looking for a labradoodle puppy

Maintain this schedule for at least three weeks before decreasing the number of potty breaks. Establishing good habits takes time, but consistency will teach your pup to trust and depend on you. Use a Leash Using a leash during potty training kills two birds with one stone. But, you can also use these short sessions to reinforce leash training by giving treats for staying close, not pulling, and for walking in a straight line. Pro tip: Even if you have a fenced-in backyard, teach your dog to go potty along the fence line or near bushes. Pooping in low-foot traffic areas will save you and houseguests from stepping in poop in the future. While praise is a reward in itself your dog just wants to make you happy, after all , treats are an excellent motivator. Take your pup to a dog-friendly indoor place. Common dog-friendly locales include: Pet stores Farm supply and feed stores Breweries and wineries Make sure to bring clean-up supplies in the event of an accident poop bags, paper towels, and Clorox wipes. Let your pup relieve themselves outside before you go inside, walk your pup around the store while reinforcing and rewarding good leash behavior , and take them back outside just in time for another potty break. Plus, you can get in some valuable leash training and socialization time. A chocolate Toy Poodle eating from a ceramic bowl Potty Pads are Your Friend During the first few weeks of puppy parenthood, accidents are inevitable. In the meantime, place potty pads in strategic locations around the house. Regular treats can be high-calorie, and even cut into small pieces, they can still be pretty calorie-dense. Create and Maintain a Safe Space Before you bring your pup home for the first time, make sure they have a safe space to sleep, get comfortable, eat, and play with their toys in peace. Provide treats for going inside, and begin closing the door for short periods to acclimate them to the space. This early reinforcement is critical for: Reinforcing that their crate is a safe space That being alone is okay Start small: Leave your pup in their safe space for five minutes three times per day and at bedtime on the first day. Repeat this for a second day, and increase the sessions by five minutes every other day until your dog can calmly and without accidents stay in its crate for an hour. But, the time spent is worth every minute: After a few weeks of intensive training, your pup will be a seasoned master of outside potty breaks! 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. Keeping Your Home Healthy and Clean These two objectives require that your pet or toy poodle be house-trained. It may take a little time, but you can potty train your dog so that your home remains healthy and clean all the time. To learn how to achieve this goal, just continue to read our article. It has the information you need to know about so you can effectively train your pet and keep your house nice and clean. Tips to Potty Train Your Poodle 1. Create a Potty Schedule— Make sure to have this schedule reach at least four times and keep strictly to the schedule so your dog will learn what it is supposed to do. These 4 sessions should last between 15 and 20 minutes. Since a dog can hold their bladder one hour for each month of life approx. You should expect some accidents to happen from time to time. Try a Litter Box— This method is not that hard, and you can put the litter box in a small room so that your pup does not have a lot of options available other than that box. Make sure to praise and reward your pet when they successfully use the litter box. Use a Bell— Because the poodle species is very intelligent, you can teach them to ring a bell every time they need to go outside. That way you can hear the bell and respond quicker than if they just whined or sat by the door. Just be ready to hear that bell ring often as your poodle may use it to tell you they want to go outside and play or go for a walk. Use the Same Command- This is essential to potty train your pet. They will associate that command with the exact spot they are to go to the bathroom. Use the command when you take them to the same spot every training session. Make sure to reward him or her when they obey and do this task right. Go Potty is a Good Command to Use— Keep the command simple and one your pet can understand and learn quickly. Then when he or she responds correctly, praise and reward them with a nice treat and a few good boys or good girl words. Just be patient as potty training is not an overnight task or something that will be done in a day or two. Use Praise and Rewards— This is vital when you are training your pet to go outside or in a litter box. Rewarding them reinforces positive behavior and lets them know they did it right. The key here is not to give him or her lots of rewards at one time. You want them to remain slim and healthy. Walk Your Dog— This is to be done after they have had their meal or have taken a drink. They will get used to this activity and learn where they are to go to the bathroom and when. You may have to wait about 20 or 30 minutes afterwards as it does take your toy poodle some time to process their food and water. Use a Crate— This is a trick used by many dog owners and it seems to be very effective in training your dog to go potty where they are supposed to. Dogs, especially poodles, do not like going to the bathroom near their beds so this is a handy tool too. Make sure to take them to their designated bathroom area for them to relieve themselves. Stay Consistent— You do not want to do random training, use random commands, or random bathroom areas. You need to remain consistent, use the same commands, the same spot, and the same time frames to effectively train your pet. If a mistake is made in the house, show him or her where they are supposed to go. Be gentle but firm in your punishment. You need to kill those odors so that your puppy does not return to the same spot and use it again. Use odor-killing products to eliminate those smells and teach your pet to go in the right spot. Some Final Words Like anything else worth doing, you will need to take your time, be patient and reinforce your training. Do not overly punish when mistakes happen but teach them that those areas are not to be used. Then remind them where they are supposed to go. Be consistent and use the same technique every training session until your pet learns what they are to do. Once they learn, your efforts will be rewarded. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more » Bringing home a new poodle, whether an adult or a puppy, is an exciting and life-changing adventure. Potty training is a long process that requires patience and commitment. The key to successfully housebreaking your new puppy is positive reinforcement and consistency. With a little help from your friends here at Hepper, your poodle can be fully potty trained in just a few months. Keep reading to find our tips on how to make the potty training process as easy as possible for both you and your pooch. Before 12 weeks, puppies are still developing the muscles they need to hold their urine and feces. After your poodle reaches 3 months of age, you can increase the intervals to the same number of hours as their age in months. Your goal for potty training should be to go above and beyond by instilling in them the importance of eliminating in a designated area. Choose somewhere in your yard where your pup can feel safe and somewhere that will be accessible in all seasons. The corner of your lot by the fence might be okay in the summer, but will your poodle want to wade through the snow to get there in the winter? Take them to the same spot every time you take them outside to go potty. Put your dog on a leash whenever you take them outside to the bathroom. Reward, Never Punish Praise and rewards go a long way with any animal. While praise and words of encouragement are rewards themselves, treats are one of the best training tools you should have in your potty training arsenal. When your poodle eliminates in the appropriate place, offer praise and a reward immediately. You can also begin implementing clicker training at this point by marking the positive action urination or defecation with a click and then a treat. Punishment is never an acceptable training method. Outdated techniques recommend hitting your dog with a newspaper, raising your voice at them and telling them how bad they are, or rubbing their face in their own urine or defecation. Dogs do not associate these harmful behaviors with doing something wrong. All punishment does is teach your puppy to be afraid of you. You may not be able to smell the remains with your human nose, but you can best bet your pup can. These can be purchased from any pet store and will be your best friend as you wade through the challenges that potty training a puppy can present. You can even try creating your own at home with ingredients you probably already have on hand, like white vinegar and baking soda. Not only does it permanently remove the very worst smells and stains yes, everything you can imagine! Click here to get yourself a bottle. Approach Potty Pads Carefully Potty pads can be a useful potty training tool in some situations. Allowing your puppy to use a potty pad inside your home can cause confusion about where it is appropriate to eliminate, dragging out the potty training process. If you must use potty pads, designate one area of your home where your puppy can relieve itself and put the pads there. You might put down several pads at first but then begin to reduce the number you lie down as your puppy gets used to this area being their spot to eliminate. Make sure you take them to the potty pads often to help them connect the dots that they are to be used for peeing and pooping. Constant Supervision Constant supervision is one of the essential parts of successful potty training. Some dogs will be able to hold it longer than others, and some will need to go to the bathroom whenever they play or get too excited. The most common signs your dog needs to pee or poop include: Sniffing around. Poodle Puppy House Training Overview While housebreaking a puppy may feel like a huge obstacle that is time-consuming at best and an undertaking that may fail at worst, there are definitely things that you can do to set your Poodle puppy up for success for potty training. There are 2 main elements: Having a clear plan in mind that will encourage a pup to learn quickly Having reasonable expectations based on the age of your Poodle In this section, we will go over all of the important steps for effective and fast training. Age to House Train This is most certainly not something that you will want to put off. Whether you have a brand-new Poodle puppy or an older, adopted dog that needs to learn, it is best to begin right away. Every day that this is not taught, is another day that the dog has wrong information about what to do and this just in and of itself will make housebreaking harder. Keep in mind that new puppies should not be brought outside to public areas or even your yard if there is a chance that other dogs have been there until the full rounds of puppy vaccinations are complete. Each vet schedule is slightly different; however, in general this is done by about the 4 month mark. If you are not sure, check with your vet. Having a Housebreaking Plan It's not uncommon for a puppy to pee or have a bowel movement with very little warning. And without a plan in place, this is when you'll see owners scrambling and picking up the pup while he dribbles urine as he's being carried out the door. While you will not catch every accident, you really will have much better success when you and all members of the family have a clear potty training plan in place. We would suggest reviewing what is needed, obtaining all of the necessities to be properly prepped, and then beginning. What is Needed Before You Begin There are a few things that you will need in order for housebreaking to be successful: 1 A supervision method. This is vital. Puppies or dog that have free rein in the house will be exceptionally hard to train. When you are home and are able to have your Poodle right by your side, use the tethering method. This means that your Poodle will be wearing a harness not a collar, since this can cause neck injury and will be on leash. The leash should be short and it should have a soft-looped handle, so that you can weave this through your belt loop or slip it over your wrist. When you are not home, or if you are home but cannot keep your Poodle near you, you'll need to keep your puppy or dog in a defined, secure area. Crates are not recommended; these are terribly confining and can cause a dog to feel both physically and emotionally stressed. Furthermore, they do not help with housebreaking; a dog will pee and poo when they need to. Gating off an entire room is also not recommended. This is too large of an area to do really do anything, and therefore there will still be pee and poo everywhere. One of the best methods is to use an indoor canine playpen. These are sturdy, open-top pens that allow a Poodle to move around, play, have all his favorite belongings food, water, toys, bed , but also keep messes contained. As a side note, these are great for separation anxiety, as they offer a secure 'den' that keeps all of a Poodle's aids right by them. And, these are perfect for the teething phase to keep a Poodle puppy from chewing apart the house. Recommended playpens to help with house training are below. These can be found with or without doors, and range from 24" ideal for toy and miniature Poodles to 48" better for standards, especially if continued to be used as the puppy grows. If you do not see the images, try a refresh. And on mobile, you may need to turn your screen horizontal to see all 4. Giving a Poodle incentive to do something applies to potty training, perhaps, more than it does with any other single action. Once something is a learned behavior, it become automatic though it is still nice to reinforce good behavior now and again. For housebreaking to happen quickly, you need to 1 give super-happy praise and simultaneously 2 offer the right type of reward. The training treat should be: New - It should not be something that you give to your Poodle for regular snacks. If you've found a great, all-natural and healthy snack that you'd like to keep giving, see if it comes in a different flavor. Small - House training treats need to be small. A puppy needs immediate satisfaction, and you cannot achieve this with something that a dog needs to sit down to chew on. Extra flavorful - It should be appealing to a Poodle sense of smell and sense of taste, offering a burst of flavor that will encourage the desire for more. And 'more' can only happen when the Poodle goes to the bathroom in the right area. Below are our top recommended training treats. And on mobile, you may need to turn the screen horizontal to see all 4. Dogs that are simply brought 'outside' for bathroom needs rarely have a good, clear understanding of what is expected. If they are out there long enough, they may very well go to the bathroom. However, your goal should be going above this and instilling the full concept of having one area for urination and elimination needs. Choose the area wisely; what may seem like a great spot in the summer may not work well in the winter. The bathroom area should be close to the home, not a spot that is used for anything else play area, gardening, etc. Within the chosen area, allow your Poodle to choose the exact spot that he prefers. Dogs that have a choice learn much faster and are more eager to follow the rules. It is best to stand in the middle of the area with your puppy on a 6 to 8 foot leash. Allow him to circle around and, sniff. Some will then need time for the bladder to relax or for the bowel muscles to push out stool. Since young puppies have weak bladder and bowel muscles, they can often pee or poo with very little warning. Whatever you need in order to bring your Poodle outside should be ready at the exit door. This will include a pair of shoes, an appropriate coat or jacket depending on the weather, clothing for your Poodle - should there be a need, an umbrella in case it is raining, a leash and even a book or magazine to thumb though while you wait. For the times that you are home, you will want to bring your Poodle to the designated area at the following times: First thing in the morning Any time right after the puppy wakes up from a nap Every 2 hours for a 2 month old, every 3 hours for a 3 month old, every 4 hours for a 4 month old, etc. It would certainly make things easier if dogs understood what we were saying when we spoke full sentences after they did something that we didn't approve of. However, puppies that are rewarded for good deeds and quietly forgiven for accidents are able to pick up what the owner wishes for without any scolding. Please remember that you want your Poodle to respect you, not fear you. And while it may feel good to release a bit of steam if you find a puddle of pee, yelling or acting frustrated will only confused and stress a puppy that really has no idea why you are upset. Dogs learn best when they can associate a word with an action. So, you'll want everyone in the house to be in agreement as to which word s will be used for housebreaking. It's best to keep it short, and have it be something that you do not feel uncomfortable saying in public. You will use this as you head outside 'Do you need to go potty? While some puppies will instantly pee or poo, others need time. Owners that only give the pup only a few minutes may have trouble with the training. Since 5 minutes can feel like 20 if you are bored, cold or otherwise uncomfortable or antsy, plan ahead. Have an outdoor chair located right in the middle of the bathroom area and plan ahead to check your mail or email during these times. It is recommended to give the puppy a good 15 minutes and if you just know that a bowel movement is due, give it .While on this note, one of the biggest problems that owners encounter is when a puppy won't pee in his spot no matter how long there, but will pee as soon as being brought back inside. A good tip to fix this, should it happen often, is hold him after you come back inside he won't pee on you ; then head back out in about 10 minutes. While young Poodles need to be taken out often see above , if they are kept on that schedule as they mature, they will not have an opportunity to learn to hold their needs and bladder and bowel muscles will not strengthen as they otherwise would. As you puppy grows older, stretch out the periods of time in between taking him out. While the carpet may look clean after you scrub it with dish soap and a sturdy brush, soap does not eliminate enzymes that are in urine. And those lingering enzymes you won't smell these, but your Poodle will essentially scream 'This is the bathroom area! So, all areas that have been pee'd or poo'd on need to be cleaned with an enzyme cleanser. Puppies are terrific at making whining noises and barking in the middle of the night, without letting us know if they need to go to the bathroom or are just bored and wanting some attention. If a puppy pees and poos before bedtime, it is far more likely that he wants your company as opposed to having a real need. However, it is always best to be safe than sorry. The important element is that this be done in a very serious manner without any play or other interaction. Keep lights low, bring your Poodle puppy directly to his spot, wait the allotted time without speaking other than praise if the deed is done and then bring him right back. A puppy will soon learn that barking for attention at night does not bring about any interaction that would seem worthy of making a fuss but that alerting you in regard to bathroom needs does result in praise and a quick treat. It's a common occurrence for owners to bring their Poodle for a walk in the neighborhood and just let the puppy go to the bathroom along the way. However, this is a missed opportunity for a house training lesson. Bring your Poodle to his spot first and then bring him for his exercise. Housebreaking Exact Steps This is exactly how to bring your Poodle out, what to say, and what to do: 1. Head outside with your Poodle on leash and harness, saying your chosen phrase Let's go potty , and with the training treats in a small zipped plastic bag, kept in your pocket. Lead your Poodle directly to the designated bathroom area, repeating the phrase. Stand in the middle of the designated area, allowing your Poodle to roam within the diameter and sniff around. Allow 10 to 15 minutes. If your Poodle pees or poos, without completely distracting your pup, mark the action with your chosen word said in a happy tone, You're going potty. During this time, be reaching for the training treat. As soon as your Poodle is done, bend to his level, give great praise in a super-enthusiastic voice Good potty, oh, you are such a good dog! If your Poodle had a bowel movement, and you believe that there may be a urination need, remain outside for an additional 5 minutes. A Final Word While you will need a bit of patience during this time, with a good plan and lots of enthusiasm from you, your Poodle puppy should be completely house trained with a few months. After you feel that he is fully trained, be sure to still bring him out often enough, and continue to offer praise to reinforce the lessons that have been learned. How to Stop a Poodle From Marking - Both males and females may display territorial marking, and this is a separate issue than housebreaking. Learn why dogs do this, and exactly how to stop it. The Best Type of Toys for a Poodle - If you think of toys as tools, you'll see that certain ones can help with a range of issues. See the top toys for teething, treat-release, chewing, boredom, and as aids when home alone. Giving a Poodle a Bath - Great tips and advice for successful baths that are beneficial to skin and coat. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. Potty breaks Alone time Of course, potty breaks have priority on your list at this time, but routines and schedules for the other things will also help with that. Image Credit: Pixabay 2. Purchase a Leash Before you begin training your Poodle friend, you should purchase a leash and harness that will fit your pet. Using a leash during your puppy training accomplishes two things at once. If all goes according to plan within about 3 weeks of taking your Poodle to their designated potty spots, you should no longer have a problem. Praise, of course, is easy. Treats can be a bit trickier because you first have to figure out what your pet likes best. In most cases, however, your Poodle will be happy with a dog treat or even a dog toy to be given for good behavior. Never yell at, hit, or otherwise demean your Poodle for having accidents in the house or even for not following commands. Remember, your dog is just a baby, and yelling at it is counterproductive and cruel. Image Credit: Linas T, Shutterstock 4. Test Away from Home Once you begin to have accident-free days and at least a few accident-free nights, take your puppy to a friend to see how well it does. Make sure you take poop bags, wipes, and paper towels with you to clean up after your puppy if it has an accident. It permanently removes the very worst stains and smells you can imagine and makes clean up a breeze. Click here to order a bottle today. Crate training works well for older Poodles. When you take the dog outside, wait with it to see if it uses the bathroom. Remember to offer tons of praise and treats for a job well done. However, in the excitement of getting the dog settled into its new home, it could be easy to forget to set a routine and start training your new friend to potty outside. Following the steps above will ensure that your Poodle puppy is properly trained and will continue to use the bathroom outside after your strict routine are adjusted to something less rigid. We will give you several options to try as every dog and situation is different. We all want our puppies to just be potty trained already, right?! And oh how lucky we are when some seem to just come that way! My first dog kya she was so dang easy. It really gave me a false idea of what is was like to potty train a dog. She literally came that way. BUT every dog since nope! Like people they are different and learn in different ways. Below are several methods you can use to potty train a dog. Try to feed him his meals at the same time each day and take him outside after every meal. If you feed your puppy at the same time each day you will be able to predict when he will need to go out, however some puppies like my teacup poodle can pee A-LOT so keep that in mind. Yes I am serious, one it keeps them close to you always which they love and two they are less likely to pee right next to you, but if they do you can say in a loud voice and clap NO while they do it pick them right up and put them on the grass to finish or at least to know this is where we potty. If they do finish on the grass praise them, praise them, praise them! Sniffing the ground and walking in circles are common signs that a dog has to go. Dogs do not like to potty where they sleep. When you can take them out again take them from the kennel to the grass. I learned once dogs have memory or use their memory through the bottom of their paws. If they have been trained to pee on the grass then when their feet hit the grass they know its time to pee. I will get into how this worked for us once with one of my dogs farther down. You may also reward your puppy with a small piece of food or with a physical reward such as a belly rub. Rewarding your puppy for good behavior is the best way to encourage them to repeat that behavior in the future. In fact our teacup is so small we stuff the back of the kennel with a towel so he only has enough room to lay and sleep. No kennel is small enough for him and we even have a kitten kennel. Take your puppy outside right before and immediately after confining them to the kennel. Lead your puppy to the grass and give him a chance to do his business then reward him when he does so. This has been proven to make potty training more difficult. Spanking or punishing your dog for going inside. If your dog does not know they are supposed to go outside and you punish them, you are only damaging the relationship you have with your dog. Yelling at your dog for going inside. This will lead the dog to avoid letting you know it needs to go or refusing to go when you are there, which makes providing a reward impossible. Then immediately take the dog outside or to the designated place. Failing to assign a consistent command word for the act of elimination. You do will hear only the first sound and then over time associate that first sound with going to the bathroom. Never use that word mad or mean keep it a positive word. On a leash take the puppy outside to the desired pee area for example your lawn we have a doggie door, so we take them to them door help them through until they figure it out then meet them outside and we grab the leash and walk them over to the spot on the lawn. Side NOTE…. So now take the puppy back inside BUT now the puppy needs to be held by you or back on a leash tied to you and goes every where you go. As stated above the kennel must only be big enough to sleep in. For a teacup I would say 15 minutes. Continue with this process until it goes to the bathroom. Then when all done crouch down to their level and hand them a treat while saying the Special Word. This helps teach them look when I pee outside I can be rewarded and this is a good thing. After about a week you can now try taking the dog off the leash and walking with it outside to its potty spot. If the puppy goes on the grass in the spot you have trained it to go, say your word while it goes potty. This tells the dog they did a very good thing and should definitely do it again. This will help the dog want to hold it so that they can go outside and get 5 treats. Make sure someone is always watching the dog so you know when it has gone and so you can reward it. This will go on for about two weeks. A teacup and their tiny bladder will be multiple times while playing and even after eating until they learn control. Using potty pads also called puppy pads, or pee pads is one way to help teach your puppy where it is appropriate to use the bathroom. Consistency is key to this training technique, which you can then use to also teach your puppy to eventually potty outside. The idea behind using a potty pad is to provide a visible, consistent area for your puppy to go potty. Large breed dogs may need heavy duty options compared to toy breeds. Newspaper and paper towels can be messy and difficult to clean up after your puppy potties on them, but they are inexpensive. Cloth towels are absorbent but will need to be washed regularly, and your puppy is more likely to try to chew on it like a blanket or toy. Store bought pee pads are the most popular option due to their absorbency, size options, and ease-of-disposal. Introduce the puppy to the pad allow your puppy to see and sniff the potty pads you chose. Puppies usually potty after sleeping, eating, drinking, and after playing. If your puppy starts sniffing around on the ground instead of playing or chewing on a toy, this is a good indication that it needs to go potty. Your puppy may have to go potty every two to three hours. Get in the habit of taking your puppy to the potty pad every 15 minutes to 1 hour depending on your puppy breed. After about a week you can now try taking the dog off the leash and walking with it to the peeped. If the puppy goes on the pad i, say your word while it goes potty. This tells the dog they did a very good thing and should definitely do it again. .This will help the dog want to hold it so that they can go on the pad and get 5 treats. I bought this cage , you can find it on Walmart. It is quite a bit bigger but I folded it tiny. He hops right in the peepad side when he needs to go than climbs around, eats, or sleeps on the other side. It has worked great. How to pee pad train your puppy how to pee pad train my puppy Option 4 Outside If you have a yard with grass this option will work and can be just what you need. If you do not have a fenced back yard this option will not be for you. Well one day I was told a puppy trains its self where to pee by the feeling of their paw touching that surface. We were then told to undo that she was 2 by this point we had to leave her out side all day and kennel her at night. This would retrain her paws to send that signal to the brain oh grass is where I pee. Now do not just put them out and forget them! We also brought her in when we could be right with her and snuggled on her and played with her but most of the time she staid out side all day. At night put them in the kennel as describe above many times. Then in the morning right back outside. We did this for two weeks and guess what it totally fixed the problem. We had another dog that as a puppy we went with the same method and same thing it totally worked. Our other dogs we did one of the three options above.

As we combine two different purebred dogs, there are so many possible variations and outcomes! Of course, a Bernedoodle puppy will inherit its traits and characteristics from its lineage. The traditional Bernese Mountain Dog coat features a solid jet black base color with white and rust or tan markings. The tan and rust markings are usually present above the eyes, on the cheeks, on each side of the chest, on the legs, and under the tail. The white markings are found on the muzzle, between the eyes, on the chest, neck, and paws. Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle Colors Poodles, on the other hand, most commonly come in a variety of solid colors, such as black, blue, gray, silver, brown, red, apricot, cream, cafe au lait, silver beige, and white. In addition to that, Poodles can also come with different color combinations like black and brown, black and tan, black and apricot, black and cream, brown and apricot, brown and white, and other combinations of the more common solid colors. As you might guess, black and white Bernedoodles have a black solid dominant color and white markings on the face, neck, and chest. Merle Bernedoodle One of the rarest, but most beautiful Bernedoodle colors is the merle pattern. Merle Bernedoodles have a solid base color with speckled patches of diluted colors throughout the coat. The merle coat gene is not as common in either Poodles or Bernese Mountain Dogs, but it can be passed onto the Bernedoodles when one of the parents is carrying the merle gene. A higher chance of achieving a merle Bernedoodle pup is by crossing a Poodle with a merle Bernedoodle. However, ethical breeders will never cross two merle Bernedoodles, as this increases the risk of serious health issues like blindness and deafness. Red and White Bernedoodle Red and white Bernedoodle is another rare color combination that features a mixture of reds and whites. The more traditional red and white Bernedoodle color has a solid red base on most of the body, while the chest, face, paws, and legs have white hair. Additionally, there are parti red and white Bernedoodles, where the base color is white throughout the body. In contrast, the red markings are found on the face, ears, and sometimes on the back as well. Black Bernedoodle A solid black Bernedoodle is more of a rare find compared to the black and white Bernedoodle and tri-color Bernedoodles. If the goal is to achieve a black Bernedoodle, both parent pups should carry the same recessive gene. The Bernedoodle tri-color pattern features three different colors on the coat. There can be various tri-color patterns with colors like black, brown, tan, rust, apricot, red, white, and cream. The dominant base color is usually darker and white markings are found on the face, chest, feet, and paws. Sable Bernedoodle Another popular choice is the sable Bernedoodle color. Sable Bernedoodles have a solid base color, but the hairs have black tips. Of course, the overall look depends on how much of the hair lengths are colored black from the ends. Phantom Bernedoodle Phantom Bernedoodles are somewhat similar to tri-colored Bernedoodles, but they have less white markings and more brown hues in their coats. The most common phantom combination is black and tan. These pups usually have dominant black color all across the body with tan markings on the face, chest, legs, and paws. This is again a more rare Bernedoodle color out there, but it sure does look beautiful! Chocolate Bernedoodle Chocolate Bernedoodles can come in a variety of patterns. Rare Bernedoodle Colors Of course, in addition to all of the Bernedoodle colors and color combinations we listed above, there are countless other colors and patterns that the puppies can come in. Many of them surprising even the breeders. It all comes down to their genetics and which dominant and recessive genes are present. Additionally, keep in mind that not all puppies in the same litter inherit the same coat colors. As with any Doodle, combining two different breeds gives us endless possibilities. Like many other Doodles, Bernedoodles often carry the fading gene , which is usually inherited from the Poodle side of their lineage. This typically occurs anywhere from 6 to 10 months of age. The fading, also called clearing, is most noticeable in darker colored Bernedoodles who have blacks and browns in their coat. Black Bernedoodles with the fading gene often change into silver, gray, or bluish tones. Chocolate or brown Bernedoodles can turn silver, cream, or silver beige over time. However, merle Bernedoodles might be at a slightly higher risk of certain health problems, such as deafness or blindness. To be fair, it all comes down to your preferences and which colors you like. However, we do recommend you choose your new family member based on their health and temperament, not for their looks only. Black Bernedoodles can fade into gray or silver tones, and chocolate Bernedoodles might fade into silver, silver beige, and beige tones. The only way to accurately predict the color of your puppy is by DNA testing, which you can arrange at an additional cost with your breeder. The rarest variations are bi-color black and white Bernedoodle, sable, phantom, and merle patterns, solid black, and solid white. In conclusion, choosing the color of your Bernedoodle puppy is one of the more difficult decisions that you face. They all look beautiful in their own way, but one thing is for sure — all Bernedoodles have amazing personalities, regardless of their coat color. We hope this guide has given you a good idea about all the different Bernedoodle colors and patterns that are available out there. What is your favorite Bernedoodle color? Let us know in the comments below! Avoid making the mistake of choosing the wrong Doodle temperament for your family, lifestyle, or current living situation. When a dog changes from black to grey we call that fading however with a sable color we call it clearing. When puppies are 6 weeks old we can generally tell if a tricolor Bernedoodle puppy will fade and what color a sable Bernedoodle puppy will clear out to. Fading is an interesting topic and one I get a lot of grief from other breeders. I know that health and temperament are the most important but why not have it all????? Yes puppies that fade are beautiful and we love all colors but why breed without a goal? We have been breeding Bernedoodles for 8 years. We have mastered health and temperament. Why not continue upward and produce puppies that hold their color? Bernese is my heart breed. They are one of the most beautiful breeds, their loving loyal personality is something every family can benefit from. My goal is to produce puppies that even as adults look like a Bernese but have the hair of the poodle. Because our extensive experience we can now say with confidence we can tell what color your sable Bernedoodle will be when they are older. The brindle and tricolor is still a bit tricky but we are getting close! Through experience and years of research we believe we have standard lines that will not fade. The tricolor phantom coat or phantom tricolor coat color is the term used for a Bernedoodle with mostly black and rust with limited white. Phantom Tricolor is one of the most requested coat color I get. The phantom tricolor will be born with the black, rust, and white markings. As the dog gets older the hair can blend in making the phantom tricolor look like a phantom Bernedoodle. Phantom Tricolors are different from phantoms. Phantom tricolor Bernedoodles have some white while phantoms are only 2 colors usually black and rust. Some phantom tricolors will turn silver where they were once black and white where they were once brown. Some phantom tricolor Bernedoodles seem to hold their color very well. The phantom tricolor resembles a Bernese mountain dog with limited white. Bernedoodle colors and how they change The picture below is a 6 week old sable Bernedoodle and the same sable Bernedoodle a little over 2 years old. If you look close you can see the lighter color under her eyes is the same color she cleared out to. The ears seem to hold the black coloring. On the puppy picture you can see the dark tipped ear and in the adult Bernedoodle picture you can see the tips of the ears are still black. This puppy is another puppy from one of our non-fading poodles. You can see with age he is the same color as he was when he was a puppy. The picture below is a sable Bernedoodle at 8 weeks, 6 months, and over 2 years. If you look at the 8 week picture you can see that her true color is the brownish red color. You can see the brownish color under her eyes. Again the ears are tipped black and stayed black but her over all color cleared out to the color around her eyes as a young puppy. How does the sable Bernedoodle coat change? Sable Bernedoodles are born dark or even looking black. By the time they are a few days old we can tell if they are sable. The first signs of a sable bernedoodle are highlights by the ears, eyes, muzzle, and underneath the tail. When sable bernedoodles are 6 weeks old you can tell what color they will clear out to buy looking at the color under their eyes. Sable Bernedoodles will usually have a lighter brown, cream, or red coloring under and around the eyes. This is the color your sable Bernedoodle will most likely clear out to. Clearing out is different than fading. With fading we do not know what color the puppy will end up being. With clearing out the dog shows what color it will end up being around 6 weeks of age. You can see 2 examples of how the sable color clears with age below. Brindle Bernedoodle Color changes Sable Bernedoodle clearing-fading Brindle Bernedoodles seem to hold their color whether or not the poodle parent carries the fading gene. This has been the case in my breeding program. Most brindles are born with the brindle color. As the puppy gets older and the hair gets longer the colors blend in. When the puppy is shaved they will still have the brindle coloring. In other breeds brindle coloring can turn grey or silver. I have not seen this with Bernedoodles. In our program our brindle Bernedoodles seem to hold their brindle color. The picture below is one of our brindle Bernedoodle puppies around 10 weeks and 14 months. You can see great examples of some of our sable Bernedoodles on our Sable Bernedoodle page. This tricolor Bernedoodle puppy faded out to a silver color. The first picture shows 8 weeks, 4 months, 8 months, and 14 months Sable Bernedoodle color changes This puppy below is from a poodle that did not fade. You can see with age he is the same color and his rust shows more now than when he was a puppy. Merle Bernedoodle Coat Changes Any doodle can fade. Because the Bernedoodle has poodle in them they do have a tendency to fade. The fading comes from the poodle parent. Some Bernedoodles start out as black and turn silver. Some Bernedoodles start out looking black and turn cream. Your dogs genetics determine if your puppy will fade. There is not a test available to determine if your dog carries the fading gene. The only way to reduce fading in the Bernedoodle is to know the lineage and chose breeding dogs that have not faded and come from long lines of non-fading poodles. Even with that there is a chance your puppy could change colors with age. The lighter the rust is as a puppy the lighter the rust will be as an adult if your Bernedoodle has the fading gene. It has been interesting to watch the past eight years how the tricolor Bernedoodle color changes. One thing I am finding is that hair type can have an affect on whether or not they fade at an early age. Bernedoodles with a straighter coat seem to hold their color better than Bernedoodles with a curly coat regardless if the poodle parent carries the fading gene. Tricolor Bernedodoles with a poodle parent that faded to silver where their rust used to be seem to start fading as young as 10 weeks. Tricolor Bernedoodles from a phantom poodle parent seem to start fading a bit later around months. Tricolor Bernedoodles from a sable poodle parent seem to start fading around months. Tricolor Bernedoodles from a poodle parent that has not faded seem to hold their color. Because all of our puppies from our poodle parents that do not seem to carry the fading gene are under 2 years old we do not know what age they will start fading or if they will hold their color until they turn grey from old age. Do Bernedoodles Fade? The merle Bernedoodle coat is a newer coat color. Our Merle Bernedoodles are to young to know how their color will be as adults. So far what we are seeing is that the merle coat is actually turning a darker shade of grey. You can see with age his rust lightened up to a tan color and his coat came in wavy. This tricolor Bernedoodle puppy is from one of our phantom poodles that did fade. This picture shows the Bernedoodle puppy at 9 weeks, 5 months, 9 months, and 18 months. Sable Bernedoodle Colors This tricolor phantom Bernedoodle puppy below is from out phantom male Trip. He over 2 years old and is the same color as when he was 8 weeks old. You can see that his rust is very similar to that of a pure Bernese mountain dog. He has a straighter coat. Tricolor Bernedoodle fading. If black, puppy has markings outside of the normal pattern for a parti puppy. Markings can range from silver, light tan, to dark brown, to red. These markings are found over the eyes, on the sides of the face, on the chest, on all four legs and feet, and under the tail. There is no white on the puppy or the white is very minimal. Unlike a phantom puppy, there is white present somewhere on the puppy. It is most common to only have white on the chest and sometimes the feet. These puppies most closely resemble a bernese mountain dog in their color patterns. It is more rare to get the white on the face with perfect berner markings, so please understand if leaving a deposit, you could be waiting a very long time for a puppy like this. The two non-traditional tri-colors we produce are sables and brindles. A sable is when the outer hair is a darker shade than the hair underneath. These puppies are a different color when they are shaved down. They commonly have places where their hair tends to stay darker like on the ears or tail. They may or may not have phantom markings and can have varying amounts of white. Brindle is when the puppy has stripes of different colors on their body. If all these colors werent confusing enough as it is, you can also have a sable brindle combination where the puppy has the stripes, but the hair underneath is still lighter too. These puppies will have varying sizes of patches. Several colors of hair create the "blue" and "red" color that these babies are known for. One puppy could appear to be several colors as its base coat. No two babies are ever the same!!! The phantom merles have those distinct phantom markings that we love so much! On average, these babies will appear to be three or more colors! These babies have large patches of distinct white, not just small spots of white hair mixed in which is common in merles. These puppies can appear to be five or more colors. The are the most unique color out there and are something extra special!!! A little about merles: Standard sized merle bernedoodles are especially hard to find. They are one of the few colors that are auctually harder to find in Standard size than mini. The reason being that standard sized merle standard poodles are difficult to find. The merle color is very uncommon in all poodle sizes. They can usually be readily found in toy and mini sized poodles. The toy poodle is then bred to a standard sized female to create the Moyen or medium sized poodle. This poodle as the mother cannot safely be bred to a bernese mountain dog. She will be far too small. If this moyen poodle is the father, the puppies will be a larger mini or very small standard size. These are not Large standard sized puppies that we are hoping to have. This merle moyen poodle should be bred again to a standard poodle in order to bring as much size as possible to the offspring, and then that puppy could safely breed for standard sized puppies. It takes several generations to safely and correctly breed for True Standard sized babies. It takes many years to create the perfect poodle to make these babies happen! We maintain the right to refuse sale to anyone we do not feel comfortable placing a puppy with for any reason. This right also extends to people who have already left a deposit with us, in which this is the only case that a deposit will be refunded. We want only the best for our babies and if we believe you may not be a fit home for one of our babies for any reason, we will exercise this right. Thank you for understanding. Copyright Kandissweetpuppies. All Rights Reserved. A Merle Bernedoodle carries the merle gene which causes the coat to have mottled patches of colors. In addition to affecting coat color, the gene also affects skin pigmentation on their paws and nose. It also alters their eye color. Merle Bernedoodles look like any other Bernedoodle except for their coat color. Instead of a solid or tri-color coat, the merle gene causes mottled patches of color. Originally a Blue Merle Bernedoodle has a black coat however the merle gene dilutes areas to grey and white. On the other hand, a Red Merle Bernedoodle originally has a liver brown coat and the merle gene has dilutes areas to beige and white. Merle Bernedoodles are very rare. They are extremely difficult to breed as the gene is very rare in both Poodles and Bernese Mountain dogs. Are Merle Bernedoodle More Expensive? Yes, Merle Bernedoodles are more expensive than other Bernedoodle colors as they are so rare and also difficult to breed. They have black and blue tones throughout the merle pattern. They have brown and red tones throughout the merle pattern. Check out the adorable Bernedoodle puppies that are currently available here! PuppySpot is a dog adoption website that connects breeders with prospective pet owners. They have a zero tolerance policy for puppy mills which is why they screen every breeder annually! They have placed over , puppies in homes and offer various trusted, USDA-certified transportation options to deliver your puppy to your home safely!

Cheappuppiesforsale is your go-to website for finding inexpensive, locally available, and registered French bulldog for sale. Our primary objective is to assist you in locating the appropriate French Bulldog puppy for sale in your neighborhood History of French Bulldog Puppies French Bulldogs are considered one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States and around the world. They are known for their affectionate and playful personalities and are often kept as companion animals. The breed is a descendant of the English Bulldog, which was brought to France by English lacemakers. The French Bulldog was then developed by crossing the English Bulldog with local small breeds, such as the Terrier, to create a smaller, more delicate version of the English Bulldog. During the 19th century, French Bulldogs were used for bull-baiting and dog fighting. They quickly gained popularity among the upper class in France, especially in Paris, where they were considered a symbol of luxury and elegance. In the late 19th century, French Bulldogs were brought to the United States by American tourists who fell in love with the breed while visiting France. Temperament of Frenchies The temperament of a French Bulldog is generally described as affectionate, playful, and sociable. They are known to be good with children and other pets and make great companion animals. They are also known for their intelligence and trainability, which makes them easy to train and manage. French Bulldogs are very loyal to their owners, and they have a strong desire to be close to their family. They have a playful nature, and they love to play and interact with their owners. French Bulldogs are known for their expressive personalities, and they are known to be very vocal. They are known to make a variety of noises, including grunts, snores, and snorts, which can be quite endearing. They are also known for their sense of humor and their ability to make their owners laugh. One of the most striking characteristics of French Bulldogs is their easy going nature. They are known to be adaptable and easy to live with, which makes them great family pets. They are also known to be relatively low maintenance, as they do not require a lot of exercise or grooming. Let us introduce you to Rose a gorgeous French Bulldog pup ready to venture off to her forever home. She is AKC registered, vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, plus the breeder provides a 1 year genetic health guarantee provided by the breeder. Her momma is Amber. Rose enjoy spending time with the children she is currently being raised with. Sex: Female. Reviews Angela Pirate is the most beautiful, funny, and overall amazing puppy I have ever seen! I love him so much, he is the best addition to our family!! Great job Happy Frenchie!!! Mike Had a great experience with Happy Frenchie recently. They answered all of my questions and informed me even more about my puppy. Overall I am very happy with my choice, thank you Happy Frenchie! Happy Frenchie got delivered him to me 10 months ago. He came healthy and looking great. He's super extroverted and loves making new friends everywhere we go. Tom Fantastic service from Happy Frenchie. They are very knowledgeable and professional when it comes to French Bulldogs. We got Maximus last month and he's been doing great at home. Very smart and loving Frenchie. Thanks for the excellent work guys. French Bulldog, the king of hearts, minds and purses Sitting nicely at the top spot in popularity rankings for canine breeds in America, French Bulldog is chosen by thousands every year for a host of welcoming features. It loves fun and to be around people. It wears posh coats sometimes way too posh and pricey. This fab thing is as reasonably versatile as one can demand of a pet family companion meant for city life. Look no further for a trusted French Bulldog breeder in Pennsylvania. How to find a reliable French Bulldog breeder in Pennsylvania? Prices of French Bulldog PA? These are all-important queries, for a number of reasons. One, any pet is not simply a toy, but a living being. You take responsibility for its life and well-being from the moment the pup crossed the doorstep of your house. Two, choosing a verified producer gives you a peace of mind about the quality the health. A healthy puppy is not only a happy one; it means lower maintenance and fewer visits to your vet, which may be embarrassingly costly. Three, this is indeed a pricey stuff. French Bulldog breeder in Pennsylvania: the questions to ask Local breeders of French Bulldogs: what to look for Going local is advised ever when planning a purchase. Good for climate, if you care — for any long-haul adds to carbon emission and warmer Earth. In this industry, though, it may not be a universal rule. Our favored breed, French Bulldogs, are a costly lot. Air delivery say, from a breeder based in California may be costly, but compared to total expenses not that significant. How much for a French Bulldog? Go mid-range or marginals? With a dog shelter, it may appear to come for free even. A second-hand dog offered for rehoming for a good reason like a change of family fortunes or a human health problem, however, may likely be burdened with issues not easily identifiable. Like behavioral ones. Face values may be tricky. Buying first-hand from an established French Bulldog breeder in Pennsylvania adds a significant safety net tool to the equation, a clean sheet of individual character traits a new owner may fill in with whatever he or she deems appropriate and welcoming. Based in Allentown, we offer professionally raised and lovingly prepared French Bulldogs puppies in Pennsylvania, of all states. Stick to local breeders of French Bulldogs, research our prices and shades, call for availability of colors not currently listed. Shop, save, enjoy the company of your new buddy, open a fresh chapter in life! French Bulldogs puppies in Pennsylvania will come priced thousands no matter how hard you try. In truth, any real-time query would return estimates deeply north of the mark. State, breeder, fiscal arrangements, delivery options are all to blame for fluctuations. Mind, these are secondary factors to consider if dreaming of French Bulldogs puppies in Pennsylvania. The primary, the one that really matters is what color Frenchie? For this will determine prices of French Bulldog PA. Unusual coat design will add thousands sometimes tens of thousands to the otherwise equally-merited, fine-tuned dog. French Bulldogs puppies in Pennsylvania: shades explained The ocean of incredibly varying colors, shades, hues, tints present in Frenchies can be divided into two pools. These are not allowed to take part in official dog shows but make excellent family companions and wear coats that are outwardly but also costly. Five-digit estimates for exceptionally beautiful, jaw-dropping specimens are routinely registered. What we do is we translate years of experience and love for the trade into healthy, affordable puppies not every French Bulldog breeder in Pennsylvania can proudly boast. Scroll our litters, compare conditions and prices, give us calls, choose, buy, come in person to collect! Have a happy surfing! Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. Life Span Did You Know? While the name of this breed is the French Bulldog, their origins cannot be credited to only France. One of the facts about French Bulldogs is that the idea and reason for the creation of the breed originated in England. This adorable dog breed, which has always been meant to be a companion, started as a miniature version of the English Bulldog. This mini-version accompanied lace workers across the English Channel and into France during the Industrial Revolution. Once the dog breed became prominent in France, the subsequent successful crossbreeding of the English Bulldog, Pug, and Terrier led to the creation of the modern-day Frenchie. The French Bulldog we know today originally came to the United States with groups of wealthy Americans who came across them and fell in love while touring Europe in the late s. The French Bulldog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in and is a member of the non-sporting group. The French Bulldog is an easygoing, affectionate, and playful dog that loves their family and gets along well with children. They also love to make new friends, which means they get along well with other dogs, animals, and people. Intelligent and affectionate, this small dog breed certainly wins over hearts and earns its status as a popular companion dog. Frenchies are not known to bark much, unless you train them into it, but they are naturally alert and make excellent watchdogs. As long as they are well-socialized and trained, they tend to have an open and friendly nature. The Frenchie is a highly adaptable dog that pretty much adapts to any living situation that includes plenty of love and attention. Being a short-snouted, snub-nosed dog breed, they do not tolerate heat very well and are also sensitive to cold. This tends to make them one of the dog breeds that hate winter and you will want to make sure to bundle them up to stay warm while out on cold winter walks. Because Frenchies bond closely with their families and thrive on attention from them, they do not tolerate long periods of time alone. They can also be prone to developing separation anxiety if they are poorly socialized or you do not work with them on this when they are young. Potential health concerns to be aware of in French Bulldogs can include cataracts, cherry eye, and entropion. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances. Heart and joint certifications are recommended for this breed. Playful and happy, the French Bulldog is a great fit for a novice dog owner. They are sweet-tempered, eager to please, and eager to train. Occasionally, Frenchies can be stubborn and they do tend to have big personalities. Although this can sometimes be a challenge for first-time dog owners, it can usually be overcome with consistent and patient training. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training. Standard coat colors for Frenchies are Brindle, Cream, Fawn, and combinations of these. They have a short coat that will shed a little year-round. Nail trims once or twice a month keep nails from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks, along with careful cleanings as needed, can help prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, the Frenchie is more prone to developing gum disease. Daily dental care plus cleanings at the vet as needed can help prevent this and other painful dental diseases later in life. You will also need to take care of the wrinkles. Frenchies have hereditary face wrinkles and it is important to keep them clean and dry to prevent skin irritation or possible infection. The French Bulldog is an easygoing companion breed. They can be one of the laziest dog breeds that are couch potatoes. Frenchies will often be energetic when they play and will try to match their activity to yours. So, if you live a more active lifestyle, you need to be careful that your French Bulldog is not overexerting themselves trying to keep up with you. As a Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dog, they cannot cool themselves as easily and are extra sensitive to heat. They can also get winded easily, so be aware of this when playing with your dog or puppy and watch for signs of overexertion. There are safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs and you can work with your vet on specifics for your Frenchie if needed. French Bulldogs usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Frenchies generally live for years on average. With this dog breed being so popular, there are plenty of celebrities who have chosen the French Bulldog as their companion, which also means there are plenty of famous Frenchies out there. Also, French Bulldogs cannot swim, at least without a life vest. They can be taught to swim while wearing one, but they should never be left unattended around bodies of water or swimming pools and require constant supervision while in the water. Featured French Bulldog Article.

Minimal exercise needs and a low barking tendency make her perfect for apartment living. The French Bulldog descended from the English Bulldog in the s when it was translocated to France. The breed has flourished as an adored companion ever since. The Frenchie is known for its bat-like ears and short, wrinkled nose. She tends to have a curious and gentle nature and is notorious for being the class clown. She will often have sporadic bouts of energy followed by prolonged periods of resting. The French Bulldog is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your French Bulldog. By knowing about health concerns specific to French Bulldogs, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in French Bulldogs to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for French Bulldogs. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Frenchie looking and feeling her best. And unfortunately, your French Bulldog is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections French Bulldogs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in French Bulldogs. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Vida Veterinary Care will also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your French Bulldog is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time. This is convenient for you and easy for your friend. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. The disease is caused when the jelly-like cushion between one or more vertebrae slips or ruptures, causing the disc to press on the spinal cord. If your dog is suddenly unable or unwilling to jump up, go up stairs, is reluctant to move around, has a hunched back, cries out, or refuses to eat or go potty, he is likely in severe pain. He may even drag his back feet or be suddenly paralyzed and unable to get up or use his back legs. Call us or an emergency clinic immediately! For less severe cases, rest and medication may resolve the problem. As with so many other diseases, weight control helps to prevent this problem. Spinal Deformities French Bulldogs are more likely than other canines to be born with spinal deformities a condition called hemivertebrae , which may lead to spinal cord damage, instability, or disability. Inflammatory Bowel Disease Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD is an immune system disorder common in French Bulldogs in which the intestinal lining becomes overrun with immune system cells called lymphocytes and plasmacytes. Chronic vomiting or diarrhea is common or it may flare up suddenly and then improve again for a time. Stress, diet change, or intestinal parasites may make it worse. If your friend has diarrhea or digestive upsets that are not explained by the more common reasons, diagnostic tests, which may include intestinal biopsy, will be needed. Lifetime medications and special diets are usually required to keep this bellyache under control. Unfortunately, French Bulldogs can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older French Bulldogs. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye. This is one of the most commonly inherited diseases in dogs, and your French Bulldog is more likely than other dogs to develop this painful condition. If untreated, these abnormal hairs can cause corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain. Several treatment options are available, and the prognosis is good once the hairs have been permanently removed. Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea surface of the eyeball. This is an extremely irritating and painful condition that can ultimately lead to blindness. It can happen in any dog breed; however, your French Bulldog is especially at risk for this heritable disorder. Surgical correction is usually successful if performed early. Because your Frenchie has eyeballs that naturally protrude, he is more vulnerable to eye injuries. Scrapes or punctures to the cornea the protective covering on the eyeball are the most common injuries. Not only do they hurt, they can become infected and affect his vision. Call us at right away if he has any problems with his eyes. A damaged cornea is painful and should be treated immediately. Medication and sometimes surgery is required. Allergies In humans, an allergy to pollen, mold, or dust makes people sneeze and their eyes itch. In dogs, rather than sneeze, allergies make their skin itchy. Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for this condition. Bleeding Disorders There are several types of inherited bleeding disorders that occur in dogs. They range in severity from very mild to very severe. Many times a pet seems normal until a serious injury occurs or surgery is performed, and then severe bleeding can result. You might notice that he runs along and suddenly picks up a back leg and skips or hops for a few strides. If the problem is mild and involves only one leg, your friend may not require much treatment beyond arthritis medication. When symptoms are severe, surgery may be needed to realign the kneecap to keep it from popping out of place. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. Keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Respiratory Distress Syndrome This disease, also known as brachycephalic syndrome, affects dogs with a short nose, like your French Bulldog. As a consequence, the soft palate the soft part at the back of the roof of the mouth , is too long and hangs down into the airway. The nostrils are often too small, and sometimes the trachea, or windpipe, is narrow and undersized. All of these things lead to a narrow and obstructed airway. Many of these dogs can barely breathe! Watch for exercise intolerance, loud breathing, coughing, bluish gums, or fainting. With his short nose, he is also more likely to develop other problems, such as flatulence from excessive air intake, pneumonia from aspirating food, or heat stroke. In severe cases, surgical correction may be recommended. Bladder or Kidney Stones There are a few different types of stones that can form in the kidney or in the bladder, and French Bulldogs are more likely to develop them than other breeds. Call us immediately! It affects French Bulldogs more frequently than other breeds. If your dog has this disease, he will become increasingly weak and disabled in the hind legs and will eventually suffer from paralysis in his hindquarters, along with incontinence. Rehabilitation, exercise, acupuncture , and dietary supplements can be helpful, but there is no cure. A genetic test is available to determine whether your dog is at risk for this heritable disease. Mange Demodex is a microscopic mite that lives in the hair follicles of dogs. All dogs have them. In mild cases, pet owners may notice a few dry, irritated, hairless lesions. These often occur on the face or feet and may or may not be itchy. Secondary skin infections may occur. Prompt veterinary care is important to keep the disease from getting out of hand. Many pets seem to outgrow the problem, while others require lifelong management. Skin Infections Your French Bulldog is prone to a form of skin infection called lip-fold pyoderma, which occurs because the folds of skin along the lower jaw are usually moist. Bacteria and yeast can readily gain a foothold and cause a reddened, smelly area that is uncomfortable for your dog. We will examine him for this problem, but let us know if you see signs. When symptoms are severe, the excess skin folds can be surgically removed. Taking Care of Your French Bulldog at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Frenchie live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She has low grooming needs. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Check her facial wrinkles and eyes often. Her droopy skin and eyes can collect debris. She is well suited for apartment living; she will need a daily walk and regular inside play. She can be sensitive to warm temperatures; avoid any prolonged exposure and be very alert to the signs of heat stress. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your French Bulldog needs help. Preparing for your French Bulldog puppy Here is the list of things you must have before your puppy comes home: The food that I start my puppies on occasionally changes as I search for the very best products. At this time my highest recommendation is to feed a raw meat diet which consists of muscle meats, bone, organ, vegetables, and supplements to ensure your new family members berst health and longevity. You fill find these in the freezer sections of boutique pet stores. You are welcome to supplement with kibble for those times when the food is not defrosted in time, for travel, and other unforeseeable circumstances. Goat milk kefir or yogurt not cows milk! I wean my puppies onto water by 8 weeks old, however I do recommend to have a quart on hand during the transition period just in case. If not used, it can be frozen for later use or your can drink it yourself. Its very easy to digest and puppies absolutely love it! Instead choose freeze dried raw meat treats. These can be ordered online through chewy. Enzymatic cleaner for tidying up potty accidents. Regular bowls work fine but if you would like to go the extra mile there are special bowls designed specifically for brachycephalic breeds which helps slow down eating and therefore swallowing less gas and creating less gas and less chances for over eating and then throwing up those can be purchased online. Raised bowls are an extra plus! Spending all that time bent over a bowl can be painful on the joints. A raised bowl will keep proper body conformation and promote correct position of joints. Choose durable toys and generally stay away from plushies as these can be easily torn apart and the fluff inside is easy to choke on. Edible chews are okay too, just no bleached rawhide as this is toxic. They make both a vitamin-mineral wafer as well as a joint support wafer. I recommend both. Please use my breeders code for a discount on your order: nuvet. Making food available during specific intervals during the day will make bowel movements more predictable, because they typically poop within 20 minutes after eating. You can start to take away food earlier each evening to have less bowel movements over night. If feeding kibble, I highly recommend taking a moment to boil and mash some carrots. This will help to keep their digestive system settled during the stressful transition between homes. If you choose to add any additional supplements, just follow the packaging instructions. If your puppy eats all of it and seems to still be hungry, mix them another portion. There is no need to measure or count calories at this point. Growing puppies need a lot of energy, just like growing children. I will always and forever recommend only raw unprocessed diets for this breed. If this is the case I highly recommend adding canned food from the same brand. I mix this thoroughly until there are no chunks left and the mixture is uniform otherwise they will pick out the chunks and leave the kibble behind. Try not to mix other cooked meat into your kibble otherwise your puppy will never eat kibble without meat. If you are okay with cooking daily for your puppy, then by all means add cooked meat and vegetables into their kibble. Please do not feed beef or chicken based products. If you elect to feed cooked meat, choose organic turkey only at this young age. I always have clean water available day and night. If your puppy is experiencing separation anxiety and not wanting to eat then you can offer goats milk kefir or yogurt as well as egg yolks. Goats milk kefir and egg yolks are hard for puppies to resist and it will provide both hydration and calories. Your French Bulldog puppy should be kept on the diet they were started on for a few months, as changes from what they are used to can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. I am enthusiastically happy to share any resources and guide you on a diet change to raw meat feeding: French Bulldog Puppy Hygiene Your puppy does not need to be bathed unless visibly dirty. DO NOT allow water to enter the ears! Frenchie ears are erect and open, so its easy to water to get in. In addition to this, ears are dark and warm perfect for bacteria or fungus. Dry the ears thoroughly after each bath and walks in the rain and avoid allowing water near the head in general. For cleaning the ears on a regular basis weekly or more frequently I like to use cotton pads soaked in a specifically formulated cleaning solution called Ph Notix. The Ph Notix does an excellent job of melting the ear wax for an easy wipe away. Though, coconut oil, colloidal silver, and any vet prescribed ear cleaner can be used as well. Clip nails monthly at a minimum. The more frequently nails are clipped, the shorter they will become. Same applies to their tail pocket. Puppies don't typically have tail pockets, but as they matures this feature can develop. The most important step is to very thoroughly dry your puppy whenever they are wet! I check this area with each bath, and completely dry the paws especially in between the toes after each bath and each time they get wet. If you notice redness between the toes, then it is likely yeast. I personally do not brush the teeth of my dogs, and have never had a dental issue. Providing large raw real bones for chewing will naturally clean the teeth and this is something that I give all of my dogs. However if you are keen on doing so, daily brushing will provide additional protection to your dogs teeth. There are special savory flavored tooth pastes just for dogs available to make this task more enjoyable for your puppy. As a preventative measure you can also add a specially formulated probiotic into their water to support dental health called TEEF. I administer these vaccines at home in a single dose containing all five strains of virus. I use the brand name Duramune Max and I special order these to be delivered to be via one-day-air on ice to ensure their viability. This initial dose is given once your Frenchie turns at least 7 weeks old. Please wait a minimum of 3 weeks to give the next booster vaccines. This is very important, I do not recommend the leptospirosis vaccine due to a high rate of adverse reactions. It is not necessary unless your French Bulldog puppy will be in frequent contact with wildlife or livestock and you live in an area where leptsospirosis is rampent. Bordetella can be given at 10 weeks old and rabies can be given once your puppy is a minimum of 3 months old. I also give my adult French Bulldogs a booster of Bordetella kennel cough as well as canine influenza vaccine once each flu season. Deworming Simply due to the nature of puppies, I recommend you submit a fecal sample during your initial vet visit. I deworm the entire litter multiple times before coming home to you. But please understand that puppies are messy creatures. Puppies also put absolutely everything in their mouths including each others paws. So please understand its likely that you may need to continue one last treatment of dewormer when your puppy comes home, even if they are having solid poops. All of my mamma dogs are dewormed before and after having their litters as well to reduce exposure to internal parasites. Additionally I deworm all of my adult dogs twice yearly with a combination of metronidazole and fenbendazole, or drontal plus. Certain parasites like giardia are extremely difficult to eradicate in our cool and wet climate. Giardia will live in the soil and water and can be spread through wild animals coming through your yard as well. Adult dogs with strong immune systems will develop antibodies to giardia and will have no symptoms. Puppies who test positive for giarida may or may not have symptoms. I personally have never had a flea or tick problem with any of my dogs in all my years of breeding and I choose not to treat my pets with pesticides. Pesticides are teratogenic and can cause birth defects as well as neurologic disorders such as seizures. Personally I would only consider one dose of oral NexGuard during the hottest month of Summer when these parasites are most active in my geological area. Each individual dog and household must weight the risks and benefits to use or not to use pesticides based on their personal circumstances and geological area. I understand you might live in an area with a known problem with these external parasites or might be living on a farm where it will be necessary to keep them under control. There are many different kinds of medications that can be used but they treat different things, some are applied topically, some given orally, some work for one month and others up to 8 months, and some medications will also treat internal parasites in addition to external. For puppies under six months old the oral medication NexGaurd can be given for fleas and ticks, as well as off-label for mites. A third kind of treatment is a Seresto collar which is a collar made from a special material that is filled with medication that is slowly released and absorbed by your dog. My brother who lives on a farm finds favor with this method and it can be used as early as 7 weeks of age. Ridgefield, Washington. December 6, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? Quickly rising in the popularity ranks to spot number two, the French bulldog or more commonly known for their nickname Frenchie is a bundle of cute, silliness, and affection! This compact, low-activity, lap companion is a perfect fit for puppy parents that like a relaxed lifestyle! How do you know if the French Bulldog is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on French Bulldogs! When it comes to French Bulldogs, not where they originally come from! These pups actually made their way over to France from England and were actually Toy Bulldogs. During the mid s, lacemakers from Nottingham, England traveled to Paris bringing along their toy bulldogs and cross-breeding them with bull-baiting bulldogs to gain those tall erect bat ears Frenchies have today! Soon, their popularity in France spread as more Parisian women introduced these pups a staple into city, cafe-culture. What are French Bulldog Breed Characteristics? French Bulldogs have short snouts, round adorable bodies and short legs, square-shaped faces but the most undeniably French Bulldog quality.Although these characteristics breed standard, French Bulldogs come in a variety of colorings including white, cream, tan, grey, black, brown, blue, multi-color, fawn, brindle, merle, lilac, and combinations of each of these! What are French Bulldog Personalities like? These pups have silly personalities, love to play, and can settle right up next to your lap. Unlike the common yappy small dog stereotype, Frenchies are quite affectionate and even-tempered. They love their human families, seek companionship, and enjoy playing with their people. If you were looking for a pup that was thrill-seeking and had a protective quality to their nature, French Bulldogs are far more content with a walk, quick game of tug-of-way or fetch, and would probably rather play with new people and dogs than be protective. While they are relatively easy-going, they can have a bit of a stubborn streak so be prepared with obedience training and to coax your Frenchie with some treats! Much like their early days, French Bulldogs are a great choice for puppy parents living in urban, city environments like apartment buildings. Frenchies, while they love to play, are what is known as a brachycephalic breed. High activity can cause them to overheat and they will have difficulty panting to cool off. While the idea of letting your French Bulldog puppy cool off in water seems right, no swimming for these pups. If you live somewhere with a pool or close to a lake, be mindful of your Frenchie, and even keep a protective float or vest on them! All in all, a home that provides space in a room to play, or walks around the neighborhood or in a park are just what Frenchies need to burn off their energy and keep entertained! How to Care for Your French Bulldog! French Bulldogs, like many short-snouted dogs, can suffer from respiratory issues such as wheezing, snoring, and over-heating in warmer temperatures. While their short coats are generally low-maintenance, French Bulldogs can suffer from eye infections and infections in the folds of their skin. Keeping their eyes clean, regular brushing with a rubber glove, and making sure their skin is completely dry after bathing can significantly help prevent these issues! When you first bring home your new French Bulldog puppy, set up an initial visit with your veterinarian to discuss French Bulldog breed nutritional needs, preventive care, and schedule their vaccinations! Thanks to their adorable looks, French Bulldogs receive a lot of affection from their humans. Basic Obedience and Tricks French Bulldogs are fun and easy-to-train breed! However, some Frenchie parents may find bouts of stubbornness such as refusing to take another step on a walk or not coming when called! If you start to experience this with your Frenchie puppy, try to keep them on a leash while under supervision at home to have them follow you and start to establish leadership. Since these pups love a good playtime session, teaching them some fun tricks is a great way to keep them engaged while still working on listening and following your lead! Potty Train Right Away With the right consistency and patience, all puppies can be potty trained! Some French Bulldog puppies may take a bit longer to master pottying in a specific spot so start from the very first day your puppy comes home! Pick a designated spot, start bringing your puppy there every time they have to go potty, and supervise them at home, or crate them at night to prevent accidents! As companion dogs, French Bulldogs can develop separation anxiety so establishing crate times during the day and at night will help your puppy start to feel comfortable being alone and boost their level of confidence. Set times for feeding, play, puppy training, and sleep will provide your puppy with routine and structure, encouraging good behaviors and fewer chances of your puppy developing bad habits. A daily schedule also makes certain things such as potty times far more predictable for you and helps to speed up the potty training process. Lastly, a set routine creates a well-adjusted puppy that will grow up confident, healthy, and happy! One of the best things about a daily puppy schedule is that you can establish one that aligns with your own! Teach them "Drop-It! One of the fastest and most fun! Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! Pin5 5 Shares There are so many misconceptions about Frenchies, and I hope you find the real-life experiences I write about on the blog helpful in dispelling some of them. But there is an element of truth to one common opinion when people say Frenchies can be difficult to raise and train… so how hard can it be? How hard is it to raise a French Bulldog? French Bulldogs have a reputation for being stubborn dogs so you would think they would be hard to raise. As a Frenchie owner myself, I think generalizations like this are very misleading. We often look back and compare it to having a baby and toddler again. It was honestly that hectic at times with stuff getting chewed, pee and poop all over the kitchen floor, and him running away and not listening to us. It took a while to get him toilet trained, he was very bitey, and seemed to take longer than we expected to be trained. However, I think much of it comes down to how hard you work, plus some other factors. This can be due to genetics and their treatment before you picked them up. We took Claude to our local vets and it helped us raise him and train him to be very calm. You can find a list of my training guides lower down the page. They are not and need exercise and walks to be happy. Mental stimulation: Healthy and happy puppies need to have active brains, not just physical activity. Health and care: Keep them clean, feed them a good diet, and keep up to date with their vet appointments and treatments. In a moment, I will break those down a little further, with tips on how you can put these all into action with links into the guides for each one. Is raising two French Bulldogs more difficult? Whilst we only have one Frenchie, we will often look after another one. The reason is, you can find that they will learn from each other, and mimic good and bad behaviors. That can make training a little easier. Read this if you are thinking about getting a puppy. He knows what time to wake up, when his food should be out, and when walk times are. Dogs like things to be predictable! Have plenty of toys Keep your Frenchie mentally active, and you will help to raise a happy and healthy dog. You can take them for walks twice a day, but they will also need indoor playtime. You can buy toys that challenge them mentally and others which just rely on classic games such as tug of war… see the 18 best Frenchie toys I recommend. Your Frenchie puppy will love to play with plenty of different toys. Include them in everything Claude has become part of our family which means including him on everything that we do. When he gets left out of something, he looks really put out. Taking them out from a young age post-vaccinations exposes them to all the different elements early on that will help them to grow up as well adjusted dogs. The remainder is vet approved food that is packed full of all the nutrients he needs. When he does have snacks, we make sure they are things like healthy fruit and vegetables. Below you can access lists of safe and dangerous foods for Frenchies to print off and keep. A balanced diet, regular exercise, proper grooming, and regular vet check-ups will keep them healthy and happy. French Bulldog care is a delightful experience that brings so much happiness! In this article, we have collected all the most important tips covering the ultimate Frenchie care! Are Frenchies easy to take care of? French Bulldogs, also known as Frenchies, are a popular breed of dogs known for their charming personalities and adorable wrinkled faces. When it comes to taking care of them, Frenchies are relatively low-maintenance dogs. They have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming, and they are not known to be heavy-shedder. They also have a low exercise requirement, making them suitable for apartment living. However, Frenchies are prone to breathing difficulties due to their short snouts, so they may require special attention during hot weather or heavy physical activity. Additionally, they are prone to certain health issues such as skin allergies, hip dysplasia, and eye problems, so regular veterinary check-ups are important. A responsible dog breeder filters these very strictly so that the chances of occurrence can be kept to a minimum. Responsible breeders also help to identify and treat illnesses. Overall, Frenchies can be a great addition to any household with the right amount of care and attention. Frenchies are sensitive to heat French Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed, meaning they have short snouts, which can make it difficult for them to regulate their body temperature , especially in hot weather. Limit exercise Avoid strenuous exercise during hot weather and opt for early morning or late evening walks instead. Use cooling products Invest in cooling products, such as cooling mats, cooling vests, or fans, to keep your Frenchie comfortable. Avoid overheating Be mindful of signs of overheating, such as heavy panting, red gums, and a lack of energy, and take steps to cool your Frenchie down immediately if you notice these signs. By taking these steps, you can help protect your Frenchie from the dangers of heat and keep them healthy and comfortable during hot weather. Keep your Frenchie fit Keeping a French Bulldog fit and healthy requires a combination of proper diet, exercise, and preventive health care. Here are some tips to help keep your Frenchie in shape: Provide a balanced diet Feed your Frenchie a high-quality, well-balanced diet appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Avoid overfeeding, as Frenchies are prone to weight gain. Regular exercise Frenchies are a low-energy breed, but they still need regular exercise to maintain their health. Offer daily walks, playtime, and other forms of physical activity to keep them fit. Offer healthy treats in moderation and avoid giving in to those puppy-dog eyes at the dinner table. Provide mental stimulation Frenchies also need mental stimulation to keep them fit. Offer interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and other forms of mental stimulation to keep them mentally and physically fit. First name Email 3. Here are some tips for grooming your Frenchie: Brush regularly Frenchies have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming, but regular brushing can help remove loose hair and prevent shedding. Trim nails Regular nail trims are important to avoid painful cracks or splits. Watch out for common Frenchie health issues French Bulldogs, like all breeds, are prone to certain health issues. A responsible dog breeder will always screen the parent dogs before including them in their breeding program. By doing so, they can largely reduce the chance of passing over genetic diseases that may affect the French Bulldog lifespan. Here are some of the most common health problems seen in Frenchies: Breathing difficulties Frenchies are a brachycephalic breed, which means they have a short snout, and this can lead to breathing difficulties, especially in hot weather or during physical exertion. Loud breathing, snoring, and grunting are completely normal in French bulldogs. You should take your dog to a doctor if it is visibly bothering him. Skin allergies Frenchies are prone to skin allergies, which can cause itching, rashes, and other skin problems. Eye problems Frenchies can develop various eye problems, including cherry eye, dry eye, and cataracts. Hip dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a common genetic problem in many breeds, including Frenchies. It is a congenital abnormality that can cause arthritis and other joint problems. Hip dysplasia is always filtered by responsible breeders, and our puppies get tested too. Intervertebral disk disease Frenchies are also prone to Intervertebral Disk Disease IVDD , which is a condition that affects the disks in the spine and can cause back pain and paralysis. It can be prevented by not letting them jump from high places or climb stairs too much. Gastrointestinal issues Frenchies can also suffer from a variety of gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation, bloat, and megaesophagus. Provide the right diet The right diet for a French Bulldog will depend on its age, size, and activity level, as well as any individual health concerns. Here are some general guidelines to help you choose the right diet for your Frenchie: A high-quality, balanced diet Feed your Frenchie a high-quality, balanced diet that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Consider small, frequent meals Frenchies can also suffer from a variety of gastrointestinal problems, such as bloat and reflux, so consider feeding smaller, more frequent meals to help minimize any digestive issues. Avoid table scraps Table scraps can be high in fat and calories, and can also lead to digestive problems and food intolerance. Instead, stick to a balanced, nutritionally complete diet for your Frenchie. By following these guidelines and working with your veterinarian, you can help ensure that your French Bulldog is getting the proper nutrition to maintain optimal health and well-being. Prevent any ear problems French Bulldogs are prone to ear problems due to their floppy ears, which can trap moisture and bacteria. Be sure to dry their ears thoroughly after each bath or swim to prevent moisture from accumulating. Avoid exposing their ears to water Try to avoid exposing their ears to water, especially during baths and swims. Consider using ear protection, such as ear muffs or earplugs, to keep their ears dry. Ultimate Guide. If yes, you need to be very careful right from the moment you bring it in your home. French bulldog puppies are quite adorable and loving. They need to be handled with a lot of care so that they grow up to be obedient and highly socializing animals. They prove to be loyal companions of their owners and can win their heart with their playful antics and idiosyncrasies. Training It is best when the training starts as soon as the puppy is brought at home. It is important to note that when a puppy is brought home, it is exposed to a cleaner indoor environment and it takes a little while for him to get acclimatized to this new environment. The owners must begin with helping the puppy get well settled in the area that has been prepared for him to laze around and play with his toys. Later, they can take the puppy outside, preferably in the yard or just close to the house. The training sessions must be friendly. Kibble is the best option as your puppy will love to chew on the same. It will also help in removing the tartar building up on the teeth of the puppy. As far as dry or wet food choices are concerned, both are good for your puppy. If your puppy suffers from meat allergy, you can give him fish, an excellent Omega3 source. Grains must not be fed to them as many French Bulldogs are allergic to gluten. Grooming French bulldog puppies have soft and short coat. They do not require a lot of grooming. Also, they must not be given a bath on a regular basis as this can strip their coat of necessary oils. They must be cleaned or washed only when it is needed. Use dog shampoo to wash its coat whenever you take him for his bath. Use good quality conditioner to keep his hair smooth, shiny and silky. Keep his nails trimmed and teeth clean. Following grooming products can make your grooming task easy:. French Bulldog Care How to take care of newborn french bulldog puppies? Most, if not all, owners will let their litter grow for about 9 weeks before finding them their forever home. These initial weeks are very crucial as the newborn puppies initially cannot see, hear, regulate their body temperature, defecate nor urinate on their own. Although the mother keeps her babies warm, you should always check to make sure that she does not accidentally suffocate the puppies. Other artificial sources of heat like heat lamps, heating pads, or a space heater may be used but be very careful because the puppies can easily dehydrate and die when overheated. Make sure that the temperature of the whelping box is at a range of 86 to 90 degrees. It is important to check their weight every day and make sure that they are gaining weight daily. If not, you should take a closer look at them to make sure they nurse adequately from their mom or provide them with a supplement like goats milk or prepared formula milk for puppies. Stimulation For Bowel Movement The mothers need to stimulate the puppies for them to urinate and defecate. Some mothers will do this regularly but others may not want to so it is up to you to do it. Use damp cotton balls with warm water or a small dab of petroleum jelly on your finger. Gently wipe this over their genitals until they urinate and defecate, then clean them up. Make sure that the puppies and their whelping box are clean to avoid infection. About Us The exclusive destination for all your luxury accessory needs. Inspired by French Bulldogs, made for all pups.

NET I am no longer able to log in or send out from the epix. I apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you. With many years of experience in ethical, responsible breeding as members of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America - we adhere to the standards they provide. Our AKC registered dogs are deeply rooted in select German lines, and select American lines with a careful breeding plan we produce puppies, 4 to 6 annual litters, that excel as cherished family pets, working and show dogs. We are also expanding what we train or introduce our pups to, we have plans to bring in canine agility training and conformation. We remain active with our dogs and take great pride in ensuring that our pups are raised in a healthy, well socialized and loving environment. We talk below about some of the specialty areas that our pups have been and will continue to be successful in. You'll find our pups grow to be great protectors, wonderful pets, excellent in the fields of search and rescue, remarkable therapy dogs - it all begins with our puppy training. See real-time photos and information about dogs currently available by clicking or tapping on FETCH below. The search tool above returns a list of breeders located nearest to the zip or postal code you enter. From there you can see photos of their pups, find detailed information on their web page and contact them by e-mail, phone and even get driving directions. Detailed contact information has been omitted. Enter your zip or postal code above to access our up-to-date directory. This is a free search tool! Use the form at the top to get complete listings for breeders in your area! Important: Breeders. It is your responsibility to investigate. See How to Find a Dog. They are from Working American and working Import European bloodlines. Many of them have titles and work in multiple areas which shows their versatility, adaptability, and ease of learning. They have loyal temperaments with natural protective instincts and have a strong willingness to be trained. They have heavy bone with well balanced bodies, and straight backs. They are working style dogs not show dogs. Males are lbs. Health tests.Excellent temperament, health, structure, pigment, nerve. Parents titled, health checked, temperament tested. Top quality puppies. Bigboned, correct structure, super temperaments. Parents best hip ratings, dna tested for DM, microchipped, vet checked before leaving. Mom and Dad are both European and are well socialized. Dad is from Czechoslovakia and from working lines, with OFA certified hips and elbows. We've developed a love for German Shepherds and the personality of European blood line. Call .Both parents are amazing scentwork dogs, as well as have great obedience, with even,stable temperaments. Their puppies should excel in many venues, including as active family dogs. We are keeping back the 1st pick male from this litter to add to our program. Echo Farm.

Puppy Supplies Welcome to Buck Family Farm, a place where our love for Golden Retrievers has evolved into a passion for providing families with affectionate, intelligent, and healthy Golden Retriever Puppies. Our goal is to make sure your next family pet is everything you expected and more. Our Dogs Our family specializes in raising Golden Retrievers of all coat shades who enjoy our spacious 20 acre farm. It is important to us that each dog gets special attention and care each day. Our family-style setup allows our dogs to have the luxury of running free and romping around to their hearts' content while playing together and with our family. Also, since this is our at-home classroom, someone is always available to play ball or give a much needed scratch on the belly and pat on the head. Genetic testing is also performed on each dog to help us make wise choices for the best pairings and to produce puppies with the best probability of excellent health. Of high importance however, is taking into consideration the temperament of each of our Golden Retrievers to produce a well balanced and friendly companion, who exhibits all of the classic traits of the breed. Puppies Buck Family Farm puppies are AKC registered, vet certified, have first shots, are wormed and will come to your home with a 1 year health guarantee and a first bag of puppy food. We also send a blanket with mommy's scent and all appropriate NYS paperwork as well as copies of parents' health clearances. Our desire is to make your experience with us and our puppies everything you expected and more. Puppy Applications If you are interested in purchasing a puppy from our farm please fill out an adoption application to help us get to know you a little better. When your application is accepted you will have the opportunity to place your name on our waiting list for an additional fee. This ensures a courtesy call when a particular color, gender or litter of choice has arrived. You will then have the opportunity to place a deposit on one of our puppies. You will receive a courtesy notification of the litters' arrival and have opportunity to place a deposit. However, deposits that are not submitted promptly will affect your pick-order. Deposits are usually non-refundable. Placing a Deposit Once a new litter is born and determined to be healthy and thriving, we open them for deposit. First, to those on our waiting list, and then to families who have pre-approved applications. We choose puppies at 5 weeks of age in the order that deposits were placed. Please contact us for Paypal, zelle and Venmo handles. Visiting We frequently update pictures of all puppies on a regular basis. You will not be allowed to visit the puppies or parents until mommy is settled in and feeling comfortable with visitors. At 5 weeks of age we have adopting families visit our farm and choose their puppy. Puppies are chosen in the order that deposits were placed. Homecoming At 8 weeks of age and after veterinary examination, puppies will be united with their forever families! Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Colorado Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Colorado? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Colorado? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Best Golden Retriever Breeder in Colorado? Well, we will let you be the judge, but we love our dogs like family and treat them as such. We do not over breed our dogs or participate in any crossbreeding tactics or exotic dog types. We are Golden Retriever lovers, enthusiasts, and protectors. Every dog is like family to us. While we are happy to entrust our puppies to loving families, we do have a puppy acquisition process in order to ensure our high quality dogs are delivered to warm homes that are able to care for our dogs properly. Every puppy we sell is depending on us to properly screen new owners, so please understand we take this seriously. This also protects your interests and maintains high standards for you as well. All puppies MUST be picked up in person. No exceptions. Golden Retriever Lovers Welcome! If you have a wonderful home for one of our puppies, we would love to hear from you. Whether you want a family retriever or a specialty dog for hunting, we will help find the exact fit for you. Many times there is a waiting list so apply early! If you are just getting started and would like to discuss our process, we are also eager to hear from you. Contact Us Today! Look at the current breedings or litters we have or are upcoming and fill out our contact form specifying what breeding you are interested in. Before puppies are born we only take deposits on the first pick, second, and possibly third picks on both males and females. After puppies are born and all spots are filled you will be told what pick you have. Get ready to welcome a lovely puppy that will bring all the love and affection. Tucker is now 3 born and is my best companion. Tucker is the quintessential Golden, beautiful, faithful, active, family-oriented, and geez I cannot come up with enough good things to say. Tucker is my soulmate. He makes me smile every day. If I feel bad he cares and comes to comfort me. He is so wonderful. My parents adopted another Slater Creek Golden, different parents, and she is phenomenal. So beautiful and sweet. Slater Creek Goldens are all love, loyalty and so much fun. Linda — you and your pups are my favorite ppl! Linda you will be in my heart forever. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Retriever has been an AKC-recognized breed since and was commonly used as a gun dog and for retrieving small game such as waterfowl, and for companionship. The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands. The first Lord Tweedmouth, Dudley Majoribanks, is credited with developing the breed and keeping detailed records to create the ideal gun dog for the terrain. Great discipline and a gentle spirit make the Golden Retriever a perfect retrieval breed since the goal of this task is to bring the trophy back as undamaged as possible. Golden Retrievers first appeared in dog shows in at a British dog show. They also started appearing in the United States around the same time as they were brought across the Canadian border. They gained popularity with sport hunters and in general. Their popularity really took off in the s and they are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds. If you are not the sporting type, bringing a Golden Retriever into your family as a pet is just as rewarding because they are one of the most loyal and jovial breeds out there. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are the epitome of friendly and make fantastic family dogs. Golden Retrievers are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. They tend to be good with kids, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Goldens love attention and they bond closely with their families. They are affectionate with them, and also just about everyone else. Although they do tend to get along with everyone, they love being around their favorite humans the most. They will bark to alert you and can end up barking a lot if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. They can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. These dogs do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they are not at all happy about being left alone for long periods of time. Although super-friendly and attention-loving, Goldens can also be sensitive to their surroundings; make sure they feel included, but have a quiet place to go if things get too noisy or overwhelming. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Golden Retriever include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, elbow dysplasia , and hip dysplasia. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Goldens are considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are highly trainable dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. These traits make them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. It also helps them excel at obedience competitions. As one of the smartest dog breeds , Golden Retrievers can get bored easily. Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored with too much repetition in training. If your dog has mastered the command, move on to something more advanced or another activity. You can also enroll in puppy training classes for some variety in training and also some socialization. Golden Retrievers have a long double coat that will shed a little year-round and will be heavier twice a year as the seasons change. Brushing a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding along with a bath as needed is usually enough for at-home care. You will want to go to the dog groomer for a professional trim a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Daily tooth brushing, along with cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. Golden Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep these dogs happy and healthy. But, they are high-energy dogs that will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Much like the Labrador , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They tend to start winding down a little around the age of 3 and settle into your lifestyle, but they will still be high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity. Goldens are known for being versatile and athletic dogs. They tend to love swimming. Once they are done growing and the vet clears them for higher-impact activities, you can try other things too. They are one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. You can also teach them how to play frisbee or play fetch. Training for dog sports is another good option. In addition to obedience, Golden Retrievers are well suited for agility, dock diving , rally, flyball, tracking, and more. Fully-grown Golden Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Golden Retrievers generally live for years on average. With their intelligence, eagerness to please, and gentle disposition, Golden Retrievers are versatile working dogs. In addition to being one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs , Goldens can be found working as emotional support dogs, certified therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, military dogs, police dogs, animal actors, and more. Featured Golden Retriever Article.

Since Welcome to Tru-Heart Labradors! Tru-Heart Labradors is an established professional dog breeder situated between Jacksonville and Gainesville, Florida, that proudly produces the finest dual-purpose chocolate, yellow, and black Labrador Retriever puppies currently available in Florida. Our puppies are sold on a limited-registration basis to pet homes only, and we take pride in the fastidious, loving, and stimulating environment in which they are raised. Because we want every Tru-Heart puppy to find the best possible forever home, we ask that you submit an application before we discuss pricing or accept a deposit from you for one of our outstanding puppies. We do not inbreed. How do wild animal populations manage to remain healthy for thousands of generations without DNA testing? They don't lose important genes from the gene pool. In the wild, animals occasionally move from herd to herd, or flock to flock, which helps to restore genetic diversity to the population. If a particular group becomes isolated, and new individuals are prevented from entering the population, the gene pool is effectively closed. Breeders of other domestic animals understand this. Dogs are no different, and we put this truth into practice. By adhering to our scientifically-proven breeding philosophy, we ensure Tru-Heart puppies are born with sound temperaments, aesthetically-pleasing conformation, good bone, and genetic health and vigor. Please watch the following video on this subject from the Embark Canine Health Summit:. We love all of our fur family of animals as our own. Each one is a precious life who we raised for the joy of contribution as "YOUR" lifetime family member for you and yours. Here at our unique ranch, we breed Top Show Quality English Style Labradors, American Quarter Horses, Arabian Horses and a menagerie of fairytale like small animals in a certified wildlife habitat and preserve, with 47 years of agriculture and breeding experience. Our life and our home is dedicated to these beings and making life long lasting friends with our community. We don't own our animals, Our animals own us! Our dogs are part of our family, No mass production. They get the best quality feed and natural nursing. They are gently held and cared for as infant babies would be. They are loved and socialized with people and other animals. We will provide you with our recommendations from many years experience. Reserve your labrador puppy with select look, color, gender, temperament and perfect match! A Furever Friend Our lab puppies have been adopted as high quality pets, as contribution for other breeding programs, for service and therapy, for agility, hunting and great companionship! They love to cuddle for a good movie snuggled on the couch and play during the day. They care, they have feelings and they know what you require from them. What would it be like to have one of these puppies? We like yogurt!!! Around the clock for the first 8 weeks of their lives, we assure they are properly eating, exercising, give them lots of love, kisses and begin socialization. Introducing them to unusual sounds, activities, animals, toys, obstacles, etc. At 8 weeks, they are ready to be adopted and go home with their forever families! The fun begins! Or do you prefer black lab puppies? We evaluate our english lab puppies which are best for show, breeding, pet, service and therapy. Investing in a healthy breed quality Labrador puppy ensures a long life of optimal health enjoying every moment of your time together. He's our sweet stocky beautiful block head boy and is available at STUD. Proven as an ultimate producer of show english lab puppies. Breeding for the betterment of the breed is our primary focus. Outstanding Pedigree Rain Forest. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the United States. They are loyal, outgoing, friendly, and active. Affectionate and good with other dogs and children, they make wonderful additions to your family. There are plenty of reputable breeders in the Sunshine State to choose from. All the breeders mentioned in this list make sure the puppies are well cared for, including receiving all vaccinations, being thoroughly vet examined, and adhering to the Labrador Retriever Official Standard set by the American Kennel Club AKC. The 10 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Florida 1. No Lab has ever been returned for health or temperament issues, and each pup is raised in a home with 5 acres of land, plenty of love, attention, and care. All puppies are dewormed and thoroughly examined by a veterinarian. They also do not remove dewclaws. To get started, fill out the form under the contact link on the website. They focus on breeding pups of superior temperament and health. All puppies are vaccinated, microchipped, AKC registered, and come with a health certificate. They also offer a 1-year health guarantee. The bloodlines have a history of service dogs , companion, show, and hunting dogs. The pups are sold with limited AKC registration. The breeder socializes the pups, and they are raised in a loving environment. They are more focused on breeding for their own breeding stock and show lines but occasionally have pups available. They serve Florida, Georgia, and surrounding states. All puppies are AKC-registered and bred for companionship, show, field, and service work. All pups are examined and tested for top-quality breed assurance. They are happy to assist you with any questions; all you have to do is shoot them an email. Augustine and Jacksonville, Florida, this small hobby breeder raises AKC-limited-registered pups in the home. All puppies are bred according to the Labrador standard health and temperament and are ready to go home at 8 weeks. All parents are genetically tested for any joint issues and any signs of inbreeding. The British Labrador is primarily a sporting and hunting breed that holds the Labrador Retriever standard temperament. Their facility sits on 7, acres of land filled with wildlife and designed by nature experts, creating the perfect hunting-training scenario. They handpick from the finest British Labs in the world to produce the best hunting and sporting Labs. The puppies are sold with an AKC limited registration and are microchipped. You can take your new puppy home at 8 weeks, and the breeders raise them with love and plenty of attention. A unique fact about this breeder is they use an early socializing technique called early neurological stimulation , which improves cardiovascular health and other physical benefits.

Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. Website: pug-puppy. At pug-puppy. This is a family of Pug lovers who are about the advancement of the Pug breed as well as the health and wellbeing of each and every one of their pups. The family lives and raises their Pugs on a one-acre plot with plenty of room for running and playing. They even teach their Pugs to swim! All of their Pugs are fed a healthy diet of quality food and vitamins and have the freedom to play with lots of toys. When you purchase a pup from pug-puppy. They love their dogs and show commitment to the betterment of the breed in everything they do. But how can you spot reputable breeders when you start searching for a Pug puppy? Here are some tips to help you out. A good breeder will… 1. Issue a health guarantee Make sure that your breeder of choice offers a health guarantee. A reputable Pug breeder will write up a binding health guarantee for all of their puppies. The guarantee protects you against any genetic defects or diseases. It shows that the breeder is confident that their puppies are bred according to best practices. This means if you can no longer look after your pup for some reason, you will be expected to return the puppy to the breeder rather than taking them to a shelter. Provide standard health clearances Your breeder should have full health clearances for both parent Pugs. Good breeders often provide some early health-check clearances for their pups too, although some health clearances simply cannot be carried on such young pups. Issue a written bill of sale Reputable breeders offer written bills of sale to all of their new Pug parents. This bill of sale should be signed and will outline all the roles and responsibilities to be taken on by the buyer and seller as part of the transaction. Vaccinate their puppies All puppies should be up to date on their vaccinations before being homed with new families. Your breeder of choice should be able to provide evidence of these vaccinations. Reputable breeders welcome prospective parents into their homes to see the puppies. Follow age guidelines Puppies should never leave the litter before 8 weeks of age. Any breeder offering pups for adoption before this time is not following best practices. In fact, this could be quite damaging for the puppy developmentally. A reputable breeder will keep their pups at home until eight to twelve weeks so that they can be properly socialized and spend that crucial time with their mother and litter-mates. Answer your questions Last, but not least, a reputable breeder will be knowledgeable. In most cases, they will also want to ask you plenty of questions to ensure that their precious pups are going to good homes. We have a strict selection process that takes a variety of factors into account. That way we can ensure that only the best breeders end up on our lists. This way we know that our chosen breeders offer genetically sound and healthy puppies. Health testing shows a commitment to the health and wellbeing of each Pug. Contact information Any breeder that does not offer up their contact information is a big red flag. A reputable breeder will make it easy for you to get in contact with them by providing telephone numbers, email addresses, and they will usually have a well-established website as well. It shows a commitment to breeding best practices. Event participation Breeders who also compete in doggie events are often some of the best. Because these people tend to be dog lovers par excellence. They live and breathe for their Pugs and are proud to show them off in public. They are also more likely to have a high level of breed knowledge — an excellent sign for a breeder. Breed club membership There are lots of breed clubs out there that breeders can register with. These clubs have rules, regulations, and membership fees. If your breeder is registered with the Pug Dog Club of America, this is a great sign showing commitment to the Pug breed. Recognition awards Lastly, we look out for awards! Institutions like the AKC recognize the efforts and achievements of top breeders. The very best will be awarded the AKC recognition of merit award. During this time we recommend getting everything ready before your new arrival rattles through the front door. Your puppy will need: a crate for sleeping and training during the early days quality puppy-grade food a leash and harness plenty of toys You may also wish to purchase a puppy gate if there are areas of your home that you want to keep your Pug away from. This is all about making your home as safe as possible for your new arrival. Make sure anything that could potentially cause harm to your pup is removed. Clear your schedule Having a Pug puppy is a bit like having a human baby. So make sure to clear your schedule and get all of those errands done ahead of time! Once they arrive… 4. Avoid crowds Hold your excitement. That means no crowds. Try to keep the home environment as stress-free as possible so that your puppy can settle in and start to feel part of the family. Crate training is the first step. Lay down a regular routine from the get to and your Pug will be good as gold in no time.

Labrador Retriever Stages of Development Labrador Retriever Stages of Development If you are new to the Labrador Retriever world and you have a new puppy, you may be wondering when Lab puppies finally calm down. First, for those that do not know, the Labrador Retriever breed is not for those that want to lay back on the couch and toss back a few beers. Labs are people dogs meaning that they are very sociable and do not like to be left on their own all the time. They have a great deal of enthusiasm and energy. That is why it is important for this breed to get plenty of exercise and social interaction. We did a lot of research about the breed and found that many people have their own ideas on the age of maturation. In all honesty, there are differing levels of energy that the Lab will go through during its life and from the age of about 10 weeks old to 5 years old, the energy level can remain quite high. Stage 2: Toddler — This stage starts around weeks old and goes until about 5 months old. The energy level is quite high at this time as the puppy is learning all it can about the world and go through many biological changes. It tests its environment with its mouth and as it gets towards the end of this stage, it begins to chew on everything it can to try and get relief from teething. It is usually to have some terry cloth towels that have been soaked in water and sitting in your freezer, waiting to be gnawed on! Stage 3: Adolescent — This is a tough stage and starts around 5 months old and go anywhere up to a year, depending on the dog. Some would call it the terrible twos because all of a sudden, your sweet Lab baby has forgotten everything you have taught it and has the manners of any human teenager out there! Sure, they know not to go on the couch but they will test you again and make sure you meant it. This is when you need to reinforce all your training because if you let them get away with it now, it is harder to break them of it later! Stage 4: Maturing — Usually this starts around a year old and goes until the 5-year old stage. The level of energy is still high and is equal to a college student or young twenty-something adult. They get more comfortable with their surroundings and take a little more time to enjoy life and the company of their owner and family. This is more of an enjoyable time with your family Lab! Stage 5: Senior — Around 5 years and up, the little puppy you once knew with all the energy level of an energizer bunny is there in spirit but the body is slowing down more. They still have a good amount of energy but nothing compared o stages 2 and 3! Life is good and comfortable. So, when does a Lab puppy start to calm down? Well, generally it is around stage 4 but can happen before that stage. The one thing people with Labrador Retrievers, or any dog for that matter, need to understand is that each dog is different. Yes, there are certain traits in the Lab breed for which we eagerly welcomed them into our home, but just as human identical twins can have opposite personalities, so can your Labrador Retriever. For example, if you are in stage 2, there is housebreaking and teething to deal with. Your puppy also needs help with getting rid of some of that pent up energy it has and it is your responsibility to give it safe and structured ways to expel that energy. Short walks work well on soft surfaces for young pups as well as schedule play times. Whatever you choose to do, high energy levels in Labs are normal during certain stages — just remember to enjoy them while you can because your Lab will only be a puppy once. Post navigation. Puppy growth is also related to proper diet: weekly growth rate varies from breed to breed but proper nutrition of the puppy influences each individual's growth curve. The diet of a growing puppy requires more protein and healthy fats, such as the omega-3 DHA Regardless of breed, all puppies are born dependent on mom, so proper nutrition of mom during pregnancy helps in the early stages of puppy development. The first months play a crucial role in determining a dog's lifelong health and well-being. Prenatal period: mother's gestation The time puppies spend in the womb is usually called the prenatal period. It lasts about days, and the puppy's development begins during this stage. A pregnant mother should exercise less and receive more care in the last weeks before delivery-she should not be exposed to unnecessary stress. The health of the puppy is influenced by the mother as early as the prenatal stage: the amount of stress and hormones the mother secretes is transmitted to the puppies through the placenta, and this can affect the growth of the fetus as well as any intestinal parasites such as the ascarids , can pass from the placenta to the fetus even before birth or enter the milk through the mammary glands. For this reason, our breeding philosophy requires us to avoid all forms of chemicals by following a natural supplementation protocol during gestation as well as then natural deworming on the puppies. Prenatal stress can affect puppies' brains and organs, causing them to establish behavior in stressful situations before they are even born. It may make puppies less curious, they may have reduced learning ability, they may be more aggressive or have changes in sexual behavior. During pregnancy, the mother needs supplementation and amore nutritious diet than usual because she no longer eats only for herself. Neonatal period Stage beginning from birth to the second week of life. At birth, pups are blind, deaf and toothless, unable to regulate body temperature, urinate or defecate on their own. Pups depend on their mother and siblings in the litter, staying very close together to preserve body temperature. A puppy separated from this situation can quickly die of hypothermia, which leads to a drop in body temperature. If a puppy is isolated from its mother and siblings, it can quickly cool down and cry to alert its mother of its situation. Read also: neurosensory stimulation program Biosensor Puppies first experience the feeling of being petted when they are licked by their mother to keep them clean, to keep her den clean and also to stimulate them to defecate and urinate. From birth, pups are able to use their sense of smell and touch, which helps them orient themselves to find the udders that carry their mother's scent. The first milk produced by the mother, called colostrum, is rich in antibodies that provide passive immunity and help protect puppies from disease during these first weeks of life. For the first two weeks of life, puppies sleep almost 90 percent of the time, are active only 10 percent of the day, spending their waking time sucking milk, and all their energy is channeled into growing so that their birth weight doubles the first week. At this stage the puppies are not able to support their weight but are able to crawl with the movements of their front paws, however, the mother will always try to position herself as close to them and group them by bringing them to herself with her muzzle. This limited locomotion, however, provides the necessary stimulus to develop the puppy's muscles and coordination so that, day after day, the puppies will be able to reach their mother even on their own. Transition period This stage is from the second to the fourth week of life. The third week of life brings major changes in the puppy: hearing and vision are not developed from birth. Eyes begin to open during this period, eyelids between ten and sixteen days, and hearing begins to develop around two weeks. This stage allows puppies to "feel" their new world: they learn to recognize the appearance of their mother, other dogs, and begin to expand their vocabulary from grunts and yelps. Puppies generally stand by day 15 and take their first wobbly walk by day .At the age of three weeks, puppy development advances from the neonatal period to the transitional period. This is a period of rapid physical and sensory development, during which pups move from total dependence on mother to minimal independence. They begin to play with their littermates, learn about their environment, the pack, and may be ready to taste wet food never dry in weaning other than breast milk in moderation. After three weeks puppy teeth begin to emerge until all baby teeth have come out at about weeks of age. They begin to control their needs and begin to move away from their nest to remove them. After the transition phase, puppies enter the socialization period at the end of the third week of life: this phase lasts until about the tenth week. During this socialization period, the puppy increases interaction with other animals, and puppies form bonds that they will remember for the rest of their lives. The most critical period, from six to eight weeks, is when puppies most easily learn to accept others as part of their family. Starting at four weeks of age, the mother's milk production begins to slow down just as the puppies' energy needs increase. As the mother dog slowly weans her puppies from nursing, they begin to taste easy-to-digest wet food. Environmental stimulation affects your puppy's rate of mental development during this period. The puppy's synapses look like those of an adult dog around day 50, but it is not yet ready: this is where the work of the breeder, mother and littermates comes in. During this period, puppies hear, walk, become acquainted with the world around them noises, sounds, smells, habits , feed independently, learn bite control, and receive correct teachings from their mother on how to relate to each other. At this stage the puppy basically learns to recognize the individuals around it as living beings of the same species with whom it can communicate, play, and interact in different ways. At this stage, therefore, it is very important that the puppy also have many experiences with the human being in such a way that it identifies with and sees him as a living being with whom it can communicate and interact positively. The more diversified the experience in this regard the better so men, women, children, humans in different clothes and various disguises, etc. At this stage, puppies may go through a period offear fear period : when they encounter new people and animals they do not know, they may react with fear and distrust. Anything that frightens them at this age can have a lasting impact, so be careful that the puppy is not over-stimulated with too many changes. This allows the puppy to grow up with fewer phobias-it is simply a normal part of development in which puppies learn to be more cautious, and careful socialization during this period helps counteract fear reactions as adults. A puppy that lives with siblings, mom, and other adults in the group until they are eight weeks old will adapt better to new situations: their interaction with littermates and mom have unique and unparalleled value Interaction with siblings and mom helps teach bite inhibition, understanding and responding to normal canine communication and their hierarchical position in the pack. Youth period The pup's juvenile period generally begins at the age of ten weeks and lasts until puberty and the onset of sexual maturity. Puppies of this age have boundless curiosity, infuriating stubbornness and enthusiastic affection. This is the ideal time to begin training: it is during this period that puppies begin to learn the consequences of behavior and determine what is most appropriate under certain circumstances. Almost every waking moment is spent playing, which is not only great fun for the puppy, but is great practice for his future canine life. From 10 weeks of age, puppies learn to perform important activities such as chasing and running, biting and fighting. Social skills and canine etiquette are learned from interaction with littermates and mother. During this period, puppies learn to inhibit their b iting when bitten by each other and learn canine language: through play, they practice dominant and submissive positions and prepare for life in the world. From 10 to 16 weeks, puppies test their limits and begin to challenge the outside world. They test their owners to see who is the real top dog and seem to have forgotten any education they learned from their mother, behaving like rebellious teenagers. Part of this behavior has to do with teething: puppies change their baby teeth from three months of age and may experience discomfort when their permanent teeth erupt. Often during this period, puppies tend to bite and chew more of anything to relieve the discomfort. This "delinquent" behavior can also be influenced by hormones: unlike many other species, the testosterone level of a male puppy between four and ten months old can be up to five times that of an adult dog. Because of this high level of testosterone adult dogs recognize that he is a young puppy and needs "education"-they make sure to subdue him to teach him manners before he gets too old. Growth from four to six months Puppies grow very fast during this period, and you may notice changes every single day. Not only can your puppy test and challenge you on anything, but this is also the time when puppies understand where they are and living with other pets in the pack. They will be frequent scuffles and fights as play: it is a rule of the older dog to teach puppies its limits and social position. The testosterone level of a whole unneutered male puppy increases around 4 to 5 months of age: because of this, an adult dog can recognize even a full-grown but still small puppy that needs to be educated in proper behavior between beings of the same species. Puppies may also sometimes experience another phase of fear during this period: it can last up to a month and perhaps more than one especially in large dogs, this is normal and nothing to worry about. This fearful phase tends to correspond to growth spurts and "wobbly" behavior or unwarranted aggression, becoming protective of toys or one's territory. Be sure not to reward this behavior and to "talk" to the puppy with precise actions without using words. Build trust between you and your puppy through daily training. Adolescence: six to 12 months During this period puppies may begin to lift their legs and mark their territory with urine, but there is no one age for all, much also depends on size, and generally large breeds such as the Labrador Retriever take longer. The testosterone level in male puppies increases times that of an adult dog at the age of 10 months, then gradually declines to a normal adult level at about 18 months of age. This helps signal to older male dogs that the young still need to be adjusted so as to reduce fights between puppies during this period. Females can go into heat oestrus as early as the 6th month, and males begin to take an interest in the opposite sex during this period. Most of your puppy's height growth ends at this time, to continue to increase muscle mass and body weight. Puppy fur begins to be replaced by a more robust coat as an adult. Puppies at this age seem to explode with great energy and respond well with mental activation games and structured exercises. Ongoing education and socialization are vital to ensure that your puppy knows how to behave politely with other dogs, other animals such as cats, and other people including the dog-child relationship and strangers of all ages and appearance. Social maturity This usually occurs between the first and second year of life. Depending on the breed, your dog will be physically mature at this age: small dogs mature much earlier and older dogs take longer. Your puppy's social maturity may also depend on his experience with other animals. Socialization and training continue throughout your Labrador's life, because there are always new things to learn or lessons to repeat. After all, the joy of your puppy's first year provides for a lifetime of eternal love! Labradors go through different stages of development, which are easy to identify with a trained eye. These growth stages — newborn, juvenile, adolescence, and adulthood — all come with marked periods of development. You may notice that your dog looks lanky or slimmer during the latter half of this period. During adolescence, they will complete skeletal growth. They will then begin to fill out until they reach their full adult weight and height. As your Labrador Retriever enters adulthood, you will notice a slow in physical growth and weight gain, as well as a calmer demeanor. Labs officially reach their final size around a year to 18 months considering all the different growth stages. Labs are a highly active breed that requires training, plenty of exercise, and a balanced diet. This helps prevent problems with weight gain, which can lead to more dangerous health conditions as your dog continues to age. As puppies pass adolescence and settle into adulthood around two years of age, Labs start to calm. Another sign that your dog has stopped growing. What Factors Contribute to a Labs Growth? An average male Lab will stand around inches and weigh roughly pounds. Female Labradors will grow to inches and pounds, respectively. Several factors can affect how large a Lab can be. Many of them are related to elements controlled by the owner rather than the dog. Food and Nutrition As with any pet, healthy food and nutrition are essential to ensure that your Lab grows appropriately. A balanced diet for a Labrador Retriever is a must. Ensure your pup gets the right amount of fats, nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. All these aids in a healthy growth curve for your dog. It may be tempting to feed a hungry dog, but overfeeding your Lab can cause problems in their early development. When you give your young Lab too much food, you may encourage excessive growth that can be taxing on their skeletal structure. When bones grow too fast, it leads to orthopedic issues in the breed further down the line. Related: Spaying and Neutering Spaying and neutering can have one of the largest impacts on the optimal growth of your Lab. The extended period of growth is due to the interference of estrogen and testosterone levels. This can result in a bigger dog and lead to health issues. Long bone growth and delayed joint development can cause many orthopedic issues in the breed. The main contributor to health problems is hip dysplasia. Just be aware of the timing and delay operations until crucial skeletal development is complete. General Health and Genes The final and most significant factor in determining the size of your fully-grown Labrador is a general health and genetic history of your dog. If you purchased your puppy from a lineage of larger Labs, you could assume your pup will be slightly larger than an average-sized adult dog. The same can be said for Labs will family lines that veer towards smaller percentiles. Overall, what is most important to consider in the growth of your Labrador Retriever is that they have a balanced diet and get plenty of exercise. A healthy, well-attended puppy will inevitably lead to a well-developed adult dog. Also See:. But those first weeks of puppy development are very similar whatever the breed, and these landmarks are good general rules for any dog. Puppy development week by week, changes quickly. Newborn Puppies Newborn puppies are born at the end of nine weeks of pregnancy, with their eyes and ears tightly closed. They already have a fur coat but they cannot yet control their own body temperature. They are dependent on their mother or another heat source to keep them warm. Newborn puppies may cry if cold. But they do not have the strength to cry for long. Newborn Labrador puppies snuggle together to keep warm when their mother is away How Helpless are Newborn Pups? Although they rely on mom for a lot at this stage, newborn puppies are not completely helpless. They can use their front feet to drag themselves towards a heat source or their milk supply. This means their mom, not milk alternatives like cow or goat milk. Newborn pups have no teeth yet. But they can move their heads about to search for a nipple, and they can latch on and suck strongly. Their mother leaves them only to eat, drink and for bathroom purposes. While she is away, the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat, as you can see in the photo above. They may also crawl under a heat lamp source to keep warm. In every other respect newborn puppies are completely dependent on the care of their mother. Newborn pups have little control over the rear end of their bodies. The mother dog washes them and licks their bottoms to encourage elimination, licking up and swallowing anything they produce to keep her babies and their nest scrupulously clean. In fact, he may even double his birth weight! One week later and the puppies have doubled their birth weight. Changes are taking place under his eyelids to prepare them for opening. And usually begins during the second week of life. Ears open at this point too, so your puppy will begin to hear. The Labrador puppies in this picture are two weeks olds. Two weeks old and the puppies eyes are now open! You can see that their eyes are now open and the puppies are beginning to look a little more dog-like. The breeder will be handling the puppies more now. And most puppies are wormed for the first time at two weeks old. Most 3 week old puppies can stand and sit, and are beginning to totter about. They are also starting to develop their individuality. No longer are they just a row of identical little fat furry sausages! This little three week old puppy :- Can easily be distinguished from his brother: Teething and Further Development At 3 weeks old, this is also the point at which puppies start teething — cutting their first deciduous baby teeth. Obviously the teeth are appearing for a reason! Some breeders will start to offer the first tastes of solid food at this point. Especially if the litter is a large one and putting a strain on the mother dog. It is lovely to watch a litter of 3 week old puppies beginning to interact with their brothers and sisters. They are running, playing enthusiastically, and have started to wag their little tails. The puppies will start to show bowel control as they move away from the other puppies to defecate. And solid food is becoming a major part of their diet. These little pups are tucking into some puppy food. Four week old puppies having their dinner in the fresh air If the weather is warm enough, puppies will be spending some time outdoors now. Mealtimes are a messy process, so feeding puppies out in the yard can be a good idea. Breeder Involvement Some mother dogs will lose interest in cleaning up after their pups at this point or soon afterwards. And many puppies will be wormed again this week. Vocalizations are becoming stronger at this puppy development stage. The litter will greet their mother noisily when she returns to them, and try hard to follow her out of the whelping box whenever she leaves. The puppies themselves are now eating solid food several times a day and gradually being weaned of their dependency on her milk. Puppies will still suckle ravenously when their mother returns and she will now often feed them standing up and only for a short time. She will also be teaching the puppies not to bite too hard. So, they should be increasingly spending time with humans and learning to be familiar with the sounds and sights of a human family environment. Puppies being raised in kennels must be brought into a home environment regularly from now on to ensure they develop into confident, friendly dogs. Six weeks old and full of mischief Puppies Still Have a Lot to Learn at 6 Weeks In some countries, puppies are taken to their new homes at this age. But this is not a good idea, and can result in a puppy that has poor bite inhibition and is challenging to manage. The puppies are learning not to bite too hard from the reactions of their mother and siblings. Growth is not quite so fast now. But the puppies will still grow strongly for the next few months. Many puppies will be wormed again this week. All that remains is for plenty of great socialization experiences to be packed into this week, with final checks on health. Many breeders will arrange for each seven week old puppy to have a vet check this week. And though some vets advise against it, some puppies are also given their first vaccinations before they leave for their new homes. Some breeders will now have the puppies trained to pee and poop on puppy pads or newspaper. And some will have been whistling to the puppies at meal times to get them used to coming to a human signal. Potty training is now underway and puppy socialization plans are being made. At this point, many of you will be thinking about training your puppy too. The next four weeks are vital in puppy development stages. Your main job is socializing your puppy. This means taking him to lots of new places and exposing him to lots of new experiences. So, life will be starting to get back to normal. Most puppies in the U. In the U. So, not all puppies will get their vaccinations at the exact same age. Socializing your puppy is still the most important job for you at this age. But, you cannot put your puppy on the ground outside until they have received their final vaccination. So, make sure you know exactly when their final jab is. And carry on introducing them to as many new people, things, and experiences as possible throughout this puppy development stage. Some people can suffer from the puppy blues at this stage too, as your life has completely changed! But, that does not mean socialization can stop. Puppies who are isolated at this point will soon lose that friendly fearlessness. You have an important job now, building on what has been achieved so far, and introducing your puppy to the world at ground level. This part of his education can begin once his vaccination cover is complete. He should be fully immunised at around this point. But check with your vet for confirmation of the actual date. Three months also marks the point at which many puppies will drop down from four daily meals, to three. This can cause problems for some puppies because the portions are larger If your puppy gets an upset tummy when you make this change, just go back up to four meals again for a few days, and give smaller portions for a few days when you try again. But, many will need another month before they can cope without frequent bathroom breaks and the occasional accident. Your puppy will begin to lose his baby teeth. This can also be a time at which biting can be most challenging. And try not to worry, this stage will soon be over! A few will need another month or two to complete the process. Remember, no two puppies are the same. That puppy fluffiness will have gone. For many puppies, five months is an awkward, gangly time. A five month old puppy may have shed the last of his soft puppy lines and be looking quite skinny. By the end of this month most puppies will have finished teething but an urge to chew may continue for another few months in some breeds, Labradors included. Some female dogs will have their first season during this month. But, for many, it will be another three or four months before this happens. This is a major milestone for your puppy. He is now looking very much like an adult Labrador. Still a Puppy Because he looks quite grown up, people expect a lot of their 6 month old puppy. But inside, he is still very much a puppy. The beginnings of adolescence and with it an increasing independence of spirit can bring its challenges, but also a whole lot of fun. Save to Pinterest The Stages of Puppy Growth and Development Month by Month The following are the stages of puppy growth and development, starting at birth and ending when your dog reaches adulthood. The Neonatal Stage 0 to 2 weeks This is the newborn puppy growth stage that lasts until two weeks of age. At this developmental stage, puppies are blind and deaf. Expect puppies at this point to sleep almost constantly and their mother will take care of everything, keeping them warm, feeding them, and keeping them clean. The Transitional Stage 2 to 4 weeks At this puppy growth stage , they will start to open up their eyes and respond to sounds, light, and movement around them. You will also notice a puppy at this point starting to get more mobile, although they will still tend to crawl instead of walking. They do, however, have enough strength to stand up, but will stumble a lot. A puppy in this developmental stage will just be starting to recognize their siblings and mother. Lab puppies open their eyes at about two weeks old. By this time, Labrador puppies will have their eyes fully open and most will be at least partly open. Ears open at this point too and your puppy will begin to hear. Period of Awakening of Senses 3 to 4 weeks At this period , a puppy develops various senses rapidly. They start to get fully alert and aware of their environment and may recognize you and other humans that are frequently around. The Socialization Period 4 to 7 Weeks Once a puppy is around four weeks old, they start to learn the most important things in life-related to social development. They will learn to not bite all the time and how to interact with their siblings. Interactions with humans are especially important between five and seven weeks. This is also the time they will start to understand discipline thanks to their mother. She will start weaning her puppies and teaching them manners, like acknowledging she is in charge. As the owner, you can start introducing food to your puppy when they are around four weeks old. Start small and begin to give them more food as the mother continues to wean them. You should also continue handling the puppy every day. However, be sure not to separate them from their siblings or mother for over ten minutes each day, since this can lead to issues with training and socialization. Dogs who are separated too soon may also be nervous and more likely to bark and bite. During this period, let the mother dog take care of discipline; you should not correct the dog for mouthing or housebreaking mistakes until later in life. To help ease them through this process, avoid traumatic events, loud voices, or harsh discipline. You should also make sure your pooch has plenty of human contact during this stage. If you want, you can start leash training and even teach simple commands such as sit, down, stay and come. In terms of development, you will notice that your puppy can sleep through the whole night and starts to develop better control of its bowels and bladder. Most vets suggest that new outings should wait until they are fully vaccinated. We rub the Calmeroos Puppy Toy on littermates and mom to get their scent. When we get home the Calmeroos Puppy Toy helps our puppy feel comfortable and adjust more quickly to his new environment. Many puppies will go to their new homes at around 8 weeks old. We recently put together a blog post on our sister site detailing what you can expect from an 8-week-old puppy. The Juvenile Stage 3 to 4 Months At this point in development, a puppy can be compared to a juvenile. They will be more independent and may ignore the basic commands that they know very well. If this happens, firmly and gently reinforce the commands and other training. You may also notice your pup starting to test your authority by play biting or similar actions. You can also redirect your dog to a toy that they can bite. Either can end up teaching your pooch that it is okay to fight with you and challenge your authority. The Ranking Period 3 to 6 Months When your puppy is between four and six months old, you should expect them to be somewhat bratty, showing more willfulness and independence. They are more likely to test your limits and may try to show dominance over children or other family members. If they fail to listen to you or come when called, it can be dangerous as it puts them at risk of injury when in public. It can also hurt future responses to you, making them less likely to listen. This is also when your dog will be teething, so give them toys like frozen dog Kong toys to relieve pressure and pain. Chewing behaviors will also start growing at this point so look for some safe chew toys to keep your dog entertained. This is when hormonal changes start to occur and is the ideal time to spay or neuter your pup. UC Davis published a study comparing the long-term health effects of neutering in Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. Adolescence 6 to 18 Months After six months, your pup is already in the final stage of puppy development but is still young. This is a fun and exciting time for your pooch since they will be learning, full of energy, and exuberant. During this time, it is important to remember that even if your puppy now looks like a grown-up dog, they are still a puppy, at least in its mental capacity and emotional maturity. Work to slowly increase training and other activities. You can even work on advanced training such as agility or herding. Another option is to simply keep training them to ensure they interact in a non-aggressive and non-threatening way with other animals. It is also possible that your dog will go through another fearful period of time at some point after they reach six months. You can speed up the process with counter-conditioning and desensitization. It fits very well and is quite apt! Final Thoughts With the knowledge of how and when your new puppy will develop, you are better able to meet their needs. Provide socialization at the appropriate times and be sure to give your puppy plenty of social interactions with their siblings as well as humans and any other pets in your home. Your dog should reach maturity at some point between one and two years old with plenty of variation based on breed, Labradors are considered mature at between 2 and 2. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining. Almost Home Campaign Puppy Developmental Stages and Behaviour To have a well-adjusted and social dog, you need to ensure his needs are met during each phase of development. Building the foundation for a great dog starts with appropriate training at each stage of development and establishing appropriate guidelines so that that your puppy is properly integrated into the family. You will see many behaviour changes during the life stages of your pup. Knowing how to handle your pup through each developmental stage will help to shape your puppy into a lifelong family member. Puppy Developmental Stages The puppy development process covers five distinct stages. However, puppies grow through these stages at their own pace and these timelines can vary. Stage 1: Neonatal Period 0 — 2 weeks This is the first stage of puppy development and begins at birth. At this age, puppies only have the sense of taste and touch and rely totally on their mother. Stage 2: Transitional Period 2 — 4 weeks Sensory development continues with hearing and sense of smell. Puppy teeth start coming through and their eyes will begin to open. Puppies will interact with their litter mates, wag their tails, stand, walk a little and bark. It is vital to understand this stage as most puppies go home to their new parents between 7 — 12 weeks. During this period, changes start to occur rapidly. Between 3- 5 weeks puppies start to become aware of their surroundings and have the ability to develop a relationship with people This is the period where puppies get familiar with the day-to-day noises of a regular household such as TVs, vacuum cleaners, telephones, etc. At this age puppies are just learning to interact with each other and beginning to play. They are also learning their doggie social skills and exploring their ranking status within their pack. Their curiosity is developing, as are their biting skills. Nipping behaviours begin as they practice biting behaviour with their mother and litter mates. At the weeks stage, they will have full use of all their senses and will be ready to go home to their new owners. Bringing your pup home usually between weeks is right in the middle of his socialization period. Therefore, it is vital that you introduce your puppy to as many new dogs, people, objects and surroundings as you can. BUT, make sure you do so in a controlled manner and never put your puppy in a dangerous situation where they can be injured, scared or contract disease. This is a great period to begin crate training, for a variety of reasons. Puppies are old enough to start getting used to being left alone to avoid separation anxiety from developing and are capable of being house-trained. Even though your home is likely puppy proofed, it also saves your possessions. During this phase of development, puppies are developing their reactions to things much more consistently. They are also likely to focus more on different types of people and should be friendly and approachable to strangers. During this time they are also going to continue to practice their biting skills a whole lot more! It is important to learn how to manage this behaviour early on. You may also notice that they are more curious and will probably look to explore their environment more. Be prepared for this and keep your puppy close to you and leashed. Stage 4: Testing Period 3 — 6 months This is the time your puppy starts to test their boundaries within their world. They will test the limits with their owners and other animals. At this age many adult dogs will start to enforce manners. Problematic behaviours can begin to arise in this period. At this age your puppy is going to go through teething and chewing is a common side effect. Make sure he has plenty of chew sticks and toys. Use commercial sprays or gels that dissuade your puppy from chewing your belongings. Try soaking a cloth toy in chicken stock and freezing it if your puppy is experiencing pain while teething. Once frozen, this can be given to your puppy as a chew toy and will help to relieve sore gums. Puppies are usually finished teething by the age of 6 months when the upper fangs canines come in. Your cute little puppy is becoming a teenager and will start producing hormones which may result in changes in behaviour. Dogs go through adolescence much earlier than people; for small breeds, is can be as early as six months old while larger dogs starting at nine or 10 months of age. Adolescence in larger breed dogs continues until they are two or three years old with smaller dogs reaching maturity at about 18 months. Typically the larger the dog, the slower the development. Signs of Puberty in Canines Here are the typical signs to watch out for to tell you that your own puppy has hit puberty: Males. Image from Pixabay Labrador Puppy Behavior and Growth Stages Labrador retriever puppies do plenty of growing, learning, and maturing in a short amount of time, especially when compared to humans. Labs also change quite a bit, both mentally and physically from even birth to 8 weeks, which would be around the time you would bring your new puppy home. They are dependent on their mother for most things and although they have fur at birth, their mother keeps them warm because their internal thermostats have not begun to work yet. Their mother only lets them alone for bathroom trips and to eat and drink while the puppies huddle together for warmth. Two Weeks Newborn puppies cannot see or hear but by 2 weeks their ears and eyes should begin to open, allowing for hearing and sight. Handling should begin with the breeder for their first introduction to socialization. Puppies will receive their first worming. Three Weeks Puppies will begin teething as teeth come in and some solid food will be introduced gradually. Puppies can sit, stand, and trot about, a little unsteadily, at this time and even play with littermates, each developing their own personalities. Four Weeks Labrador puppies are becoming a lot more vocal and they are looking and acting more like dogs, wagging tails and playing with enthusiasm. Their mother who has kept everything clean until now is beginning to grow weary, so clean-up will now fall to the breeder. Puppies will receive their second worming. Mothers also teach pups not to bite so hard when feeding and playing. Six Weeks Worming will take place for the third time. Puppies are eating all solid food about six times a day and are totally weaned. Their mother still works with them in regards to biting and gives them a sharp bark, or reprimand, when they play too roughly with littermates. Seven Weeks Puppies will be socialized more, often with breeders beginning initial housebreaking. Usually, puppies will be checked out by a veterinarian before leaving their mother, brothers, and sisters for their new home at 8 weeks. Potty training and socialization should continue. Even though your pup was checked out by a veterinarian, you will need to make an appointment to begin the necessary vaccinations. Before bringing your new puppy home, make sure you have all of the necessary supplies for the pup such as bed, blanket, crate, toys, dishes, food, treats, collar, and leash. Keep in mind that this is the first time puppy has been away from their mother, littermates, and their familiar home. Have patience and give them reassurance and love. They may cry or be shy or fearful until they feel comfortable in their new home. Nine Weeks Your Labrador puppy should feel more familiar with its surroundings. Keep on top of housebreaking, taking them out every 20 to 30 minutes, especially after meals. Work on some basic training but keep sessions short. Socialization will be your biggest task now. Take them to as many places as you can so they can see situations as an adventure, not something to be feared. Ten Weeks Your puppy will need more vaccinations and their veterinarian will check them out and their weight to ensure that they are growing properly. Keep working on socialization. By this time your pup should be properly socialized, but continue to take them to as many places as you can. They may act independently and test you by ignoring certain commands that they are very familiar with. Be firm. Five Months Your puppy may be totally housebroken by this time and able to be left alone a little longer without accidents. Some pups take a little longer just as children may for potty training. They are beginning to be stronger and when they become too weighty, pulling on the leash will be a chore if not properly trained. Six Months Between 4 and 6 months your pup may try to challenge you or other family members. You and others must be the dominant forces in the family. Your pup is also looking more like a dog, but keep in mind, they are still a puppy at heart. Meals can now be reduced to two times a day. You will need to continue with training and obedience classes can be a huge benefit. Your pup will be quite a lot of fun at this time with lots of energy, stamina, and exuberance but will also show some characteristics of a rebellious teenager which may be frustrating. Be patient, yet firm. They may have the appearance of an adult Labrador but are without the maturity of one. When is Do Labs Stop Growing? Keep in mind that just as humans are individuals, so too are dogs and some may be full-grown at a certain age, while others may add a few more pounds after this time. Their full height, however, will be reached by nine months of age. A full-grown Lab will range in weight from 55lbs — 75lbs for females and 64lbs — 85lbs for males. Your Labrador retriever may grow to be large or be a smaller version. This helps to ease your mind. Enjoy every moment with your Labrador puppy as they grow through the stages. Recent Posts.