to finish its meal. Remember that some Golden Retrievers like to gorge on more food while some are finicky. Keep your pooch lean with the right feeding schedule, feeding amounts, and proper physical activity. You can also consult your vet for more insights. You may give your pooch kibbles or cold-pressed dog food. Both are packed with necessary ingredients that are filled with nutrients! It can be a bit costly, but wet dog food is still a better choice for Golden Retrievers that are picky eaters and for senior Golden Retrievers, too. You may either mix them or alternate the two at every meal. Just make sure that when you take this approach, your pooch is getting the right food with proper calorie and nutrition requirements. Complete Raw Diet: Feeding your Golden Retriever raw food should be fine after it turns three to four weeks. However, feeding dogs with this option is linked to many food safety concerns. Meanwhile, freeze-dried dog food is also a raw food that has been repacked. Both have no preservatives added and are easy to store with long shelf lives. When choosing the best dog food for your Golden Retriever, you should take into account the ingredients, nutrient details, and feeding instructions as well. Based on the general guidelines, the nutrients you should be looking for besides meat products or animal protein and fats are high-quality grains such as brown rice. Fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals are also vital. This can be ideal for dogs that are sensitive to different types of grain. But grain-free food has been controversial due to its link with heart disease. Your vet can also help you personalize a diet plan for your dog. Curious to see what a homemade meal looks like for Golden Retrievers? Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are known for their strong appetite, and on top of this, they are also curious. Several foods are toxic to Golden Retrievers, such as chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, walnuts, and macadamia nuts. Alcoholic drinks and foods that contain xylitol are also dangerous for your dog. Even a tiny amount of alcohol can cause severe issues to your dog, such as vomiting, and diarrhea, among others. Meanwhile, xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is also unsafe for your pooch. If your Golden Retriever consumes too much xylitol, it can result in a dangerously low blood sugar level and even acute liver failure. This substance is usually found in sweet candies, gums, cookies, and the like, so make sure that you check what treats you give your dog. Read food labels or buy organic brands instead. Other vegetables that are harmful to your Golden Retriever are Brussel sprouts, kale, and wild mushrooms. The pits, skins, and leaves of avocados contain a toxin called persin. Meanwhile, cherries contain cyanide which can be extremely harmful to your dog. You may also consult your vet to check the safety of specific foods, especially if your pooch has allergies or sensitivities. These gradual transitions typically occur over 5 to 7 days. Learn more » Congratulations on your new golden retriever puppy! You now have a beautiful, smart, and loyal dog who will love you for life. To make sure they grow into a healthy and happy companion, you need to feed them the right amount of food. At months old, which is usually when they are ready to leave their mother, a golden retriever puppy should be eating 3 cups of dog food divided into three meals per day. This is based on a typical large-breed puppy food. Different brands will give a feeding guide on their packaging. However, how much and how often to feed your golden retriever will keep changing during this time of rapid growth. Golden Retriever Puppy Feeding Timeline Image Credit: PxHere All puppies are different as are the foods, but some general guidelines for feeding your golden retriever during their first year are: 0—6 weeks: A golden retriever puppy can start eating solid food when they are 3—4 weeks old. Give them a total of 3 cups of dog food per day by their third month, 3 to 4 cups by the time they are 6 months old. The AKC recommends waiting until large breed puppies are at least 12 months old before switching them over to adult dog food and more likely 18 months. The amount will depend on their weight and activity level, but a rough guide is 1—2 cups per meal. Image Credit: Kinek00, Shutterstock Large breed puppies like golden retrievers should eat three to four small meals a day for the first 3—6 months of their lives. Smaller portions spread throughout the day are easier on their tummies and help prevent bloat, a serious condition that can be deadly for dogs. It also helps them maintain their energy level throughout the day. Puppy food has more calories and fat to support their growth, as well as extra vitamins and minerals for their developing immune and nervous systems and bones. The protein source matters, too. Puppies need animal-based proteins like chicken, beef, or lamb for their growing muscles. Choose a Large Breed Formula: Large breed puppies grow quickly, which means they need extra support for their bones and joints. Formulations for large breeds contain the correct calcium and phosphorus ratio for strong bones and glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints. They can help you choose the right food for your puppy based on their age, weight, and activity level. But puppies need to be fed on a schedule to prevent them from overeating and becoming overweight. How do you know if your puppy is getting enough to eat? After that, their growth will start to slow down. He Has a Healthy Appetite: A healthy puppy is interested in food and eager to eat. He Has Plenty of Energy: A well-fed puppy is full of energy and ready to play. Make the most of mealtime with these tips: 1. It also helps other aspects of puppy training, such as potty training and crate training. Image Credit: Alena Marchuk, Shutterstock This means leaving food out all day for them to graze on whenever they want. Leave food down for 10 minutes and then pick up what is not eaten. If they have not eaten anything, offer it again in an hour. Slow them down by scattering their kibble around the bowl, using a puzzle feeder or snuffle mat. This will help them learn to eat slowly and enjoy their food more. If your puppy is not drinking enough water for your liking, try adding a bit of broth to their bowl to make it more appealing and help them stay hydrated. Resist the Urge to Sneak Them Table Scraps Puppies are experts at giving those big, soulful eyes that make it hard to say no. But resist the temptation to give them table scraps or human food. Aside from teaching them bad manners, it can also lead to health problems, like obesity. A lot of human foods are not safe or healthy for dogs. For instance, garlic and onions are toxic to dogs. Oily food can upset their stomach, and carbs add a lot of calories. This helps them learn that mealtime is a specific time and place and not something that happens all over the house. Let Your Puppy Eat in Peace. This includes other pets in the house and small children who might want to bother them or try to steal their food. Otherwise, meals can become a stressful experience for your puppy instead of a happy one. Conclusion Feeding your golden retriever puppy the right amount of quality dog food will establish a strong foundation for their health and happiness. In addition, make mealtimes more meaningful by turning them into lessons and bonding moments between you and your dog. The puppy phase is over before you know it, so enjoy it while it lasts! Feeding Your Golden Feeding Your Golden With the wide array of foods available today, it can be hard to make a good choice of what to feed your golden. Goldens are particularly sensitive to dietary concerns, and feeding them a high quality diet can help boost their health and immune system. Feeding a high quality food is not necessarily more expensive. Price is misleading: cheaper foods require more volume to be fed, up to several cups at each meal. With the wide array of better foods available today, you can make a smart choice of what to feed your golden. A golden will normally eat about two cups of premium food per day. It can be adjusted a little more or less based on activity level and metabolism. Goldens are prone to skin problems, and a poor quality diet will cause skin problems which translates into costly veterinarian bills. You will need to go to the pet store to purchase your food. Grocery store brands do not offer the nutrition goldens need for good health. Do not be persuaded by fancy advertising. Many commonly hyped foods are not high quality and maybe lacking the necessary nutritional value for your dog. For example, Grain Free foods may play a major part in taurine deficiency in Golden Retrievers and other large breed dogs. This deficiency can cause serious heart problems for your dog see Taurine and Grain Free information on this web page. Here are some guidelines: Look for food free of chemical preservatives. Some of these additives are suspected of causing cancer. Look for food preserved with Tocopherols Vitamins C and E as well as rosemary and other herbs. Make sure you have several months before this date. Frequent stores where there is a good turnover of food so you get a fresh bag. Always store dog food in a tight airtight container in a cool, dry place. If you only have one dog, consider buying pound bags instead of pounds bags so the food is fresher. Look for a food that has some form of meat as the first ingredient — such as lamb, chicken, or turkey. Avoid foods that have grain as the first ingredient. Also look for multiple meat proteins in the first seven ingredients. Protein from multiple sources is generally viewed as being beneficial such as lamb, chicken and fish , unless your dog is allergic to certain proteins. Dog food companies sometimes list several types of grains in the first seven ingredients. Beware of this — your dog needs animal protein in his diet! These are the intestines of the animal including what is in the intestines!! Most by-products are not desirable. By-products normally contain beaks, feet, feathers, heads and other slaughterhouse wastes — not the most nutritious part of the animal. Avoid foods that have sugars or artificial colors or flavors or a lot of added salt. Semi-moist dog foods are the worst — they usually are loaded with artificial colors and sugars. Added vitamins and minerals are beneficial only when applied after the baking process, because heat destroys vitamins. The best foods are made up of ingredients that would be suitable for human consumption. Most dog foods contain meat products that are not fit for human consumption. They can include meat from diseased livestock, condemned material from slaughterhouses such as tumors cut away from meat , and as horrible as it sounds, some pet foods include euthanized pets sold to rendering plants and even road kill. Is it any wonder why so many dogs die from cancer when they are being fed meat from these sources? Grains — many dog foods will contain some grains, for example, brown rice, barley, corn, wheat, etc. We have found that some goldens in our rescue program generally do poorly on a food that contains corn or soy. Many goldens are allergic to corn or wheat. So if your golden starts getting a lot of hot spots or skin problems — check his food. There is a big difference in quality of grain products. Look for whole rice or brown rice in the ingredients; white rice and ground brewers rice are much lower in nutrients than whole or brown rice. Often pet food companies take the sweepings off the mill floor and put it in pet food. Look for whole grains instead such as oatmeal, brown rice, barley, or whole oats. Grain Free foods. Grain Free foods have become increasingly available as food companies try to offer foods that are easier to digest with lower levels of complex carbohydrates and grains. One misconception is that grain free dog food is also low-carb, however, vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, green peas and tapioca often replace the grains in grain-free dog foods, especially in kibble foods, making them as high or higher in carbohydrates than grain-based dog foods. Studies have shown peas, beans, pea starch, legumes, potatoes and sweet potatoes that have replaced the grains in dog foods block the function of taurine. Taurine, a sulfuric acid, is essential for healthy cardiovascular function in Golden Retrievers. If left untreated, taurine deficiency in Golden Retrievers can cause dilated cardiomyopathy DCM , congestive heart failure and possibly death. Read all the ingredients in the food which should include taurine and check with your veterinarian before selecting or feeding any grain free food to your dog. Detailed information on dog food ingredients and taurine can be found on this web page under Taurine and Grain Free information and at: Diet Associated Heart Disease Treats — beware of many dog treats out there. They are filled with sugars, preservatives and artificial colors. Try buying biscuits at your local dog bakery or making some yourself. The dog food companies listed below have high quality treats available for your dog. Is your dog overweight? Beware of some diet dog foods, they can be loaded with fillers that provide no added nutrition. At least green beans are healthy. You can also use canned pumpkin. Typically goldens love it! DO NOT free feed your golden; instead feed a measured amount of food twice a day. Most adult goldens will eat 1 cup of premium dog food twice a day. Is your dog too fat? You should be able to feel its ribs and your dog should have a waist. We have found that we have a different view of what constitutes a fat dog than many veterinarians. They will typically allow dogs to carry more weight than is optimal. This perhaps is because they do not want to insult their clients and risk losing business. Letting your golden get too fat is like chopping years off of its life. We also see lots of hip problems with goldens, and keeping weight in check will give your dog better mobility. Fat goldens are an epidemic from our experience. We routinely get goldens into our rescue program that have to lose 30 — 40 pounds!!! Therefore we have a lot of experience at taking the weight off! It is very discouraging and upsetting when an adoptive home will let some weight creep back on. You may think you are loving your dog by giving it too much to eat, but if you really love it you will keep it at a normal weight. Remember — Ribs and Waists! Can you feel and see them on your dog? If not, break open the cans of green beans! The bottom line is read the ingredients, consult your veterinarian and research reliable resources. Making sure your dog has the best nutritional food will help to insure he has a long and healthy life. Here, from Whole Dog Journal, are some additional links for selecting best dry dog food and the best canned dog reviews. Goldens Rescued Since .Read the full disclosure here. Being a large and energetic dog, your golden retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a golden retriever feeding chart. Knowing how much to feed your golden retriever is always tricky but essential for their well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your goldie. Most first-time owners think their puppies should be chubby. In truth, golden retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food. To encourage proper growth and development without making your pup obese, you will have to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. For example, cheaper foods use fillers and have a smaller amount of calories, thus you will have to feed more than you would when using premium large breed puppy foods. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. We all want our golden retriever puppies to be healthy and happy. We envision them running through a verdant field chasing a ball. Full of energy with the beautiful, lustrous golden coat. But, just like us, eating the proper food in the proper amounts will help your golden properly grow and thrive. After all, what we eat impacts how healthy we are. How much you should feed your golden retriever puppy will vary depending on the quality of food you feed, his age, his weight, his general health, and his activity level. Your golden will be growing for up to two years. And the amount of food during that time will have to be adjusted depending on his needs. Because most people feed kibble to their pup, this article will focus on that. Kibble is convenient and cost effective. Instead, they should be lanky and full of energy. They should love to eat their food with gusto. Instead, you should be able to feel his ribs when you pet him there. There should just be a thin coating of fat under his skin. And he should have a defined waistline. Of course you should check with your veterinarian to make such adjustments. And remember a young puppy should get only so much exercise a day. Their joints and bones are developing and can be damaged if the exercise is too extreme. Assuming you have an eight-week-old puppy, he should receive three to four meals a day. From eight weeks old until about five or six months old, three meals per day are advisable. Of course, feed at the same intervals every day and split the total amount per day in half to be given at each feeding. After about six months of age through adulthood, two feedings per day are the norm. Always check with your vet regarding how much and how often to feed. These are just guidelines. Feed him at the same distraction-free location so that he focuses on eating. As much as goldens love to eat, a young golden puppy is also very easily distracted. This can lead to possible health problems, including joint and bone problems. Goldens can easily become overweight. Free feeding can also lead to a picky eater. Some puppies figure out that if their buffets are always there, and they can just go graze at will. Most foods you purchase will have guidelines on their bag or box. When you first get your puppy, feed him the same food that the breeder or rescue fed him for a few weeks. Then, if you want to change his food, do so over at least 10 days. Add more of the new food and subtract more of the old food each day. After about five days, you should be giving him approximately 50 percent of the new food and 50 percent of the old food. Switching food over such a period of time will help prevent stomach upsets and diarrhea. Overfeeding will result not only in him becoming overweight but it will also make him grow too fast. Periodically—even weekly— test whether you can still feel his ribs without them protruding. You can then increase the amount he eats. You should also feed his last meal of the day at least 90 minutes before his bed time so that he can digest his food and potty before bed. A well-balanced, high-quality food should provide all the nutrients he requires. Golden puppies require a formula made for large-breed dogs. Puppy formulas for large-breed dogs regulate their growth. Eating too quickly can lead to digestive upsets and even bloat, which can be deadly. I rescued my golden retriever Riley when he was about six months old. To say that he ate as if it were his last meal would be an understatement. He had a voracious appetite. I bought one of the maze bowls to slow him down. The kibble is placed between each section of the bowl, and he had to forage for his food. It worked! He ate at a more normal pace. Of course, dogs should be given free access to fresh water. Other Feeding Options Although I concentrated in this article on feeding kibble to your new puppy, there are other options. There are some drawbacks to them because they may not be nutritionally complete, may be cost prohibitive, or may be too time-consuming to make. Wet Food Canned food alone or mixed with kibble is an option. But wet food alone is very expensive. He may become a picky eater. Feeding raw is controversial. Dehydrated raw foods reduce some of the risks. The ratio of calcium to phosphorous is crucial to puppy development. Homemade Diet Cooking for your best friend can be very appealing. And many people do. You know what ingredients and their quality are. But it has its drawbacks. Of course, the amount you feed is important for his growth rate and general health and well-being. But there is no one-size-fits-all in determining how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. Any amounts you see are just guidelines. Adjust them as necessary regarding your own special puppy. Do you have a golden retriever puppy? How did you determine what and how much to feed him? Please leave your comments in the section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation. They are famously loving and playful family pets, always eager to jump in the pool or snuggle up with you on the lounge. They are patient and energetic dogs who are easy to train, making them excellent service animals as well as loyal companions. If you are bringing a Goldie into your family, you might also be aware of their reputation as food lovers. Your Goldie might want to eat anything and everything you put in their bowl — and maybe even anything left on an unattended plate. In this Golden Retriever feeding guide, Hypro Premium will take you through everything you need to know when it comes to food options for your pup. The best food for most young puppies is milk. If you are weaning a puppy, you can start to mix in a little dry kibble with their puppy milk to create a paste. You can feed this mix to your puppy up to four times a day, slowly reducing the amount of milk you mix in. Over time, your Goldie puppy will get more comfortable with solid foods, until you no longer need to include any milk in their diet. While chubby little puppies are cute, your Goldie should not build up too much excess fat once you start feeding them solids. Goldies go from a small 4kg puppy at 7 weeks old to an almost 30 kg adult dog in the space of only 10 months. At six months old your puppy will still be growing, but more slowly as they reach most of their body development milestones. This is why appropriate feeding in the first year of their life is vital to the overall health of your Goldie for years to come. Over time this can increase to up to 4 cups a day at 10 months old, though females should usually only need 3 cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy is often dependent on their size and sex. While they may have some growing left to do, it depends on your dog. Some Goldies will continue to experience growth spurts before their second birthday, while others will stay the same size. Large breeds can be at risk of growing too fast, which can make them more vulnerable to skeletal and weight problems when they get older. Golden retrievers are especially prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be avoided through diet control. You should feed your Goldie between 3 — 4 cups of food per day over two meals. Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs. This is important to take into consideration as you are establishing a feeding schedule for a Golden Retriever puppy. Puppies require more calories to support their rapid growth than adult dogs, but they also have much smaller stomachs, which means they get fuller faster. Because of this, puppies can easily overeat, especially Golden Retrievers. You can help your puppy avoid overeating by allowing them a short amount of time to eat, and then removing their bowl. All puppies grow a lot during their first year, but large breed puppies are more likely to suffer from negative health consequences as a result. In order to provide your Golden Retriever puppy with the most appropriate food to support their rapid growth, consider choosing a large breed puppy food. Goldie puppies need lots of protein, fibre, and fatty acids to support the development of their bodies and provide them with energy. These foods also take into account the difference in nutrient digestion between small and large breeds. Too much of these nutrients can cause your large breed puppy to develop skeletal abnormalities. So how much do you feed a Golden Retriever? Your adult Goldie could need anywhere between and 1, calories per day. The amount of food you feed your dog will be determined by a few important factors. The first thing to consider is the sex of your dog. On average, your male Golden Retriever will need slightly more food than a female dog. Senior dogs will usually be less active and so will need less food. Goldies in particular can have a lot of variation in the amount of food they need on a daily basis. No matter how much you feed your dog, it is ideal that you feed your adult Golden Retriever two meals a day at evenly spaced time intervals. Feeding your dog twice, once in the morning and again in the evening, can be useful for establishing a routine and avoiding overfeeding. This routine can also include exercise, and is useful for encouraging healthy behaviour around food and toilet training. Special Considerations Your Golden Retriever could be predisposed to several health conditions that are important to consider when you make decisions about their diet. Firstly, Golden Retrievers are known for their beautiful coats, but their skin can often become infected. Goldies love swimming, but this can cause problems if water irritates their skin. They can also be susceptible to atopic dermatitis, which causes extreme itchiness, resulting in licking and biting behaviours in dogs that can cause even more damage. For dogs prone to skin and coat issues, a fish-based diet can help alleviate symptoms. Fish contains plenty of fatty acids, which support coat and skin health, and rarely triggers any allergic reaction in dogs. Goldies often benefit from healthy grains in their diet, especially as avoiding them can actually leave your dog more vulnerable to nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy, or nutritional DCM. This heart disease is common in Golden Retrievers, and can be triggered by consuming too much grain-free pet food that contains legumes like lentils and peas. You should consider feeding your Golden Retriever foods that are full of grains and proteins like chicken or fish. These are the benefits and drawbacks of the three most popular options — wet food, a raw food diet, and dry food. Wet food can be a great option for dogs that need plenty of protein and fat, like working dogs or dogs with certain health conditions. It also hydrates your dog while they eat, which can be useful for dogs suffering from any illness. For dogs with highly restrictive diets, raw food prepared by you can be a great way to avoid allergens. You can have complete control over a raw diet, which does require a lot more work on your part, but can have great results. For instance, a Golden Retriever with heart issues should eat a low salt diet, which can be easier to achieve if you are preparing their meals from scratch. However, low quality kibbles tend to be made up of a lot of low quality fillers, which can be hard for your pup to digest. Whatever option you choose for your Goldie, make sure it is suitable for large breeds and contains high quality ingredients. This will help prevent degenerative health disorders in the long run. Your Golden Retriever will probably love food, and will probably try to eat anything you put in front of them, which means you need to help them avoid the negative consequences of overeating. Golden retrievers, like other large and active breeds, need plenty of exercise. Not only is this vital to their physical health, but it also ensures they grow up well socialised and mentally stimulated. As your Goldie grows from a puppy to an adult dog, the amount of meals they need a day will reduce as their digestive systems become more developed. Your dog will need two meals a day, once in the evening and once in the morning, from the age of 6 months.
Kenya Labradors breeds the best, so YOU will live with the best. Kenya Labradors is solely dedicated to "breeding excellence" in order to offer you the most outstanding family pets and champions of conformation, hunting, agility, and obedience. We specialize in English-type chocolate and black Labs of exceptional quality and brilliance. See our website for photographs, pedigrees, and information! Why Labradors? Our home is on 20 acres in the gorgeous Santa Margarita Valley on California's central coast. With all this land, we could have chosen ANY breed of dog.Why did we choose Labradors? We chose to love, train, breed, and show only English-type Labrador Retrievers because we believe no other dog will suffice. These fabulous dogs fulfill our every criterion for the perfect canine companion. They are magnificently built for stamina and agility. They are off-the-charts bright and eager to please — loving, easy to train, and full of personality. Kenya Labradors are filled to the brim with SO MUCH love, devotion and intelligence — sure to become an important member of your family. It was an easy choice for us. We started with one dog, as many people do. Read our story. Now we strive to produce the best quality Labs possible, specializing in chocolate and black colors with the English-type conformation. Kenya Labradors are beautiful, bold looking dogs, and especially athletic. They love to swim, play catch, and retrieve, but can just as easily kick back to watch movies with you. Our Labs are super friendly "people dogs", good with young children and the elderly, and for aounnncing to welcome visitors. That's a BIG title and with good reason! It is also one of the most popular assistance dog breeds in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States, and many other countries, as well as being widely used by police and other official bodies for their intelligence and desire to please. Please contact us for a phone appointment. We don't post our phone number here because we are often outside with our dogs, and paying proper attention to numerous phone calls became quite a challenge. Establishing a first contact by email allows us to agree upon time where you will receive our full attention. We appreciate your understanding on this. Simply click on "contact us" or fill out the quick form — at the bottom of every page. Unless we are at a dog show or hunt trial, we will get back to you typically within the day. We look forward to meeting you! Sorry, we do not ship. Kenya Labradors does not sell puppies via the Internet or to pet dealers. You must be physically present to purchase a Lab puppy from us. We also do not cross-breed Labs to make designer dogs. We breed amazing English Labradors and take great pride in doing that one thing well. Come and see for yourself. You just might fall in love! Santa Margarita, CA .We pride ourselves on having a very select, well-planned breeding program, producing top quality Labrador Retriever puppies that you will be proud to own, and love to live with. All of the dogs in our breeding program come from excellent pedigrees, with Champion bloodlines. However, we feel that the most important job our Lab puppies have is bringing years of joy and companionship to their humans. Summerland Labradors was established in , and through selective breeding we strive to not only improve our own breeding program with every litter being better than the last, but our goal is to better the breed as a whole. Our objective is to produce a Labrador Retriever that excels in all aspects of life and conforms to the highest standards of the American Kennel Club. Health and soundness is of great importance in our breeding program, therefore all of our adult Labradors have had their hips and elbows cleared through the OFA, have their hearts cleared, are PRA and EIC tested, and have their eyes cleared through a Veterinary Ophthalmologist before they are considered for breeding. Generally, we only have litters a year, so we will occasionally have Labrador Puppies available as outstanding family companions. Our Lab puppies are lovingly raised in our home under the watchful care of our whole family; they are well socialized around children, different textures, surfaces and noises to ensure that you get the sweetest addition to your family. When you are ready for an incredible addition to your family, we encourage you to Contact Us to be notified of our next available litter, as our Lab puppies are often sold before they are born. Questions about Labrador Retriever puppies for sale in Southern California? We have answers. What affects Labrador Retriever puppies for sale in Southern California price? The price for Labrador Retriever in Southern California depends on multiple factors, for example, the experience of Labrador Retriever breeders from Southern California and coat color. You are likely to pay a different price if you like to buy a puppy from English Labrador Retriever breeders in Southern California and from American Labrador Retriever breeders in Southern California. Do Labrador Retriever breeders in Southern California ship their puppies out of state? Yes, they do. With our large breeder network, we might find you the perfect Labrador match near you. Besides that, you can pick your puppy in person. How do you screen Southern California breeders? Our breeder application process is based on strict requirements and we take into account dozens of different aspects in order to protect the health and wellbeing of your dog. You can read Breeders Pledge to learn about these requirements. It may be difficult for you to tell puppy scams apart from honest ethical breeders. Our job is to help reputable breeders meet dog lovers like you and to make it easy for you to find the perfect puppy. Our goal is to build a lasting relationship with you and our best breeders. What is a puppy mill? At puppy mills, dogs are bred for profit. Breeding dogs are kept in tiny filthy cages to have litter after litter of unhealthy puppies. They lack clean water, veterinary care, and socialization. Puppies from puppy mills often have health issues and that results in high veterinary bills for their owners. Are there any purebred Labrador Retriever puppies for sale near me in Southern California? Begin the MatchMaker process below and tell us all about you and the puppy of your dream. You will be able to find your dream puppy in record time and absolutely for free. What is the MatchMaker process? Our free matchmaking service can help you save tons of time when searching for a puppy. Our MatchMaker process helps us ensure that we can match any caring family with the perfect puppy. How do I know I can trust you? To help you avoid online puppy scams, we use such tools as screening process with strict requirements and our Breeder Pledge. MatchMaker system allows us to build long-term relationships with our customers and dog breeders. We would love to invite you to compare our testimonials with other Labrador Retriever breeders in Southern CA. We invite you to view pictures and read some of the touching letters we received from Read Testimonials Read More About Us We are a large family that loves Labs! We began breeding Labradors simply for the love of the breed. My wonderful kids are involved with the care of our pets and the socialization of the puppies. Some of our Labs have been trained to surf! They even drive from Arizona and Las Vegas Nevada! Acts Help Heal and Protect your Pet for life! Learn more click here! A lifetime of Nu Vet is cheaper than one major vet visit. Puppies and dogs that are on Nu Vet have beautiful coat and skin and are far less likely to ever suffer from allergies. Nu Vet Plus is an immune system builder that will help strengthen your pets immune system as well as the cardiovascular, skeletal and nervous systems. It will help protect pets from the side effects of vaccinations and the stress of new and different environments. Your righteousness is like the mountains, your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike O Lord. Psalm .Why buy a puppy that could have health issues later in life? Please buy and shop responsibly, or adopt a dog in need. Are they doing OFA clearances on hips, elbows, eyes, and heart at 2 years of age? Do they recommend not to spay until 2 years of age to ensure hormones help growth plates close properly? Are they showing their dogs in some type of AKC sanctioned event? Conformation, hunt tests, agility, fun sports such as dock diving, etc? This shows the breeder is dedicated to the dog, not the check from breeding. Does the dog have AKC titles? From Canine Good Citizen, to Trick Dog, to Championship Conformation titles — you want your breeder to be helping make the breed better. They should be in every generation, not 3 generations ago. Does it destroy toys, does it eat the wall, do they have to be crated, do they counter surf, are they walked on a simple slip leash or a harness? Nothing against doodles, but ensure your breeder is doing proper health testing and x-rays. You as a buyer need to know that down the line this could lead to health problems and vet bills that could have been avoided. Just because your dog is registered does not make it well bred. You want your breeder dedicated to the breed and only whelping puppies that meet this minimum criteria for well bred dogs.
Do every chore you need to do before your pug arrives. This way, your pug would have all the attention it needs as it settles down for the first time. Avoid doing the following things. Allow it to settle and be familiar with its new home first before doing so. Start to crate-train your pug. Crate training is essential for pugs for many reasons. For instance, it will help them learn much quicker and have toilet training at the same time. You can do this by putting your pug into its crate the first thing after it arrives at home. You can add a nice treat for your pug to eat in the crate. Begin the house training. As soon as your pug starts to settle, try to make some schedule for house training. It would be best if you do it at the same time of the day. This way, your pet will learn to abide by a specific routine. You can also do this with potty training, mealtimes, playtimes, and other activities. Thus, you may find it overwhelming to choose which one would be best. Research to find out more about your chosen Pug breeder. Though we offer you a list of Pug breeders, you still need to get to know your chosen one. You can contact the phone number and visit their website to learn more about what kind of breeder they are. If you can, it would be better to visit their address. This way, you can avoid going into business with unreputable breeders. Ask the right questions. Once you have your breeder, reach out to him or her and ask the right questions. Visit your future pup in its current home. If you have connected with a breeder, chances are it will give you weeks to prepare your home. In those weeks, the breeder will also prepare the puppy. Between those weeks, you should get invited to meet and bond with your future pup. When you do, try to see and check the environment and how your puppy reacts. Such things will tell you a lot about how the breeder has been treating the puppy. Your breeder should ask more about you. A good breeder wants the puppies to be under good parents in the future. Other states. Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood.
Email: [email protected] 4. Boxer Blvd The simple story of Boxer Blvd. All this family wanted was to breed and raise future best friends and equal family members. They wanted to show the world that Boxers, despite some stigma around them, can be wonderful pets. Boxer Blvd. They can offer you Euro and German Boxers, as well as many different Boxer coat colors , including brindle, reverse brindle, black and white, mahogany, and black. All you have to do is pick a puppy! You will need to contact the breeder for information about the price since every litter can be submitted to changes. Ohio State Boxers I always appreciate an honest breeder who sells puppies with limited registration paperwork. Raising high-quality Boxers is the main goal of every good breeder, and Ohio State Boxers is one of them. Meeting new families and making them happy by allowing them to adopt one of the Ohio State Boxers is what keeps the people behind this small breeding business going. You will appreciate the fact that you can drive there to pick the puppy in person. Video calls are fine, too, as long as you show great interest in enriching your life with a Boxer puppy. When the time comes for a puppy to leave for its new home, it will be checked by the vet, dewormed, vaccinated, and have its dew claws and tail fixed. You get a puppy ready to face its new world. All you need to do is love him and take great care of his health. Ohio State Boxers invites you to come over and see their modern kennels and green fields where their puppies spend their days playing around and exercising. She fell for his Boxer who was competing in dog conformation shows back then! All jokes aside, the couple joined forces and began breeding Boxers, with lots of prior experience coming from Glenn. Just a year after they first met, Cindy bought her first Boxer. Many breeders claim they want to produce only show-quality Boxers, but not Cindy and Glenn. Over the years, the couple kept on learning how to become the best Boxer experts in the state of Ohio. For the complete list please see our Boxer Breeders List page. Prices may also vary depending on the gender and the lineage of a Boxer. If you want a pure-breed Boxer, expect to pay more money for it as compared to those that have been mixed with other breeds. A reputable breeder charging more for their puppies does not necessarily mean that he is selling high-quality Boxers. The factors that influence the price of a boxer puppy are as follows: Gender: Male dogs cost more than female ones because they have been proven to be better guard dogs and protectors. Pure-bred male Boxers can also produce a higher number of offspring as compared to females. White color: White is an uncommon color among pure-bred Boxers, thus increasing the price of a white puppy. However, it is not always true as some breeders only charge high prices for their puppies to attract buyers and then they sell low-quality ones after scaring away most of their customers. You need to find reputable Ohio Boxer breeders who can provide you with detailed information on their lineage and history before buying one. You can also ask your veterinarian about the breed line of the dog you want to buy and check out its medical records. Boxers do not usually bark for no reason unlike most dogs, which is great if you live in an apartment. This breed can make a good watchdog because of its loyalty and alertness. CONS: Boxers have high levels of energy that sometimes can be hard to handle. The Boxer breed tends to drool more than other breeds out there. You can do this by searching for them online or asking your veterinarian about reputable ones to work with. Visit their facilities and see if they are clean enough. If not, look for another breeder as you should avoid buying puppies from dirty and poorly maintained facilities. Ask the Boxer breeder whether he screens his breeding stock for genetic disorders and asks for health certifications to ensure that his dogs will produce healthy offspring. Also, ask him if there is a return policy in case your puppy does develop any medical conditions later on so you can bring it back and claim a refund or exchange it with another pup. It is important that you meet both of the parents of your Boxer puppy. This is to ensure that they are healthy, and you can also get an idea on how big your puppy will grow when it reaches adulthood. You should not buy puppies from sellers who cannot provide proof of vaccinations for their dogs. It is essential to keep your pets safe from infectious diseases so always purchase only pups with proof of vaccinations against parvo, distemper, rabies, etc. Make sure that you carefully read any contract or agreement before buying a Boxer pup. Some of these questions include inquiries about their breeding operations if they perform any kinds of medical tests on their adult Boxers prior to breeding them, how often do they clean their kennels and runs, etc. Visit the facility first before buying a puppy from them. Make sure that it is clean and spacious enough so your pup will have enough room to play around. Also, look for other puppies kept at the same place as this can provide an idea of whether their facilities are properly maintained or not. Visit more than one breeder as this way, you can compare their qualities and prices as well. People who have previously bought pups from them can give unbiased information about their pets so you can use this as a gauge if their dogs are worth buying or not. If a breeder is reluctant to provide you with references, think twice before buying their puppies as this may be an indicator that they are not reputable or do not have enough clients to ask for referrals. You might even get to hear about the experiences of other people who have worked with or bought Boxer puppies from your Ohio breeder. This is an important thing for you to do as it can help you make better decisions when it comes to choosing a Breeder in Ohio. Meeting past customers will also give you better insights about the Boxer breeders in Ohio so it is important to take advantage of this information. This can help you avoid falling into the wrong hands and finding yourself with a poor quality puppy or one that has inherited genetic disorders. You can find out more about the breeder by finding out the vet they use. This is important as our pets tend to be more susceptible to diseases as they grow old or become overweight which can lead to various health problems that may affect their lifespan. It is best to meet the breeder first before buying a pup from them. A breeder should be able to welcome your questions and concerns about their dogs and pups that they provide. If a seller is reluctant about giving you documents, refuses to show their facilities or does not let you visit them, these are some of the signs of an unethical breeder who is only after your money. Another sign to look out for when it comes to finding a good Boxer dog breeder in Ohio is if they ask money from you without providing any tangible proof that their dogs are healthy and have been inoculated against all kinds of infections. Avoid getting into commitments with them as this way, your chances of falling prey to frauds and scams become higher and higher. How to Prepare Your Home for Your Boxer Puppy In order for your Ohio Boxer puppy to have a very comfortable and enjoyable stay in your home, there are a few things that you should do first before bringing it into the house. The first thing you can do is prepare an area where it can sleep. You must also check the temperature of the place where your pup will be staying at by using a thermometer. The same goes with very hot areas as your Boxer might end up overheating. Water and food bowls should also be placed inside the area where your soon-to-be pet will stay at. Add some pillows, toys, bedsheets and other comforts to make it feel like its own room. Potty Training Your New Boxer Puppy Ohio breeders — Before you bring your Boxer home, It is best to know as much as possible about it before you decide to bring one into the house. The use of newspapers is also effective in places where pups relieve themselves but only for a short period of time as they can develop health and sanitation problems if left alone for too long. Remember, patience is a virtue in training your Boxer Puppy. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. For this reason, we included these online Boxer breeders for you to check as well. Thus, you can also check a Boxer breeder here. The great thing is that it has an online marketplace to search for a Boxer puppy from any of the states. Since they cover all kinds of breeds, you may find an available puppy through this website. Another thing to note is that you also need to prepare for other costs. In short, aside from the actual cost of the puppy from a breeder, you still need to spend money on other items. Like a new baby in the family, your pup needs some items and some changes. A new puppy at home is a concern for all the family members. Thus, they need to prepare for it as well. As you have your meeting, try to make a schedule of tasks and distribution of responsibilities. Prepare your home. Preparing a home for your Boxer puppy means making it a safe place to play and live. Thus, you need to secure every item that can potentially harm your pet. Moreover, you need to secure your items that your pet can damage, such as shoes, carpets, floor mats, and so on. Shop for supplies. Like all other puppies and babies, Boxer pups needs items for its daily life. The essential things it needs would be beddings, food, and food bowls. You also need to buy a leash and collar for identification. Create a schedule. Besides your pet, you also have your responsibilities. Try to schedule how your pup should do for the day and when you need to pay attention. The great thing about creating a schedule is that it will benefit both you and your pet. Choosing a Good Boxer Seller and Breeder The best Boxer puppies only come from those who take an extra mile in caring for them. Below are certain qualities that you should look for in a Boxer puppy breeder. The Boxer breeder should only breed Boxer puppies. A single breed should be the first thing to remember when searching for a reputable Boxer breeder. Every breed has a mating season to which they breed. If the Boxer breeder sells quite a lot of pups but only has a pair of parents, you can think that it forces the parents to mate so they can have puppies to sell. The Boxer breeder should train pups in their first weeks. Every reputable Boxer breeder gives all the pups around eight weeks at least to stay with their parents. In such a time, the breeder should train the pups before it moves to its new home. The Boxer breeder would continuously be in touch. Other states. Boxer Puppies for Sale in OHIO Boxers are upbeat, playful family dogs that have earned a reputation for being protective guardians or watchdogs and silly, bright-eyed, affectionate companions for children. Boxer, Ohio » Hardy Township. Boxer Puppies for Sale in Ohio. I'm Natasha, and I'm a shy 3. Robert Jones is from Ohio MY wife and I have been breeding quality boxers for the past 25 years and you can call me anytime at .Similar Boxer Puppies. Boxer puppy for sale in Ohio. Boxers for Sale in Columbus. Cincinnati Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Cincinnati, OH Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly. Four - Boxer Mix Puppy for Sale in. Find a puppies near me Category. Boxer puppies in Cincinnati, OH. Boxer Puppies for Sale in Ohio 1. Good Dog helps you find Boxer puppies for sale near Ohio. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. My husband got his first Boxer puppy at the age of 9, and fell in love with the breed. The Molossus blood makes the hardworking Boxer dog courageous, bright, and alert. All pups come with a 2yr health guarantee! For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Dayton Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Dayton, OH Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to. Boxer Breeders in Ohio OH. AmericanListed features safe and local classifieds for everything you need! Share this listing: Breed: Boxer. Lancaster Puppies advertises puppies for sale in PA, as well as Ohio. Boxer puppies for sale from trusted breeders. Boxer puppies in Parma, OH. Browse photos and descriptions of of Ohio Boxer puppies of many breeds available right now! AnimalsSale found Boxer puppies for sale in Ohio near you, which meet your criteria. Prices may vary based on the breeder and individual puppy for sale in Cincinnati, OH. That means reputable breeders must perform screening for clean future bloodlines. Also, be sure to check the Boxer Dog Breeder listings in our Dog. It's also free to list your available puppies and litters on our site. While these dogs are definitely brave and. WE can set up delivery for you for a additional fee if you need that anywhere in the 50 states. Boxer puppies for sale in Ohio from trusted breeders. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Ohio Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Tessie - Boxer Puppy for Sale in. How much are Boxer puppies for sale in Columbus OH? We want to offer an exceptional quality English Bulldog to you by producing go Boxer Ohio charming and. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. If you are unable to find your Boxer puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Boxer Dogs for Adoption. Maggie reverse brindle female and Tuco fawn are around lbs. Browse search results for boxer puppies for sale in Ohio. No puppies where found matching your criteria. Feel free to browse hundreds of active. Boxer puppies for sale in Ohio with Price. Boxer puppies for sale in Cincinnati, OH from trusted. Cincinnati Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Cincinnati, OH Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. His main purpose is for hunting large game. Boxer puppies in Toledo, OH. We recommend speaking directly with your breeder to get a better idea of their price range. Breeds: Boxer. Through Good Dog's community of trusted Boxer breeders in Ohio, meet the Boxer puppy meant for you and start the application process today. Printable version Email this Page. Trusted Breeders: Certified; Licensed;. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder. He was only 6lbs at 11 weeks old, which made him about 15lbs underweight. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in Winesburg, OH. Boxer puppies for sale in Michigan from trusted breeders. Boxer Puppies for Sale in OH. Should be about lbs when full-grown. Location: Youngstown, OH .We strive to produce the best overall pets and family members. Ohio Boxer Classifieds Hoobly. We offer quality, healthy, family-raised AKC Boxer puppies from health-tested parents. If you are unable to find your Boxer puppy. We have three females six males available they are all fawn color with white markings. Dobby is a typical sweet puppy see more at Petfinder. If you are unable to find your Boxer. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy. Adorable Boxer puppies for sale vet checked shots up-to-date Champions Ruthweaver.Find your Boxer puppy for sale. Boxers for Sale in Akron, OH. Boxer For Sale in Ohio .Boxer puppies for sale in Dayton, OH from trusted breeders. Boxer puppies in. Boxers: Todd and Jen have been raising boxer puppies for 30 years. Boxer puppies in Dayton, OH. Boxer puppies sale Toledo OH. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in Ohio. Boxer puppies for sale in Cincinnati, OH from trusted breeders. Boxer puppies in Akron, OH. Columbus Boxer breeders will set their prices depending on the pedigree of their pups, and each pups markings and coat color. When it comes to the price of Boxers for sale Columbus you'll see quite a large difference between different adverts. Find Boxer puppies for sale Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Find Boxer dogs and puppies from Ohio breeders. Find Boxer Puppies and Breeders in your area and helpful Boxer information. Boxer Puppies For Sale in Ohio When contemplating Boxer breeding, health must be the primary concern because some genetic diseases affect this breed. I love my leash walks and getting attention. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified. We want to offer an exceptional quality English Bulldog to you by producing go Boxer. Boxer Dogs for Sale in Ohio. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Dayton, OH Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family.
labradoodle puppy for sale orange county - Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. This is especially true with dogs like German Shepherds because they have a strong prey drive, but this nipping and biting can also quickly get out of hand. This often comes out as biting and nipping, but puppies will also bite when they are teething and to taste the world around them. This can, of course, quickly get out of hand if not taken care of swiftly. In this article, we look at the reasons behind German Shepherd puppies biting and seven steps to help stop the behavior. Training The first and most important step in stopping your puppy from biting is early and focused training. Beginning training at an early age is vital for powerful dogs like GSDs, as without it, they can easily develop problematic behaviors and even become aggressive. An important part of training is socialization, and getting your GSD to interact with other dogs will help teach them boundaries, as any biting too hard will have instant consequences for them. Image Credit: AnjaGh, Pixabay 2. Toys Toys are ideal for your GSD puppy to exercise their teething. There is a massive variety of suitable chew toys available, and whenever you notice your pooch getting the urge to chew, you can gently offer them a chew toy instead. Commands Basic and simple commands should be taught to your GSD from a young age. Whenever they get overexcited and bite down too hard, you can then simply issue a verbal command that catches their attention. After you issue the commands, leave your puppy alone for a few minutes so they learn that this behavior is unacceptable. Image Credit: Jim Sluder, Pixabay 4. Redirection Redirection is a useful tool in training and can work well with biting too. This method is simple and works by keeping your pup from unwanted behavior and offering them appropriate behavior instead. Whenever your pooch bites or nips, try to offer them a chew toy of some kind instead, and this will gradually lead them to chew toys as opposed to your hands. Squeak toys are great for this type of redirection, as the noise is enticing to most puppies and dogs. Reward good behavior Positive reinforcement training methods are best for leading your puppy toward desired behaviors and away from unwanted ones. These methods involve no scolding or harsh treatment, so they are ideal for cementing the bond between you and your pup. When you offer your dog a chew toy instead of biting and they take it or you issue a command that they instantly follow, you simply reward that behavior with either a treat or praise. You ignore any bad behavior. They will swiftly associate treats with good behavior and stop the bad behavior that gets them no attention. Image Credit: Happy monkey, Shutterstock 6. Games Since GSDs are such powerful and athletic animals, they need to be mentally and physically stimulated through games and interactive play. Games are also the best time to engage and enforce training techniques and get your GSD accustomed to them before biting gets out of hand. Stick to simple games like fetch or frisbee, where you can train your pooch to give the ball back when you tell them to. Harsh treatments like hitting or shouting are highly unlikely to solve the problem and will probably just make it worse, as your dog will simply become nervous and wary of you. With a powerful dog like German Shepherds, trust is vital. They are highly intelligent and aware animals, and the smallest of sounds or movements are enough to set them off. There are several reasons for this, including: GSD puppies will begin teething as early as 2 weeks old, and this can be uncomfortable and even painful for them. This behavior can go on until your puppy is 6 months old, and they will chew on almost anything that they can find — including your hand — in an attempt to try and soothe their discomfort. Separated too young. The first 2 months of your GSDs life is vital to their socialization and learning, and if they are taken away from their mother and litter too young, this may cause a lack of understanding of boundaries. Puppies will play and learn with the rest of their littermates, where they learn to control the force of their bite. GSDs should be at least 8 weeks old before they are re-homed. Fear or overstimulation. Fear, anxiety, and overstimulation are common reasons for puppies to lose control of their bite because this can cause them to become irritable or defensive and lead them into the habit of biting. Conclusion Since German Shepherds are such powerful dogs, proper training is vital, and bite inhibition is an essential part of that training. Proper training is the vital first step and will set the tone for all other methods. With time, consistency, patience, and gentle leadership, your German Shepherd puppy should kick the biting habit in no time. German Shepherd puppies , like all puppies, go through a teething phase, and their biting behavior can continue until they are around 4 to 6 months old when their adult teeth have fully grown in. But how do you get German Shepherd puppies to stop biting, and when should you seek out more help? We dive into everything that you need to know here. German Shepherds are herding dogs, and as such, they love to go after anything that moves. This could be cats, kids, hands, fingers, or just about anything else. The more they get away with it, the more acceptable the behavior seems in the future. Addressing the problem early and consistently is vital. Just like babies need something to chew on when their new teeth are coming in, your German Shepherd needs something too! First, it stops when they get their adult teeth. Second, if you try to redirect them to something that they can chew on, most German Shepherd puppies are receptive. At this time, they should have all their adult teeth, which means no more teething to worry about. But at least you know the root of the problem and can start implementing the necessary strategies to address it. Instead, get them a few chew toys, bones, and other acceptable things to chew on as they teethe. You can also throw a few of these toys in the fridge or freezer to cool them down, and this will offer even more relief for your pup when they need it! While there are plenty of techniques to try, we recommend redirection and positive reinforcement. The method is simple. If and when they start chewing on the toy or other appropriate object, give them praise. German Shepherds love to please their owners, so this is typically an effective way to train your puppy. Therefore, you should have levels of concern. If they are still chewing and nipping at the 9-month mark, you should seek obedience training or talk to a vet to see what you can do. So, get on it early and often, and stick with it! Because with just a little work and dedication you can get your German Shepherd puppy to stop biting in no time. Check Price on Amazon 4. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement means giving something pleasant to your German Shepherd when they perform what you want them to do so that they learn to associate the correct behavior with the reward. The more this is repeated, they will remember and do it more often. The reward is a reinforcing motivation. In the above example of redirecting your GSDs biting to a chew toy, once he accepts the toy and starts to chew or play with it, you then offer lots of enthusiastic verbal praise and reward with a treat. Again, timing is important, and this must be done instantly so that your German Shepherd will recognize or associate his behavior with the correct action. You can give other rewards, but these may be more suited to older pups, adolescent dogs, or adults. Alternatives could be giving them a special toy, playing their favorite game, such as fetch, or taking them on their favorite walk. Always use lots of verbal praise in parallel to the reward you choose. You will, no doubt, soon get to learn where your dog prefers to be pet. Go here for more guidance on where to pet your German Shepherd. This is also useful when your German Shepherd starts to put his mouth around your possessions or furniture, ready to have a good gnaw! Using a time-out can effectively discipline a German Shepherd for biting and other undesirable behaviors. A great way to do this is to grab their collar, push their bum down, and make them sit. The idea is that your German Shepherd will quickly learn to associate that the fun stops when his nipping starts! As always, timing is critical, so your pup learns what he has done wrong at the precise moment. For very young puppies, you should only put them in time-out for a few seconds, between 7 and 10, and no longer than 30 seconds. At the end of the time-out, redirect your pup back to play and use lots of verbal praise or offer a training treat for good onward behavior. You must time the click at the exact moment your pet is doing what you want to reinforce. If you quickly reward your dog with a positive experience such as a treat, he will soon learn to associate the noise of the click with great things. The idea is that you condition your German Shepherd so that when he hears the sound of the clicker, he knows he has done something to please you. In the case of puppy biting, we are simply rewarding the puppy for choosing not to bite. You can achieve this by using the distraction technique described above. When the puppy makes the right choice and starts to bite on his chew toy, he hears the click and gets his treat. Look out for other symptoms such as drooling more than usual, bad breath, loss of appetite, or sneezing. If you are consistent and patient with your methods, you will achieve great results. Be firm but fair, which also helps to strengthen the loving bond between you and your dog. It leads to fear, avoidance, hurt feelings, guilt, stress, anxiety, and lack of trust. Owners should use positive reinforcement methods as much as possible. In another year-long study by the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that using confrontational or aversive methods to teach aggressive dogs did not work. The dogs continued to be aggressive until the training methods were changed. The same study found that punishing techniques and dominance-based training, such as hitting or kicking, growling, or yelling at your dog, can cause aggression, as stated by Meghan E. An even more recent study in companion dogs suggests that using even mild punishments like yelling and leash-jerking can stress dogs out more than dogs taught using reward-based training. This stress causes negative consequences and poorer welfare. Alpha rolling is a controversial and outdated technique that physically puts your dog on his back or side in a submissive position to show that you are dominant or the Alpha. This old-fashioned technique is a form of positive punishment and was often used to house-train pups. Many people will have used this method decades ago without success, but at the time, they believed it was the right thing to do. For a positive punishment to work, the problem is that it has to be administered during or immediately after the act within 2 -3 seconds ; otherwise, the dog will not make the connection. Sometimes puppies naturally get over-excited and overtired. When this happens, instead of using the crate as a punishment, lure him into the crate with a treat offering lots of praise and letting him go down for a nap. If you feel sorry for your German Shepherd after disciplining him, you must never reward him out of guilt. Again, this only confuses your dog. Remember to be firm but fair. While a muzzle can prevent your dog from biting, it is not a solution to the underlying behavior issue. Muzzling your German Shepherd without addressing the root cause of their biting can lead to further behavioral problems and may even make the situation worse. Is it ever too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting? It is never too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting, but it may take more time and effort to modify their behavior if the biting has become a habit. Start with identifying the root cause and then take the guidance of an expert to set boundaries and train better to eradicate unwanted behavior. Final Thoughts Puppy biting is natural in all dogs. However, you now know the importance of disciplining your German Shepherd as soon as he starts to exhibit biting, nipping, and chewing behavior and how to do it. This is especially important with the German Shepherd breed as they quickly grow into big strong dogs. That could end in disaster for all concerned. No matter what you are teaching your German Shepherd, try to train him when young; 8 weeks old is a great time to start. Make sure you properly socialize him and give him lots of exercise and training will be much easier. Related Posts You May Like:. Puppies Have you ever reached down to play with a German Shepherd puppy, only to have that adorable little fur-ball pierce your skin with its razor-sharp puppy teeth? When I brought Allie into the family, she was fully in the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — so that first month was tough! Unfortunately, biting is an inevitable phase of puppyhood — it comes with the territory when you decide to be a puppy parent. My goal with this guide is to get you through the biting stage with as few battle scars as possible. Why do German Shepherd Puppies Bite? Up until this time, your puppy was with its littermates, and playtime meant lots of mouthy, nipping fun. Accordingly, this is the only way your GSD knows how to play! A German Shepherd puppy also uses their mouths to explore different things like toys — or hands, ankles, furniture… pretty much anything they can get their mouth around. Your puppy could also be teething, which can increase their mouthy behavior. Just be patient as you work through the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — give your pup time to learn to be gentle when playing or seeking your attention. Nothing is worse than an ankle-biter! I was very lucky not to have this problem with Allie. Why does your German Shepherd puppy target the ankles? Because your GSD is a working dog trying to do its job — herd you around the house like livestock. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. Your furry pal may also think heel nipping is just a really fun game. Using a toy as a distraction and keeping your pup active will help nip ankle nipping in the bud! Because she was too busy biting hands! There are lots of reasons why a pup may decide to start biting your hands. For one, good things treats, toys, love, attention come from hands. Also, hands are almost like swinging toys from the perspective of a playful pup — too enticing to pass up! How to Discourage Biting Behavior While the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is a rite of passage, there are some ways you can discourage bad biting behavior without harsh discipline. This is one of the most effective ways to teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition — or how to be gentle with her teeth. Think about when your pup was rolling and playing with their brothers and sisters — if your GSD was too rough, their sibling would let out a yelp. This trick worked great with Allie! Just make sure to be consistent until your pup gets the idea and learns to master the power of her jaws. Puppies will be puppies! Redirect the biting to an appropriate toy. For example, when your fuzzy friend latches onto your ankles, give a little puppy-like yelp, and then whip out a toy and encourage your dog to chew on that instead. Tug-of-war is the perfect game for the puppy biting phase. Socialize your puppy as much as possible. Other dogs are great at teaching your puppy that they playing too rough and biting too hard. Try a deterrent to prevent your dog from chewing or biting. If all else fails, there are lots of products designed to deter your dog from bad biting behavior. How do they work? Well, they taste awful. But if used correctly, they can definitely work. This is still attention — your puppy bites, your puppy gets attention. Otherwise, your pup may see this as a fun new game, kind of like tug-of-war but with your hands or feet as the toy. You want your furball to love playing with you! The goal here is to encourage your German Shepherd to play as much as ever but to play gently. As a pup, Allie thought she should greet everyone by jumping in their face and nipping — kind of like a kiss hello, but with teeth. And as she got bigger, it was harder to control. But trust me, it got old quickly. Be proactive. If I knew someone was coming over, I would put Allie in another room or in her crate. Once our visitor was in the house and the initial excitement had passed, I would let her out. By keeping her from greeting people right when they walked through the door, I could minimize her overzealous behavior. This is a simple command that teaches your dog to stay in her place until you give a release command. This is another way to allow the initial excitement to pass and your German Shepherd to calm down a bit before greeting anyone. Redirect attention to a toy like I talked about earlier. Fold your arms and turn away. Keep turning until your GSD stops jumping, then praise them and use a treat as a reward. What to Do If Biting Becomes Aggressive Although puppy mouthing is normal, there can be cases where biting can signal problems and possibly even aggression. Look for physical differences in your pup. If your puppy is having a moment of aggression, their body may stiffen when snarling, and bites will typically be more painful than during regular play. Also, if your GSD puppy is biting out of fear or frustration, you may need to take action. These types of behavior are not something your pup will just grow out of. While the biting phase will inevitably end, you may find yourself asking the infamous question — when do German Shepherds calm down!? I asked myself and our vet this question more than once! It honestly just depends. Sure, she had her calm moments thanks in part to her training , but she was still very hyper especially in more excitable moments. The type of German Shepherd dog is yet another variable that plays a role in its energy levels. So when do German Shepherds calm down? It really depends on your individual German Shepherd. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is something all GSD puppy owners will go through, but it will pass. Try the tips above to help keep your sanity during this phase. Or any tips to help the rest of us? Please share! Hopefully, we will have the answers to all of your questions in this guide. But, all that cuteness quickly disappears when the biting phase starts. Puppy biting is normal in all breeds, including the German Shepherd. And, luckily, we have some great tips and tricks to minimize the painful biting period. In fact, it could have a number of causes. Here are a few of the most common reasons, in a little more detail. Teething One reason why puppies of all breeds may bite is teething. This stage often starts at around 3 or 4 months of age — only a few weeks after your puppy will arrive at their new home. Luckily, it only takes a few months for your puppy to have their full set of adult teeth. So, biting from teething is not permanent. If your puppy is biting or chewing because of teething, you may notice other symptoms like drooling, irritability, and going off their food. Boredom or Getting Attention Bored puppies may learn that biting gets some fun responses from you! Just like barking can. If your puppy has learnt that they can get some attention from you when they bite, they may do it to alleviate boredom. This can explain why puppies concentrate most of their biting on one family member — the person who gives the most fun response. Natural Play Biting is a natural part of puppy play — as much as some owners might not want to hear it! German Shepherd puppies, just like any other breed, will bite whilst they are playing with you or with other dogs. If this behavior continues into adulthood, the biting can be more problematic. Responding to Rough Play Some people like to play with German Shepherd puppies in quite a rough manner. This can include pushing them, or rolling them over. Behaviors like this can make puppies very excitable, and encourage biting during play. Encourage calm play between your family members or friends and your puppy. Herding Instincts The German Shepherd breed has a history as a herding dog. The creator of the breed, Captain Max von Stephanitz, bred the German Shepherd in an attempt to create the ultimate all-round herding breed. This was all the way back in the late s. Although the history of the breed has changed over time, from herding to working dog, their origins remain the same. Many herding dogs are prone to natural chase instincts. They may chase small children or other animals — particularly those that are making lots of noise. And, these herding behaviors can include nipping at heels. Once again, your behavior can minimize biting from this cause. Exploration Another common explanation for young German Shepherd biting is their natural curiosity. And, they may do this partly with their mouths. What you really want to know is, when will it stop? However, you can minimize the period by making a few easy changes to your behavior when biting occurs. The best ways to stop puppy biting and minimize the biting period are training and prevention. This means training your puppy to be gentle with you and other people, and taking away opportunities for your excited puppy to bite humans. You may need to go as far as to completely separate your GSD puppy from small children and people who insist on rough play with puppies. We know that this can only encourage biting. Remove Yourself Calmly If your puppy starts to bite you, during play or any other time, the best solution is to calmly and quietly remove yourself. You can use tools like baby gates to keep your German Shepherd in a puppy-safe room. In fact — your puppy will learn that biting during play or cuddles only results in you leaving, and them ending up on their own! Not only will this help to show your puppy that biting is not an acceptable part of playtime, but it can also help your own sanity to remove yourself from those sharp teeth occasionally. Think About Clothing You should also think about the type of clothing you wear around your puppy. Loose, hanging clothing can be appealing to your puppy, and provide something easy to grip on with their sharp teeth. Wear tight fitting clothing to minimize the number of things your puppy can bite at. Use Distractions If you, or young children in your household, are keen to pet your puppy without being bitten, you should make the most of distractions like treats or toys. You can hold a chew for your puppy to keep their attention and mouth distracted whilst someone pets them! Often, puppy owners only think about biting whilst their puppy is actively gnawing on them. One method is to reward them with treats when you are petting them and they are not biting you. Another is to reward them for calm behavior around the house. This way they learn that acting calmly and letting you touch them without biting will earn them good things! One popular method to stop puppy biting is to squeal, squeak, growl, or make another loud noise. Some people claim that this method replicates natural puppy play and tells your GSD when they are being too rough. For some owners, this may work. If this is the case, making a noise when your puppy bites will act as a reward, and encourage your German Shepherd puppy to bite you even more. This is one reason why puppies biting children is so common. Many children will make lots of noise, especially if a puppy bites them, which can lead to further nipping. This is similar to the method above, if used alone. This is why training has to be done in small stages — first you must teach the puppy what action you want, and then you can give the action a name, or command. Punishment Methods The best methods to stop your puppy from biting involve positive rewards for the behaviors you want. Studies on dog training and behavior have shown that punishment based methods are often associated with an increase of problematic behaviors. Punishing your puppy for biting can lead to distrust and fear from your puppy. The causes of puppy biting that we looked at earlier in this guide apply to all GSD puppies. In fact, they apply to all puppies of any breed. Biting and chewing is a normal puppy behavior, and a normal part of play. As long as you react to this behavior in the right way, it is a period that will pass. The biggest fear for most German Shepherd puppy owners is that their puppy is aggressive when it bites. German Shepherd puppy biting can be accompanied by ferocious growls or snarls. It can even draw blood. So are behaviors like snarling and growling. And, if your puppy is biting hard enough to injure you, they may not have learnt proper bite inhibition yet. This is the process where your puppy learns to be gentle with his teeth on your skin. The positive reward methods we discussed earlier in this guide are the best way to teach your puppy bite inhibition. Remove yourself calmly and quietly whenever your puppy bites. And make sure to reward any calm behavior — including when your puppy lets you pet it without biting. Speak to a Behaviorist If you think your puppy is exhibiting aggressive behaviors, such as guarding their resources, you may want to speak to a behaviorist. They will be able to look at your puppy as an individual case, and analyse their behavior properly. Do Adult German Shepherds Bite? The German Shepherd breed is known for being aggressive in some circumstances — they make popular guard dogs, and are number one candidates for working dog roles in the police and military. Since puppies lack the dexterity that you and I have, they use their mouths to explore the world around them. By understanding the behavior of biting itself, you can begin to see just how normal biting is in German Shepherd puppies. Just because biting is a normal behavior in a puppy does not mean we should tolerate it or promote it. Since biting is a form of communication for German Shepherd puppies, there are many things our puppies could be trying to say! So why do Shepherd pups bite? Puppies often communicate with their siblings through biting and pawing, especially when they are trying to incite a play session. Your pup may gnaw on your hand as if it were a chew toy, especially when you are a moving target. Puppies play and bite their siblings from the moment they are old enough to do so. This is why the behavior is so common, and why our Shepherd pupswill need to learn how to transition to playing with appropriate chewing options. Not only are our hands and feet tempting enough, but even more so when a puppy has a high prey drive. A prey drive is an ingrained need to chase after moving objects, whether it is appropriate or not. A swinging hand as we walk by can be extremely tempting for a growing pup, causing them to jump up and nip. If it seems like your Shepherd puppy is always biting you when you are in motion, it may be due to their high prey drive! They Are Curious As we mentioned above, German Shepherd puppies use their mouth to explore the world around them. Biting can help them examine and understand an object, and our hands and feet can fall into that category as well! If you catch your puppy gnawing on everything around your home, it may be their curiosity getting the best of them! A dog quickly learns what behavior gets a reaction, causing them to do it over and over again. Even if their bites result in a negative reaction from you, it still counts as attention. They Are Teething Similar to teething babies, a German Shepherd puppy experiences teething pain as well. If your Shepherd pup seems to find relief when chewing on objects, they may be biting you due to teething discomfort. They Are Herding You If your German Shepherd puppy is constantly biting at your ankles, they may be displaying some herding behaviors. German Shepherds are ingrained with a need to work, especially in dogs with a working bloodline. If your German Shepherd is always nipping at your feet, running to your side when you are moving, or showing signs of anxiety or frustration when you are moving around your home; it may be herding behavior. So how can you stop this normal puppy behavior? Redirect The Behavior One of the most effective ways to stop your German Shepherd puppy from biting is by redirecting the behavior. An effective distraction is a wonderful way to end the behavior without punishment, and show them how much fun the alternative to biting can be. The next time your Shepherd pup is displaying undesirable nipping, try to pull out their favorite toy. Since this will need to be a toy that your dog enjoys, be sure to offer them the option that they find most exciting. This can be a Kong toy , rope, bone, or any other chewing option that your dog loves. By doing this each time your Shepherd puppy begins to bite you, they will begin to understand that they would much rather play with an acceptable chew option. Having a variety of chew toys can alleviate their need to bite our hands and feet, and offer them the relief they seek in this uncomfortable transition. There are so many toys created for teething puppies, that it should be easy to fill your home with plenty of appropriate options. One of our favorite chew toys is the Kong Teething Binkie. Any attention can validate the behavior, causing them to make it a habit. This shows them that the behavior is unacceptable, and does not involve any harmful negative reinforcement. Our attention is important to a puppy, and they do not want to be ignored. By showing them that biting will only result in us pulling away, they will learn to ditch the undesirable behavior. Interrupt The Behavior Sometimes a Shepherd puppy needs a sharp and sudden sound to pull them out of a bad habit. By giving a quick interrupter cue ouch, yip, eek , you can pull your puppy away from the action and gain their attention. Because of this, it is so important to offer plenty of mental and physical activities throughout your home. For example, if your puppy nips at strangers each time they walk in the door, it may be best to limit their time around the guest and send them to a separate play area. Once they begin to understand that biting is unacceptable, you can refrain from using their separate play area as often. Similar to what we discussed above about being proactive, a separate play area can help them calm down and collect themselves. Once your German Shepherd puppy begins to mature and understand that biting is unacceptable, they should require less time away. Just as there are effective methods in canine training, there are counterproductive actions as well. Do Not Hit Or Yell Since biting is a normal behavior that puppies must learn to grow out of, it is not productive to hit or yell at your puppy when they bite. Doing this can show them from a young age that interaction with you results in something negative, and can hinder your training process. By using other distractions and training methods when they bite, you can turn every bite into a learning experience for your pup! This can seem like a fun game to your pup, and can actually encourage the behavior. Try your best to go limp when they bite you, and pull your attention away from the pup. By doing this, you show them that this behavior does not offer them any extra fun. Extra attention can validate their undesirable behavior, making it challenging to break. Try your best to refrain from reacting to a bite outside of your interrupter cue, and pull your attention away from your furry friend afterward. Biting is a normal behavior in puppies of all kinds. Puppies begin to bite their siblings from the moment they can move, and will continue this behavior until they learn otherwise. A biting German Shepherd puppy is to be expected, and should not result in any discouragement on your part. As long as you are following the tips we mentioned above, your puppy should shy away from this behavior in no time! Biting in puppies is not usually a sign of aggression. Mild biting is usually a form of play, and should be easily corrected. However, there are some rare cases where biting in German Shepherd puppies is a sign of something more. If your pup is displaying any snarling, growling, ears pinned back, stiff posture, or any other signs of canine aggression, your pup may be biting in reaction to fear or pain. If you are unable to make any progress within a month of implementing the tips we discussed above, it may be time to contact a dog trainer. A trainer can not only help your pup refrain from biting, but offer other obedience training as well. Final Thoughts As you can see, biting is a normal behavior for our beloved German Shepherd puppies. Be sure to review the tips we discussed above on proper canine training, and you can banish puppy biting for good!
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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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky? 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 Kentucky? 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. Click here to post the first comment. Pixels is one of the largest, most-respected giclee printing companies in the world with over 40 years of experience producing museum-quality prints. All of our art prints are produced on state-of-the-art, professional-grade Epson printers. We use acid-free papers and canvases with archival inks to guarantee that your art prints last a lifetime without fading or loss of color. Paper prints include a 1" white border around the image to allow for future framing and matting. Canvas prints include a 2. Art prints ship within 3 - 4 business days in durable cardboard tubes. Art Print Reviews Imelda Graham September 14th, The person in Denver to whom I gifted this piece of art was extremely satisfied, he loved it. He will send pics when he frames it. One thing, I would have liked a space to put somewhere who had sent it. Thanks Pauline Bogdanoff September 13th, It is a beautiful print. I framed it and it now hangs in my living room. It pulls the entire room together. .The colors and textures are so amazing. Found a nice frame on Amazon the perfect size and it goes well on my wall of cat art. Carole Herold Looks wonderful in my TV. Room Ross Boo. Christmas Eve morning and my four-year-old daughter, Hailey, was in the hospital again, this time in a brand-new wing of Swedish Issaquah Medical Center. She was the only pediatric patient. The doctor was with Hailey, waiting to talk to my husband, Gary, and me, but I paused for a moment in the hallway, bracing myself. An artificial tree, festooned with lights and ornaments, stood in the corner. Carols played over the PA. The staff had tried to give the place a festive air, but it felt grim and sterile to me. Hailey had battled chronic lung disease and epilepsy since birth. Even when she was home, she was mostly bedridden. A surgically inserted feeding tube kept her alive. Her big brother, Logan, and sister, Harmony, were wonderful to her, but when they went off to school or to play with friends, Hailey was left on her own. What kind of lonely life is this for a child? I just wanted my little girl to enjoy the simple pleasures of childhood. Gary and I had scrimped for months and managed to save enough for our family to celebrate. Then Hailey caught some kind of respiratory virus. In the middle of the night on December 23, she had such trouble breathing that her lips turned blue. I called .The diagnosis was acute pneumonia. If she comes home, I thought. Hailey lay in bed, her face as pale as the sheets, the sparkle in her eyes dimmed. The doctor spoke in a low voice to Gary and me, telling us Hailey needed immediate surgery to move the feeding tube from her stomach to her small intestine because she was aspirating fluid into her lungs. Hailey had been incredibly brave through all of her treatments over the years. How could I encourage her to keep fighting? Suddenly it hit me. The perfect solution, the thing she wanted most. I brought it up with Gary that evening when we went to the cafeteria to grab a bite. When I throw the ball, he brings it back. Simply having him lie next to her comforted her. And it was just goldens she responded to. A golden retriever. Way beyond our budget. We were living paycheck to paycheck. And we lived in an apartment with no yard—not the kind of place for a big, active dog. Besides the initial cost, there would be food and vet bills. He wanted Hailey to be healthy and happy as much as I did. But he was practical. I already worked full-time taking care of a child with disabilities, an ideal job because I could watch Hailey at the same time. Hailey kept talking the whole time about her dog: what she would name it, how much she would love it. At one point, the anesthesiologist had to tell her to slow down and take a breath. The surgery went smoothly, and three days later Hailey came home. But the journey to get her dog was only just beginning. I picked up odd jobs. I walked dogs, cleaned houses, worked for an on-call nanny agency at night while Gary watched the kids. Every Sunday night, we would empty the jar and count the money so we could see our progress. It took eight months, but by the following August we finally had enough money saved. We found a golden retriever breeder and made plans to pick a puppy from his next litter. New worries sprang up in my mind: What if the dog was too rough for Hailey? We met the breeder in the parking lot of a grocery store on a Saturday morning. It was a chaotic scene, with other families clamoring to play with the 15 adorable puppies waiting for homes. But soon she was taking him on walks. The first time was just to our mailbox. Gary went with her, and they would add a block or so with every walk until Hailey could walk for 20 minutes without losing her breath. She took over the responsibility of feeding Hunter. By December, she was eating small portions. Most important, Hunter was her best friend, her constant companion. Hailey still spent much of the day resting in bed. Hunter lay right next to her. One day, Hailey overheard me sharing my biggest worry with Gary, that she would never be able to lead a normal life. If God can get Hunter for me, surely God can take care of me! We had Hunter trained to alert to her seizures, and her health and confidence grew. At age 9, she was eating so well, the doctors removed her feeding tube. Our lives have grown as well. Hailey now has three younger siblings. Our next dream is launching a center to train service dogs for other families. Like Hailey, I have faith that God will help us get there. For more inspiring stories, subscribe to Guideposts magazine. Share this story.