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Best Chew Toys for German Shepherds Large breed dogs like the German shepherd can be heavy chewers, and you need some durable toys that can withstand those powerful jaws. So what are the best chew toys for these power chewers? Here are two we think are top of the line. The unique Orka TPE rubber material keeps these toys lasting through tough chewing while keeping dogs interested. The flat shape of the Orka Mini Bone helps exercise jaw muscles while rope pieces support good dental hygiene by… Chewy This is a great chew toy for your GSD. It has a rope running down the middle with knots at each end. You can use it as a tug toy, toss it for a fun game of fetch, or just let your pooch enjoy chewing it. It comes in different sizes, so you can get one for your puppy or adult dog. Featuring squeak and crinkle sounds dogs love, rope handle and ultra durable material, these plush toys stand up to tough tugging play. This eco-friendly rope Outward Hound tug toy is made of jute rope and durable rubber rings. It also doubles as a puzzle toy since your dog works to figure out how to remove the rings. Once he does, you can put them back on to keep the game going. This is a great toy for those tough chewers who really like their toys chewy, and it will leave your best buddy with clean teeth too! Best Interactive Toys for German Shepherds German shepherd dogs are intelligent dogs, and because of that, they need toys that provide them with hours of mental stimulation. Here are some of the best toys that are great for those intelligent dog breeds like the German shepherd. The tennis ball and multi-sized openings are sure to keep your pup mentally engaged for hours of play! Can your pup figure out which two tunnels let the ball out? You can even add treats inside for an extra tasty challenge. You can also put tasty treats like kibble or other types of dog food inside the tunnels so your dog will also be treated to a delicious reward. This intermediate level toy features three tiers with twelve compartments for dog snacks or kibble. The Dog Tornado is a level 2 interactive toy that will keep boredom at bay for hours. Stuff it with treats or even peanut butter. Some of them grow up to be working dogs too so they need to get out and about a lot! Here are some great toys to help them do just that. This durable fetch toy has a thick rim that doubles as an easy grip for you and a tough chew for your dog. Made from TPE material and reinforced with inner ribs and raised textures that feel satisfying to chew while being gentle on teeth and gums. The Orka Flyer bounces and floats so you can take… Chewy This is a great dog toy for your pooch. This fun fetch toy can soar and it also floats, making it a great water toy. This set is great for training your dog to learn new tricks or commands with an easy to set up obstacle course. This outdoor training set features one circular collapsible tunnel, six weave poles, and an adjustable jump with hoop that come in a slim carry case. You can teach him new tricks and commands with this easy-to-set-up obstacle course. He actually has a real hoop to jump through! The kit comes with 1 circular, collapsible tunnel, 6 weave poles, and that adjustable hoop. It will provide you and your dog with hours of fun, mentally stimulating exercise. Here are a couple of great toys that offer a new twist on the classic tennis ball. Your pup will love fetching this squeaky tennis ball whether playing indoors or enjoying the great outdoors. As far as rubber toys go, these are top-of-the-line! They can be used indoors or out, and they are made with high-quality rubber to ensure they will last a long time. Be sure to order GSD-sized balls. Balls that are too small can present a choking hazard. It has the classic rubber ball enclosed in a durable rubber phthalate-free and lead-free shell that helps it last longer. It also keeps your formidable chewer from damaging the squeaker as easily as with other toys. The outer natural rubber shell not only protects the rubber ball but also gives your dog another fun texture to work with. What more can you ask for? Final Thoughts German shepherds are a popular dog breed that will be a loyal best friend for many years. There are also some fun toys on our list for you to enjoy with your buddy too! This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one, Outward Hound may receive a small commission. With so many unique options on the market, it can be difficult to figure out which of them are the best toys for German Shepherds. So why exactly does a German Shepherd need to have toys? Toys Provide Physical Stimulation Have you ever felt the need to do something with your hands? Nothing specific, you just feel like your hands have to be moving, and most of the time, you just find a small, repeated movement like twiddling your thumbs. German Shepherds are the same, and often feel the need for some sort of physical engagement. The difference, however, is that they feel the need to do something with their teeth, which usually means chewing. Without toys to keep them busy, your German Shepherd will start chewing anything and everything they can get a hold of. Toys Provide Relief In another case of dogs being remarkably similar to humans, your German Shepherd will often use their favorite toy as a security blanket of sorts. This is because a familiar toy helps soothe their mind by giving them comforting scents and physical stimulation. Toys are Great Training Aids As with anything your German Shepherd enjoys, the right dog toy is an excellent motivator during training. Just use it like you would any other training aid, giving them a bit of time to play with it after they successfully follow a command. This will allow your German Shepherd to associate training with play, creating a much more fun and positive experience for all parties involved. Toys Help Build Strong Bonds Of course, having plenty of dog toys also provides you with the opportunity to bond with your German Shepherd. Toys Prevent Boredom As we mentioned before, German Shepherds need steady sources of physical stimulation, and this stimulation helps to stave off boredom. Bored dogs may become depressed or anxious, causing them to embrace destructive behaviors such as chewing. Essentially, giving your dog plenty of fun toys is a way to keep them happy and healthy and your belongings undamaged. First of all, the toys you buy need to be tough. From there, look for variety. Your pup should have access to a variety of toys, textures, and functions. Go for a mixture of hard toys, soft toys, chew toys, puzzles, and anything else your pup will enjoy! The best toys for your German Shepherd appeal to their natural instincts as a herding dog. In addition, you need to consider that German Shepherds are particularly prone to separation anxiety, so they should have a mentally engaging toy to keep themselves occupied, such as a treat puzzle. German Shepherd Exercise Needs German Shepherds are large, energetic dogs, so they need about hours of exercise per day. You should try to give them a variety of activities aside from your standard walk such as wrestling, chasing, or searching for objects. A good combination of mental and physical exercise will keep your pup happy and healthy! It comes with a variety of items your pup will love, with two ultra-tough toys, two bags of diet-adjustable bags of treats, and two delicious chews. Indestructible Beef-Flavored Bone This indestructible chew toy comes with a delicious beef flavor that will keep your German Shepherd entertained and always ready to play. Orka Bone Dog Chew Toy This dog bone is unique, serving both as your standard chew toy and a treat puzzle. Just pop a treat each into the two treat compartments and let your dog gnaw on the resilient rubber bone! Naturals Jute Puzzle Rope Dog Toy This toy is perfect for when you want to play with your German Shepherd, made of a tough, plant-based material designed to withstand game after game of tug of war. It works much like a standard puzzle toy, but once your furry friend gets the tennis ball out, you can treat them to a good old-fashioned game of fetch! Tux Tough Treat Dispensing Dog Chew Toy For more persistent chewers, this puzzle toy from Tux is incredibly tough, but also tricky enough to provide a solid challenge. Harry Barker Cotton Rope Tug and Toss Toy This toy is designed for humans and pups who love playing together, perfect for the two most popular games: fetch and tug of war! While there are plenty of good toys for your German Shepherd to play with, there are also plenty of bad ones. One of the greatest dangers certain toys present is their size. Many toys, especially plastic ones, can be chewed down to a sharp point after a while, which then poses a risk of choking or injury. If you notice that a pointy tip has been formed, the best thing to do is toss the toy out and buy a new one. Finally, stay away from toys with frills or ribbons as well as those that resemble common household objects. Toys that resemble household objects, on the other hand, can promote destructive habits. Your pup is sure to be happier, healthier, and absolutely thrilled with their new toys! Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions! German Shepherds will enjoy just about any toy you give them, but they definitely prefer toys that engage their natural instincts. Toys such as frisbees or tennis balls that allow them to chase will appeal to their herding instincts, while treat puzzles will help keep them mentally engaged. Of course, everyone needs a bit of mindless entertainment, which your standard chew toy will deliver perfectly. German Shepherds are an extremely intelligent and active dog breed, so they need a fairly high amount of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them from becoming bored or depressed. Most vets recommend getting in around hours of exercise or playtime with your German Shepherd, as well as keeping around a variety of toys so that they have multiple ways to keep themselves mentally engaged. Of course, they have to be able to keep themselves entertained sometimes, but nothing beats direct engagement, so try to play with your German Shepherd directly whenever you have the time. German Shepherds all have standard dog hobbies such as walking and wrestling, but their instincts as herding dogs mean they also have a few unique interests. Or sometimes even their humans! Being the little balls of energy they are, German Shepherd puppies need plenty of toys to learn and grow. Once you reach the teething stage, chew toys are going to be an absolute must to allow them to teeth without destroying your valuables. In addition, you want to promote their natural spirit of curiosity and adventurousness from a young age, so be sure to keep them mentally stimulated with a variety of puzzles as well. The best interactive toys for German Shepherds typically have some sort of food reward involved, giving your pup incentive to focus on the toy. German Shepherds are commonly known to suffer from separation anxiety, but having something like a puzzle or a kong will keep them busy enough to prevent that anxiety from setting in. Related Articles:. With a curved base, this chewable wiggles back and forth as your pup tries to lick and chew, keeping him focused on the tasty task. Features: Made of vanilla-scented natural rubber Can be filled with liquids like bone broth, pastes like dog-safe peanut butter, and solids like kibble Safe for washing on the top shelf of your dishwasher for easy upkeep Made in China Can be used with most common canine treats Fun, tasty way to beat the summer heat Great pricing perfect for stocking up and having several ready at a time! Cons Not the toughest chew on the market Different Types of Toys for German Shepherds The German shepherd is a large, active dog requiring daily physical and mental exercise. Toys are an excellent tool for making the task easier and provide a fun way to unwind with your pooch and build your bond. Dog toys come in many forms, however, with some better suited for German shepherds than others. The most common types of toys enjoyed by German shepherds are: Balls and Fetch Toys The German shepherd is a chase-happy floof ready to run, making fetch toys like balls or Frisbees some of the best toys for him. Like retrievers, German shepherds can be a little too fetch-obsessed, giving your arm one heck of a workout. Invest in a dog ball launcher to make things easier and give your arm a break. Incorporating a treat-dispensing ball is another great idea, as these toys keep your shepherd occupied on his own as he paws, nudges, and shakes the ball to free goodies hidden inside. Doing your homework here is vital since chews come in various types, from chew toys for teething puppies to long-lasting chews for the most determined chewers. Some German shepherd owners like to offer edible chews on occasion, too, such as beef collagen and bully sticks. Tug Toys Most German shepherds love a good game of tug, so tug toys are a natural choice for the breed. These toys should be large enough that you and your dog or your dog and another dog can safely hold either end of the toy. Training Toys Many German shepherds have specialized skills that require ongoing training. This can include working dogs like police pups and herders or those who practice canine sports like Schutzhund or agility. Maintaining these skills takes a lot of training that can get boring or repetitive. Adding dog training toys to the mix makes sessions more fun and engaging. Water Toys Not every shepherd is wild about the wet stuff, but water-loving ones are obsessed. Puzzle toys offer a great test and heaps of fun for your wise woofer, usually with a tasty reward that food-motivated shepherds are eager to work for. Every dog has likes and dislikes that may not always align with their breed. Also, consider his age and overall health. Picking a Toy for Your German Shepherd: Things to Think About Every dog is unique, but there are some basics to consider while toy shopping, as only some products are a good fit or even safe for your dog. This is especially true with a large breed known to be hard on toys like a German shepherd. Another dog might prefer a simple chew for laid-back fun. Food-motivated shepherds love Lickimats as an indoor option. Freezing them helps them last longer, too. Snuffle mats are another great option, as they put his sniffer to work for hidden goodies. Toys made of solid heavy-duty rubber or nylon are ideal, particularly those without small pieces that can be chewed away. While fun for a dog to gnaw at, these nubs are choking and ingestion hazards if chewed free and swallowed. Materials Dog-safe construction is a must for any toy. The U. Dangerous chemicals like arsenic and lead have been found in toys manufactured overseas. For this reason, many pet parents opt for American-made dog toys only. Other toys can be used for games of fetch on land or in water, and some can double as chew toys and tuggers. Warranty Some manufacturers stand behind their products so much that they offer a money-back or replacement guarantee if your doggo damages or destroys the toy. Sometimes, these have time limits such as 30 days, while others offer lifetime guarantees. These warranties are great for peace of mind about the product and for getting the most for your money. Most toys can be rinsed clean with mild soap and water, while others are dishwasher-safe for more in-depth cleaning. To keep your German shepherd safe around his toys: Purchase responsibly: Only buy size-appropriate toys for your dog made of dog-friendly, non-toxic ingredients. These super hard chews are especially risky for dogs who chomp down on toys versus gnawing at them. To see if a dog toy is too hard, press your fingernail into it. You also want to see if any are due for a cleaning or if your pup has outgrown them super important with puppies! Discard damaged or small toys: Promptly trash any broken or damaged toys. These are serious choking and ingestion hazards, as well as risks for mouth lacerations if they have sharp edges. Not only are these foul-smelling, but they can also make you and your dog sick. Every dog is different. When in doubt, ask your vet. The Importance of Toys for German Shepherds All dogs originated with a job, but few take working as seriously as the German shepherd. From herding to police work to sniffing out bombs, these doggos are the floofs-of-all-trades in the dog world. This makes the breed one of many that need a job, which can be hard to offer all the time. This is where toys come in. Here are a few ways toys benefit German shepherds: Burning off physical energy. German shepherds started out herding livestock around the farm, covering large swaths of land with speed and agility. This athleticism remains at the heart of the breed and demands a daily outlet. A long walk or brisk jog is ideal, but not everyone can go as fast or as long as the breed would like to. Toys help take off some of the physical workload of exercising your German shepherd. Instead of hiking with your dog for an hour every day which not everyone can do! Providing mental stimulation. He can and will get bored quickly. This is where toys can shine. Easing anxiety. Anxiety can lead to many issues, from destructive chewing to nuisance barking and even health problems. Offering a safe outlet for chewing instincts. Chewing is a natural instinct that dogs need to express. This is as costly as it is dangerous, with non-chew items risking potential mouth injury, bowel obstruction, and poisoning. Does your German shepherd have any of the toys we listed? Share the details in the comments for other shepherd parents! Like it? Share it! Goughnuts Toy Collection This toy collection has a style and shape for every bite. They are virtually indestructible dog tug toys for aggressive power chewers that come with a Lifetime Guarantee! They are ideal for interactive play and bonding. This toy is excellent for even the most aggressive chewers and helps reduce problem behaviors such as chewing and separation anxiety. It has dental ridges that are stimulating for your dog while also cleaning your dog's teeth while he chews, helping prevent tooth decay and bad breath. Made from an all-natural rubber compound that is FDA compliant, non-toxic and biodegradable. It is sustainably harvested helping us reduce our carbon footprint. Animal and planet friendly! It is one of the most durable dog balls around! These balls will stand up to the toughest dogs and comes in several sizes. They roll and float on water and will help your dog relieve his built-up energy. Proudly made in the USA from hard plastic. This mat provides hours of enrichment for your pet. Licking soothes and calms your dog. Also promotes fresh breath, healthy teeth and gums and stimulates saliva to aid digestive health. This is not a chew toy! They fly slow, straight, and level, making them easy to catch. They are made of highly durable soft foam that will hold up to being in your dog's mouth without cutting or hurting them. Even floats in water. Colors may vary. These are not chew toys. Ball On Rope Hollow -Gappay This fun tug toy is built to last and is made from high-quality material for a long life. However, the ball is tapered on the inside to help prevent it from pulling off the cord so that the risk swallowing is minimized. Hollow cast, colors vary. Bite tug, fetch toy-Bull Fit These tug toys equal fun and great for training. They are made from high quality firehose and French linen material that will provide hours of interactive play to help strengthen the bond between you and your furry buddy, to keep them happy and healthy. At the end of play, the bright color is easy to spot. This toy is durable but is not a chew toy. The ring is light and easy to work with which allows you to train a dog for a long time. The unique durable non-toxic material will not damage your dog's teeth and gums. It also floats which opens up additional opportunities for training and interacting with the dog. Made in the Ukraine. Comes in 2 sizes. This durable ball is perfect for pet parents seeking a new and exciting game to play with your dog. Strategically created with our four-legged friends in mind, this ball toy for dogs is designed with a unique indented shape that creates a handle for both dogs and their human play buddies to pick up, carry, and roll. Made of durable rubber with an authentic basketball feel, this fun dog toy keeps its shape, even if punctured. Plus, the innovative design offers mesmerizing bounce-and-roll action. Bounce crazier, grip better, and play harder with the Original B Ball Gripz basketball toy for dogs! Not only do you have to make sure that the toy is big and strong enough to withstand a dog that is as powerful as a German shepherd, but you also have to make sure that it is interesting and engaging enough to keep their attention. If you are the owner of a German shepherd, then you know how true this is. Fortunately, there are a few German shepherd toys on the market that are sure to please even the most discerning dog. Here are my favorite picks for the best German shepherd toys of the year: 1. KONG Extreme Dog Toy One of the most important factors in finding the right toy for your German shepherd is making sure that it is strong enough to withstand their powerful jaws. The KONG Extreme Dog Toy is specifically designed for the toughest of chewers, with a durable natural rubber formula that can withstand even the most powerful bites. Another great feature of the KONG Extreme Dog Toy is that it can be stuffed with bits and kibbles, making it a fun and interesting toy to play with. German shepherds are known for their intelligence, and this toy is sure to engage their minds as they figure out how to get the treats inside. You can fill it with your dog's favorite treats such as peanut butter or cheese, or you can even freeze it to keep them entertained for even longer. This bounce helps to fulfill a dog's need to play, providing them with hours of entertainment. Plus, the unpredictable bounce also helps to keep your dog's mind sharp and engaged. The Harry Barker Cotton Rope Tug and Toss is not only a great toy for playing games of tug-of-war with your German shepherd, but it can also help floss their teeth. This flying disc is perfect for playing fetch with your German shepherd in the park, throwing it around in the yard, or even taking it to the beach or lake for some water fetch fun. West Paw Zogoflex Zisc Flying Disc is made from a material that is more pliable than a hard-shell Frisbee and faster than those made from fabric. This means that it will fly farther and faster than other discs, making it more fun for your German shepherd to play with. The pliability of the material also means that it is more likely to bounce back into your hand when thrown, making it easier to play with for both you and your dog. This means that it is safe for your German shepherd to play with, and you can feel good about using it around them. There are no bleaches or chemicals used in the manufacturing process, ensuring that the Barkworthies Elk Antlers Dog Treat is a safe and healthy treat for your pet. Here are some of the benefits of giving your German shepherd the Barkworthies Elk Antlers Dog Treat: German shepherds are an active breed of dog that needs proteins and minerals to maintain their health. Barkworthies Elk Antlers Dog Treats are a good source of both of these things. The antlers are hard enough to help remove plaque and tartar from your dog's teeth, but they are not so hard that they will damage your dog's gums. The Barkworthies Elk Antlers Dog Treat is not only good for your dog's teeth and gums, but it is also beneficial for their mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. Chewing on the antlers helps to reduce stress and anxiety, and it also provides a healthy outlet for your dog's natural chewing instincts. Don't wait any longer - get your German shepherd the best toys money can buy from Glad Dogs Nations today! With such a wide variety of toys to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect one for your pup.

Although purebred dogs are carefully bred over generations according to the breed standard the written description of the ideal physical and temperamental traits of the breed , hybrid dogs like the shih tzu—poodle mix have no official standard. This means that characteristics like height and weight, body structure, color, coat type, and temperament are less predictable than they are in purebred dogs. Different breeders may have different ideas of what constitutes the perfect shih tzu—poodle mix. Additionally, shih tzu—poodle mixes are not recognized by any of the reputable purebred dog registries such as the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club. Shih Tzu—Poodle Mix Care The low-shedding coats of both shih tzu and poodles require of upkeep, and the grooming requirements for shih tzu—poodle mixes are similar. Brush daily or every other day to keep the coat untangled and to prevent mats from forming. Like poodles and shih tzu, shih tzu—poodle mixes require regular haircuts from a professional groomer. Also trim the nails every two weeks and check the ears once a week, cleaning them with a pet safe ear cleaner if they appear dirty. Excessive dirt or redness in the ears means a veterinary visit is in order. Shih tzu—poodle mixes are smart, but how trainable they are depends whether they inherited more the eager-to-please personality of the Poodle or the more stubborn nature of the shih tzu. Regardless, positive-reinforcement methods like clicker training using tasty treat rewards gets great results from any dog. Despite being indoor dogs, shih tzu—poodle mixes still need some exercise. Aim for two walks a day or one walk and one play session in a safely enclosed space like your fenced yard. More energetic shih tzu—poodle mixes with trainable personalities might also like training for fun dog sports like agility, flyball, and obedience. Each breed has certain inherited health disorders in their family background, and those health issues can be passed on to the puppies in a litter. Breeding shih tzu to poodles means the puppies could potentially inherit any of the genetic diseases common to either breed. Shih tzu are prone to hip dysplasia , patellar luxation slipped kneecap , and various eye problems including cataracts , progressive retinal atrophy, retinal detachment, and eyelid abnormalities. Responsible breeders start with healthy, well-bred adult purebred shih tzu and poodles and test them for the genetic diseases common to their breed before breeding them together. Responsible breeders should also test their adult shih tzu—poodle hybrids before breeding them to decrease the odds that the puppies will inherit genetic issues. Responsible breeders also offer a health guarantee on their puppies that protects the puppy buyer in case the puppy develop a genetic disease later in life. Many shih tzu—poodles will overeat if you keep the bowl filled, so instead serve measured meals twice a day. Ask to your veterinarian for a recommendation for a healthy food for your shih tzu—poodle mix, as well as an ideal healthy weight for your adult shih tzu—poodle. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. They are not purebreds like their Shih Tzu or Poodle parents. Shih-Poo coats can be curly like their Poodle parent, straight like their Shih-Tzu parent, or a combination of the two. They are generally considered hypoallergenic. Shih-Poos can come in black, white, brown, brindle, and all variations and color combinations. Like most small dogs, Shih-Poos can be prone to dental health issues. Maintain proper dental hygiene for your Shih-Poo. Shih-Poos are pretty versatile and can live in just about any kind of home. Shih-Poos come from the loyal, adorable Shih Tzu, and the intelligent, sophisticated Poodle. Unfortunately, like any other breed, these little cutie pies wind up in shelters, from people not wanting a long-term commitment. If you keep your eyes out for a Shih Tzu or Poodle rescue, in your area, that is most likely where you will find a Shih-Poo awaiting adoption. They are not acknowledged as an official breed at the present time. That said, as a mix between Shih-Tzu and Toy Poodle parents, you can expect the Shih-Poo to be on the small side Most weigh in at eight to 18 pounds and range in height from eight to 18 inches. As Poodle and Shih Tzu size can vary between teacup, miniature and standard, the size of the Shih-Poo will also vary. Shih Tzus can be stubborn, but what they lack in trainability, they make up for in personality ten fold. They are incredibly friendly, attentive, and cute, while Poodles are intelligent, trainable, and active. Shih-Poo personalities can vary but typically will fall in the middle of parental traits. Most Shih-Poos are described as friendly and playful. While Shih-Poos enjoy a good siesta, they also enjoy walks and thrive on playtime. They may not be eager to learn new tricks but do enjoy interaction and attention. Shih-Poos may not be as barky as their Poodle parent, but may alert you to any displeasures, such as a missed meal, with a single bark until every few minutes until needs are met. Training and socialization should be established early on. Consistency and positive reinforcement are the ways to go with Shih-Poos. Shih-Poo Health While many designer crossbreeds have improved overall health, they can inherit health issues their parents are prone to. That said, Shih-Poos can typically live approximately 16 years on average in relatively great health. Watch for signs of heat stroke if your dog happens to have a shorter snout. As a small dog, they can be prone to dental problems. Maintain good dental care and have their teeth regularly checked and professionally cleaned. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Make sure Shih-Poos are kept on a dietary schedule. Do not allow free-feeding as they will overeat and rapidly gain weight. They will need regular potty breaks and one or two ten-to minute walks a day for optimal health. Dental issues can be problematic. Regular teeth cleanings are recommended, as well as systematic dental chews and teeth brushings. Your vet should be able to help you establish a routine. Shih-Poo ears should be kept clean and dry. After bathing, take extra steps to ensure this. If your pup gets a smelly, pungent odor, they may have an ear infection. Ear cleaning solution can help keep your pup from getting infections and unnecessary trips to the vet. Shih-Poo Feeding An ideal Shih-Poo diet should be formulated for a small-sized breed with medium energy. High quality food is recommended, as they do tend to have dental issues. They should not be allowed to free feed as they may gain weight. A feeding schedule is ideal with a minimum of treats. They can get the curly fur from their Poodle parent, the straight fur from their Shih-Tzu parent, or a combination of the two, which is most likely. The color will vary, as well. They can come in black, white, brown, brindle, and all variations and color combinations. Daily brushings, as well as monthly groomings, will help keep your pup looking and feeling their very best. You may also want to give them a few baths in between, but not more than weekly, as their skin and coat can get dry and irritated. Shih-Poos prefer to be mostly around adults or older kids who know how to play gently. That said, for children who learn early how to properly approach and play with a small dog, the Shih-Poo can make a great companion. When it comes to other pets, Shih-Poos can get along with other animals if they are introduced slowly and calmly, and early socialization will help this go smoothly. Shih-Poos can be left alone for short periods of time, but a second dog could be ideal for them, especially in their later years. However, you may want to try Shih Tzu or Poodle breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. The tiny size of the shih-poo has made them typically shy towards strangers. However, having a friendly disposition, they are keen in pleasing their owners. They know how to socialize with children and other pets. It is pretty easy for the owner to train this intelligent, alert pet. They are loyal, loving and affectionate, enjoying attention and spending time caressed, sitting on the laps of their family members. This makes them a good companion dog to families with elderly people. Care Exercise Shipoos enjoy outing, and require a moderate amount of exercise. Take them out for a medium to short walk every day. Since they also love playing, allow them to play without a leash if you have an enclosed yard space. Shihpoos also get a fairly good amount of exercise, shedding calories while playing around all day. Grooming The coat of the shihpoo is wavy to curly that needs regular brushing. This is to avoid their long hair from getting matted. Brush it with a soft brush with special attention to its hindquarters, behind the ears, and beneath the shoulders. You can also seek for professional help every 3 to 4 months. Health Problems Being a cross breed, they are not much vulnerable to catching diseases, except for the general health problems. Since their inner ear temperature runs more than normal because of their floppy ears, they are much vulnerable to ear infections. To avoid this, keep their ears dry, especially after bath. Also insist on a good dental health regimen since they might as well be susceptible to dental issues. Training The ready-to-please attitude, along with loyalty and intelligence have made the shihpoos easily trainable. Socialize them from their puppy-days, and train them get used to strangers and be tolerant with other pets. Crate training is also easy, since this dog loves to poop and pee in such places that are away from their sleeping place. Like many small dogs, this breed tends to act stubborn at times. So be sure to be strict and authoritative while training so that they understand the rule that it is you who is the leader of its new pack. But never be rude, since these dogs do not respond well to harsh training techniques. Hence, monitor its dietary habits and calorie intake. Like most other dogs of the size, insist on raw meat diet, and try avoiding foods not good for dogs in general. But, to be specific, dry foods like kibble is advisable for this breed, since they are prone to develop issues with teeth and might very easily suffer from premature loss of teeth. This should also keep it safe from gum infections and bad breath. Interesting Facts The Shih-poo is mostly a mixture of a shih-tzu and a mini Poodle. A shih-poo having a standard Poodle is extremely uncommon. If healthy, these dogs do very well in dog sports like agility, obedience, and rally. Shipoo Description The Shih-Poo is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Shih Tzu and the Poodle. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. She is a Shih-Poo. Her mother was a Shih Tzu and father was a Toy Poodle. She is very energetic and very affectionate. This is her before and after her grooming. He loves playing with his toys and cuddling. He is a mix between a Toy Poodle and a Shih Tzu. He can be very hard headed at times, but for the most part he listens. He is my little teddy bear! Chanel's dad was a Poodle and her mother was a Shih Tzu. Chanel inherited the smartness from her dad and the sweet and lovable genes of her mom. Dezi is a year old, and she is attention seeking and mischievous. High energy and social, but has picked up some bad habits from my other dog Jude. Jude loves attention, and can become jealous of Dezi. He is an obsessive barker and is high energy also. Loves to please his owner, and has developed little dog syndrome. Both of my dogs I love dearly and are excellent family pets. She doesn't shed, but needs to be groomed every 6 to 8 weeks. Her weight is 16 lbs. Maggie is very smart. She was potty trained within a couple of weeks. On walks she does not require a leash. She gets along with other dogs, although Maggie can be shy with people she does not know. She is a great watchdog. Nobody can get in the house without her knowing about it. Life Span Did You Know? The Shih-Poo has an adorable, alert expression and small, sturdy body. They can take after the Poodle parent, the Shih-Tzu parent, or be any combination of the characteristics of both parent breeds. Shih-Poos tend to be friendly, playful, and affectionate. They love their families and are avidly devoted to them. They tend to be friendly to other dogs, strangers, other pets, and children. They tend to do better with older children who have been taught how to carefully handle a dog. Due to their small size, a Shih-Poo can be easily hurt by rough play or accidental falls. They can do well in families with younger children as long as any time with them is closely supervised. The Shih-Poo tends to be a courageous little dog. They make excellent watchdogs because they are very alert. However, they can become territorial and barking can become a nuisance if left unchecked. Early socialization and training can help curb these tendencies and help your Shih-Poo puppy grow into a well-behaved, confident dog. This designer dog breed is highly adaptable. They do well in apartments as well as in larger homes and tend to do well in most climates. They are sensitive to extreme heat or cold, so they do best in moderate climates. Due to their small size, they may need to layer up for short trips outside when winter rolls in. Because Shih-Poos crave affection and love their humans, they do not like being left alone for long periods of time. The Shih-Poo is a generally healthy designer dog breed. Although the genetic mix can sometimes result in winning the genetic lottery, a mixed dog breed can still be susceptible to health conditions common in one or both of the parent breeds in the cross. By talking with the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and asking to see any health clearances, you can allay several of these potential health concerns. This designer dog breed is highly intelligent and can be easy to train. However, they can also have a stubborn streak that can cause some difficulty for first-time dog owners. This is often easily remedied with the help of some puppy training classes. They can also be difficult to housebreak, but it can be done with plenty of training, consistency, and patience. Crate training can also help. Shih-Poos respond best to positive, reward-based training. Whether with praise, treats, or play, you can reward your Shih-Poo for the behavior you like, which will encourage them to do more of it. Coat types and colors can vary greatly in your Shih-Poo. They can have the long, silky, and straight coat of the Shih Tzu, the short, curly, and non-shedding coat of the Poodle, or a combination of both. Most Shih-Poos end up with a curly or wavy, low or non-shedding coat. However, you should be prepared for your Shih-Poo to exhibit either coat type of the parent breeds. This coat looks its best with a combination of brushing a few times a week at home and then professional grooming every four to six weeks. This will help remove tangles and loose hair and prevent matting. Regular dental care is also important. Small dogs are more prone to dental disease. Drop down ears, or floppy ears, are more prone to ear infections because they can trap moisture, dirt, or debris. Daily walks and some indoor playtime will give this dog plenty of exercise. Beyond that, most of them can keep up with you on longer walks and can even compete in dog sports like rally, obedience, and agility. Be sure to check with your vet first and get your dog cleared before taking on any rigorous activities or training for dog sports. A Shih-Poo will generally stand 8 to 15 inches tall and weigh between 7 and 20 pounds. The size of the mother dog can give you a good idea of what to expect in your dog. This designer dog breed usually lives for 15 years or more. Some have even been known to live for 21 years! Featured Shih-Poo Article.

All joking aside, I wanted to find out whether French Bulldogs do actually dream, what science says, and if they do dream what are they dreaming about? Do French Bulldogs dream? There is evidence to suggest that dogs do dream. Scientists have tested canine brain waves and found that when sleeping, dogs exhibit similar deep sleep and REM like us, which could indicate your French Bulldog is actually dreaming. In fact, the research read more on LiveScience. French Bulldog puppy dreaming It was found that puppies may even dream more than adult dogs. This is because their mind is alive with exciting new experiences with their growing brain trying to process all of this intense activity. French Bulldog puppies probably dream more than adult Frenchies due to their growing brains and stimulation. What do French Bulldogs dream about? Whilst we can only guess what French Bulldogs are dreaming about, we can make a few assumptions based on how they behave in their sleep. As humans we like to replay the things that have happened in our own experiences. It could be that twitching and paddling of legs during sleep indicates your Frenchie is dreaming about running, chasing, and jumping. A barking Frenchie who is asleep could be dreaming about interacting with you or another dog. We will never know for sure of course. How do I know if my Frenchie is dreaming? Claude, our own Frenchie, will start dreaming by his eye lids starting to flicker and his breathing will become irregular. Sometimes his eyes will appear half open and it can be quite a strange thing to witness. The eye flickering is the REM or rapid eye movement I mentioned earlier. This signals that your Frenchie is now in deep sleep mode, the typical time when dreaming will start. They may also let off little growls, quiet barks and gruff sounds, or little whimpers. Just watch him from the time he starts to doze off. After a period of about 20 minutes for an average-sized dog, his first dream should start. You will recognize the change because his breathing will become shallow and irregular. How to tell if your Frenchie is having a bad dream Of course, just like humans, dogs probably have bad dreams as well as good ones. We can make a few assumptions though. For example, if your French Bulldog has been scared, anxious or distressed during the day, their dreams could be bad. Signs to look out for would be crying , growling, or whining. If you see this, you might want to do your French Bulldog a favor and gently wake him up from his dream sleep. Be careful though. A dog having a bad dream could take some time to wake up properly and might react badly with a bite if they are feeling threatened in their sleep. Some people suggest letting dogs stay asleep when they are having a bad dream. I prefer to gently wake our Frenchie up though. A dreaming dog and a dog having a seizure whilst sleeping can be quite similar. With a dreaming Frenchie you will typically see the leg paddling, kicking, and twitching only lasting for around 30 seconds. If your French Bulldog is having a seizure rather than a dream, the motions will be different. A seizure during sleep will often be signalled by more rigid and violent stiff movements and a difference in how they breathe. During REM sleep dreaming, the breath will be shallower and irregular. During a sleep seizure, dogs can sometimes urinate and defecate. Conclusion Based on the scientific evidence I am a firm believer that French Bulldogs do dream. I think our own Frenchie probably dreams about his walks at the park, meeting other dogs, chasing cats, and playing with my son. While in college, he was the Editorial Head of the school's literary magazine, Tusitala, for two years. There he helped set up a food pantry in the West Garfield Park neighborhood. It looks like he's almost trying to run. He may even let out a soft whimper now and again. Is he dreaming, and just what is he dreaming of? For animals that spend up to half their day sleeping, it's presumptuous to think dogs don't dream. Of course, they do. Gary Richter, an award-winning veterinary health expert with Rover. Scientists now know that dogs experience multiple sleep stages during a standard sleep cycle, and during REM sleep rapid eye movement , they dream just like we do, complete with twitches and whimpers. Dogs hit the REM cycle after about 20 minutes of sleep. There have also even been studies that found dogs sleep better in their own bed rather than on a strange bed and sleep better after exercise rather than after being sedentary. Sounds a lot like us. Some dogs dream more than others. What's more, a dog's size plays a role when it comes to his dreams. Larger dogs have longer dreams—up to about five minutes—with an hour of non-dream time between dreaming sessions. What Do Dogs Dream About? While no one knows for sure what your dog dreams about, researchers think they likely dream about dog things like chasing squirrels, running after rabbits, and playing fetch with you. But while dogs dream happy dreams about fun activities, they can also have bad dreams or nightmares. They may replay traumatic events or dream about fears like being alone, getting in a fight with another dog, or being in a thunderstorm. However, if your dog is growling or acting aggressively in his sleep, you don't want to wake him in case he accidentally nips you in his confused dream state. In this case, either just observe nearby or use verbal cues like calling his name to see if you can awaken him from the nightmare. Once he's fully awake and shakes off his dream, a good cuddle is all he needs for comfort and sweet dreams again. Talk with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog's dreams or sleep problems. Frequently Asked Questions Do dogs dream about their owners? Dr Deirdre Barrett , a clinical and evolutionary psychologist at Harvard Medical School, carried out extensive research into sleep behavior and concluded that is a reasonable assumption that your dog dreams very much in the same way you do. People vary as to how often they dream and what they dream about, and researchers believe that is true of dogs, as well. Coren reports that small dogs have more frequent dreams than large dogs, but those small dog dreams are shorter in duration. Large dogs, on the other hand, have fewer, but longer dreams. Is my dog dreaming or having a seizure? If your dog is having a seizure, they will likely collapse and experience muscle spasms. Dreaming dogs may move their legs or make whimpering noises. Was this page helpful? They are also very intelligent. Because they are so smart, they are also very active in their dreams. But do French bulldogs dream? Is this a reality and how would you know about it? French bulldog typically sleeps too much more than us. But the stages they pass through, during their slumber, resemble those normally experienced by humans. In fact, studies have shown that dogs follow in similar ways to humans the cycle of deep sleep and dreaming as well. This finding completely debunks the idea that only people can dream. What French bulldog Usually Dreams About? French bulldogs tend to have very active imaginations and they frequently dream of very doggy things such as swimming in a pool, running around outside without anyone. French bulldogs seem to have pretty similar dreams to human beings aside from the talking part obviously! In terms of the duration and frequency of their dreams, size matters a lot for dogs. Smaller dogs like Frenchies tend to dream more often, but for shorter periods than their larger peers. This may be because smaller dogs have smaller brains. However, in the case of large dog breeds, they occur less frequently but for a longer period of time. It is during this time when your French bulldog experiences their dreams and it is characterized by its breathing becoming quite unsettled and irregular. They may flicker their eyelids rapidly and appear to have half-closed eyes. The typical time for these REM cycles is towards the early parts of the night when your French bulldog will also be sleeping deeply. During the Rapid Eye Movement REM phase , your Frenchie may exhibit involuntary actions, especially in the legs, but also growls, gruff sounds, quiet barks, or whimpers as well. Can Your French bulldog have a Bad Dream? If your French bulldog has bad dreams, you are going to feel their pain too. All we know is that the way they move, grunt, and growl in their sleep can give us an idea of whether their night-time adventures with the other pooches in their dreamland are good or not so good. For example, if your dog seems restless, anxious, or scared during the day for some unreasonably unknown reason. There are high chances that your pet will have bad dreams at night and wake up frightened or crying. These include changes in favorite positions or playful movements like leg paddling for example. But if your French bulldog suddenly starts to move around in its sleep, it could be a sign that your dog is dreaming. Their body may begin to move around while they sleep, but their breathing will slow down and become erratically shallow during dreaming. In case of a seizure your dog feels sudden jerks and along with that they suffer from difficult breathing. Dogs on average spend about twelve to fourteen hours every day asleep. This goes for French bulldogs as well. While it may seem excessive, the amount of sleep your pup gets each day is pretty much standard for dogs their age. A dog like the French bulldog tends to sleep up to eighteen hours a day. However, if it seems like your pup is having trouble sleeping when they generally do, there could be something amiss. Your dog might have picked up stress or even become emotionally overwhelmed. French bulldogs are natural nappers. They love their sleep and often follow a routine. The dimension of this indoor house creates a sense of security and privacy that your puppy will love. In fact, they dream just as much as other domestic dogs. If your pup is getting his regular sleep he will dream. However, you should keep an eye on their routine to know that they are getting good sleep.

Food Quality can affect French Bulldogs appetite. Your Frenchie not eating could be due to food quality, such as the following things: french bulldog not eating and throwing up Food That Has Gone Rotten can affect French Bulldogs appetite Several dogs keep refusing rotten food, which usually occurs when fats inside have broken down due to poor storage or age. High-fat foods are much more susceptible to rancidity than low fatty foods. Little French Dog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Fresh Food Your French Bulldog may stop eating food after they have appreciated fresh, tinned, or raw food — undoubtedly due to the additional moisture and aroma that dogs love. These diets mainly raw are very often high in protein, which dogs enjoy. If you were using dog food, try something else with similar ingredients and tastes. Dog Snacks and Treats can affect French Bulldogs appetite Overuse of dog treats is almost sure to make your Frenchie fussier. When French Bulldog gets a lot of treats and experiences all the different types and tastes, they will expect the same thing from their food. Experimentation is probably the only way to see if treats are impacting their appetite. Try limiting the number of treats, switching to reduced-calorie alternatives, or providing treats on a rigid schedule. As you French Bulldog matures, they will tend to become more likely to avoid eating the food for no apparent reason. When your Frenchie seems to be getting bored with their food, change to a new flavor in the very same food or type. For example, switching from a beef-fresh diet to a lamb or chicken food may work. Feeling Stressed can affect French Bulldogs appetite New people and animals introduced into the house can be stressful for your Frenchie, mainly those who are elderly or timid. Evaluate if your Frenchie shows excitement for its food based on its natural environment. French Bulldogs with new, ongoing household shifts usually return to their old eating habits after a week or so. Illness can affect French Bulldogs appetite Reduced appetite in your French is often a symptom of illness, particularly if your French Bulldog has other ailments around the same period. Even though the loss of appetite in dogs may not automatically imply serious illness, timely medical care is essential as it may signify cancer, multiple systemic infections, discomfort, liver disease, and renal failure. Dental Issues can affect French Bulldogs appetite Your Frenchie may not want to eat because something is causing pain in their mouth. They may have a fractured or missing tooth, severe gum disease, and perhaps an oral tumor. Vaccinations can affect French Bulldogs appetite Luckily, vaccines are available for many severe and contagious diseases of dogs. Even though these treatments have saved the lives of millions of animals throughout the years, they often have adverse effects. Most of these are mild and fleeting, like occasional loss of appetite in dogs. Traveling can affect French Bulldogs appetite When your French Bulldogs appetite is okay before you took a trip with them or moved to a different destination, it might be that your Frenchie will not eat due to travel or an unfamiliar environment. Several animals can experience travel sickness, and some may become anxious or uncomfortable in new locations. You can, however, attempt to heat the food a little and then soften the dried food by adding fresh water to see if it makes it much easier to consume and ingest. Within hours, if neither of those things succeeded, you should pay a visit to your vet. These diets are not that tasty for you, Frenchie, mainly if your dog is used to frequent treatments. Alternatively, speak to your vet regarding alternatives. In more extreme cases, your vet may recommend hunger-stimulating medicine, suggest medicine dropper-feeding a liquid diet, or use a feeding tube. Please assume all such links are affiliate links which may result in my earning commissions and fees. This will not incur additional cost to you. If your French Bulldog is a picky eater, no worries! There are things you can do to help. As a French Bulldog owner, it can be very stressful to watch your dog stop eating. Whether you have a puppy or an adult dog finding a solution for your French Bulldog is important to keep them healthy. This article will cover the most common reasons why your French Bulldog refuses to eat, when to worry about it, how long a French Bulldog can go without eating, and what you can do about it. Why does my French bulldog not want to eat? Well, there are several possible causes and determining what is causing it will help you know what to do next. He might have loose teeth, gum infections, cuts, or splinters. However, it is also possible that his teeth are too small to handle the pieces of kibble. You can visually check to see if there is anything wrong, or take your Frenchie to a doggie dentist. Anxiety or stress Did you recently move? Maybe your French Bulldog is just adjusting to a new environment. Low energy level Or, it could be that they are tired. Their energy level can impact how much they eat. Too hot Additionally, the temperature can affect their appetite. This is not a sign to worry about. Aging dogs can also develop health or dental problems which can lead to a lack of appetite or pain with eating. They also may start to lose their sense of smell which makes food less appealing. Medication or vaccine If your Frenchie is taking new medications or recently got a vaccine, that could cause his lack of appetite. Some drugs are appetite suppressants and can cause your dog to lose weight. This is normal and should clear up as soon as the medication or vaccine has cleared their system. Worst Case Scenario But it is possible that your dog has anorexia or is sick. If you notice a loss of energy and vomiting, you should take him to a veterinarian as soon as possible. In the worst case scenario, your French Bulldog could have cancer, liver issues, or kidney problems. Best Case Scenario In the best case scenario, he is just picky, and you can find ways to entice him! Make their food more enticing — Switch up dry for wet food If you use dry kibble food, try adding some warm water to soften it and make it easier to chew. If that does not work, then try switching to wet food. You can find some high quality wet food options, even though traditionally many dog owners have been told to use dry food since it requires them to chew it. You can also try mixing dry and wet food together to see if your French Bulldog likes that. Or, try switching up the type of food with a new flavor or new brand. Make their food more enticing — Add in human food Try adding raw or boiled chicken breast on top of their dry kibble food to see if that entices your French Bulldog to eat. Or, try a small amount of chicken or beef broth to give the food a nice smell. Even though many dog owners are hesitant to feed their dogs human food, it might be just the trick to get them to eat. Do not feed them treats between meals I know, you probably just want to get your French Bulldog to eat anything at this point. But do not give in and start feeding him treats between meals because that can discourage him from eating at mealtime. Plus, feeding him treats frequently can cause your dog to become a picky eater. Give your French Bulldog regular exercise Make sure to get in exercise with walks before meals because, just like for people, it can help them work up an appetite. Try dog toys and training If your French Bulldog likes toys, then this method may work for you. Try using a dog toy to train him to eat or check out an interactive feeding ball from a pet store. Use raised food and water bowls Since French Bulldogs have short necks, it can be hard for them to eat out of bowls at ground level. This can cause them to choke or even have pain while eating. Raising their food and water bowls can help. If necessary, hand feed If none of the above methods work for you, you can try hand feeding your French Bulldog. This should be saved as a last resort and can best help if your dog is sick and refusing to eat. You can use a syringe or feeding tube to get the food down. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics for an illness, or appetite boosting drugs. When should I worry about my dog not eating? Start tracking the time as soon as you notice your French Bulldog stops eating. Most brief experiences of stress or upset stomachs can pass within 24 to 48 hours. Therefore, you should contact a vet if your dog is still not eating after two days. However, if you notice any signs of illness like vomiting, diarrhea, loss of energy, sudden weight loss, or a dry and warm nose, then you should contact a vet within eight to twelve hours. And, if your French Bulldog is showing those signs and not drinking any water, contact a vet immediately. How long can a French Bulldog go without eating? French Bulldogs can often refuse to eat for a few meals in a row. Just like humans can fast for a few days and still survive, most dogs can last for up to five days without food assuming they are still drinking water. However, you do not want to wait that long to contact a vet. If they are still refusing to eat on day three, then you should contact a vet. Final Words At the end of the day, there are things you can do to help your French Bulldog eat. You should first try to figure out the cause of their lack of appetite and then try various ways to entice them to eat. Every dog has a unique appetite. Do not force your French Bulldog to eat more than they are comfortable eating. And, you may need to mix it up. They may start to notice patterns with your methods so trying new things regularly is normal. However, if you notice serious problems or their refusal to eat lasts for more than two days, you should see a vet as soon as possible. Disclaimer : FrenchieBuddy. Your puppy may refuse to eat if: The food has gone stale. There is a recent switch in puppy food that tastes or smells differently than the old food. There is food sensitivity to one or more ingredients. Your Frenchie puppy is a picky eater. You are overfeeding your puppy. Your puppy is bored with the food because they are eating the same thing every day. Your Frenchie puppy is stressed Puppies who suffer from stress or separation anxiety may not eat when left home alone. An anxious puppy waits for its owner to be there to eat. Underlying health problem An important step you should take as a puppy owner is to rule out any medical issue that can be an underlying reason your puppy may not be eating. If your puppy suddenly stopped eating without any changes in its routine, you should take your puppy to the vet for a check-up. Your Frenchie puppy is on medication Often treatment of a disease can give nausea and make your puppy not eat. Certain drugs are upsetting for puppies ' stomachs. Antibiotics and Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs cause loss of appetite. Your Frenchie puppy has dental problems Any mouth, gum, or teeth problems of your puppy may cause them to refuse to eat. They may not be eating because something in their mouth is causing pain and stopping them from swallowing properly. New surroundings, discoveries, new everything distracts from the desire to eat. Solving food-related loss of appetite in French Bulldog puppies When it comes to food-related reasons for a loss of appetite in French Bulldog puppy, here are some simple solutions to implement. When introducing new food to your French Bulldog puppy, don't be hasty and switch gradually to new food. Try to get high-quality food for your French Bulldog puppy. Find out which taste and smell your French Bulldog puppy likes and offer those foods. When switching food, choose an option with similar nutritional value. Slowly make the transition from one puppy food to another. You may also add a bit of warm water to your French Bulldog puppy's kibble to make it more appealing. Don't offer spoiled food and always check the expiration date before giving it to your French Bulldog puppy. If your French Bulldog puppy is sensitive to food ingredients, choose food without the ingredient your Frenchie puppy is sensitive to. If your French Bulldog puppy is bored with the same food for a longer time, add variety and mix things up every once in a while. Make sure the food is at the right temperature for your French Bulldog puppy. Treating environmental and behavioral loss of appetite in Frenchie puppies When it comes to behavioral and environmental reasons for a loss of appetite in Frenchie puppies, the process can be a little more time-consuming. Here are some useful tips for getting your French Bulldog puppy to eat regularly: Give your French Bulldog puppy enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. You should be patient and supportive. Cut back on treats and only give them as a reward. Take your French Bulldog puppy for a walk before mealtime or allow free play in the yard. Avoid giving table scraps to your French Bulldog puppy. Keep trash cans locked and away from your curious Frienchie fur baby. Keep dangerous things out of the reach of your French Bulldog puppy. Try to use products in your home that are known to be safe for the French Bulldog puppy. Keep all medicines in cabinets. If you accidentally drop a tablet on the floor, you should look for it immediately. Choose pet-safe household plants and flowers for your home and yard. Structured Feeding Schedule The structured feeding schedule is when you have a set time scheduled to feed your Frenchie puppy. However, this time you only allow your Frenchie puppy to eat for a certain amount of time. It often signals a serious underlying medical problem and must be examined by a vet. Finding and treating the underlying cause of loss of appetite in French Bulldog puppies is the best way to approach this problem. Your Frenchie puppy gets its energy from the food it eats. Unlike adult French Bulldogs, puppies need to eat food three times a day. Stick to a routine and give your Frenchie puppy regular potty breaks. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. Back to blog 1 comment My frenchie is active but not eating enough according to the chart. Mouth cancers and disease. Splinters or foreign objects in the mouth. The easiest way to tell is using a visual check. To find out what the different bad breath smells can mean, read this guide to Frenchie halitosis. Upset stomach and short illnesses If your French Bulldog is not eating and throwing up then this loss of appetite is inevitably due to a gastrointestinal problem, hopefully short term. Aside from not eating combined with vomiting, the lack of interest in eating food can also include diarrhoea. In cases like this, vets recommend you feed your Frenchie some bland foods to stop upsetting their stomachs further. The go to food for this method is a small amount of boiled chicken with plain rice. Handy Hint: Some Frenchies can reaction badly to chicken and other poultry meats. Medications and vaccinations You might find that your French Bulldog is not eating or drinking after a vet visit or a dose of medication. Many drugs can act as an appetite suppressant and will mean your dog loses appetite and weight during the period the drugs are taken. There can be similar results after puppy vaccinations. Thankfully, medicines and vaccinations only lead to a temporary loss of appetite, and your Frenchie should start eating again once the drugs have passed through their system. Their appetite changes with age We all know of old people who age and start eating considerably less food. Dogs are just the same; as they get older their appetite decreases. They can also develop health and dental problems which make eating harder than it used to be. As Frenchies get older, they can also start to lose the senses that helped make them such ferocious eaters in the first place. For example, if they start to lose their sense of smell, this will make them desire food less. We had to order a different brand and flavour altogether. It had great reviews and feedback and ticked all the boxes for what a nutritious dry food should be. However, Claude the Frenchie refused to eat it for 2 days straight. He was sniffing at the bowl, eating one or two small mouthfuls and leaving the rest. Yep, Frenchies are a very stubborn breed indeed! My wife was really worried about our French Bulldog not eating properly and wanted to start buying him chicken breasts. On the morning of the day 3, he wolfed his breakfast down and since then has eaten this new brand with his usual appetite. My conclusion on this; dogs can be fussy about what they eat. If you are experiencing the same thing with your Frenchie, you can try some of the following hacks to get them to eat properly again with a new food brand. Mix other foods in with the new: This could be some leftovers from the previous foods, or something you know they love to taste like chicken or a broth. Stop feeding them treats and scraps between meals: Frenchies are like kids. Cut the snacks out, and they might stop being so spoiled when mealtime comes around. If they have stopped eating the food, pick the bowl back up and hide it away. Do this at each mealtime, and eventually they will figure out that the food is here to stay once they get hungry. Before you know it, you might have given them so many that they physically cannot eat their main meal. Keep track on what you are feeding them between meals. As a guideline, an average sized adult Frenchie should eat calories each day. Getting food elsewhere A friend of mine lives on a farm that backs onto a large housing estate. Unknown to her, the dog was slipping under a fence twice a day and visiting a dear old lady who lived next to the farm. The morale of the story is this; do you know who is feeding your French Bulldog or whether they have an alternative food source? I am sure you do, but it needs to be discounted if your Frenchie has stopped eating and drinking completely. Serious health issues and pain A more prolonged loss of appetite in your Frenchie is a sign that something more serious is wrong. There are multiple health reasons that lead to a loss of appetite in Frenchies. However, there are signs of a health problem you can look out for in addition to the lack of interest in food, including: Lethargy and lack of energy. Aggressive behaviour. Rapid weight loss. The most important sign here is probably a French Bulldog not eating and lethargic. Vets report that lethargy and a reluctance to move and eat is a reason to get an appointment as soon as you can. Hot weather has a unique effect on dogs and how much they can and want to eat. They are very similar to us in this way. Think about how you are in the summer and winter months; do you eat more in the cold winter, and less in the summer? Let me explain in a little more detail why your French Bulldog is not eating in hot weather, followed by some feeding tips for hotter summer months. Why hot weather leads to a loss in appetite The reasons why we tend to eat lighter foods in the summer season is because we find it a lot harder to digest heavy and fatty foods. Dogs are very much the same as us in this way. This means they will not have as a large an appetite as they would in the winter months. Providing your Frenchie is not ill, and just wants to eat less, then let them guide you with their appetite portions. Try boiling chicken and cutting this into small pieces to add to a smaller portion of dry food or kibble. Feed your Frenchie in a cooler room. If they are still stubborn and refuse to eat in the heat, here are some raw foods you can try feeding to a French Bulldog who has stopped eating in the summer: Veggies that your Frenchie can eat in hot weather I only recommend the advice on the above links as a supplement to their diet, not a complete replacement. Hot summer months can lead to a loss of appetite. We will often give Claude portions of fruit cut up to cool him down. There is guidance in there about using ice cubes and frozen fruits. Our own dog Claude does this a lot. They could be missing breakfast due to: Perhaps not hungry first thing in the morning. If you walk your Frenchie in the morning, the advice is actually to feed them two hours after a walk. You can find out why in this guide I wrote. How do I get my French Bulldog to eat? Try warming up or softening the food with water to make digestion easier. If nothing else works after 48 hours and your Frenchie has still stopped eating, talk with your vet. They could do some of the following treatments: Could run health checks and blood tests to understand why the lack of appetite. Could administer intravenous fluids with electrolytes, particular if they stopped eating and drinking too. Could try feeding them with a syringe or feeding tube. Could treat an illness with antibiotics. Could prescribe appetite boosting drugs. Conclusion Every French Bulldog will go through a period of not eating at some point in their lives. However, time to worry is when the lack of eating is combined with shaking, lethargy, lots of vomiting, and continues past the 2 day mark. This is when you should contact your vet. You might also like… If you enjoyed my insights into why Frenchies lose their appetites, you might also find the following guides interesting: Goes here. Home » Blog » What to do if your dog refuses to eat? What to do if your dog refuses to eat? It can happen to anyone of us that our Frenchie is refusing to eat. This behavior can either indicate that your dog is being picky or a more serious, health-related issue. Why does my Frenchie refuse to eat? To do that, answer the following questions: Is your babe in a constant bad mood? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, you should take your doggy to the vet. But there also might be some other reasons your dog refuses to eat. If any of this is possible, go see your vet. But if your dog is happy and playful like normally, it might be a behavior issue. If you just moved to a new location or you were on a trip, the unfamiliar surroundings of the new place might make your dog nervous or uncomfortable. Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! Because a decreased appetite in dogs may be caused by illness, never assume that your dog is picky without investigating other possibilities first. These include: Cutting back on treats. Feeding your pet on a regular schedule, usually at least twice a day. Making mealtime a fun time for your pet, such as by playing with a toy that dispenses food or rewarding your dog with food for doing a trick. Taking your dog for a walk before mealtime. If you normally feed your pet with other animals, try feeding them alone. Or try using different bowls or plates at different heights to see what your dog prefers. You might even put a few pieces of food on the floor next to the feeding dish. Trying a different kind of food, such as canned food if you normally feed your dog dry food. If you need more information on this topic, join our closed Facebook Frenchie Family group, where you can read a lot of tips and experiences of other owners. If you are already a member, click HERE to jump to food-related posts. Medical Conditions When a French Bulldog stops eating, it could be due to a medical condition like kidney or liver disease, dental or oral discomfort, or gastro-intestinal issues. All of these issues can be a serious health concern and should not be taken lightly. They may have had an upset stomach, the food may not be to their liking, or they may be feeling unwell and not feeling up to eating. Make sure to feed them nutrient-packed food that is designed for their particular breed and size. You may even need to switch up the type of food you are giving them, such as from dry to canned or from wet to dry. You may also want to feed them smaller portions a few times throughout the day as opposed to one large meal. This can also be helpful in stimulating their appetite. If it turns out that they are simply feeling unwell and need to boost their appetite then try introducing a new food or supplement to stimulate them. However, if the issue persists and you suspect that it is due to an underlying medical condition, then it is imperative that you take your French Bulldog to the vet for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. If it turns out that your Frenchie is simply feeling unwell and their appetite needs to be stimulated, then you may need to try switching up their diet or introducing supplements. If the issue persists, however, then it could be due to an underlying medical condition, in which case it is important that you take them to the vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Related Info And Products:.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Are you wondering why your German Shepherd destroys everything when they were once your angelic-like companion? Are you regretting getting a beautiful, smart, high-energy German Shepherd at all? There are a number of reasons why your puppy might begin to destroy everything, but luckily there are steps you can take to help solve the problem and stop their destructiveness. So, why is your German Shepherd destroying everything in its sight and chewing all your stuff? The top reasons why your German Shepherd becomes destructive are a lack of the right type of exercise, not enough mental stimulation, normal puppy teething, stress or illness, separation anxiety, and acting out for attention. If your German Shepherd is suddenly destroying things when it was previously well-mannered, then there could be an underlying medical issue or emotional problem causing the sudden onset of this behavior. Get your dog booked in for a thorough medical examination from your veterinarian to rule out medical reasons your dog is destructive. They are a highly intelligent breed that requires an owner willing to invest time with them. Consider why your German Shepherd might turn to destroy things so you can understand how to help and train them to stop. Here are some reasons why your German Shepherd is destroying everything. They are still used as herding dogs and in the military for their stamina. Your breed is a high-energy fireball who has an obedient and alert temperament by design. This means they are bred to do a job that requires them to stay physically active. German Shepherds require a large number of mental activities that keep them working their minds. Stimulate their minds using interesting mind games for German Shepherds or finding ways to keep your GSD entertained. If your German Shepherd is a puppy that has just started teething then this could be the cause of its destruction. Instead, train them early. As an alert breed, their watchful nature may cause them to become overly excited and worried about the noises to the point they become destructive. You can help them by learning their unique personality through bonding with your German Shepherd. Some owners might even fail to appreciate that the German Shepherd is an athletic working dog that thrives on a variety of activities. Why is this important? Because a tired German Shepherd is less likely to be a problem inside the home. You MUST learn how to exhaust a German Shepherd the right way to give both you and your dog a better quality of life together. Some types of illnesses that cause your German Shepherd to destroy everything can be helped through a visit to your veterinarian for medical treatments which can help their behavior issues. Never punish a stressed or ill German Shepherd or you will make their destructiveness worse and increase their levels of stress to the point they shut down. Get a vet appointment right away to see if your dog is unwell. To reduce destruction when you leave your dog alone, try to work on only leaving your dog alone for very short periods of time at first. This breed is known for attaching to one person and should their person not give them the attention they want or deserve they will certainly let them know by ruining their furniture, clothing, or electronics with destructive chewing. Maybe you think your German Shepherd is acting out and being stubborn. The German Shepherd is one of the most easily trained and obedient of all breeds—when you are present and make a plan to actually train them. Think of it like this: The German Shepherd is literally bred to walk and run for hours on end when herding and working. Can you run for hours a day to keep up with the exercise needs of your breed? If you can, then enter you and your dog in a marathon! Try some exercise that gets their body moving in unique ways and keeps them physically active. How should I exercise my destructive German Shepherd? Try a tail-teasing flirt pole to entice your dog to hone their herding behavior, or find a set of hills nearby and race your dog to the top to develop their powerful agility skills. Your German Shepherd may get into the habit of using the same walking trail, so switch it up to challenge them and keep them from getting bored. Unfortunately, many owners are away from home for long hours and are too tired when they return to engage their dogs in a mind game. But, mind games and mental stimulation are a necessity for the German Shepherd. You can, however, give their minds a way to engage with you and their environment in a positive manner! There are many types of mind games or brain games on the market. Some owners even make do-it-yourself games, while others prefer games that are premade. These reward-based strategy games mentally stimulate your dog and keep your pup from destructive boredom. The quickest way to train your German Shepherd to stop being destructive is by setting them up for success using daily obedience training. Obedience training helps engage your dog through positive, reward-based interaction that helps them learn not only basic commands but also how to listen and pay attention to you. Plus, it helps keep your German Shepherd from getting out of control. A German Shepherd who destroys things is definitely a great candidate to introduce to nose work to help them focus their natural scenting abilities. You can give your German Shepherd a course in nose work by having them search and find their food for some of their weekly meals. To start, hide the plates or bowls of their portioned meal in easy-to-find locations in one room of your house. This makes the game easy enough for an untrained puppy or older German Shepherd. After a few times of serving a meal this way, your dog begins to understand the game of nose work and will readily seek out their food by sniffing the area on their own. You can make it more challenging for them by using more than one room to hide their food or by moving outdoors to your secured backyard and hiding their plates of food. German Shepherds were bred to use their noses to find things, but in the modern world, their scent-finding abilities get neglected. This can lead to them destroying everything. Your focus should be on using these helpful ideas for German Shepherd enrichment. Chewing is natural and helps your dog release stress. Show them the right chew toy and encourage them to play with it. Instead, use a positive voice and reward them when they come to you and stop chewing your things. You can clap your hands or even whistle to get them to listen. What are the right things for German Shepherds to chew that can withstand being destroyed? Did you know…? Many dogs tend not to play with toys without their owner there, but food or treats placed inside specially-made toys encourage toy exploration. You can leave them a stuffed Extreme Kong , which is a heavy-duty chew toy you stuff with food and treats so it gets their attention. The idea is that your dog chews on it, instead of your things. Some owners like to create a safe place to leave their dogs, such as an area that has tempting items removed and put away. The gates still allow your dog to see through easily, which keeps your dog from developing too much stress when you leave them alone. Pick up items that your dog finds interesting and place them in a secure area. Some German Shepherd puppies find shoes, pillows, remotes, and even electric cables interesting enough to chew on and destroy. If loud or unusual noises stress your German Shepherd to the point they destroy things, then move them to a quieter area away from windows. Get a white noise machine to play soothing tones, or leave the TV or radio on low to help drown out the frightening sounds. Some owners also prefer to crate train their German Shepherd so they can secure them when they leave. The best way to prevent your German Shepherd from destroying everything is to not give them access to those items in the first place. You can also use a step-by-step guide to discipline your German Shepherd to get you started. You might wonder… How does play help reduce destruction? Some ideas for constructive play include: Playing catch or tug in your backyard for 15—30 minutes a day. Enroll your dog in doggy daycare or have a dog walker stop by. Find an agility course or teach your dog to catch a frisbee. Avoid spraying anti-chew deterrents Some owners resort to using anti-chew spray products to prevent their German Shepherd from chewing destructively. Instead, they may become wary of chewing anything — even the things that are safe to chew, like their toys. Never use physical punishment If you use physical punishment when your dog destroys things, you will lose their trust. They learn to fear you and can develop stress and anxiety. Especially a German Shepherd prone to destroying everything! Set aside time each day for their basic obedience skills. Want more help for your German Shepherd that destroys everything? Instead, find ways to encourage yourself through this troubling time. You and your dog both deserve Brain Training to ease your stress. And, for an easy step-by-step training plan, use a scientifically based program, Brain Training for Dogs. Remember, a big part of teaching your German Shepherd to stop destroying everything is the right training and management. Take action before it becomes too stressful for you to handle. Your sanity will thank you for it! Logically speaking, it makes sense. As a herding breed, shepherds have to be cognitively capable of problem solving to some extent in order to determine how to move all their wooly charges where they need to be. Unfortunately for us, most people who own German shepherds do not also own sheep! Dogs do chew while teething, but most chewing occurs because a dog is simply bored. Why Dogs Chew Our dogs all have the genetic code to hunt and kill prey, yes, even the tiny teacup Chihuahua believes he can catch that rabbit twice his size. Thousands of years of evolution does not simply disappear because we bred Sparky to be 2 lbs. Because our dogs survived by using their predatory drive to catch food, that drive still lingers to this day. To catch a rabbit, Sparky has to sniff around and find a trail, stalk his prey, chase, grab, rip apart, and chew up the pieces. Every dog has the genetic code to perform those steps, and even if they are not forced to catch their own food to survive your pet still enjoys doing those behaviors. Address the source of the behavior. If your dog is chewing or showing any other types of destruction it is important to ensure they are getting enough mental stimulation. There are a number of different chews that may help your dog alleviate some of that need to gnaw on something. Bully Sticks Our primary choice should be bully sticks given in moderation. Because bully sticks are capable of being gnawed on for extensive periods of time, and they are fully digestible so your pet can chew them up and eat them , your dog will tackle some of that basic instinct to bite. These are not intended for complete consumption, so if your dog breaks off chunks remove the antler pieces as they could present a choking hazard. Kong Toy Another type of work-to-eat toy that is mentally stimulating for dogs is the classic KONG toy, when used properly. Instead, fill your KONG with a mixture of pumpkin and peanut butter, and then freeze. Because the mixture is frozen it will take longer for your pup to eat, and when it melts the pumpkin keeps its texture without getting watery and making a mess. If we address the source of a behavior, and simultaneously provide an alternative to the undesired behavior, the likelihood of success is much greater. Lets use our teacup Chihuahua as an example again: if Sparky has stolen a dish rag and is chewing it when I get home, and I snatch it from him and spank him with it, there are a few different behaviors that could follow. Sparky could immediately aggress towards me, because I have activated his fight or flight instinct. Alternatively, Sparky could cower in fear, and my bond with him could potentially be damaged. Though he may not cower in fear for the rest of his life, Sparky may always show a fear of soft toys with a texture similar to that of the dishtowel, or may become fearful every time I am near the dishtowel while doing dishes or cooking. This is causing undue fear and punishment when Sparky has done nothing wrong. Sparky becomes accustomed to me angrily snatching away the dishtowel, and begins snarling anytime I come near him when he has a toy expecting the same results as the dishtowel. I used Sparky as an example because a 2 lb. German Shepherd. Though they have been domesticated, anything with teeth can bite, and when you are working with a large and potentially dangerous animal it is important to make sure that you are giving that animal proper feedback and avoiding creating dangerous behavior patterns. Why punish a behavior when the results will most likely create more problems and not even aid in a solution? Empathize with your dog, they are intelligent animals that need lots of mental stimulation to live an enriched life, and if we are not providing well enough for them they will seek it elsewhere. Rather than blaming your dog, ask yourself if you are doing enough to keep them satisfied. By preventing the problem from occurring in the first place, and giving them safe and effective alternatives, your pup will be on the road to success in no time. It is alright to let your GSD chew on its toys, but it becomes a problem when it begins to chew on your personal items like your shoes, underwear, pillows, and much more. Contents When Does the Chewing Start? A GSD starts to chew at the age of three to eight weeks. This is the time when your GSD puppy is developing teeth, a process known as teething. During the teething period , a GSD pup will chew on almost anything that it finds. This behavior is a result of extreme gum pain that is eased off when the puppy applies pressure with its gums. Biting on things with excessive force will numb the gums which will not cause irritating pain. Many owners make a mistake of letting their pup chew on things during its teething. What happens when you encourage this behavior? A GSD pup will look absolutely adorable chewing on its toys and other items, and it is almost natural for its owners to let it enjoy. However, if the puppy is not stopped, it will adopt chewing as a habit. So, how do you stop your puppy from chewing on things? How do you differentiate between good or bad chewing? Let Your Dog Chew on its Toys If your puppy likes to chew on everything that it finds on the ground, then this is a problem that should be addressed immediately. Make sure you do not scold your pup as it will trigger its destructive behavior and due to its dominant nature, it will ignore your commands. However, if you find your GSD pup chewing on your personal items, react right away. You can make this behavior stop by encouraging it to chew on its toys. Offer your GSD a soft chewable toy the one that is filled with water when it mouths one of your shoes. If your pup accepts its toy and leaves your shoe, offer it a treat or some cuddles. This way your pup will know that chewing a toy is right. You can also push your pup backward using one hand so that it knows that this behavior is not acceptable. This is the basic way of letting your dog differentiate between right and wrong. When your dog has plenty of its things to chew on, it will less likely be destructing your things. The chewing toys you choose for your puppy should be non-destructible, non-toxic, and non-swallowable. If your GSD pup is an aggressive chewer, make sure you buy both, hard and soft toys for it. The toys that are filled with water are good for less aggressive chewers. Make sure you do not over-pamper your pup by providing it with more chewing options. Keep Your Items Safe Another strategy, rather an evil one is to spray your items with an anti-chew spray. These sprays are readily available at pet shops and big stores. Anti-chew sprays are made with natural ingredients that are harmless to your pup. The taste of these sprays is bitter which irritates the puppy and keeps it away from chewing on things. Many GSD owners get too excited when they buy a puppy. Instead of becoming the pack leader by training their dog , they become overly affectionate and loving towards their pup. This behavior of owners often ruins a dog, and it starts to see itself as your friend assumes that it is equal to its owner. When a GSD pup sees you as a friend, it begins to chew on things and do whatever it feels like. The dog knows that you are its friend, and a friend cannot scold you or become your leader. This behavior gets out-of-control when the pup grows into a big sized dog. To avoid this behavior of your dog, you need to start training it at an early age. Stay calm and composed when dealing with your dog and avoid behavior problems like chewing and mouthing. Puppy-proofing means that you set your home in such a way that your puppy stays safe in it. You will need to remove toxic substances from the reach of your pup, get rid of anything that could be harmful to your pup, remove pointy, sharp, and slippery furniture or items from home, repair broken wires or open sockets, etc. Moreover, remove small items from the reach of your pup that will be appealing to it including shoes, socks, cushions, etc. When you play with a puppy, it will get tired after a few minutes and fall asleep. This is the perfect way to abstain the puppy from chewing. A GSD with bad chewing habits will sooner or later irritate you. Last Updated on September 5, by Post navigation. Veterinarian Appointment Chewing is also a way for dogs, particularly young ones, to understand the world around them. However, destructive chewing by a German Shepherd is considered abnormal and should be prevented. Chewing is necessary for a dog to properly digest its food. It helps to break down the food and increase the surface area for enzymes to aid in chemical digestion. Additionally, it assists the stomach in mechanical digestion. However, it is worth considering whether excessive chewing is beneficial for a dog. Are German Shepherds bad chewers? No, German Shepherds are not inherently bad chewers. Chewing is an instinctual behavior for them. By providing them with appropriate toys to chew on, bad habits can be avoided. Therefore, it would be incorrect to say that they are bad chewers. In fact, German Shepherds are good chewers. It is the responsibility of their owners and veterinarians to ensure that they do not develop bad habits. Chewing is generally considered a positive behavior in German Shepherds. At what age do German Shepherds stop chewing everything? A German Shepherd typically stops chewing everything by the age of 7 to 8 months, as at this point their teething issues are resolved and they have developed their essential and basic behaviors and habits. How to stop my German Shepherd from chewing everything? Dog-proof your home You need to deter your German Shepherd from destructive chewing. It can be difficult for a dog to understand the difference between chewing a toy and chewing a pillow if they were not taught the distinction as a puppy. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding the dog with a treat for exhibiting the desired behavior, can be effective in reinforcing good habits. To prevent your German Shepherd from chewing on valuable or harmful items in the house, it is important to dog-proof your home. When you first bring a German Shepherd puppy home, closely supervise them in the house to ensure they do not chew on anything they should not. Introduce your German Shepherd to the distinction between what they can and cannot chew on. It may take a few months for these efforts to take full effect. Remember that your German Shepherd needs clear and consistent rules. This creates a sense of security and comfort, which can help prevent destructive chewing in adulthood. Provide Appropriate Chewing Toys Chewing is a natural tendency for dogs and should not be discouraged. However, destructive chewing should be prevented or addressed through providing alternative activities. According to professionals in dog care, providing your dog with toys like bones to chew on as an alternative to valuable items can promote healthy stimulation and maintain their interest. Additionally, it is recommended to regularly switch out the toys to prevent habituation, and reduce the likelihood of the dog chewing on inappropriate items. This will help you choose the most appropriate chew toys for your dog. It is important to remember that your German Shepherd should not be allowed to chew on toys all day, as this can lead to other behavioral issues. When your dog shows signs of attempting to chew on something they should not, redirect them to chew toys instead. The rest of the day should be filled with training , exercise, rest, and time spent bonding with you. Additional nibbling consideration: Tasty snacks can be a fun way to break up the monotony for your German Shepherd. While they may not last long, I personally like to use them as a reward for my German Shepherd when they exhibit good behavior. Leave it Command Despite proper training, your German Shepherd may occasionally attempt to chew on items they should not, such as the leg of a wooden kitchen table. When you notice your dog becoming interested in a non-chewable item, such as hardwood furniture, it is important to use anti-chew techniques to discourage this behavior. You can also expand on this command by giving your dog the object they are trying to chew, and repeating the command when they put it in their mouth. Each time your dog obeys the command, reward them with a treat, their favorite chew toy, or a compliment to reinforce the desired behavior. Exercise A mature German Shepherd requires plenty of physical and psychological engagement, as well as at least 2 hours of strength training per day. This can be split up into morning and evening walks, as well as daytime games and workout stretches. If your German Shepherd is not receiving plenty of exercise, his high energy and intelligence will have to be channeled elsewhere. Likewise, he will become bored and confused, which can lead to deteriorating behavior, such as unnecessary chewing. Studies have shown that when compared to those who received the appropriate amount of daily activity, puppies with minimal physical activity were more susceptible to anxiety disorders and auditory intolerance. Chew Alternatives Many pet owners believe it is acceptable to give their German Shepherds old footwear or scraps of discarded clothing to chew on, rather than more valuable items still in use. This is incorrect thinking. Anti-Chew Deterrents Consider using safe anti-chew dog deterrents if your German Shepherd is chewing on things. Use a Crate If you must keep your German Shepherd dog confined at home, keep him contained in a crate. Most dogs view their crates as a special place where they can relax or nap after exercise. Crates with double doors are commonly used. They provide you with more options when it comes to placing it in your home, but a single-door option works as well. Make sure to get a size of 48 inches so your German Shepherd has enough room to move around and stretch easily. To keep him occupied, you can leave him with two or three chew toys. Veterinarian Appointment Medical conditions such as anemia, diabetes, or gastrointestinal diseases can lead to destructive chewing. This allows for early detection and treatment of any illnesses that your German Shepherd may be experiencing. Reasons Why Your German Shepherd Destroys Everything Destructive behavior is a common canine behavioral problem that includes chewing of items in the home. Chewing is a natural instinct-driven behavior of both puppies and adult dogs but without regulation and control, it leads to the destruction of items in the home. For sure dogs do not intentionally do this but are driven to this behavior. The first step is to determine the specific cause of destructive behavior to implement the appropriate method to teach your dog against this behavior. Below are the reasons why your German Shepherd displays this behavior. To entertain themselves, they direct their attention to items in the home that they can chew on. The German Shepherd is a high-energy dog that needs to expand its energy in activities and plenty of exercises and when not provided with adequate outlets of energy, they get bored and result in directing the energy on chewing which is fun. This behavior is also seen when a German Shepherd is left alone and does not have anything to engage it. Puppy Teething If your German Shepherd is a puppy, expect chewing behavior. It is normal dog behavior and this will be frequent especially for a puppy during teething which occurs between 3 to 4 months of age. They do this to ease the discomfort and pain they feel when they are teething. They will find anything on site to chew on. By understanding the stage of development of their dog you can put the appropriate measures to help your pup during this growth stage. Recommended Reading : Why does my German Shepherd puppy sleep so much? Separation Anxiety As a dog owner, your German Shepherd will be highly attached to you and they will want to be close to you all of the time. They become anxious and stressed which is displayed by excessive barking, constant pacing, scratching on doors, and chewing on items so that they can cope. It is important to always calm down and teach your dog how to be ok while you are away which will also prevent destructive behavior. A German Shepherd can also become anxious when his or her environment changes like moving to a new home, change of items in the home, or when a new pet is introduced. Inadequate Training Dogs will naturally and instinctively be compelled to chew on things and without control, this can result in the destruction of your home. Your German Shepherd needs to be taught appropriate behavior, for example, what to touch and what not to touch. This is primarily done through dog-training to discourage any inappropriate destructive behavior. You can teach him or her items that are off-limits and show items that they can direct their attention to such as their toys. Train them on anti-chew commands which will assist in helping them understand this. Remember to use positive reinforcement by giving praise or treats to assure them that they are doing well. This will encourage them and enforce good behavior. If you also need help in teaching good behavior, you can also seek assistance from a dog trainer that can help you in the process. Attention-seeking Sometimes destructive behavior is a call of attention from your dog. Your German Shepherd may just want to spend more time with you and to communicate that they may turn to destruction things they know you will have to address by directing attention to them. Identify if this is the reason for the behavior to rectify it. Fear German Shepherds can also be afraid of very loud noises such as fireworks or thunderstorms. To hide or run away from this perceived danger, your German Shepherd may scratch on walls or doors in an attempt to escape and protect themselves. Identify if this is the cause of destructive behavior to apply the appropriate method to calm them down. Get to determine the reason behind their behavior to take the appropriate step in stopping it. The following comprise of what to help stop the behavior : Provide Adequate Exercise Plenty of exercises can help in alleviating boredom in your German Shepherd and help him or her use their excess energy. This will greatly reduce destructive behavior as a result of boredom. Also, play with them regularly so that they can use their energy. In cases where you simply cannot, you can take them to a dog daycare where they will be engaged with activities. Provide Toys Providing toys such as chew toys to German shepherd puppies or an adult dog will minimize the destruction of items in your home. Puppies will be able to ease their teething discomfort with toys while the adult German Shepherd will be able to enjoy his chew sessions and jaw stretching moments with an item they are allowed to use. You can also use these toys in the training sessions to show your dog what items are ok to chew on and what are off-limits. This will help your German Shepherd distinguish what is not allowed and toys that they can chew on. For example, prevent access to certain rooms or use indoor dog gates to restrict movement to areas not accessible. This will prevent your dog from reaching things that they may chew on or destroy. Also, whenever your dog is in the house, supervise them to see what they are up to. Keeping watch will allow you to be aware of inappropriate behavior when it happens and be able to correct and teach them not to do it again. Provide Training You can also engage a professional animal behaviorist to assist you in the process of training your German Shepherd against destructive behavior. Teaching your dog boundaries consisting of items in your home that they should not touch is important to regulate and control the behavior. Containment By Use Of A Crate One way of preventing destruction in your home is to contain your puppy or adult German Shepherd in a crate especially when you are away from them. This will limit them from accessing items in the home that they would get a chance to damage. Also, provide them their favorite toys in the crate so that they will be kept busy playing with the toy. Use Chew Deterrent On Items To prevent your German shepherd from chewing on items in your house, you can use a safe bitter solution sprayed on the items to discourage your dog from chewing and destroying them. A simple mixture of apple cider vinegar and water sprayed on furniture legs or other items acts as a deterrent. When your German Shepherd tastes this when he or she begins to chew on an item the bitter taste of the vinegar will deter them from continuing to chew. This will prevent further destruction of the item. Conclusion: Why does my German Shepherd destroy everything? Destructive behavior is a common behavior problem that includes excessive chewing. It is important to know the causes of this behavior to know the right action to take to tame the habit. Remember to be patient with your dog because even the most trained German Shepherds can have slip-ups where they damage items. Do not punish your German Shepherd because this will only increase their anxiety and stress which will negatively impact them. I hope this article helped you know the reasons why a German Shepherd may destroy everything in your home and also how to stop this destructive behavior. By following The different methods as provided you should be able to curb this behavior and prevent the destruction of valuable items in your home. Your German shepherd will also understand what they can and cannot touch. If you liked this article you may also like to learn more from the below resources on German Shepherds. The information is not meant to substitute formal and individualized advice from a veterinarian. If you're concerned about the health of your dog, seek medical advice from a vet. Related Posts. Below are some possible reasons why your German Shepherd is being destructive. Boredom German Shepherds are dogs that need a lot of exercise to be properly stimulated. Separation anxiety The cause of the destruction could be caused by separation anxiety where your German Shepherd does not like being left alone. To reduce this type of destruction you can try to get it used to being without you for longer time periods by starting by only leaving for a small amount of time. You can do this by simply leaving the room for a few seconds and then to reward it for being well behaved and then to gradually increase the time that you are away. There can be a lot of other issues with this type of destruction so a good idea would be to get the help of a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist in your area. Related post: Why is my German Shepherd so anxious? Fear It could be that something happened in the past that has caused your German Shepherd to become fearful of something which could result in it becoming destructive. Related post: Why is my German Shepherd afraid? Nature It could just be that your particular German Shepherd is more destructive than others. Train it to not be destructive Training your German Shepherd to stop being destructive can be a difficult thing to do but with a lot of patience and persistence you can make a lot of progress. Then, when it starts to chew things, get its attention and then when it gives you its attention get it to sit or lay down then reward them with a treat. When it does start destroying things in your presence avoid physically pulling the German Shepherd away unless you have to. This teaches them what is ok to chew on and what is not. There are a number of ways that you can do so that I will mention below. Instead, you should try to leave it in an area where there is less for it to destroy. One way to reduce its access to things that it can destroy is to make use of pet gates that block its path into different rooms. You can also make sure that you have high fences that are hard to break through since it might decide to start chewing on the fence. Easy objects to move would include remotes, wires, shoes, poisonous fluids like dish soap and pillows. Give lots of exercise German Shepherds are very active dogs that are designed to be able to run for hours. With this being the case one of the most important things for you to do is to make sure that your German Shepherd is getting lots of exercise daily. You might find that your German Shepherd can handle more exercise than you normally give it so you might want to find ways to make the exercise even more tiring. You could also teach it to play fetch. By doing so you will be able to wear it out quickly because it will have it doing a lot of sprinting without much rest in between. You could also teach it to swim. When dogs swim they have to move their legs around a lot which can cause them to use up a lot of energy. There are apps that you can download now that let you hire a local dog walker through the app. Get help from a behaviorist If all of your attempts to get your German Shepherd to stop destroying things has not been working then try getting help from a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist in your area. They will have dealt with similar issues before and they will be able to assist you with getting your German Shepherd to be less destructive. If you would like some more tips on how to train your German Shepherd take a look at the German Shepherd training book on Amazon. Instead, they simply make it choose not to chew the particular thing that you sprayed. If you just train it to be well behaved once then it will likely forget its training. Related Questions Why is my German Shepherd suddenly destroying things? If your German Shepherd is suddenly destroying things when it was previously calm then there could be emotional issues causing the behavior. It could also be that it is ill or injured and that it is causing it to be destructive. To get it to stop you should consider getting help from a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist in your area. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. The phrase "destructive chewing" may sound redundant, because — by its very nature! Your German Shepherd has strong jaws full of sharp, pointy teeth: just about anything she starts to chew on is probably going to show the effects of it inside of a minute. So just to clarify, when I use the phrase "destructive chewing", I'm referring to inappropriate chewing: the kind of chewing that's focused on your own possessions and household items, instead of on your dog's own designated toys and chews. The three main reasons why dogs chew: - Most dogs have a natural desire to chew. It's fun, it passes the time, and it's a self-rewarding, self-reinforcing activity for example, if she's chewing on something that tastes good. To an anxious dog, the repetitive act of chewing is soothing — it's the doggie equivalent of comfort food. How to prevent destructive chewing Dogs are perfectly capable of learning not to chew your stuff — you just have to put in a little effort first, that's all. Destructive chewing can be prevented. Take control of destructive chewing: manage your own possessions. Your first step should be to dog-proof your home. Even if you have the best-behaved dog in the world, there's still no reason to test her self-control — after all, dogs explore the world with their mouths. Dog-proofing your home means taking whatever you don't want to end up in her mouth, and making it unavailable. Consider her size and agility when deciding whether something's out of reach: can she jump? Can she climb, or leap onto something else to reach the desired object? How tall is she when standing on her back legs? Common targets for destructive chewing in the home include books, eye wear, clothing, shoes, garbage, and small crunchy appliances like cameras, cell phones, and remote controls. It should go without saying that all food needs to be put securely away: don't leave snacks on low tables or even counter tops. You'll be surprised how acrobatic your dog can be when there's food at stake! Rinse your dirty plates clean of any food scraps before leaving them by the sink. Prevent her from learning the joys of illegal chewing. The more times she manages to snatch a jaw full of a forbidden substance — a chair-leg, a pillow, a running shoe — the more readily she'll target those items in future. If you can prevent her from chewing your stuff in the first place, it's a lot easier for her to understand what you expect of her. Practically speaking, this means confining her in a dog-proofed area until you're confident of her understanding of the house rules. Don't set her up for failure by blurring the boundaries between her stuff OK to chew and your stuff not OK to chew. Don't offer your dog cast-off clothes, shoes, or towels to chew and play with: realistically, you can't possibly expect her to be able to tell the difference between your brand new shoes and the one she's got in her mouth that you gave her five minutes ago. Provide her with lots of tasty alternatives to your stuff to avoid destructive chewing in the first place. If her environment is relatively barren of attractive, appropriate chewing objects, you can hardly blame her for targeting your possessions. Remember, most dogs need to chew; if she's an adolescent under three years or a puppy under one year , her needs will be even more pronounced. Go on a toy and chew shopping spree, then give her two or three to play with at a time. Rotating the available toys every few days will keep things novel and interesting for her. Spend lots of time in active supervision to prevent "destructive chewing". Yes, it might be easier for you to just keep her penned up in her crate, run, or the yard — but that's boring and horrible for her, and hardly much fun for you either if you wanted a pet that you don't need to interact with, you'd have got a goldfish, right? She can't learn what you expect of her if she's spending all her time boxed up in the dog-proof zone: she needs the opportunity to explore the boundaries of your expectations, so she can understand what's appropriate and what's not. When you catch her chewing something inappropriate, interrupt her by making a loud noise: clap your hands or make an "Ah-ah-aaaah! Then, immediately hand her a tasty and dog-appropriate alternative a rawhide bone or other chew toy ; as soon as her jaws close around it, praise her lavishly. There is no better way to get your dog to understand that chewing "her" toys equals praise from you, but everything else equals trouble. Maintain a productive attitude Above all, remember to keep your expectations realistic concerning destructive chewing and chewing in general. Return from Destructive Chewing to Puppy Teething When you feel dog tired at night, it may be because you've growled all day long. Nylabone Big Chew Chew Toy Remember that your German Shepherd should not be chewing toys the entire day, as this can become another behavior problem. Instead, give chew toys when your dog shows signs of putting his mouth on what he should not. Other chewing considerations: Edible chews are a good alternative to mix things up a bit for your GSD. Edible chews for teeth cleaning are also ideal, and my GSD loves Dentastix from Amazon, especially the variety pack. Avoid rawhide chews , as these can be dangerous for some dogs. I prefer alternatives to rawhide, but it really does depend on your dog. This interesting study investigated the effects of giving the horn of a calf hoof as a chew. The resulting finding was that although the hooves provided a positive experience for the dogs as a chew, they should not be given to prevent tooth lesions. Using anti-chew commands is important in deterring your dog from destructive chewing when you notice his attention to a non-chew object, such as wooden furniture in your home. Keep Your German Shepherd Dog Well-Exercised As a high-energy and extremely smart dog, an adult German Shepherd requires plenty of mental and physical stimulation with at least 2 hours of exercise daily. This can be distributed between a morning and evening walk and the play and training exercises during the day. If your German Shepherd is under-exercised, his high energy and smartness will have to be directed to other outlets. Besides, he will feel bored and frustrated, resulting in destructive behavior and that could be excessive chewing. Research on dog anxiety found that those who had little daily exercise as puppies were more prone to separation anxiety and noise sensitivity when compared to those who had the recommended amount of daily exercise. Do Not Offer Old Possessions As Chew Alternatives Some dog owners think that it is ok to offer their German Shepherd old shoes, rags, or cast-off clothes to chew instead of the valuable ones still in use. Wrong thinking! If you give your dog an old shoe to chew, you are reinforcing his preference for chewing shoes. Once the old shoe is all destroyed and no longer good to chew, your German Shepherd will look for your latest purchase to replace the consumed one! Dogs are dogs, and they do not know the difference between an old shoe and a brand new one! Spray the appalling deterrent on the objects you want to keep your dog from chewing. Reapply the deterrent daily for weeks so that your dog permanently associates the object with the smell or taste. Note that coupling the deterrent with another form of training that redirects your German Shepherd to chew permitted objects such as toys will be more effective in making your dog cease chewing your valuables. However, be careful with the latter as although the pepper is not harmful to your dog if swallowed, it may irritate his eyes if he gets it on his paws and then rubs his face. Also, you will need to supervise your German Shepherd when you use a deterrent for the first time. Some dogs can be daring and will brave bad odor or taste to get what they want! Ensure you use deterrents that are alcohol-free and safe for both your dog and your valuables, as well as non-staining. If using a homemade deterrent, make sure you know which foods are poisonous to your German Shepherd. Most dogs love their crate and see it as their special place where they can go to relax or sleep after a good exercise session. They give you more options when deciding where in your home to place it, but this one also has a single-door option. You may want to leave him two or three toy chews to keep him busy. Your GSD should be caged for the rest of the time. Remember that the maximum number of hours you should leave your dog in a crate is four. More than that is considered extreme, and your dog may even turn to self-destructive behavior like biting himself or chewing his crate to the point of hurting his teeth and mouth. This allows for early diagnosis and treatment should your GSD be suffering from any of the conditions. Suppose the medical condition is psychological, like in anxiety, working with a behavioral therapist is advised. However, in all cases, ensure that your dog has a proper professional diagnosis before initiating any treatment or therapy. Final Thoughts Chewing is a normal and instinctual exploratory behavior in German Shepherds and all dog breeds. This means that you should not try to eliminate it. Dogs chew to find relief from teething discomfort or strengthen their teeth and jaws. When chewing is constant, targets valuables, and causes harm to your German Shepherd, then it becomes abnormal and destructive and should be stopped. Abnormal chewing in German Shepherds can be caused by poor training in puppyhood, anxiety, insufficient exercise, boredom and frustration, attention-seeking, and predisposing medical conditions. Related Posts You May Like:. Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, they enjoy it, and it helps keep their teeth clean and jaws strong. All dogs explore the world with their mouths. The problem starts if your German Shepherd starts to chew your personal possessions such as socks, shoes, coats, or even the wooden leg of your dining table! This is known as destructive chewing. Causes of destructive chewing are a lack of training, insufficient exercise, boredom, attention-seeking, anxiety, or other medical causes. Anxiety can manifest itself in three forms; noise sensitivity, fearfulness, and separation anxiety. The latter is common in German Shepherds but research shows that all three types of anxiety can cause behavior problems in dogs. There are plenty of methods that you can use to stop this destructive chewing. Rather than scolding them and causing fear, use these 16 ways to stop your German Shepherd from destructive chewing and teach him what he can chew on. This needs to be varied and not just leash walking! GSDs need to run, play fetch or frisbee, or do agility. They also need a good amount of attention throughout the day to keep them stimulated. Remember, never leave a German Shepherd alone for more than 4 hours, even less for puppies. Research on dog anxiety and exercise found that puppies who had very little daily exercise were more susceptible to separation anxiety and noise sensitivity when compared to pups who had the recommended amount of daily exercise. Especially when you leave your GSD alone, you need to make sure they have enough chew toys to keep them entertained. Some owners believe that dogs love shoes, which is actually false! They love variety. German Shepherds are one smart cookie, so they know when a toy looks or feels similar to another. You will need to buy plenty of toys that look, sound, and feel completely different. This process will prevent them from seeking different types of chew toys! I always choose KONG toys as there are loads to choose from, and last forever. They are made from strong rubber that not even your German Shepherd can chew through! You can read more about her favorite ones here. Instead, stick to a specific word or phrase that will make them connect their disliked behavior with the sound. Use Treats as Rewards When faced with a destructive chewer, make sure you have small treats to hand. Rather than scolding them over and over, show your German Shepherd that good rewards are given to puppies who obey! This method helps to stop unwanted chewing because it teaches your pup that chewing is only for toys and food, nothing else. Check out my recommended treats for German Shepherds here. They are all healthy and made with quality ingredients. You can buy cheaper ones, of course; however, most will be of poor quality with added fillers, artificial ingredients, or preservatives. Use a Clicker Clicker training is a great way to train your German Shepherd. It is a form of positive reinforcement. Dogs quickly learn that if they do something good and please you and they get a treat, they are likely to keep repeating the rewarded behavior. Timing is very important when clicker training but first you need to introduce your pup to the clicker. When you press the clicker and your GSD hears the noise, you then give him a treat. Do this a few times so he now associates the noise with getting a treat. The best way to distract a German Shepherd is to get their attention by either a clap of hands or a snap of the fingers and then quickly get eye contact with your dog. You can then start to play with them yourself. They love your attention! GSDs seek a strong bond with their owners more than almost any other dog. Patience and consistency are the key components of training your dog not to chew your stuff! Shouting will not work when trying to discipline your German Shepherd. This will force them away from their chew toys and make them confused or sad. Your GSD could even end up barking, which is much more challenging to tame and prevent than chewing. They will want to chew on anything to soothe their sore gums whilst their adult teeth are coming through. At this young age, German Shepherd puppies are super inquisitive and want to learn and experiment with their mouths by chewing everything and anything. Tuck and tie away electric cords, curtains, and headphones, or anything your pup may be attracted to. I recommend crate-training your pup as this provides a safe environment where he can gnaw those interesting KONG chew toys. Most dogs love their crate as it is their special place to go and rest or play. If you opt not to have a crate, one idea is to segregate a part of your home using a dog gate. You can also use a particular room and make it puppy-proof. Make a Homemade Chewing Deterrent It might be a bit messy, but you can make a homemade anti-chew deterrent and put it on or near your valuables that your German Shepherd has started to chew. Some things to try are pepper, vinegar, or Tabasco. You can also use lemon oil or orange citrus. Along with spicy food, dogs tend to steer clear from the smell and taste of sour or bitter food. The idea is to first introduce the deterrent to your GSD by putting some on a small piece of cotton wool, placing it in his mouth, and seeing how he reacts. You may need to experiment before you find one that works on your dog. These sprays are non-toxic and will make your GSD gag or cringe when he licks or starts to chew the material, making him never want to do it again! Get Everyone On Board Friends, family, and anyone else who comes in contact with your German Shepherd all need to be on board when training your dog to stop chewing. Different commands and gestures can be confusing and impossible for your dog to hold onto. Instead, make sure that you all use the same motions and phrases. A simple way to do this is to lay the foundations as soon as the destructive chewing begins. Write down on a whiteboard all the commands that you plan to use and leave in a handy place as a reminder for everyone. Rather than only chewing on the toy shoe, they may start to chew all shoes in their sight. This will usually occur between weeks of age and may last until 6 months old. Try to keep them occupied with a delicious bully stick which is a healthy natural chew made from high-protein beef muscle. It combines the rewarding treat suggestion with the distracting toy tip! Your German Shepherd will eventually associate the behavior with time-out, making them stay away. Only use time-out if you have a separate kennel or crate or area specifically for it. Some puppies have extra-itchy or painful gums when their adult teeth are coming through. This causes them to scratch them by biting everything they can. Final Thoughts German Shepherds have plenty of needs, including the need to have something to chew on. Never yell at your German Shepherd for any form of destructive behavior, instead, use a calm, commanding tone and teach him the right way using positive reinforcement as detailed in this article. Related Posts You May Like:. Breed Info German Shepherds are highly intelligent, highly active dogs who can easily get themselves into all sorts of interesting situations. Have ever wondered why does my German Shepherd destroy everything? This article will give the most common reasons why German Shepherds can be destructive as well as provide some solutions to stop or reduce this behavior. German Shepherds can destroy things for a variety of reasons. However, normally their destructive behavior stems from boredom, a lack of training, a lack of exercise, teething or to get attention. This is especially true for puppy and adolescent German Shepherds who have more energy that they need to burn off. Although German Shepherd puppies will sleep a lot , when they are awake, they need to be engaged with or they will easily get bored and find something to play with or destroy. Adolescent German Shepherds will be awake more during the day than puppies, and as such will need to have more activity throughout the day to keep from getting bored. Although German Shepherds calm down with age, older GSDs still need physical exercise and engagement on a daily basis to keep them happy and from being bored. If your GSD is destroying things look at how much you engaged with your dog that day, if you have been busier and had less time to walk or play with your pup boredom could be the reason for their antics. Too Much Freedom Another big reason why GSDs destroy things is because they have too much freedom and access to items that are easily destroyable. Lack of Exercise Another common reason for destructive behaviors with German Shepherds is a lack of exercise. This kind of goes hand in hand with the boredom reason. Training helps teach your dog discipline, as well as helps them to learn what type of behaviors you deem as acceptable or not acceptable. The saying any attention is good attention is very accurate when it comes to our dogs. Your dog is smart enough to figure out that when they take your clothes, shoes, or something you care about you react very quickly. So, if your dog wants to get your attention, they quickly figure out that taking something of yours is the way to get them noticed. Teething Teething is another reason why your German Shepherd could be destroying everything. When your puppy is teething, they will go looking for things to chew on to soothe their gums. You may even find your dog chewing on furniture during this phase. The Puppy Biting Phase If you have a puppy that is destroying things another culprit could be the puppy biting phase all GSD puppies go through. During this phase, they are likely to bite your hands, ankles and even chew on many of your favorite items. This phase is normal and your puppy will grow out of being mouthy with age. Fear Some dogs destroy things because they are afraid. Sometimes prior negative experiences can cause our dogs to be fearful when reminded of that instance. For example, some dogs are scared of thunderstorms or certain sounds remind them of a negative experience from their past. When some dogs get scared, they get anxious and start looking for something to do to keep them occupied, this is when they can become destructive. Separation Anxiety Separation anxiety is also a reason some dogs destroy everything. German Shepherds in particular, are known to be a breed that more regularly suffers from separation anxiety when their owners are away. GSD who have separation anxiety get anxious and nervous when their owners are away. This nervousness and anxiousness cause them to search for other things to do or destroy to help them pass the time and feel better. A tired dog will likely sleep instead of hunting for something to get into. If you know you are going to be busy, give your dog exercise before you get started so they will be tired while you are busy. A long walk , fetch , biking , rollerblading , flyball , agility , and Schutzhund are all good ways to give your dog exercise. Keep Your Dog Mentally Engaged Another good way of reducing boredom is to keep your dog mentally active. Physical exercise is only one way of tiring your dog out. Mental exercises and puzzle toys are also good ways of keeping your dog engaged indoors. Since German Shepherds are very intelligent, they need to be challenged mentally and these toys and activities help them engage their minds more than just going for a walk. Incorporating mental exercises into your play routine will help cut down on boredom and destruction. Train Them As stated above, a lack of training can contribution to destruction. Teaching your dog new tricks is a great way to keep them mentally engage but also teach them discipline as well as your expectations for their behavior. All German Shepherds should know common commands like sit, stay, and down. However, it is also fun to teach your dog other commands like how to hug , rollover , army crawl , and how to shake hands after your dog has mastered the basics. Crate Training Crate training is a big part of potty training, but also is an important part of keeping your dog from destroying the house when you are away. There are many items that can be harmful to dogs, like certain household plants and chemicals. If your dog has access to roam and likes to destroy things they may get into something or swallow something that could harm them while you are away. Providing your puppy with safe teething toys gives them something safe to chew on to relieve their pain other than your clothes, shoes, and furniture. Keep Easily Destroyed Items Out of Reach The best way to keep your dog from destroying things is to keep items that can be destroyed out of reach. If you know your dog likes to chew up your shoes, maybe keep your shoes in a closed closet instead of out in the open. Just do the best you can to remove all items that a dog could be attracted to out of reach and this should greatly reduce the destruction. Leave Them With Safe Chew Toys Another good thing to do to keep your dog occupied when you are away or busy is to leave them with some safe chew toys to play with. Toys like KONGs are a great option for leaving with your GSD because they are tough enough to not get destroyed and you can stuff treats and peanut butter in them to keep your dog licking and entertained for quite some time. Just calmly remove the shoes and ignore your dog. Now when your dog does something you want them to do, like downs when commanded, you should go crazy with praise letting them know they did the right thing. This will teach your dog that destructive behavior will not get them attention but listening to you will. Over time, they will stop destroying things if they are only doing so to gain your attention. Remember it is still important to set your dog up for success by reducing their ability to destroy things but keeping those items out of reach. Reducing Fear and Separation Anxiety Dealing with destruction caused by anxiety because of fear or separation anxiety will take some patience and time to resolve but it is possible is many cases to at least reduce the unwanted behavior. You will need to drill down onto what is causing the behavior so you can better know how to address it. This article about German Shepherd separation anxiety will help give you some tips on how to handle separation anxiety. Sometimes, in severe instances you may need to find a specialist who can provide guidance in curbing this behavior, your vet should have some recommendations. Final Thoughts Being that German Shepherds are a high drive, high energy breed they are prone to destroying a thing or two. Understanding the reasons why they destroy everything will help you figure out how to stop this behavior. If your dog is destroying thing because of a lack of exercise, give them more physical activity, whereas if your dog is destroying things because they are teething, your need to provide them with some relief. Keeping your dog active both physically and mentally, crate training, and putting away easily destroyable items are some of the fastest ways to stop your German Shepherd from tearing up everything in the house.

Goldendoodle puppies are adorable and playful creatures. But like with any puppy playtime can quickly turn into a nipping, chewing free for all that can leave you feeling like a chew toy. Goldendoodles puppies usually bite because of teething and as a form of play. Older dogs may bite due to aggression or habit. Biting and chewing should be discouraged at an early age to prevent unwanted behavior. The key to stopping this unwanted behavior is understanding why Goldendoodles bite and how to discourage, and if possible, inhibit them from doing so without being harsh. Earlier on, it might just nip playfully at you, which comes across as rather cute and ticklish. However, the nipping soon turns into full-fledged bites, which could hurt and are not so pleasant anymore. Both parents — the poodle and the Golden Retriever — excelled at retrieving things from the water or anywhere else, so it is simple to comprehend why Doodles like to use their mouth as often as they do. Whether it is a human or any other animal, nipping and biting form an integral part of the game and should be taken sportingly. In the process, if the Doodle gets hurt, it will most likely yelp and expect to be persuaded. How would you react? An eruption of new teeth is often accompanied by an itching sensation in the gums, which the pup tries to relieve by biting. Constant itching can be quite irritating, so it would be unfair to blame the puppy for seeking relief, even though it implies biting everything in sight. To help your pup, provide it with plenty of chewable toys, stuffed or otherwise. Teethers full of water are also good options as the Doodle can keep biting at it and experience satisfaction and relief. You can even improvise by filling a sock full of stuff and letting your Doodle have a go at it. Alternatively, give them an empty bottle that rolls around and can be chewed at without suffering any significant damage. Biting Can Be an Aggressive Behavior By nature, Goldendoodles are not aggressive unless indicated by you as the pet owner that they can get away with it. Given that dogs are pack animals, aggression is an innate trait. However, the good news is that it can just as easily be controlled through early training and positive reinforcement. To this effect, aggressive biting can be maintained at the puppy stage or even later through firm and consistent training. Goldendoodles do have all their teeth by this time, and if they are still biting, it is probably out of habit. Since this implies that the Doodle is biting out of habitual compulsion rather than any specific objective, it needs to be stopped. From your end, discourage the behavior by distracting it from a biting session and getting involved in other activities. With all this talk of biting you may feel concerned about having a Goldendoodle around kids. In my article, Are Goldendoodles good with kids , I explain all the reasons why they are great to have around children. Discouraging Goldendoodles From Bitting or Chewing Biting can turn into an unpleasant scenario for you, especially when the Doodle grows older. Not only could it impact your relationship with an otherwise adorable and intelligent pet, but it also transforms into destructive chewing if not controlled or rectified in time. Teach how to Smart-Chew — Praise and reward your pup every time he latches on to a chewable toy or a bone that is meant for the purpose. At the same time, please do not ignore that it might be chewing your slippers because the Doodle might take it as an affirmation and experiment with all the other footwear at home. If it refuses to let go, keep your slippers out of reach till it gives up on them and finds something else to do. Firm and Consistent Training — Suppose you catch your Doodle in the act, do not be harsh physically or mentally while reprimanding. Instead, draw it away from the object, praise it on letting go and explain gently not to repeat the behavior. Final Thoughts Remember that it is normal for Goldendoodles to bite while playing, and a simple act on your part of hitting on its face or waving your fingers and toes in front of It will only encourage this behavior. Lastly, do not stop playing with your Doodle just because it may have bitten or nipped once. Instead, address the issue and teach and train that playing can be just as fun without biting or nipping. Diane is a lifelong owner of Labs, Retrievers, a Poodle, Labradoodle, and, more recently, a Goldendoodle. She loves dogs and enjoy's taking her Goldendoodle Nala for walks in the woods with her daughters. Recent Posts. Frozen veggies and fruit Exploring Their Surroundings Dogs have an acute sense of smell. Their heightened scent receptors drive them to explore things around them, including household items and even your fingers. Moyen Goldendoodles are smaller than Standard Goldendoodles, and larger than Miniatures. Curiosity is a healthy habit for Goldendoodles, but biting should not be part of the process. However, if your new best friend is doing damage while exploring its surroundings, you must puppy-proof your home until they learn proper manners. Playing Dogs will instinctively bite and nip when they play with littermates as puppies. If this behavior is left unaddressed, mature dogs will continue to bite during playtime. Playful biting is not always harmful, but it can be if it gets out of control as your Goldendoodle matures. A Goldendoodle getting a belly rub from his owner. The Resolution When Goldendoodles bite during playtime, you must correct the behavior immediately. Give your pet a stern no command, and offer them an alternative to biting and chewing. Some dogs respond well when owners stop playing with them after biting and leave the room. This breed is intelligent and will quickly learn that biting is not welcome. Boredom Goldendoodles are smart dogs requiring adequate mental stimulation and physical exercise. If your pet is not receiving enough engagement throughout the day, it will become bored and chew or bite. Some animals may even bite at your hands and feet to get your attention when bored. Goldendoodle with fresh haircut on a white background. Although boredom can be prevalent in the first couple years of your Goldendoodles life, it can still be a concern for some mature dogs. In addition, try offering your pet toys to help stimulate their mind, like treat puzzles and snuffle mats. These products will provide the mental exercise they need and keep them from being bored at home. We'll do everything we can to make sure you and your dog are happy We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Unfortunately, some dog breeds, like the Goldendoodle, are prone to separation anxiety. Goldendoodle puppy is not feeling well. This hybrid dog enjoys the company of its humans and can show anxious traits if you leave them home alone all day. The Resolution If your Goldendoodle is biting you before you leave or when you return, they may have anxiety issues. Proper kennel training and routine exercise with mental stimulation can help calm your pet down when you need to leave them alone for an extended time. Lack of Training Goldendoodle puppies are adorable, and many dog owners will let some typical puppy behaviors, like biting, slide. A boy trains a Goldendoodle at the park. This hybrid dog breed is extremely energetic and needs proper training to follow your commands. The Resolution For Goldendoodle biting that happens due to a lack of training, you can still turn it around, even with adult dogs. This crossbreed is extremely intelligent and loves to please its owners. Always remember to use a stern no command when they bite, offer alternatives, and reward them when they act appropriately. Soon, your Goldendoodle will have the proper training and better manners you want in a pet. Scared or Fearful Some Goldendoodles bite when they are scared or fearful of something. For example, if your pet is afraid of loud noises or certain people, they may lash out by biting. Behaved Goldendoodle carried by her owner. This fearful behavior can get out of control and inflict harm to people or animals without proper coaching as your dog matures. The Resolution Dogs who feel safe are less likely to bite when a frightening situation occurs. Owners of Goldendoodles that bite can use various methods to help eliminate this behavior, depending on the reason for their fright. Some ways to help your pet are: Scared of thunderstorms — use a thunder jacket. Frightened about meeting new people or animals — use slow, short introductions. Afraid of loud noises — offer a crate as a safe space with treats and positive attention. If you are not satisfied for any reason, simply return within the Amazon return window for a refund of your purchase price We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Therefore, a dog who suddenly bites its owner may have underlying health issues. Animals will do this to scare people away from handling them where it hurts the most. If your Goldendoodle bites when you try to pet it or handle it, it could be dealing with pain from an illness or significant injury. The Resolution If you have ruled out other causes for your Goldendoodle biting behaviors, the next step is heading to your local veterinarian. You want to ensure your pet does not have a health condition that is causing them pain. Your vet may conduct x-rays or other diagnostic tests to rule out physical fractures or serious illnesses that may produce pain for your dog. Final Thoughts Of course, everyone loves a well-behaved Goldendoodle, but sometimes your pet needs a little extra training and support to learn good manners. Once you can pinpoint the reason for the behavior, you can use these successful methods to keep it from happening. You may need professional help from a trainer or veterinarian, but once your Goldendoodle knows how to behave, you will have a terrific and loyal friend. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Often though, this joyful time is marred by painful nips and bandaged hands. A biting phase is all too common in puppies, but it should not be what defines your relationship. How do I get my Goldendoodle puppy to stop biting? Provide the puppy with a variety of teething aids to help soothe sore gums. Consistent bite inhibition training will teach your puppy that biting people is unacceptable, as will refusing to interact with or give attention to an actively biting puppy. Most of all, remember to be patient as your puppy gets through this frustrating and painful time. When they bite, divert their attention with a chew toy. If biting continues, walk away and ignore. Everything you need to get started and help your dog reach his full potential. Temperament, sizes, generations, and coat types. Necessary supplies and feeding guidelines. Reward-based training. Exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization. Common behavioral issues and possible health concerns. Grooming and total body care. And much, much more! Eliminate the guesswork and pick up your copy today! Unfortunately, gnawing on fingers and toes is completely normal puppy behavior. All puppies, not just Goldendoodles, go through a biting stage, but thankfully, it does not last very long. So, what causes the urge to bite and chew on everything in sight, including your poor fingers and toes? While there is likely no pain when the puppy teeth are lost, there is probably a lot of discomfort as the adult teeth push through the surface of the gums. Puppies often seek relief by chewing on anything and everything within reach, including you. Exploring Puppies explore much of the world around them with their mouths. They learn about different tastes, textures, and sizes by putting items in their mouth. They discover which items are fun to chew on slippers — delightful! Puppies naturally learn bite inhibition controlling the intensity of their bites from their littermates and their mother. This is one reason why a puppy should stay with the breeder as long as possible. When a puppy bites too hard while playing with a sibling, the other pup will yelp and stop playing. The puppy quickly learns that the fun ceases when he bites too hard. If he makes the same mistake with his mother, the puppy will receive a firm correction from her, and he will likely not do it again. Seeking Attention Puppies love all types of attention. Some quickly learn that biting leads to attention, even though it is often negative and in the form of discipline. This is called unintentional negative reinforcement. Genetic Makeup Both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, used to create the beloved Goldendoodle, were bred to be outstanding water dogs, skilled at retrieving waterfowl. You can learn more about the beautiful Golden Retriever here. The desire to have things in their mouths was intentionally bred into them. This trait is also commonly seen in Goldendoodles, particularly puppies. As is the case with most retrieving breeds, the intense need to chew and carry things in their mouth sometimes equates to excessive mouthiness in young puppies who are still learning what is acceptable and what is not. Providing your Goldendoodle with sufficient daily exercise is a key component in eliminating unwanted behaviors, like biting. How much is recommended? Check out this article. For most puppies, the biting begins to taper off as teething come to an end, usually around 7 — 8 months of age. By this age, almost all of the permanent teeth have erupted, and the chewing, biting, and nipping urges greatly diminish. By the time your puppy has finished teething, more maturity should be evident as he nears adulthood. When do Goldendoodles typically stop growing and transition to adulthood? Find the answer here. Many puppy behaviors, such as whining, submissive urination, and biting begin to disappear by this age. Get Your Copy Today! Try offering frozen pieces of carrot, banana, or strawberry to soothe sore gums. Frozen blueberries are great too. Many puppy teething oils see on Amazon are available to numb tender mouths. Provide a wide variety of puppy chew toys multipack on Amazon of different shapes and textures. A puppy Kong can be packed with a treat like peanut butter and frozen. The natural rubber satisfies the chewing urge, the cold numbs the gums, and working to access the treats inside provides mental stimulation. Goldendoodle puppy teeth can be painful, and puppies tend to explore the world by putting things in their mouths. Goldendoodle puppies usually stop biting when they are months old when their adult teeth have grown. Goldendoodles are bred to retrieve things, and their mouthy tendencies need bite inhibition training. Bite inhibition training should involve the same method that puppies learn with their littermates. It involves a loud squeal, stopping the play, and ignoring the puppy for up to a minute. Play dates with other puppies can also help teach bite inhibition. Giving puppies frozen fruits, teething toys, bully sticks, and engaging them with chew toys can help deter biting related to teething. Having new teeth pushing through your gums is uncomfortable, and chewing on things can help reduce that discomfort. Tasting things is also another way that puppies explore the world. Without hands or opposable thumbs, their mouth is the best way to determine the texture and firmness of an object. Additionally, Goldendoodles are the product of two breeds that were bred to retrieve things from the water. Golden Retrievers and Poodles were both bred to collect birds that hunters had shot. That means a tendency to hold items in their mouth was actually bred into them. Goldendoodles tend to be inherently mouthy, so you will have to teach your puppy to have better bite inhibition reducing how much force they bite down with during play. The younger your puppy was when you brought them home, the more difficulty your Goldendoodle may have with bite inhibition. Teaching Bite Inhibition When left with their littermates long enough, puppies learn that biting a playmate too hard causes the fun to stop. To teach your puppy bite inhibition, you have to do what their littermates would have done. Anything else — yelling, bopping the puppy on the nose, continuing to play — reinforces the biting behavior. So next time your Goldendoodle puppy bites you, think like a puppy yourself. Squeal, stop, and ignore. Play Dates Playing with other puppies is also an excellent way for your Goldendoodle puppy to learn bite inhibition. When they bite another puppy too hard, that puppy will let them know. Make sure all puppies are up to date on their age-appropriate vaccinations before letting them play together. More Ways to Stop Biting Not all biting is related to a lack of bite inhibition. Teething is a significant factor that causes puppies to want to bite and chew on anything possible. Provide plenty of chew toys in different textures and shapes. Teething oil or gel can help soothe sore gums. Play tug of war with your puppy gently. Fill a Puppy Kong with peanut butter, then throw it in the freezer. The cold will soothe their gums while they chew on the rubber, and working on getting out the peanut butter keeps their brain engaged. Give your Goldendoodle bully sticks to chew on while you are around to supervise. Bully sticks are a healthy alternative to dangerous rawhide, but puppies may swallow large pieces if left unsupervised. You need to use different techniques to manage this type of biting compared to teething or play biting. Continue doing whatever it was you were doing before the puppy started to bite you. Continue brushing your puppy while they struggle. Try to get the puppy to bite the brush rather than your hands, but still try to keep brushing. Once your puppy stops fighting and biting, reward them with praise and a treat. If you stop brushing your puppy every time they bite you, your Goldendoodle learns that biting makes bad things stop. Play provides crucial bonding between a Goldendoodle and their people. The goal is to teach them to play nicely, not to discourage playing with you at all. These things are likely to encourage your puppy to bite your hands and feet. Hitting a puppy for playful mouthing can make them bite harder. It can trigger your puppy to play even more aggressively. It can also make your puppy fear you or create real aggression. Avoid all punishments that might hurt or scare your puppy. That encourages your puppy to jump after the hand or foot and resembles play. If your puppy likes to bite your feet when you walk, you can try spraying your feet with a bite-deterrent spray like this one. Eventually, they should learn to turn that urge to bite toward their toys instead of your skin or clothing. Encourage non-contact forms of play like fetch and tug of war. Rough play with your hands tends to entice your puppy to bite. Luckily, though, there are many things you can do to discourage various types of puppy biting. With a little bit of time and consistent training, puppy bites should be a thing of the past by the time your Goldendoodle is 7 to 8 months old. Do Goldendoodles Chew Furniture? Aggression is a serious issue and should not be taken lightly. A professional will be able to assess the situation and help you come up with a plan to address the aggression. Other Considerations To Keep In Mind With proper training and socialization, your Goldendoodle will learn to control their biting behavior and will be a well-mannered companion for years to come. However, the key is to start early and be consistent with your training. If you allow your dog to mouth and nip sometimes but not others, they will be confused about what is acceptable behavior. In addition to that, dogs are much more likely to pick up on good habits if you teach them from a young age. Finally, be patient! Like all dogs, Goldendoodles need time to learn what is expected of them. With a little time and effort, you can help your Goldendoodle learn to keep their teeth to themselves. Of course, it also includes lots of tutorials and resources on how to tackle excessive Goldendoodle puppy biting. Do not scream or hit your dog, as this will only make them more likely to bite again in the future. This will help your dog understand that biting is not an acceptable behavior. If your Goldendoodle continues to bite, you may need to seek professional help. When Do Goldendoodles Stop Biting? So, when do Goldendoodles stop biting? This is a common question among Doodle owners, and unfortunately, there is no single answer. One of the most common questions new Goldendoodle owners ask is when their puppy will outgrow the biting phase. Typically, Goldendoodles grow out of their biting phase once they get all of their adult teeth. Until your pup has grown into all of its adult teeth, there are a few things you can do to help discourage your pup from nipping. For starters, never play rough games with your Goldendoodle that involve hitting or wrestling. These games only encourage them to bite. You can also provide them with plenty of chew toys to help satisfy their need to gnaw. Early socialization is also vital, as this will teach your puppy how to appropriately interact with you, other people, and other pets. With a little time and effort, your Goldendoodle will learn to control their biting impulses and become a well-mannered companion. If your Goldendoodle is older than a year old and still biting, there may be an underlying issue, such as anxiety or boredom. The good news is that you can easily fix the boredom issue by giving your pup plenty of attention, playtime, and exercise. With the help of a professional, you can develop a training plan that will help your Goldendoodle learn to curb their biting impulses. Goldendoodle Biting: Final Thoughts Goldendoodles are wonderful, loving companions. However, like all dogs, they need to be properly trained and socialized in order to become well-mannered members of the family. While Goldendoodles are generally friendly dogs, they can sometimes bite due to excitement, boredom, stress, or fear. If your Goldendoodle is biting, there are a few things you can do to discourage this behavior, including providing chew toys, increasing mental and physical stimulation, and desensitizing them to their triggers. If the problem persists, seek professional help from a certified trainer or behaviorist. With some patience and training, you should be able to stop your Goldendoodle from biting for good.

Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors are amongst the most popular family pets in the UK thanks to their loyalty, gentle nature, and intelligence. Like most dogs, they thrive with regular exercise, keeping them healthy and happy. How much exercise does an adult Labrador need? A healthy adult Labrador generally needs at least 80 minutes of high-quality exercise per day. Of course, when setting exercise goals for dogs with existing health issues including obesity , you should consult your vet first. What types of exercise are best for Labradors? When we say high quality, we mean just that. Try and incorporate off-lead time into their exercise routine and take a ball or toy to play fetch with — running will help to raise their heart rate and burn off more calories. How much exercise does a Labrador puppy need? For their first three months, your puppy will get enough exercise from tearing around the house, playing and causing chaos. How much exercise does an old Labrador need? At an advanced age, your dog will have less energy in general and be more likely to suffer from health issues that may limit their mobility. Be observant — being the loyal companions they are, Labradors will push through a lot of pain to keep up with you. Watch for excessive panting, changes in their movement, and exhaustion as signals that they have overstretched themselves and adjust their activity accordingly. Can you over-exercise a Labrador? Labradors have the capacity to build up incredible fitness that will see them on the go all day long, but for most, there is a limit on how much they can do. Gradually increase their activity levels, using a PitPat to check in on their progress. How far can a Labrador walk? A working Labrador could be expected to cover many miles every day through the undergrowth and even water. However, your pet Labrador will have slightly different stamina, depending on how much exercise they are used to. Getting out and about with your Labrador keeps them happy and healthy and can be a highly rewarding experience for you both. Download our app for free to see if PitPat is for you. You might also like Single page Single page Top 10 most active dog breeds Got energy to burn? Single page Single page 10 ways to exercise your dog indoors Whether you find yourself stuck indoors because of the weather or for any other reason, your dog still needs plenty of exercise. Here are our top tips for exercising your dog indoors. And just like us, their cardiovascular system becomes more efficient the more its used. The benefits of exercising your dog are many. Exercise helps your Labrador grow more blood vessels and effectively oxygenate his body, as well as build muscle and strengthen his bones. It also helps with weight control to a certain extent. Firstly, he will tend to get bored and will be bursting with pent up energy. Your lab will expend all that energy by resorting to destructive behaviors like chewing and digging, and barking excessively. So, how much exercise does a Labrador need? Generally speaking, however, a healthy, adult Labrador needs an hour of exercise every day. If your dog is the relaxed kind, 45 minutes will do, while a really energetic dog could work out up to 1. Labradors, like all dogs, love to explore. Even a quick hike or walk around a nature trail will be great exercise. Just make sure you have the right hiking gear for your labrador. Just their normal playtime will tire him and give him enough of a workout. This is five minutes of structured exercise per month of age, until your puppy is grown. And that should be enough to keep him fit and burn off excess energy. There are plenty of games you can play with your dog which double as exercising. Tug-of-War is a great form of play and exercise. This can be played indoors—as long as you have enough space—or outdoors. A couple of tips to keep it safe. And if your Lab especially a puppy grabs any part of you or your clothes, stop the game for a time before trying again. Another good idea is upgrading a rubber ball to a Frisbee. Balls tend to sink and roll away, but Frisbees hold air much longer, making them a very fun toy for your Labrador. See if you can teach your Lab to jump and grab the Frisbee midair for even more of a workout. A low impact game which is a great brain teaser for your Lab is finding the treat under the cup. Start by having your dog sit and show them a piece of their favorite treat. Hide it under a plastic or Styrofoam cup right in front of them. Once your Labrador has gotten the idea of how it works, rub a piece of treat over three cups to keep your dog from cheating with his nose. Then place the treat under one of the three cup and ask your dog to find it. Labradors were bred to be full of energy and want to work. They need lots of regular exercise. While naturally athletic and full of energy, they need to be well exercised in order to expend their high energy. Labrador needs to be trained and exercised from the time they are puppies, otherwise, they can become destructive and difficult to control. A well-trained and healthy Labrador can also excel as service and guide dogs. In fact, the military and the police consistently use Labradors in search and rescue, hunting and as performance dogs. To realize the full potential of a Labrador they should be exercised regularly and correctly as puppies. In this article, we will show you how you can exercise your Labrador puppy so that it grows into the perfect companion for you. To learn more about this fascinating field, be sure to check out our in-depth article, Labradors as Service and Therapy Dogs. They were ideal for the task as they can run chase and swim in some of the most difficult conditions. This quality, combined with their strong sense of smell and sturdy body structure, makes them ideal for demanding physical work. While currently, they are the most popular choice as indoor family dogs, they are genetically programmed to handle high-energy activities. Their bodies crave lots of physical activity and if they are not given opportunities to expend their high energy they can become destructive. Labradors Gain Weight Easily Labs are strong and sturdy dogs and, consequently, tend to be voracious eaters. A lack of exercise can easily cause them to put on the extra pounds. An overweight Labrador is prone to all sorts of health problems and excessive weight may lead to issues like heart problems, hip, and joint damage, increase blood pressure, etc. An obese Labrador cannot be a helpful member of your family, nor can it achieve its full physical potential. To have your Labrador mature into a good companion and be of service, he must be in good health. Involving your Lab in activities that fit his genetic makeup is the key to keeping him in good health. Hyperactivity and destructive behavior A lack of activity can cause your Labrador to become bored and can result in hyperactive behavior. If they have not been exercised well from the time they are puppies it may lead them to become disobedient and uncontrollable as mature dogs. Their naturally pleasant personalities can turn sour with excessive barking, restlessness, and hyperactivity. Most owners become puzzled when their Labradors exhibit personality problems, unaware that the cause of this is rooted mostly in the lack of proper exercise and properly expending energy as puppies. Loss of Muscle Mass Since Labradors are genetically muscular and well-built, lack of exercise can harm their natural body shape as they lose muscle tone. This can also lead to impaired organ function and can also have an impact on their nervous systems. After their first three months, however, you will need to provide avenues for expending their ever-increasing energy. After 3 months of age, a puppy needs a minimum of at least 45 minutes to 1 hour of exercise per day. As the puppy matures, you can gradually increase his activity levels. At 4 months old, begin with 5 minutes of planned, regular exercise per day. After that, increase his exercise gradually by 5 minutes for each additional month of age. When your Lab hits its first year, you can also consider a well-planned exercise regimen in addition to his daily natural playtime. This dedicated exercise time will become increasingly necessary as your Labrador moves into adulthood. With his increasing levels of energy, it may become increasingly difficult to control him. Walking is a low impact exercise and can easily be done almost anywhere. No equipment is necessary and most owners can engage in this activity along with their puppies. All puppies enjoy running. It may be too early for the puppy to run with you but you can certainly do a few minutes of running a day with the puppy so that he gets used to it. While most dogs are on a leash you will also see that some owners manage to train their dogs to run beside them without a leash. This is achieved by training the dog when it is a puppy. So some early running is advisable but not too much in the initial months. It is an excellent activity and is loaded with lots of adventure for your puppy. Regular hiking trips on a mountain trail or through forested areas can bring great joy to your Labrador puppy as there are a lot of interesting scents and scenes that are exciting for them. Just be aware that may be difficult to keep them on the path at first as they will be eager to chase after anything that moves. Labradors are natural swimmers and their bodies develop excellently if swimming is added into their exercise regimen. Swimming is a full-body exercise and strenuous enough to expend all the energy of the puppy. Initially, you should limit the swim time in order to ensure that the dog does not overtire itself. Swimming also cools down the puppy and they get a lot of pleasure playing in the water. Related: But is it true that all Labradors are naturals when it comes to water? Playing fetch. Lab puppies love to play fetch. All Lab owners inevitably find this out and it is often the most preferred type of play for your dog. Labradors, with their natural retrieving trait, usually take to this game early on. All you need is their favorite toy to throw and a lot of space for the puppy to run and fetch the toy. Usually, owners use toys like balls or sticks but the beauty of the activity is that almost any object can be used for this game. Agility training. This exercise is more for puppies whom the owners would like to prepare for competitions. Agility training involves activities such as the puppy going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. This requires a proper agility training course and the puppy has to be trained to engage in the activity. It is advised that Labrador owners wait until the puppy is at least one year to start agility training activities. It is a common sight to see dogs and owners playing Frisbee, in playgrounds and yards. Frisbees is an exciting activity for your puppy that engages all his muscle groups. It includes jumping, leaping and running, all of which are important and healthy activities for a Labrador. This also involves their favorite pastime, retrieving, which Labrador puppies will enjoy. Ensure that the Frisbee is light and flexible as it can harm the puppy if thrown with force. How to Exercise Your Lab Puppy Indoors While most owners can take their puppies outside for exercise, some may not be able to do this. This could be due to extreme weather conditions like rain, snow or heat, or just the lack of accessibility to open areas, such as if you live in an apartment complex that does not have a pet-friendly facility. It can be difficult in these cases to ensure that the puppy gets the exercise it needs but there are ways to get around this inconvenience. Here are some ways you can exercise your puppy indoors. Use a treadmill. While it may seem surprising for many, a puppy can be trained to use and enjoy a treadmill. While it may not happen immediately, you can get the dog used to the treadmill slowly. Start with getting them used to the sight and sound of the treadmill in action. Briefly put the puppy on the treadmill. Try this for only around 5 minutes at first and then increase the time gradually. Once the puppy gets adjusted to the activity you can increase the pace for an adequate workout session. Play fetch. It can be tricky when you play fetch indoors as space is constrained and there could also be accidents and breakage of valuables. So it is best to prepare a fetch course for the puppy. Clear out parts of the house so that there is a clear path for the puppy to run without breaking or hitting anything. You may not have enough room in your place to create a long running path but that is okay. It may be difficult to do for one hour and may become boring for the puppy. It can be combined with other indoor activities to provide adequate exercise time and fun. Obstacle courses. Since an indoor exercise area can be limited you can maximize your indoor space to do more with it. An ideal way to accomplish this is with an obstacle course. You can create an obstacle course with everyday objects and supplies found around the house. For example, old tubes and cardboard boxes for tunnels, chairs for jumping across, stools for climbing, etc. Plan out your own course in a way that makes the puppy to crawl, jump, run and climb. Initially, the puppy may not get the idea but with effective use of treats and encouragement can help it learn. While not necessarily the best exercise for the puppy, it is certainly good for the overall strength and muscle building. The neck, jaws, legs, and torso get a good workout with some intense tug of war activity. It is also great fun for both the owner and the pup. A good way to start a tug of war is to wait until the puppy is biting or chewing a non-food object — anything that will not encourage the puppy to chew on inappropriate household items. Hold on to one end of the object and start pulling. The puppy usually cannot resist pulling off the object from your hands. This will lead to a tug of war and the more you engage in it the puppy will find it thrilling. Hide the treat. This is another fun activity and will keep your puppy active. You can take any treat that the puppy likes, have them smell it, and then quickly run with it and hid it in hard to get a place like under the rug on a slightly high chair or table or behind a door. When you hide it does ensure that it is not impossible by slightly difficult to reach. If it is impossible to reach the puppy may lose interest in the game. Also, ensure that you do not place in areas that can be potentially risky of the puppy. Other than these you can come up with many fun games to keep your puppy active, like playing with bubbles or playing hide and seek. The two puppies will naturally play and exercise with each other. Depending on the age you can have longer durations but do not engage in any exercise before the first 3 months are completed. In the fourth month, you can start with 5 minutes of playing, throwing the ball, or walking. Walking is easier if the puppy does not yet know how to do fetch. Continue doing this at approximately the same time each day so that the dog is accustomed to and ready for the activity. Choose a schedule that works best for you and that you can keep consistently — such as after you come home from work or early in the morning. In the fifth month, you can increase the time to 10 minutes. Do not worry if the exercise is not continuous in the beginning. Maybe you can get the puppy used to the leash and lightly jog along with it. In the sixth month, you can increase the time to 15 minutes with a greater intensity of activity. By this time you will also notice that the puppy has gained a lot of energy and can do the activities with vigor. Following this pattern, you can increase his exercise time a few minutes each month so that by the fifteenth month the puppy will be getting an intensive 1-hour exercise daily. Choosing Activities for Exercising the Labrador Puppy Most new Lab owners are unsure about which exercises to choose for the puppy. The best course is to initially try out a variety of exercises. Maybe you can switch activities every three days. Try walking a few days, the other days jogging and then throw and fetch. As you progress and the puppy engages in more activities you will find a few that the puppy enjoys the most. When that is identified try to include those more. Always remember that mental stimulation is equally as important as physical activity, so come up with interesting activities and add variety every once in a while. Do not force the puppy to do activities that they dislike. Also, if some days the puppy does not seem energetic or is sick you can skip those days. The activity should be tiring but not exhausting; a good way to gauge this is to check if the puppy is enjoying the activity and is fully involved. If its interest seems waning them maybe it is time to stop or change the activity. Keep It Fun Puppies only want to have fun. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. Also, include an ample amount of both physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will be the result. If the puppy seems ill or in pain, it is best to not exercise that day. You can choose a milder form of activity like a leisurely walk if you are unsure. Slow and steady is a good rule to follow. Have the right equipment for exercise whether it is a toy or a leash and take adequate safety precautions While swimming is an excellent exercise, do not force the puppy into water. Let him get used to the water gradually before making him swim. Initially, if the puppy cannot swim, a life jacket or any floatation device could be used for safety. Do not take the puppy outdoors if the weather conditions are extreme. Avoid exposing the puppy to any extreme weather condition be it rain, heat or snow. Do activities indoors on those days. In warmer seasons, early morning and late in the day are ideal for outdoor activities. Try to take the puppy for outdoor exercise during those times to avoid overheating. Keep plenty of water available if you are engaging in outdoor activities. Take frequent breaks, especially if the activity is too strenuous or is new to your puppy. Check the puppy for scrape and bruise after the activities. In the activities, if the puppy hurts itself take necessary steps for its care. Check with the vet before you start on an exercise regimen and keep the vet updated on your observations If you have the puppy on a leash try to not jerk or pull on the leash suddenly. It can hurt you as well as the puppy. Do not pull on the leash too hard to curb the puppy from going towards any object or animal, instead, you can physically pick up the puppy and move away from the distraction. When running or walking on remember that the paws of the puppy may need time to toughen up and may hurt sometimes. Pavements can be very hot on summer days even after the heat subsides, so be alert to how the puppy reacts. Because puppies are covered in fur, watch signs of excessive panting or wet paw prints sweat glands tend to be near the paws Try to have softer surfaces for walking or running like a lawn or soft sand. Too much of anything is never good — including exercise. There is an active debate going about the optimum amount of exercise for puppies. While everyone agrees that exercise is necessary the limits have not yet been clearly defined. It is better to err on the side of safety. A good 15 minutes to one hour depending on the age of the puppy is recommended. Beyond that, it depends on the fitness and endurance of the particular puppy and the activity itself. It would also be better to split up the time between morning and evening. This will ensure that you do not overtax the puppy. Do remember also that the puppy will be active during the day too so too much activity may tire out the puppy and lead to injuries as well. There is no easy approach or any hard and fast rules. It is better to let common sense influence your decisions in this matter. Also, talk to a vet and get his or her opinions as they will have greater insights into the condition of the puppy. No, if you are feeding a balanced and nutritious diet then the exercise alone does not warrant increasing its food intake. In fact, this may have adverse effects and lead to unnecessary weight gain. It is better to also seek advice from your vet in this matter before changing anything. If a Lab owner is unable to properly exercise their puppy then it would be better to hire someone to do this. While the owner is the best person to exercise with the puppy, life situations and work-related inconveniences can lead to an inability to exercise the puppy. In such cases, someone who will properly care for your puppy, like a relative, a family friend, or an agency that offers such services can be given this responsibility. Exercising your Labrador puppy can be a fun activity but what also matters is the bonding and enjoyment that result from this activity. A good exercise regimen benefits the owner as well as the puppy. So commit today to exercise your Labrador puppy and watch it grow into a good-natured, happy, and healthy dog. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Whether you're a new or seasoned Lab owner, one of the most important parts of keeping your pup healthy is regular exercise. Because a Labrador Retriever is a working dog, these dogs need even more exercise than most types of dogs. No matter the age or size of your dog, daily exercise of some kind is crucial for their health. So how much exercise does an adult Lab need? And how much exercise for a puppy? First, let's look at why exercise is so important for your Lab. They've been bred to be working dogs, specifically retrieving game for their owners in hunting. Because they're retrievers, their muscular build and thick coat prepare them to trudge through mud, snow, water, heat, and many other kinds of conditions. They're very active dogs, so unless you take them hunting every day, you must prepare to give them opportunities to get all this energy out with both rigorous and mild exercise. Without sufficient exercise, your Lab will have pent-up energy that could lead to bad behaviors, like chewing on your furniture, digging in your carpet, or running away when left outside. Labs will generally be less controllable and well-behaved if they don't have enough activity throughout the day. But they can also experience health problems without proper exercise, including issues with their hips and joints, weight gain, and heart disease. Dogs can also lose muscle mass if they're not getting enough exercise, which makes them weaker. Exercise for Lab puppies So, how much exercise does a puppy need? Lab puppies will have a ton of energy, so you may think that puppies require more exercise than adult Labs. But, when they're really small, they often wear out easily just from normal play around the house or yard. Puppies need a lot of rest, so don't overdo the playtime or over-exert them during the first few months. After they're about three months old, your puppy will start to need more exercise, so gradually increase playtime and outdoor time. In addition to regular playing, start to introduce dedicated exercise time, starting at 15 minutes and increasing slowly until the dog is full grown. Pay attention to your Lab's energy level and don't overdo it. But get him or her used to daily exercise. Exercise for adult Labs The exact amount of exercise a Lab needs will vary depending on your dog's health, size, and energy level. All Labs are different, and some need to expel more energy than others. However, make sure you're giving your dog about an hour of exercise every day, with less energetic dogs needing 30 to45 minutes, and more energetic dogs needing 1. You'll have to adjust your exercise regimen for elderly Labs. Many Labs, unfortunately, develop health and mobility problems as they near10 years old, so talk to your vet about how much exercise your dog should be getting if he or she develops arthritis or other issues. Swimming is a great form of exercise for any Lab, but especially for elderly dogs, since it's gentler on their bodies than running. It's important not to strain your dog, so pay attention. If they're in pain, don't push them. Ideas for apartment or small-space living Giving Labs the exercise they need can especially be challenging for city dwellers or those with small living spaces. This is when it's time to get creative to meet your dog's needs. Ideas for exercise in these cases include: Going to a nearby park to play with a ball or chasing games try this HyperPet ball launcher from Amazon Taking your dog on a run or bike ride Going to a dog beach where you can let your dog off-leash Lab training programs Socializing your Lab with other dogs in a dog park Longer, more rigorous walks with your Lab at least an hour Think of ways that your Lab can actually sprint. It's important for their heart health and muscle strength. Ideas for exercise during inclement weather Another challenge for Lab owners is knowing what to do when the weather conditions are rough outside. This is when you can think about how to challenge your dog both mentally and physically in your home. Indoor games work well. Try playing with a ball, hide and seek, or hiding a treat inside a toy like a KONG toy or this treat ball toy from Pet Zone IQ , where they have to really work to get it out. Hiding food or treats is a great way to keep your dog stimulated indoors. Another indoor game could be to play tug of war with your dog. Try this Chuckit! These can keep your dog active and entertained for a while. For Labs, another good idea is to get a dog treadmill, like the dogPACER treadmill , especially if you live in a place where the weather is bad a large part of the year. You can also check out dog classes or programs in your area where you can let your dog exercise indoors in a safe place. But remember that even in the snow and rain, Labs thrive outdoors. They have thick, double-layered coats that keep them warm and dry, and they're not deterred by bad weather. Invest in dog shoes for your Lab when there's ice and salt on the ground, and they'll be good to go get that energy out. Just like humans need regular exercise to stay fit, strong, and healthy, so do Labs. Make sure you're providing daily exercise for your dog, while challenging their mind as well. Your dog will live longer, become stronger and happier, and show better behavior when properly exercised. Otherwise, all that pent-up energy can lead to both behavior and health problems. Ideas for owners with busy schedules Unfortunately, we have found one of the biggest reasons that Labs don't typically get the proper amount of exercise is that their owners simply do not have the time that they expected they would have when they brought their Lab into their family. One of the best ways to combat that is to provide your Lab with the independence to get the exercise they need on their own. Simply installing a doggy-door large enough to accommodate your Lab will be one of the most rewarding decisions an owner can make. There are generally two main types; one that requires cutting through your interior and exterior walls here is one of those available on Amazon and the other can be fit into a sliding glass door like this one from Amazon that doesn't require any permanent modifications to your home. You will obviously want to check the measurements to make sure that it will work for your setup. Of course, allowing your Lab to self-serve and get outdoors on their own is just the start of it! You'll want to make sure there's always plenty of toys available to help keep them occupied! We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Whether young or old, big or small, yellow, black, chocolate, from field lines or show lines, your Labrador needs exercise. It will keep their heart and muscles strong, their mind stimulated and their weight under control. But how much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors Are a High Energy Breed The Labrador Retriever is a high energy working breed, initially bred for very physically demanding work retrieving game for hunters. This would involve all day hiking, running and swimming in sometimes difficult conditions. So Labrador Retrievers were bred to have lots of energy and be very active. And though their main role in life today is as a family pet, they still have those same genetics that made them suited to their original role. Dog Ball Thrower. Yes, you can throw a tennis ball extra far with the Chuckit, but two reasons why I love it: 1. In this state they will often resort to destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing…and will often be very restless, may bark excessively and try to escape your home and garden at every opportunity. Insufficient exercise can also lead to weight problems with Labradors. Excess weight is a problem because it can lead to all sorts of problems such as damage to their joints hips and elbows , heart disease, increased blood pressure and increases the risk of diabetes. So a lack of exercise leads to behavioral problems, hyperactivity and possibly an assortment of health problems. However, as a general rule of thumb, a normally healthy adult Labrador Retriever will need 1 hour of exercise every day. The more relaxed Labs just 45 minutes per day, the more energetic 1. This can be made up of running, swimming, playing fetch , jogging alongside you…anything that goes beyond a gentle walk. But if the first consideration is your Labradors age, how much do puppies and the elderly need? Nice for long runs with your Lab. If you have older dogs or children, the puppy may well try to keep up with them and over-exert themselves, playing to exhaustion and damage their developing joints. So keep an eye on them and interrupt play if need be, to give them plenty of rest. Once they are fully grown, they can go out for much longer. The 5 minute rule should be sufficient to keep your lab puppy fit, burn off excess energy yet not over-exert them and cause possible developmental issues. Continue the 5 minute rule until your puppy is at least one year of age where you can then begin to exercise them more vigorously. This is highly dependent on your labs overall health and can vary wildly from one Labrador to another. Some labs may need to slow down from the 7th year onwards, while others remain extremely active beyond their 10th year. As Labradors get older, many develop arthritis, dysplasia and other health issues that can prevent a Labrador from enjoying or needing exercise as much as they used to when young and healthy. They will likely still try to chase a tennis ball all day and hike mountains just to please you, even if it may be doing them more harm than good. Try not to put them in this position. As your Labrador ages, you need to be more observant , looking for changes in their movement, excessive panting, slowing down, feeling tired. And during grooming sessions and massage, check for any painful spots indicative of sore joints or other problems. We noticed Linus was stiff getting up in the morning and decided to try adding glucosamine to his diet. We saw a noticeable difference a few days later and an added spring in his step. If your Labrador tears around your home like a tornado. If your Lab displays any of the restless and destructive symptoms described above, try increasing their levels of exercise for a few days and see if their behavior problems improve. However, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket you might want to check out PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher. Over-exercising very young and elderly Labradors can do more harm than good. For your adolescent and adult Labrador, exercise them well. As a general rule of thumb, aim for 1hr per day and scale this up or down depending on your Labradors individual needs. This could mean 45 mins for the more sedate and elderly, or 1. And at the end of the day, think of it like this: You have the best exercise machine to rival that of any gym to keep you fit and healthy yourself. And hey, what fun!!! What better motivation and need is there to keep yourself in shape? Do you mostly agree with the above? Please let us know in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Just like us, Labradors need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Whether you have a young or old dog, they all need to get the blood flowing to stay healthy and live long happy doggie lives. Regular exercise with your Labrador is very beneficial for you both. Exercise stimulates neuron growth in the brain, encourages the production of endorphins with a known mood-boosting effect , helps strengthen your bones and muscles, improves blood pressure, and can significantly help with depression. Are you having a hard time figuring out how much exercise your lab needs? Answers vary drastically from one dog to another. The amount of exercise to give your Labrador depends mostly on the age of the dog. The key to taking your Labrador puppy out for exercise is to be patient. Some labs are athletic, and thus need more exercise than others. Also, certain Labradors are genetically programmed to be energetic and have high metabolism rates, whereas others are more laid-back. Here are some exercise guidelines a new lab owner can follow to make sure their dog gets the right workout. With older dogs or children, a lab puppy may well try to keep up with them and exhaust themselves before they reach their adult size and stamina. Hold off on structured games and other forms of heavy physical activity for the first three months. This will set the stage for long-term, healthy exercise habits. This rule states that you should take your Labrador puppy out for at least five minutes of exercise per month of age up to twice a day until he or she is fully grown. This can be anything from a walk around the block to a run in the dog park. How old your dog is will make a difference in their stamina. To determine how much exercise your dog needs, first take their age into consideration. Labs that are four years old and above need between one and two hours of exercise per day. The truth is Labradors can lead a perfectly healthy life with just an hour of daily active playtime. The Labrador Retriever was bred to retrieve game for hunters. That means they naturally love to play fetch. All you need is a toy for playtime and room for running around. Tug-of-War is less cardio-oriented but helps with muscle mass and body structure in growing dogs. Plus, they love it! It requires that you prepare your puppy with a proper agility training course. Agility training is great for completing a total-body, structured workout, while also providing mental stimulation for your labrador. This involves activities such as going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. You will need to train your lab to engage in the activity and this involves proper instruction. Find one that fits his size and abilities, as well as your own personal comfort level. Either due to space or having a small yard, it may be difficult to get their puppies out every day. The good news is that, with a little creativity, indoor exercise can be just as viable and fun! Here are a few ideas you can try at home. Try Treadmill Training Sessions With Dogs A dog can be trained to use a treadmill and enjoy it, but the experience will take time. Build an Obstacle Course for Your Labrador Use everyday things found around the home or office to create an obstacle course. It also boosts their energy levels and problem-solving skills. For example, you might use old boxes and trash bags to make a tunnel, chairs or stools to jump across, and other furniture for your puppy to climb. At first your puppy may not catch on, but with effective use of the treat and lots of encouragement, you can help it learn as it goes. Hide-and-Seek With a Treat! Hide a treat around the house, and let your puppy work to find it. As you hide treats around the room, remember to make sure they are not hiding somewhere that is unreachable. Tip 2. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. All dog breeds respond positively to lots of physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will flow. Tip 3. Make an Exercise Routine and Schedule for Your Dog Lab owners, take note: maintaining the health of an adult Lab is all about consistency. And this starts with walks at a young age. Take regular walks with your dog, no matter the weather conditions. Walk at the same time each day in order to create an exercise pattern that both you and your dog can stick to. Maybe you can get the puppy used to a leash and casually walk through your neighborhood with it. That way, you can vary the activity occasionally. In six months, increase the amount of time your dogs are running to 15 minutes. This keeps their energy high and stops weight gain as they mature. Conclusion As a dog owner, your foremost responsibility is protecting the health and safety of your pet. Insufficient exercise causes health problems in dogs , like hip dysplasia especially those already prone to hip or joint problems. Share on. Tweet on Twitter Puppy exercise requirements vary between different types of dog, and as a puppy grows the exercise they need will increase. It is possible to give a puppy too much exercise so I will give you a puppy exercise chart, as a guide to how far a puppy can walk at different ages. Taking your new puppy for a walk We all look forward to the day we can take our new puppy for a walk. For many people, daily dog walks is a huge part of why they bought a Labrador in the first place. Others already take quite small puppies for quite long walks and are surprised to discover that many experts believe this to be a bad thing. So just how much exercise does a puppy really need? How much exercise does a puppy need? This rule of thumb says that a puppy should have no more than five minutes of walking for every month of his age. So that would be fifteen minutes a day maximum for a three month old puppy, twenty minutes for a four month old and so on. This concern about excessive exercise has arisen because it is widely believed that exercise is a factor in the development of serious joint disorders. Especially in larger breed puppies such as Labradors Breeders are particularly concerned about hip dysplasia, a serious and complex disorder of the hip joints, that is believed to be influenced both by inherited factors passed from dogs to their puppies and by environmental factors In addition to factors influencing growth rates, the stresses and strains placed on the vulnerable growing joint by excessive exercise are believed to be a contributory environmental factor in the development of inadequate hip joints. It seems likely, that a puppy that had inherited a tendency for poor hips, could have its soft and still forming hip joints made a good deal worse through prolonged or hard exercise. It is also possible that a puppy that has inherited excellent hips, will come to no harm whatsoever through hard exercise. On the contrary, a certain amount of free running exercise is a good thing Running off-leash A Norwegian study published and which included labradors, showed that puppies given the opportunity to exercise off leash in a park before the age of three months were less likely to develop hip dysplasia HD , not more. Stair climbing The same study showed that puppies that had to climb stairs on a regular basis during the same period were at increased risk of HD You can read about this study in Science Daily. So what does this study tell us? Well, it is only one study, but it suggests that playing in a natural way, with other pups or simply running about at their own speed is probably going to benefit a small puppy Strenuous exercise Whereas more strenuous activity such as climbing hills and stairs, may not be such a good thing at a very young age. Another study has suggested that running hard for a retrieve, may not be great for joint health either. And some breeders also prevent dogs from jumping for the first twelve months to reduce impact on the shoulder and elbow joints. This may be especially important for some of the heavier breeds of dog, and those that are slow to mature. How far should my puppy walk? But how does that translate to distances walked? If you like to think in distances rather than time, a mile is around steps for an adult human and takes about twenty minutes at a moderate walking speed. So a maximum walk for a four month old Labrador might be about a mile. And of course if you are walking out and back again, that means not taking the dog more than half a mile from your home or car, whichever is your starting point. With young puppies, you need to keep a balance. Think about the overall energy your puppy is expending rather than focusing on walking alone. Walking is only one form of exercise and is no more valuable or important than games or training exercises. If you have been to visit a friend with your five month old pup and their dog has played for half an hour in the garden with yours, your dog does not need a walk as well. It is the total exercise that counts. How much exercise is too much? And you are bound to know of someone whose puppy had far more exercise than this and came to no harm. However taking a puppy for long walks or asking him to negotiate very steep or uneven surfaces when he is little, is probably a bad idea. Beware of letting a puppy play for too long with an older dog that does not want to stop. And keep an eye on children who may inadvertently exhaust a puppy by encouraging him to play when he needs to sleep. Crating your puppy when he is tired or overexcited, will enable you to make sure that your puppy gets some well deserved down time. Summary Young puppies need the time and space to run about freely, and free running exercise is beneficial. You do not need to attempt to prevent puppies playing in the garden, trotting about the house or playing with another young puppy for a while. Provided that the puppy is free to stop and rest whenever he wants. As far as we know at the moment, formal exercise — walking on a lead — for example, is probably best restricted using the five minute rule as an approximate guide. And strenuous exercise such as stair climbing, and chasing balls should be limited or avoided altogether in puppies under three months of age. Remember, an adult dog can become an amazing athlete, but like all athletes, fitness and stamina are best built up in gentle stages if injury is to be avoided. Do talk to your vet about exercise at your first appointment with your puppy. We are still learning about hip dysplasia. Research is ongoing, knowledge increases all the time. Your vet should be up to date with the latest information regarding the optimum amount of exercise for your new puppy. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was originally published in and has been extensively revised and updated for References Slater et al. Diet and exercise as potential risk factors for osteochondritis dissecans in dogs. Am J Vet Res. Sallander et al. American Society for Nutrition. Krontveit et al. Risk factors for hip-related clinical signs in a prospective cohort study of four large dog breeds in Norway. Learn more » While Labrador Retrievers are a popular companion dog worldwide, they were initially bred as sporting dogs and have retained a lot of their working prowess even after the shift to companionship. AKC compliant breeder Ruffwood Labs emphasizes that exercise is not a value of time exercised but exertion. Puppies According to Ruffwood Labs, Labrador puppies need to be walked for around 5 minutes for every month of life. So, a minute walk would be appropriate for a four-month-old puppy. However, not all walks are equal. Take into account the terrain that you will be walking on eg. The most important part is not the length of the exercise but the quality of it. Puppies are being walked to help with socialization and lead skills rather than a need for exercise per se. Let them guide the activity- sniffing and investigating or running around madly for a few minutes. They will usually stop and sit or lie down if they need a rest, let them do this. Additionally, Ruffwood Labs warns against overexercising your puppies. Hip dysplasia is multifactorial and genetics, diet and exercise all play a part. Ruffwood Labs recommends that Labrador puppies not be vigorously exercised and kept away from stairs to avoid causing damage to their delicate, growing joints. Once they are mature, by 18 months, they will be able to engage in more vigorous exercise and start to go jogging with you if you wish. Your average labrador would enjoy around 1 to 2 hours of exercise a day but this can be divided into manageable time slots. Exercise also includes brain stimulation such as training and scent work. So your morning and evening walks can be supplemented with training sessions at home too. Labradors love to swim and this can be a great form of exercise for them. Get creative, play games, use puzzle feeders and have fun together building your bond. If you see any of the following signs while exercising your Labrador, stop the activity and let your dog rest. Damage to the Paw Pads Some dogs get so absorbed in their play that they accidentally put excessive strain on the paw pads. Even though paw pad injuries are typically painful, some dogs will ignore the very clear sign that they need to stop to continue playing. Soreness or stiffness will typically become visible once your dog has rested up following their play session. Image By: SeventyFour, Shutterstock Behavioral Changes If your dog is not quite themselves or behaving oddly, especially around the time you would typically exercise, this is a good sign that something is wrong. Your dog may be feeling under the weather, or maybe you went a little too hard the day before. If the problem persists, contact your veterinarian to rule out any medical diagnoses. Injury or Heat Intolerance If your dog is injured during play or starts showing signs of heat sickness , you should halt play immediately and bring them to a veterinarian. Prompt treatment is of the essence with these kinds of situations. Final Thoughts Exercising your dog is a critical component of being a dog owner. So, it makes sense to learn as much as you can about how to properly keep your dog healthy before you get one. So, keep that in mind before bringing your new dog home.

Puppies Breeds The link has been copied! Giving your puppy the best food out there is super important for their overall health and nutritional intake. Dogs at different stages of life for different breeds need different nutritional intake along the way. What would work for a Boston Terrier puppy may not always work for a Goldendoodle adult and vice versa. When it comes to choosing which option would be best for your Goldendoodle puppy, it is important to note the health concerns that are specific to the breed and the age. For Goldendoodles, puppies, adults and seniors all have different health concerns that need to be individually addressed. Due to goldendoodles being the offspring of at least one large-breed parent, they need to restricted in calcium intake to prevent hip diseases in the future. It contains real beef, real lamb and real venison and is packed to the brim with nutrition. For weaning puppies it is best to start with this food when they are able to start chewing, which is around when they are weeks old. For growing puppies, this can be given both moistened and as it is. The grains are all gluten-free and the beef is of premium quality. The heavier sizes are all on sale now, so you may want to consider sizing up! This puppy plate is perfect for small pint-sized Goldendoodle puppies as the food itself is bite-sized. There are two flavors being offered: salmon and turkey and there are 5 different size options to choose from: 4. The Royal Canin dog food is specifically tailored for puppies up to 1 years of age. It helps develop the immune system of your puppy due to a plethora of antioxidants and vitamins. A few of the ingredients are: duck, chicken meal, chicken, oatmeal, pearled barley and menhaden fish meal. The bag pictured on the left is of the 5-lb bag. The link has been copied! You might also like. Minerals provide skeletal support and aid in nerve transmission and muscle contractions. What not to feed Golden Doodle? Energetic and playful, Goldendoodles love to exercise. These dogs are great companions for active families. Goldendoodle is a crossbreed, created to have the best looks and smarts. Unfortunately, some genetic health issues can present in Golden Doodle pups. Health conditions that come from the Poodle side: Hip Dysplasia: This genetic condition results from the hip socket not forming correctly and becoming dislocated in the end. Hypoadrenocorticism: This is a hormonal disease that results from the insufficient production of cortisol and aldosterone. Epilepsy: they can sometimes experience conditions like seizures, confusion, unresponsiveness, and breathing difficulty. Common symptoms you need to look out for include night vision difficulty, glassy eyes, and dilated pupils. Hypoglycemia: This is a condition that results from a sudden drop in sugar levels. It is most prevalent in the toy and miniature Poodle breeds within the first four months after birth. As a result, some Goldendoodle puppies do exhibit similar conditions after birth too. Then suddenly they will be back on all four legs as if nothing happened. Hip dysplasia is a complex condition where the hip joints of a growing puppy develop abnormally. The primary reason for this abnormal development is hip joint laxity ie the joint is too loose; leading to the two articulating parts of the joint of the pelvis — the femoral head and the acetabulum which form the ball-and-socket of the joint — moving abnormally relative to one another; the femoral head subluxation partly dislocating from the acetabulum. This leads to abnormal stresses and strains on the joint and leads to inflammation and degeneration of the joint tissues. Ultimately, permanent osteoarthritis develops in the joints. These changes produce pain and disability for the dog which may show up in a number of ways, such as lameness, abnormal gait movement , stiffness, reluctance to get up and move and difficulty in running and playing. Cancer: The cancer rates of Golden Retrievers are well documented. The risk peaks at ages 10 to .This condition, which is known to cause poor vision, can lead to blindness if not addressed quickly. Ear infections: Goldendoodles take those adorable long hair and cute long floppy ears from their retriever side. Skin conditions: No thanks to their longer outer coat and denser undercoat, retrievers are always susceptible to skin-related diseases such as atopic dermatitis. This disease causes itching at first, but due to the continual scratching and rubbing from the dog, it leads to further skin damage, other infections, irritation, and discomfort. A typical chest-related disease common with retrievers is Subvalvular aortic stenosis. They will not hesitate to show all their breeding dog records. Usually, all the puppies will also be checked by a Vet. This dog food provides balanced nutrition to Goldendoodles. Ingredients include High-quality protein. This dog food has high Omega 3 and 6, important for an energetic and active dog and added Glucosamine means that strong bones and joints are being built for the next adventure. Choose your best dog food for Golden Doodles here:. This combination makes for an adorable puppy that is highly intelligent, friendly, loving, and loyal. Goldendoodles take the best of both breeds and often end up being more active and more playful than either of their parents would be, and that means they are also more maintenance. But that high maintenance is a small price to pay for a dog as amazing as a Goldendoodle. The size of a Goldendoodle can vary considerably depending on whether a Golden Retriever breeds with a miniature, medium-sized, or large poodle, but regardless of size, these high-energy pups are going to require the right nutrition to keep them happy and healthy. A doodle puppy has different needs than a senior Goldendoodle or adult Goldendoodle. It may surprise some to learn that many of these issues can be traced back to improper nutrition as a puppy. Some of these issues may not be entirely unavoidable, but there are some things that the right diet can help reduce. The proper high-protein diet with the right amount of calcium and phosphorus will ensure that your pup is getting what they need while perfectly balancing growth. The most common allergies in dogs, Goldendoodles included, are food allergies. If they have allergies, they have them, but you can not only reduce the chances with a good diet but help to ease symptoms by avoiding ingredients your puppy is allergic to. Common food allergies for a Goldendoodle can include wheat, corn, and soy. It is rare, but a Goldendoodle can also be allergic to animal protein, like beef, chicken, and pork. You can help reduce the chance of triggering food allergies by feeding your pup high-quality food with limited ingredients. Bloat is a condition that is more common in larger dog breeds, including standard-sized Goldendoodles. A high-quality food promotes good digestion, but bloat is also something you can control while they are puppies. Teach them to slow their eating and do not overfeed them. What To Look for in a Good Food For Your Goldendoodle Anyone with a new puppy understands all too well just how overwhelming it can be trying to find the right food. So, what should you look for when trying to find the right food for your Goldendoodle puppy? Protein is the most important nutrient that any dog needs. The larger the dog, the more essential the quality of that protein becomes. It is possible to get protein from plant-based ingredients, but these proteins are not as easy for your pup to absorb and use as meat-based proteins, like real chicken, are. Good puppy food will have one or more meats listed as the top ingredients. The ingredients listed first are the most prevalent in the food, so you want to make sure that meat like chicken, beef, pork, or fish is one of the first ones on the list. Avoid products with unnamed fats and look for ingredients that clearly state the fat source, such as chicken fat. Not only will they provide energy, but carbs also play a role in controlling blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates should not be a huge part of their diet. There is a big difference between the basic carbohydrates that many cheaper foods use and complex carbohydrates found in more expensive foods, and you must understand that difference to ensure you are providing your Goldendoodle puppy with what they need. While ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy will provide your puppy with carbs, they are carbs that will be quickly absorbed and used up, resulting in energy crashes between meals. Try to avoid the cheaper foods that use these ingredients as their source of carbohydrates. Instead, find food that provides your puppy with complex carbohydrates like oats, beans, or sweet potatoes. Your puppy will absorb these carbs more slowly throughout the day and will therefore have a more controlled supply of energy and better-balanced sugar levels. These ingredients are what separates food formulated for puppies and those made for adult dogs. Never free-feed your puppy. Free feeding means filing a bowl and letting your puppy have its way with the food as they please. Most, if not all, puppies have no control over when to stop. If left to their own devices, they will, without a doubt, overeat, which is a quick way to lead to obesity and health problems later in life. How much you feed your Goldendoodle changes considerably as they grow. It is important to spread feedings throughout the day to provide the right balance. Most Goldendoodle puppies are good with being fed 3 or 4 times a day. As they grow and become adults, feeding will most likely change to 1 or 2 times a day. Your puppy is going to be unique, and because it is, it will have unique tastes. While you still may have to go through some trial and error to find the right food for your Goldendoodle puppy, here is a list of the top five foods on the market today to help you get started. Their Science Diet puppy food meets all the needs of your rapidly growing Goldendoodle. Not only does it come highly recommended by many veterinarians, but puppies love its great taste. Amazon Rating: 4. A simple Google search of the name would return to you several mind-blowing photos of Goldendoodle Puppies , as well as reviews from people who have watched them up close. Same meal as your Rot or German Shepherd? Doodles are a special breed of dog, with a delicate stomach structure. They have their own food that works for them, and below is a list of them. At the pup stage: Best food for your Goldendoodle Pup Nulo Freestyle dog food: for bones, coat, and teeth development At the pup stage , what your Goldendoodle needs is a perfect blend of low carb, extremely high-protein, and a decent amount of vitamins and minerals. The product also includes BC30 probiotics, which support a healthy gut and aids in digestion. In addition, Nulo also contains an additional nutritional component known as DHA omega-3 fatty acid , which comes from real salmon and promotes and a shiny Goldendoodle coat, teeth, and gum health, and promotes normal stools. By optimizing a diet through predicted Goldendoodle weight, Royal Canin is able to provide all the joint, weight, and dental nutrients needed for the pup to thrive until it clocks one year. The ingredients include a special mineral blend with vitamins and antioxidants that are easy for your puppy to digest. The prebiotics supports good digestive health and helps maintain optimal stool quality. Not only do the ingredients used in creating this food match the high energy need of a Goldendoodle puppy, but it also provides all the key nutrients needed during their growth phase. Purina Pro Plan dry kibble food: for brain and vision development, as well as weight management This is one of the food names most vets and breeder homes will recommend to you. And for good reasons! The Purina Pro Plan contains DHA sourced from omega-rich fish oil that supports vision and brain development in your puppy! In addition to this, it also contains a high amount of protein, sourced majorly from chicken, to aid growth and promote a lean muscle. Finally, the Purina Pro Plan comes with a pack of additional nutrients that supports skin, immune system, digestive health, and weight management. Additionally, this food also comes in a multiplicity of varieties, which makes it the best option for doodles with pickiness and allergies. So depending on what your Goldendoodle is allergic to , there is a massive variety in choices of Natural Balance for you to choose from for both your large and small-sized doodles. Furthermore, most of the products from the Natural Balance line also have either potato or sweet potato, which are good non-grain options to have in your dog food. Finally, the low-calorie preparation of this food makes it a great food option for those Goldendoodles who have put on too much weight. Orijen High-Protein Grain-Free dry food: for increased metabolism and hyper-activity With awesome ingredients, unrivaled food preparation methods, and ingredient sources that are confidently displayed on the bag, Orijen is certainly one of the names you want to buy for your doodle. For a Goldendoodle, Orijin offers a high protein food that is meant for those active, working Goldendoodles that need the extra boost to get through a full day. While they do have a reduced-calorie option for less active dogs, they still have a high protein content that requires plenty of water to keep kidneys healthy and activity to put all that extra energy to good use. On top of that, it is a highly palatable food; the kibble even used as treats for some dogs with caloric stipulations. To this end, having a Solid Gold food around is a no-brainer. Best dog food for Goldendoodles was last modified: May 25th, by Lucy. Foods made for senior dogs will not be suitable for puppies. The exception to this is when the label clearly states that the food is suitable for all life stages. Goldendoodles come in three sizes, depending on the size of the Poodle parent. Mini Goldendoodles are 15—30 pounds as adults. Medium Goldendoodles are 30—45 pounds as adults. Standard Goldendoodles can reach 45— pounds when fully grown. The type of Goldendoodle that you have will determine what type of food you need. That said, many of the foods on this list support healthy digestion and are gentle on sensitive stomachs. If your pup is sensitive or prone to food allergies , choose foods with the fewest ingredients possible and a novel protein source such as duck. Picky Eaters Most dogs love to eat anything and everything, but some can be picky eaters. If you notice that your Goldendoodle puppy is not eating with enthusiasm, they may prefer a different flavor. Lamb, bison, fish, turkey, and chicken are used as protein sources in many dog foods, and your puppy may just want to try something different. If your puppy is not regularly eating no matter which foods you try, talk to your vet to rule out any potential health problems that could be the cause. Growth Rate Goldendoodle puppies grow quickly. Since they grow and change so rapidly, high-protein food is best for them. A balanced diet filled with vitamins, minerals, healthy carbs, and protein will give your puppy the energy that they need to stay active and happy while growing. Dog foods should contain one to three main protein sources and be the first ingredients on the label. The protein content should always be higher than the fat content of the food. Fiber Fiber helps promote healthy digestion. In dog food, this is usually provided with fruits and vegetables. Rice and oats are also added for fiber. Fat Fat provides energy. Healthy sources of fat in dog food are flaxseed, canola oil, and omega fatty acids. Vitamins and Minerals Dog food with a balance of vitamins and minerals will keep your puppy healthy as they grow. If you notice that your puppy is having diarrhea, scratching themselves incessantly, chewing their paws, or vomiting, they may have an intolerance to something in their food. This could be an allergy or sensitivity, but switching foods may help. Try a different brand with a different protein source to see if the issue clears up. If your puppy is still showing signs of illness without an explanation, speak to your vet about possible food allergies. Then, different foods will gradually be reintroduced to try to identify what is making them sick. This food is ideal for dogs of all life stages and is minimally processed and gentle on puppies with sensitive stomachs. The nutritional value makes it ideal for promoting healthy growth in puppies. This food is high in protein and helps puppies stay energized and active. We hope that our reviews have helped you find the best food for your Goldendoodle puppy. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement. It has very high-quality ingredients which are all-natural. The high protein content is varied at every stage. Your puppy or senior Goldendoodle will enjoy a decadent meal full of vitamins and minerals to boost their general health. Pros It can be used for all stages of dog development. Provides a proper and effective balanced diet Available in all leading local stores Very economical Has no treats Why We Like It The product is sufficient for all varied types of Goldendoodles. It does not discriminate the size, age, or needs. It is also very readily available in all leading local stores. Most pet parents find it easy to purchase it instantly. The requirements may be very demanding, and you need to ensure your dog gets the best meal every day. Protein Levels The best diet for your dog would be high protein levels with less fat and a limited amount of carbohydrates. Palatable Content The diet should have very little or no carbs and grain content. Most Goldendoodles do not require veggies due to their highly sensitive stomachs. The Goldendoodle needs about 30 calories per pound of their body weight. Size of the Goldendoodle You should consider the different sizes of Goldendoodles. The three types include miniature, small, and large. Each type may require a different concentration of calories due to their different energy levels. Some dogs are also more active than others since they have individual personalities. You can then monitor how much intake they need per day to give you an exact estimate on the nutritional requirement for your dog. Feeding Your Goldendoodle You need to feed your dog with the best diet always. Looking for the best product for your puppy or senior Goldendoodle is essential for their growth. The first meal your puppy will need is the milk from their mother. Start introducing more calories as they continue to grow at the age of 8 weeks. You can measure their weight and provide calories according to their needs. When Goldendoodles reach around six months, you can start giving them food frequently, just like the adult dogs. Give them small bits in intervals to prevent bloating and gastric dilatation-volvulus. How To Feed Your Goldendoodle It would be best if you had a practical guide to help you with feeding your Goldendoodle. Here is a summary of the guide: Puppy Stage Puppies have various sizes, and it may be hard to know their weight. You should feed your puppy about three to four times every day. You can get proper feeding instructions from the manufacturer of the feeds. Use the instructions carefully, and do not let your puppy go hungry. Adult Stage Here you can weigh your dog to get the correct pounds to correspond to the calories they need per day. There is no distinct weight of Goldendoodles since they are a crossbreed. Feed your adult Goldendoodle effectively twice every day. The weight of your dog should be your primary concern as you provide their feed. Senior Stage At a senior stage, your dog will start having muscle loss, and you have to adapt the diet to enable them to live a healthy life. Your food may have a high amount of protein and a few calories. Ensure you maintain the weight and avoid fatty foods that can make them gain weight. Avoid any snacks such as chocolates and candy with a feed that has xylitol and caffeine. There are several flavors in the market, and you have to select one which your puppy loves most. To choose a flavor, you have to test your puppies by an experiment. The guide should be as follows: Purchase several small amounts of flavors Put each flavor on separate bowls. Place the bowls where your puppies take their meals. Watch your dogs closely as they pick a meal to eat. The meal they will choose is their favorite flavor. Most Goldendoodle puppies have a very high appetite. Ensure you provide a balanced diet meal and get one of the best products on the above list. Goldendoodles have very sensitive stomachs that will not take foods with carbs and veggies. Ensure the meal is free from any grains and has no additives. Are Goldendoodles Picky Eaters? Yes, most Goldendoodles puppies may prefer some flavors over others. There are, however, a wide range of flavors to choose from and will help you ensure you get the best flavor for your dog. Yes, Goldendoodles have a sensitive stomach and do not require feeds with grains. Why Do Goldendoodles Throw Up? Throwing up may be caused by bloat in the stomach. It results when gas accumulates due to additives in your dog feed. It is the best product your puppy can get on the market with quality ingredients and the lowest carb. It surpasses all the other competitors by a high margin with the inclusive probiotics to help your puppies grow and develop. It also has All natural ingredients present in the USA. What to Look for in the Best Food for Goldendoodle Glucosamine and chondroitin: This is due to their hip problems and can also strengthen their joints. Only the correct amount of calories: Since it may be prone to obesity, you must feed them with the correct amount of dog food per day. The best way to go is approximately per day for adults and to for puppies. Omega 3 fatty acids and 6: These can help with the outbreaks of your dog, allergies, and other skin problems and improve your bright coat. Without grain and fillings: This can help your dog not have too much swelling so they can feed easily and happily. There are no artificial preservatives: Dogs with sensitive grilles also benefit from natural foods without artificial ingredients. Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles of When choosing the best food for your Goldendoodle, you should consider several factors regarding food options, your individual dog, and your personal preferences. Fortunately, several brands have developed great products that perfectly match their needs. These are some of the best Goldendoodle foods currently available. When you buy a puppy feed for your Goldendoodle, make sure they have no cheaper additives such as corn, wheat, soy, or potatoes. NULO only offers high-quality ingredients with a protein-rich puppy diet with probiotics and other essential vitamins and minerals. One of these ingredients is DHA omega-3 fatty acid which comes from real salmon and promotes a glossy Goldendoodle coat, teeth, and gum health and promotes normal stools. The healthy ingredients in this Goldendoodle puppy food also contain phosphorus and calcium responsible for the growth and structure of the skeleton system. This puppy food is available in Salmon or Turkey taste and offers a variety of dimensions. This is by far one of the best Puppy foods for a Goldendoodle. Pros Grain-free with absolutely no filling costs or additives. Quality ingredients with a high meat to low carbonate meal. Probiotic for digestion, improved metabolism, and immune response. Cons None, this is one of the best puppy foods for Goldendoodles can get. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains View On Amazon This type of food contains fresh deboned beef and pork, and it is the classic healthy granules of Merrick. This food contains taurine, an amino acid that reduces the risk of recurring cardiomyopathy it is quality, grain-inclusive dog food ideal for large varieties such as German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, etc. It is leg feet for helping dogs build healthy muscles and does not contain potatoes, peas, or lentils. Pros Glucosamine, chondroitin, taurine, and antioxidants Multiple taste options No oils in the first four ingredients Cons Grain included 3. Perhaps the best out there, and this Raw Boost recipe makes a luxurious meal for dogs of all ages. There are no fillers like corn or wheat. Because only the best Organically Appropriate Goldendoodle Dog Food is enough to ensure it grows as healthy as its purebred parents. With the remarkable flavors of beef, wild boar, lamb, goat, and pork, as well as the health-promoting goodness of essential fatty acid-rich mackerel and herring, this Taste of the Wild creation is clear what Mother Nature means to your pet. What special requirement does this breed have? The price, ingredients, age, and size of your pup; there are a plethora of considerations before coming up with the best options. Must-Have Ingredients In Your Goldendoodle Food: If you have a cute Goldendoodle at home or are planning to get one, you must understand the nutritional requirement of this breed. As Goldendoodle is a hybrid breed, so it is vulnerable to man health implications. Also, Goldendoodle is a highly energetic dog, so it requires food that provides a considerable daily input to its energy reserve. Whole meat should be preferred, but you can also feed them meat meals to meet their dietary needs. The protein source must be animal so that your pup can get the right amount of protein necessary to boost their life support system. Feeding patterns during the growing stage of your dog largely impact his adult life. Hip dysplasia is one such common genetic disease of Goldendoodles that can be discouraged with a properly nutritious diet. Glucosamine and chondroitin are essential supplements to treat hip dysplasia, so make sure to add them to the diet of your Goldendoodle pup. These supplements also strengthen the joins of this breed. Free feeding must be avoided to deter weight gain, so the daily intake of your dog must be monitored. On average, it is estimated that to calories per day are best for puppies. But it mostly depends on the size, weight, appetite, and especially, activity level of your dog. So it is suitable to consult your vet and get the right daily calorie count for your pup. These fatty acids will help then to reduce the chances of such skin problems and will improve their bright coat. Probiotics and prebiotics must be used as a healthy addition to the diet of Goldendoodle puppies. Best Dog Food For Goldendoodles: Above mentioned tips will help you compare different dog food brands and evaluate their effectiveness for your Goldendoodle pup. Fortunately, certain dog food brands can meet both the needs of you and your pup. It contains probiotics that aid in digestion, immune response, and metabolism. With a Raw Boost Recipe, this food brand makes a luxurious meal for your adorable pup. Freeze-dried chicken is mixed with grain-free kibble to provide grain-free food for your pup. Also, the combination of dried and raw provides delectable flavors and a bundle of nutrients that are the best for dogs of all ages. It also contains DHA in the form of Omega 3 fish oil to enhance the vision and brain development of Goldendoodle. This food contains highly digestible ingredients to ease digestion for Goldendoodle puppies in their developing stage. Lean proteins in the form of chicken meal and deboned chicken ensure the healthy and strong muscle of your pup. The correct proportion of phosphorous and calcium assures healthy bone growth. As the Goldendoodle hybrid breed is susceptible to allergies, so it is crucial to avoid plant-based protein, such as corn, soy, or protein. Besides having less quality, these foods are difficult for Goldendoodle puppies to digest. Also, food containing artificial ingredients in the form of preservatives supplements, flavors, and colors must be avoided. Dogs having sensitive grilles should consume natural food only. Final Words The health and longevity of this cute and funny creature are in your hands. If you have a Goldendoodle pup or are planning for an adorable addition to your family, must read this guide. A Goldendoodle owner must be aware of the dietary requirements and restrictions of their dog breed. They must be familiar with top-quality Goldendoodle puppy food brands. Most importantly, they must ensure that the protein source in their dog food is animal-based. The food must meet the nutritional requirements of their pup so their Goldendoodle can have a longer, healthier, and happier life. Further Reading.

Low dander? Double check! In fact, it was specifically designed for two reasons: to give people with the sniffles a break and to create a health-hardy companion dog. This came about due to the reputation of small-sized purebred dogs facing numerous health issues from poor breeding- including the Yorkshire Terrier and the Poodle. And so, the Yorkipoo was born with a promising gene pool that would take the reputation of the toy breed to a new and improved level. The Yorkshire Terrier is the type that loves attention In this corner we have parent No. These dogs are highly intelligent, making them easy to train. They are affable and affectionate, confident and active, with a bit of an overprotective streak. Yorkies have a tendency to bark a bit too much, but this can be overcome with regular training. This yapping ability is often a trait that the Yorkie passes on to crossbreeds like the Yorkipoo and the Dorkie Dachshund-Yorkshire Terrier Mix. They are recommended for families with older children or the elderly, as they tend to act dominant with toddlers. Toy or Miniature Poodle: The Clever Canine Ranked as the second most intelligent dog breed behind the Border Collie, the Poodle is a clever and handsome canine that has made it a popular choice for breeding and producing a variety of poodle mixes. They shine at anything that has to do with agility, obedience, tracking to herding or even circus performing. They also make excellent service dogs. Poodles are purebred, known for their fantastic, hypoallergenic curls. They were bred in England in the 18th century as companion dogs, but became the national dog of France, due to immense popularity in the country. This breed is also known for having a friendly and loving temperament. The Yorkiepoo is a Pint-Sized Cutie Reaching a petite 7 to 15 inches size while weighing anywhere from 3 to 14 lbs, the Yorkipoo is the pretty lap dog that gives off an aura of dainty prestige. The pride of this crossbreed is its silky coat that can be straight, wavy or curly. Some people prefer to let the hair grow long, while others find it more convenient to keep it trimmed short. The colors of the coat come in a myriad of hues that range from gold, blue, white, black, red, sable, apricot, tan, chocolate, gray and parti-color. A confident, yet gentle disposition melts away any worries of aggression. Can you leave Yorkipoo alone? The Miniature Poodle is known to be highly dependent on the owner, but the Yorkshire Terrier is known to be more independent. It can go either way for the Yorkipoo. Because of its easy-going and friendly nature, the Yorkipoo is favored by families and older folks alike, as they do well in a variety of homes, get along with children and make excellent therapy dogs. Confidence can cause a Yorkipoo to get excited when meeting other dogs and jump upon a larger furry friend without a second thought. To avoid any dangerous situations, supervision is recommended when letting dogs meet for the first time. Keep lessons interesting and upbeat with new commands and rewards to avoid boredom and stubborn behavior. Yorkipoos are sensitive to hard-handed training. Stay patient, gentle and positive to reinforce good behavior. As with many small breeds, the Yorkipoo tends to bark…a lot. Keep obedience training consistent to curb excessive barking. Crate training can be beneficial to help housebreak your Yorkipoo. Check out this well-trained Yorkipoo as it performs some awesome tricks! With that being said, there are a handful of health problems that are common among Toy breeds. Epilepsy: Seizures that happen unexpectedly from unknown causes. Patellar Luxation: Kneecap dislocation common with Yorkshire Terriers. Portosystemic Shunt: An abnormal connection that develops between the portal vein and another vein, bypassing around the liver. Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: Disintegration of the hip joint that leads to inflammation. Hypothyroidism: Occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid. Hyperadrenocorticism: Benign growths or other issues associated with the pituitary gland. Atopic Dermatitis: Chronic skin allergies. Yorkipoos just want to have fun! How much exercise does she need? Yorkipoos are energetic and playful, especially when it comes to showing off some tricks. Keep destructive behavior, such as barking and chewing at bay by taking your dog for a daily stroll on the leash or tussling with a toy in the yard. Does a Yorkipoo need regular grooming? Daily brushing wards of tangles. Be sure to brush and trim the hair around the eyes, as this can irritate them and cause eye injuries. Its popularity is rising and with it, the demand for breeders. When searching for Yorkipoo breeders, make sure you take the time to research multiple options. Instead, opt for breeders that take the time to answer your questions and even ask you questions about your lifestyle to determine whether or not you have the time and resources to dedicate to a dog. Since the Yorkipoo is a crossbreed, ask for background information on the parents. What is their medical history? How is the temperament of each parent? Adopt a Yorkipoo Before bringing home a brand new puppy, why not check out rescues? Check out this website to search for Yorkipoo rescues:. This little dog is much willing to approach people and be held by them. They are highly energetic and are in motion most of the times. They are good with children, specially grown up kids. Toddlers might not be safe with them because of their highly active nature. They love taking part in family activities and make a great family pet and apartment dog. They can adapt themselves to almost any situation or living. They are curious and would search for new things around. They are extremely sociable and are good to strangers too. Yorkiepoos are frequent barkers, making them good watchdogs. They also tend to shout and are prone to destroy things especially when they are bored or are left alone for long periods of time. Just a little bit of brisk walk around your block every day should serve the purpose. Also, allow your Yorkie-poo to play around with a ball or a toy in an enclosed yard, if you have one. The playful dog would be happy to play and exercise. Grooming The grooming needs depend on the type of coat your dog has. However, Yorkiepoos mostly need regular or even everyday brushing. Curlier the coat, more frequent should be the grooming; else its coat will get matted very easily. If its coat is too curly like its poodle parent , trim the coat every one to two months. You can take your dog to a professional groomer if you are not an expert in grooming. Also, keep an eye on the ears for possible infection and the teeth clean to avoid tartar buildup. Clip the nails as and when required. Health Problems Yorkiepoo is a typically healthy hybrid. Being a very new breed of dogs, very little is known about any breed specific health issues, except being prone to periodontal diseases like most other small size dogs. Other possible general dog health issues can be dysplasia, epilepsy, hypoglycemia particularly for puppies , musculoskeletal problems, and eye problems such as distichia and cataracts. Those that are underweight or less than 3 pounds might be prone to vomiting, tracheal collapse, diarrhea, anesthesia sensitivity, and frequent injuries. Training Teach your puppy to socialize while it is still very young. Mental stimulation and social interaction are important for your pup to keep them mentally and physically fit. Ask friends and relatives to visit your house often and get them acquainted with your little one. Your dog loves activities like tricks, dog agility, etc. Obedience training is important for these little barkers. Also, set your own rules to resolve pack leader issues. You can also approach the puppy kindergarten classes. In order to lure your finicky Yorkiepoo to eat, you can mix and match tasty doggie foods and try to be creative and experimental about what your little one would love to eat. If you opt for dry kibbles, be sure you choose the type that is meant for the dogs of their size and energy level. In fact, dry food is better for this breed over raw or cooked foods because, with everyday wet food, these dogs have a great potential in developing bad breath, gum disease, and tooth loss. Interesting Facts Yorkie-Poo puppies are very fragile and delicate. If the pup is squeezed hard or hugged too tightly, the puppy can die. A short fall or anyone tripping over it might cause grave injury or even death to the puppy. Since many breeders these days are breeding the Yorkshire Terrier with both the Miniature size Poodles and the Toy Poodles, it is creating a wide variation in the weight and size of the Yorkie-Poo. They retain almost their puppy size even when they are adults. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Yorkipoo Overview The Yorkipoo is a people-loving and fun-seeking companion, ready to dazzle his family and entertain visitors with tricks and antics. His confident nature prevents him from being overly aggressive, and he exudes contentment in his own skin. With ample energy and a whole lot of love to give, the Yorkipoo is a great choice for those seeking a small, confident canine companion. Originally bred as a hypoallergenic companion for allergy sufferers, the Yorkipoo inherits the intelligence of both the Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle breeds. Like his parent breeds, he thrives in performance competitions such as agility and obedience. Sporting a low-dander, low-shedding coat and the compact size of a toy breed, the Yorkipoo fits well in various households, even as a wonderful companion for seniors. His gentle and affectionate demeanor has also led him to success as a therapy dog. However, due to his small stature, caution is advised when introducing him to larger dogs to prevent accidents. Training the Yorkipoo is rewarding, as he is a quick learner. While he can be stubborn, positive and enjoyable training sessions work best, as harsh methods can be detrimental to his well-being. He takes pride in his alert barking, making him a reliable watchdog. While some Yorkipoos can be trained to limit barking, others may be more vocal. When the Yorkipoo mix is successful, he combines the best traits of both parent breeds — the intelligence and spirit of the Poodle and the bold terrier nature of the Yorkie. While multigenerational breeding has grown, many Yorkipoos result from first-generation unions of purebred parents. Energetic like its Poodle and Yorkie ancestors, the Yorkipoo thrives on daily exercise and enjoys outdoor activities. Barking is a favorite pastime, often persisting even with training, making him an alert watchdog. This non- to low-shedding breed is a suitable companion for allergy sufferers, requiring regular brushing to maintain his fine, silky coat. Endearing and gentle, the Yorkipoo forms a great bond with older, considerate children, though interactions with very young kids should be monitored. Positive reinforcement facilitates training , although occasional stubbornness may arise. Well-suited for apartment living, the Yorkipoo tends to get along well with other pets and dogs. As a loyal companion , he may experience separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. Ensuring a healthy dog entails avoiding irresponsible breeders, puppy mills, and pet stores. Seek out reputable breeders who prioritize genetic health testing and nurturing temperaments to provide a loving and well-rounded Yorkipoo. Yorkipoo History The Yorkipoo, a charming and endearing hybrid breed, traces its roots back to the deliberate crossing of two distinct and beloved purebred parents: the Yorkshire Terrier and the Toy or Miniature Poodle. While the Yorkipoo may seem like a modern creation, its history is relatively recent, spanning just a few decades. The emergence of the Yorkipoo can be attributed to the growing interest in designer breeds that combine the best traits of their parent breeds. This particular blend aimed to create a smaller-sized dog with a hypoallergenic coat, addressing the needs of allergy sufferers while also striving to minimize the genetic health issues that have plagued Yorkshire Terriers and Poodles due to poor breeding practices. By combining the intelligence and elegance of the Poodle with the bold terrier characteristics of the Yorkshire Terrier, breeders sought to create a well-rounded companion with a desirable temperament. Initially, most Yorkipoo litters were the result of first-generation breeding, which aimed to capitalize on the strengths of both parent breeds. Yorkipoo Size The Yorkipoo, with its endearing and compact stature, is a small-sized breed that perfectly embodies the charm of a true lap dog. Generally falling within the toy breed category, the Yorkipoo is often a result of crossing the petite Yorkshire Terrier with the diminutive Toy or Miniature Poodle. As a result, these delightful dogs typically stand at a modest height of around 7 to 10 inches 18 to 25 cm at the shoulder, making them ideal companions for various living environments, including apartments and smaller homes. Their lightweight build further adds to their appeal, with adult Yorkipoos often weighing between 4 to 15 pounds 2 to 7 kg. Despite their small size, these pint-sized pups are renowned for their energy and vivacity, which allows them to partake in various activities with enthusiasm. This low-shedding quality makes them an attractive choice for individuals with allergies, as their reduced dander and shedding help minimize allergic reactions. Their small size, combined with a coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its silky texture, culminates in a delightful and manageable package that seamlessly integrates into a variety of households, leaving a big impression with their captivating personality and charming presence. Yorkipoo Personality The Yorkipoo embodies an active, affectionate, and fun-loving spirit that thrives in human companionship. This loyal and loving companion eagerly joins in family activities, exuding confidence from its terrier heritage while maintaining an easygoing and undemanding demeanor. Its intelligence shines through in its ability to become an excellent companion through consistent and positive training, adapting well to various situations. Puppies with favorable temperaments display curiosity and playfulness, approaching and interacting with people willingly. Opting for a balanced puppy, neither excessively dominant nor timid, is wise. Meeting at least one parent, usually the mother, and observing interactions with other relatives helps gauge the potential personality of the puppy. Enrolling the puppy in a puppy kindergarten class and regularly introducing it to diverse environments, people, and experiences, such as parks, stores, and strolls, helps refine its social skills. By providing a nurturing and stimulating environment, the Yorkipoo can grow into a delightful, adaptable canine companion. You can verify these clearances by checking the OFA website offa. Epilepsy : This neurological condition can cause mild to severe seizures, characterized by unusual behavior, staggering, or even falling down. While seizures can be distressing to witness, dogs with idiopathic epilepsy generally have a positive long-term outlook with proper diagnosis and treatment. Patellar Luxation: Common in small dogs, this involves the dislocation of the kneecap, causing discomfort. While it can be debilitating, many dogs lead normal lives with this condition. Portosystemic Shunt PSS : An abnormal blood flow between the liver and body, PSS can lead to various symptoms like neurobehavioral abnormalities and urinary tract issues. Corrective surgery and special diets can aid long-term management. Surgery can offer pain relief. Hypothyroidism : A disorder of the thyroid gland, it may manifest as epilepsy, hair loss, obesity, and skin issues. Treatment involves medication and dietary adjustments. Timely diagnosis through tests is crucial. Atopic Dermatitis : An inherited skin ailment causing allergic reactions to common substances, it results in itching, redness, and hair loss. Treatment includes allergen avoidance, antihistamines, and hypoallergenic shampoos. Yorkipoo Care The Yorkipoo is a versatile companion, equally comfortable in a house or apartment. Due to his small size, outdoor living is not suitable, making indoor living essential for both his physical and emotional well-being. Daily exercise is key to his contentment, as he possesses unexpected energy levels. A daily stroll or playtime in the yard will suffice to maintain his health and happiness. Engaging in activities like hallway fetch can also help him expend excess energy. A crate can serve as a cozy retreat for naps as well. Starting crate training early enables your Yorkipoo to adapt to confinement, which proves useful for boarding or hospitalization scenarios. A crate should never be treated as a jail, and he should not be confined for more than a few hours at a stretch, apart from nighttime sleep. Yorkipoos thrive on human companionship and are not suited for prolonged confinement within a crate or kennel. Just as with people, dogs are unique individuals, and their food requirements vary. Naturally, an active dog will require more nourishment than a more sedentary one. The quality of the dog food you choose also plays a role — better quality food provides more nutrition, requiring smaller portions. To assess his weight, use the eye and hands-on tests. Look down at him — a slight waistline should be visible. When placing your hands on his back with fingers spread downward, you should be able to feel his ribs without applying excessive pressure. If not, adjust his food intake and incorporate more exercise. For further details on feeding your Yorkipoo, refer to our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. While each Yorkipoo may differ, those resulting from multigenerational breeding Yorkipoo crossed with another Yorkipoo are often described as odorless and nonshedding. Although complete nonshedding is a bit of a myth, as all dogs experience some shedding, the Yorkipoo does produce minimal dander, a quality highly appealing to allergic owners. The Yorkipoo showcases a versatile spectrum of colors including cream, black, white, red, sable, apricot, tan, chocolate, gray, and silver, often adorned with various markings, such as black with tan points. Regular daily brushing effectively prevents tangles and matting. Ensure to gently brush hair away from the eyes to prevent irritation, and occasional trimming with scissors can safeguard eye health. Dental hygiene is crucial for toy breeds like the Yorkipoo, brushing teeth two to three times a week to combat tartar buildup and potential gum disease. Weekly ear checks are essential for signs of redness or unusual odor, indicating a potential infection. Grooming rituals should be introduced to your Yorkipoo from an early age, acclimating him to brushing, paw handling, and mouth inspection. Positive experiences with grooming, filled with praise and rewards, set the stage for seamless veterinary exams and handling in adulthood. Yorkipoo Children And Other Pets The Yorkipoo is a gentle and affectionate companion who can form a positive bond with children. An older, more considerate child can often enjoy a rewarding companionship with a Yorkipoo. Always supervise their encounters and guide them on approaching and touching dogs properly, preventing any unintentional actions that could provoke a negative response. Ensuring safe and supervised interactions is crucial, even with the friendliest of dogs. While he may exhibit a playful prey drive from his Yorkie parent, his interactions with smaller pets and cats are often in good spirits and driven by curiosity rather than aggression. Yorkipoo Rescue Groups Yorkipoos are frequently acquired without a full grasp of the responsibilities that come with ownership. Numerous Yorkipoos are seeking adoption or foster care. See below for a list on where you may be able to adopt your own Yorkipoo:. As with many designer dogs, they can be quite expensive. Please keep in mind to also check at rescues. They usually have application processes and waiting lists, but it can be worth the time. You can save a boatload of money and change the life of a lucky pup. When you welcome a Yorkipoo into your home, you can expect to have a friendly and playful dog by your side. Early socialization and training are essential so they get along with other pets. Their sassy temperament might get in the way of training sessions, so be prepared to correct them when necessary. Yorkipoos Come in Two Sizes Yorkipoos can be teacup or miniature. If a Yorkipoo is mixed with a miniature poodle and Yorkshire Terrier, they are miniature. Yorkipoos Are Allergy-Friendly Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Poodle are hypoallergenic, making these pups perfect for those with dog allergies. Remember, no dog is completely hypoallergenic, but these are as close as they come. You have the loving nature and intelligence of a Poodle meshed with the bravery and spunk of the Yorkshire Terrier. These tiny tots will assume the role of the head of the household pretty fast. When you have a Yorkipoo in your home, expect talking back, attitude, and no backing down. This combination gives you an intellectual genius of spicy vigor. Without question, your Yorkipoo will keep you on your toes. They are happy-go-lucky and very high energy—always wanting to go, go, go. Their enthusiasm is an admirable attribute because we all wish we had that kind of get-up-and-go energy on a daily basis. In less likely chances, you could get a soft, sweet, quiet companion. Dogs are individuals with unique personalities. But, realistically, the likelihood of you getting a fun little spitfire is much higher. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Usually, if you socialize early, Yorkipoos make very compatible playmates for children. And if that person shows any submission, your Yorkipoo will always feel like the king or queen. They thrive with a good playmate or two. Quite often, Yorkipoos have a special affinity for cats. But because of their overwhelming desire to be the head honcho, they may trigger other dogs to respond negatively. Always supervise playtime, because these small dogs could get hurt quite easily if disagreements arise. They may not like just any kibble you put in front of them. While high-protein, top quality dry dog kibble is best, their pickiness may require creativity. Yorkipoos have a history of dental genetic issues. Feeding your Yorkipoo wet dog food regularly can lead to gum disease, bad breath, tartar, and periodontal disease. But thanks to their size, they can burn most of their energy in small spaces. Yorkipoos only need about 30 minutes total of exercise per day. Asserting dominance can be hard, but they need to take your rank seriously in order to be properly put in their place. And good luck with house training! The Yorkipoo is definitely smart enough to know where to potty. However, offering a snack in exchange for good behavior works to the benefit of you both. Your Yorkipoo will have curly or straight locks of hair depending on the traits the pup picks up. Since the Yorkipoo could have several hair possibilities, and you can style them accordingly. But their coats are generally very low-maintenance. You will need to brush them a few times a week to prevent matting or tangling. If you want a special hairdo for your buddy, you can tack a monthly appointment cost onto that. Luckily, these dogs are quite problem-free most of the time. However, certain ailments appear more commonly in Yorkipoos, such as the following: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder where unprovoked seizures occur in the body due to abnormalities of the brain. A portosystemic shunt is a genetic condition that affects how the blood is pumped through the liver, filtering toxins and impurities. Sometimes, this condition is a congenital disability. Other times, it is a condition that comes with age, often from cirrhosis. Patellar luxation is a condition where the kneecap dislocates. Essentially, the knee pops out of its original palace, and you have to pop it back in. Minor Conditions. It is the cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Toy Poodle. Yorkshire Terrier Yorkipoos are athletic dogs that love to play. They are also intelligent and have hypoallergenic non-shedding coats like both the parent breeds. Toy Poodle All these characteristics make Yorkipoos one of the most popular cross-breed dogs today. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about these sweet, affectionate dogs. What is a Yorkipoo? Yorkie-Poos are one of the smallest designer dogs that blend the qualities of a Yorkshire Terrier and a Poodle. This is a relatively new designer dog breed that has been around for just over a decade. Also, the Poodle is popular for its non-shedding, hypoallergenic coat. It is also hypoallergenic and suitable for people with pet allergies. Resultantly, the Yorkiepoo also has a hypoallergenic coat. The origins of Yorkipoos are unknown and not much is known about where the breed first originated. The demand for Poodle mix breeds increased considerably after the first Doodle — a Labradoodle — was created by crossing the Poodle with a Labrador Retriever. Since people wanted smaller dogs with similar intelligence, affectionate nature, and a low-shedding coat, breeders started crossing the Toy or Miniature Poodles with other small dogs. The Yorkie was perfect for this purpose and this gave rise to the Yorkipoo breed. Yorkipoos are slightly larger than their Yorkie parent since the Toy Poodle is slightly bigger than the Yorkie. The average size of Yorkipoos is between 7 and 15 inches .Yorkipoos could be small-boned fragile dogs like the Yorkie parent or they could be hardy and robust like the Toy Poodle. In any case, this small dog is compact enough to easily fit on your lap. Yorkidoodles are small dogs that make ideal pets for apartment dwellers. They are great for people of all ages but do not like too much noise and commotion. Despite this fact, they still make excellent companions for kids. However, given their fragile body structures, it is very important to ensure that kids are not rough around them. As such, it is very important to supervise all interactions between your Yorkipoo and kids. It is also important that you teach kids to respect your small pet and give it the space it deserves. Yorkidoodles are excellent pets for elderly people and those with limited mobility. They do not need too much exercise and can relieve themselves in a litter box or grass loo if trained to do so. Naturally, every dog still needs daily exercise and should not be cooped up indoors. You can take your little Yorkipoo out on short walks twice a day and it will happily cuddle by your side the rest of the time! Yorkipoos love to chase a ball in the yard and even down the hallway indoors. Encourage your kids to play with their four-legged friends. This will give your Yorkipoo the exercise it needs. Do Yorkipoos Bark a Lot? They might also bark at squirrels, birds, vehicles passing by, and other dogs. You need to firmly train your Yorkipoo to only bark on cue. Obedience training can come in handy here. For this reason, Yorkipoos make excellent little watch dogs. Training a Yorkipoo As with every dog, a Yorkipoo needs plenty of positive training, right from the start. This is a very smart dog and, as such, highly trainable. However, you need to be consistent and careful not to encourage annoying behaviours like barking for attention, biting and jumping up. The positive thing about training a Yorkiepoo is that it is very eager to please its owners. Puppies also learn quickly and enjoy the process if you include healthy and tasty treats during training. Resultantly, your Yorkiepoo puppy will do anything you want it to do and that can greatly aid the training process. You must train and socialise your young Yorkiepoo from day one — as soon as it comes to your home from the breeder. Establish the house rules from the start and you will have a well-behaved dog for life! To socialise your Yorkiepoo, ensure vast and varied positive experiences with sights, sounds, textures, places and people. Enrolling your Yorkipoo in a puppy preschool near you can also give them a great start in life. That way, your puppy can get to play with other vaccinated dogs. You also need to desensitise your puppy to loud noises like that of the doorbell, the vacuum cleaner, the mixer, etc. This will make your dog more confident and fearless. The best Yorkipoo breeders in Australia, start the process of socialising their puppies from birth and most will go to their new home toilet and crate-trained. Can a Yorkie Poo be Left Alone? Yorkie Poos are prone to separation anxiety and do not like being left alone, especially for prolonged periods. You might want to train your dog to stay alone , right since it is a puppy. However, it is inhumane to leave a dog alone for more than 8 hours at a time. If possible, enrol your pup in a dog daycare or hire a pet sitter to watch over it and take it out for potty, etc. How Much Does a Yorkipoo Cost? This price greatly varies from breeder to breeder. Responsible pet breeders perform various health checks on the Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle parents before mating them. The price also depends on the coat colour, size, and age of the Yorkipoo. Best Food for Yorkiepoos The right food for Yorkipoos is the one recommended by your breeder or vet nutritionist. The selected food should also contain high-quality ingredients and real human-grade meat instead of meat-byproducts. It should also provide balanced nutrition with the right ratio of proteins, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals. If possible, look for dog foods that contain human-grade ingredients. These may be frozen or freeze-dried and need to be thawed before serving. Because a Yorkipoo is a small dog, the food you select should be easy for your pet to bite and chew given its small-sized jaws. Health Issues in Yorkipoos What is the life expectancy of a Yorkipoo? Yorkipoos are known to suffer from many of the same issues seen in the Toy Poodle. With good care, regular health checks, proper diet, and exercise, Yorkipoos can live for years. Most healthy and well-groomed Yorkipoos will not stink. If your dog continues to smell bad even after its bath, please check its food. Some underlying food allergies or low-quality ingredients in the food might cause odour. Sometimes, dental issues can also cause a stink. Dogs often stink due to bacterial or yeast infections or other serious underlying health issues. The Yorkiepoo generally makes an excellent pet. However, the breed also has certain cons such as a delicate body structure that makes them rather fragile. Are Yorkipoos hard to potty train? Yorkipoos are fairly easy to potty train provided you put in the effort. Their intelligent mind and eager-to-please attitude make training fairly easy. Also, they are small and compact — which means you can easily carry them outside when they are about to poop or pee indoors. Be consistent in training and soon you will have a well-trained Yorkiepoo that will be the perfect small companion dog. Subscribe for free oodle information and exclusive offers on the best products for your pup! Leave this field empty if you're human: Share this.