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The second picture is of all 3 of the pups. Mother can be seen with pups at home with. They grow up to 20 pounds 10 inches, and their coat comes in black, silver or fawn with black markings. Printable version Email this Page. On their own, Pugs aren't designer dogs, but you can be interested in buying a hybrid Pug for sale in New York, such as a Daug or Puggle. We don't see any Pugs available for adoption right now, but new adoptable pets are added every day. Lindor - Pug Hybrid. We have 4 Girls and 3 Boys looking for their forever homes. Because all breeding programs are different, you may find dogs for sale outside that price range. Find dogs and puppies available for Adoption and Foster at our site. He is half pug ,1fourth eng. We deal in top-quality Frenchie-pugs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs puppies. It's also free to list your available puppies and litters on our site. Pug puppies ready 5th june. Why buy a puppy or dog when you can adopt all breeds, sizes and ages for absolutely free. Hybrid breeds or designer dogs are specially-bred dogs that are created by combining two other breeds together in order to obtain the qualities of both breeds. We carry some of the rarest in color, from black and tan French. Yes, we at DogSpot advocate Adoption of dogs instead of buying a purebred. While most Pugs come in one of several colors—several varieties of fawn and solid black Pug puppies—puppy Pug mixes can come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and even temperaments. Pug Puppies for Sale Sought for Adorable Looks Pugs have overwhelming appeal because of their large round eyes and massive heads, greatly shortened noses, facial wrinkles, and small statures. Rolly - Pug Hybrid Puppy for. These mixed pups are loyal, lively, friendly, food motivated making them easy to train and people orientated. Pug mix puppies and designer breeds like the Daugle and Pom-A-Pug are all the rage these days, and provide even more variety when choosing your ideal Pug pup. When you cross the loving and affectionate Shih Tzu with the entertaining and confident Pug, you get a hybrid known as the Pug Zu. Why buy a Pug puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Capone: Pug mix, neutered male, 10 years old and weighing 18 lbs. Average Weight: lbs. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale listings, from dog breeders in Pa and the surrounding areas. Look at pictures of Pug puppies who need a home. Pug Puppies for Sale Near Me. No puppies where found matching your criteria. Pug puppies for sale in Utica, NY from trusted breeders. The first picture is of the female. Most Popular Mixed Breed Dogs in .In Addition Also See: Jug. Check ears multiple times weekly. Although it is not a guarantee, you can meet the mother in. English Bulldog Puppies for Sale. Pug Puppies for Sale in Florida. Pug Mix Puppies for Sale You'll love the playful, charming and clever nature of your pug mix. We call it our PuppySpot Promise. This breed is beloved by everyone, including first-time dog owners. Pug Puppies for Sale in PA. Share this listing: Breed: Pug Hybrid. Please feel free to contact as with any queries you have regarding Adoption. This adorable mix has all the best traits of both parents and makes for a fun and lively companion. The following is a list of the initial costs of a Pitbull Pug mix puppy:. We have a full list of shih tzu mixes too! Pugs have overwhelming appeal because of their large round eyes and massive heads, greatly shortened noses, facial wrinkles, Puppies for Sale. Try a different search below! Rita - Pug Hybrid Puppy for Sale in. Showing puppies. These pups have been loved around the world for their charming, loving, and curious personalities. Frenchie Pugs was formed around all the love for dogs! An example would be the Daug, which is made by mixing a Pug and a Dachshund. Pug Puppies for Sale. Hybrid and designer dogs are specially-bred dogs, created by crossing two different breeds together. These pups have been loved around the world for their. The Pomeranian's traits have made him one of Paramaribo's most. We've been waiting all spring to see what these little bundles would be like… Pugs of all colors for sale .Teacup Pomerainian for Sale The Pomeranian is fluffy, loyal and like a teddy bear. Fully-grown Pugs are usually inches tall and weigh pounds. That's why every puppy for sale is given a complete nose-to-tail checkup before being delivered right to your door. You can find sheepadoodle rescue Paramaribo, Paramaribo puppy rescue, Paramaribo boxer rescue dogs. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother. British Bulldogs rarely bark but. Here they are! A cute combination of Pug, a wee bit of beagle and a touch of Cavalier King Charles. They are playful and gentle with kids. A full-grown Pug will usually stand 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and. Where can I adopt a Pug? Ridgewood's Pug Mixed Adoptions. This page displays 10 Australian Shepherd dog classified listings in Paramaribo, Suriname. Pugs for Sale in Minneapolis. Find Puggat puppies and dogs from a breeder near you. Active, cute and super friendly. In contrast, buying Pugs from breeders can be prohibitively expensive. English Bulldogs are calm, non-sporting dogs with a sourmug face that love to chew and play tug-of-war. Mixed Breed Dogs for Sale. Pocket Puggle puppies for Sale!!! Pug zhu is a great family dog. Prices for Pug puppies for sale in Utica, NY vary by breeder and individual puppy. Temperament: Loyal, easy to train, intelligent, affectionate, playful. On average, a Pug is 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulders and weighs 15 to 18 pounds. We then back that up with a full year health commitment. They are ideal house dogs good in the. Also, be sure to check the Pug Dog Breeder listings in our Dog Breeder Directory, which feature upcoming dog litter announcements and current puppies for sale for that dog breeder. We have 2 girls pugs and 2 boys pugs to sell, they are 5 weeks old, mum and dad are available to view, pups will be health checked, microchipped and first vaccinations will be done before pick up. Say hello to these charming Pug puppies! Their sweet, inquisitive personalities win over the hearts of all who meet them. About Us. Date Available: May 5, .Pugs for adoption in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area come with a year health guarantee. Pug puppies for sale in PA. Why buy a Pug puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of Pug puppies in Lancaster who need a home. Because all breeding programs are different, you may find dogs for sale outside that price range. Rockvale Puppies are specialists in rare color, purebred Pugs. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. Here, at Premier Pups, we specialize in raising happy and healthy Pug puppies. The puppies are very excited to meet you! Call today to adopt one of these precious puppies into your home! Say hello to these adorable Pug puppies! These beautiful pups will bring so much joy and happiness to your life with their sweet and friendly personalities! They can all be viewed on our website along information on each individual puppy! Please contact us for more… Pug Puppies!! Family and Companionship Thanks to their sweet, goofy, and kind nature, Pugs make fantastic companion pets for any type of owner. Pug Puppies in Pennsylvania. All of our puppies will be seeing a vet at 7 weeks old. Pug Puppies for Sale in PA. Although this breed is most commonly called a Jug, they are sometimes also referred to as a Jack Pug or a Jack Russell Pug. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Puppies for Sale from Lancaster, Pennsylvania Breeders. Pug puppies for sale What can I expect to pay for a Pug puppy near me? Pugs are true joy bringers from the moment they are born. Two Black male pug puppies and One Fawn male puppy available. Pug puppies for sale in Lancaster, PA from trusted breeders. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale listings, from dog breeders in Pa and the surrounding areas. Pug puppies for sale! Lancaster Puppies has your Pug puppy. Join millions of people using Oodle to find unique used cars for sale, apartments for rent, jobs listings, merchandise, and other classifieds in your neighborhood. Report this Listing Sellers are not affiliated with Lancaster Puppies. Breeders on our site are located throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Schedule Your Puppies Adoption Arrange a time to personally meet and adopt your puppy or schedule safe delivery to your home. Location: Lancaster, PA We have adorable pug puppies available. As the leading source of cute puppies for adoption from responsible pet breeders in Lancaster, PA and surrounding areas look no further than the team at Homemade Puppies. Trotter - Pug Puppy for Sale in. Pug Puppies For Sale No puppies available at this time. If you find anything suspicious. Pugs are in the "companion dog" category. Pugs for Sale in Lancaster, PA. Find your new puppy here! Size: Lancaster Puppies advertises puppies for. Find Pug puppies for sale Near Lancaster, PA Smart and playful with a short muzzle and expressive eyes, the Pug's low-key lifestyle makes them perfect city dogs. Once the companions of Chinese royalty, their distinct faces are complemented by sweet demeanors. Call now to bring this darling puppy home with you! At AKC Marketplace, we connect you with only AKC-registerable puppies from responsible, passionate breeders, as well as supply you with the tools you need to bring home the perfect puppy for you! Delightful Pug Puppies For Sale. Pug Puppies for Sale in Pennsylvania. For out-of-state customers, we have nationwide delivery options tailored to. Location: New Florence, Pennsylvania. Looking for a cute Pug puppy for adoption near Lancaster Township , Pennsylvania? Despite their tiny size, they have the biggest hearts. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale listings, from dog breeders in Pa and. Black and Fawn Male Pug Puppies available .Lancaster PA, Phone: Email: rockvalepuppies gmail. As they are very active pups, they love exploring the outdoors and will make great playmates! If you're looking for a loyal friend and protector to keep you. Short and stocky, with that cute curly tail over the back. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale. They're great for families with kids and perfect for seniors and any dog lovers. He is as sweet as they come. Similar Pug Puppies. Share this listing: Breed: Pug. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale listings, Boston Terriers are eager and easy to train, and are excellent with children. Lancaster, PA Puppies for Sale. Anything Look…Weird? For the best experience, we recommend you upgrade to the latest version of Chrome or Safari. Browse our selection of reputable breeders. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified. Greenfield Puppies has been finding loving homes for puppies for over a decade. Browse our listings today to find your new pet or contact us about our breeding and puppy listing services using our web form. She can be registered with AKC. Browse our listings today to find your new. Pug puppies adapt quickly to their new environments and are just as quick to bond with their new families. View our Available Puppies. She is as sweet as they come. Will have shots, be wormed and have vet check. Their motto is that they "raise right, raise well, and raise for you". Indiana, New York and other states. For out-of-state customers, we have nationwide delivery options tailored to every need. We expect every breeder to comply with all state laws and follow strict guidelines that we have put in place. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale listings, from dog breeders in Pa and the. She has a white triangle patch on her chest and a white front paw. Our Pug puppies are raised in a family environment and interacted with daily to prepare them for a smooth transition to their new homes. Pugs for adoption in the Lancaster Township , Pennsylvania area come with a year health guarantee. Interview the Breeder Contact the breeder and learn more about the puppy you are interested in.
You need to make sure that your English Bulldog has a well-rounded diet filled with plenty of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, healthy fat, complex carbs, and protein. Is it okay for me to feed my English Bulldog raw meat? Otherwise, you run the risk of making your English Bulldog sick. Is chocolate bad for English Bulldogs? Chocolate is bad for dogs, and English Bulldogs are not different. This sweet treat might be good for you and your friends; however, it is not something that you should be giving to your English Bulldog. Are there any foods that people can eat that English Bulldogs cannot? In addition to chocolate, there are several other foods that people eat that English Bulldogs cannot. For example, avocado has a substance called persin in it that can be toxic to your dog. You should also stay away from grapes when it comes to your English Bulldog. Finally, do not give your English Bulldog any alcohol. Is it okay for me to give chicken to my English Bulldog? Yes, if you would like to give your English Bulldog chicken, this is a healthy, lean meat that should be good for it. On the other hand, you need to make sure that you do not give your English Bulldog any chicken bones. Chicken bones pose a choking and obstruction hazard to your bulldog. How many times per day do I need to feed my English Bulldog? You should try to feed your English Bulldog twice per day. When your English Bulldog is a puppy, he or she has a smaller stomach. You might need to feed your English Bulldog more often during his or her younger years. Do I need to bathe my English Bulldog? Yes, you should make sure that you bathe your English Bulldog as well. Try to bathe your English Bulldog every four weeks at a minimum. If you have an active dog, you should bathe your English Bulldog every two weeks. What human food is it okay for me to give to my English Bulldog? It is okay for you to give your English Bulldog a variety of human food items. For example, you should be able to give your English Bulldog eggs, cheese, salmon, and carrots. Anything that has a lot calories or fat in it needs to be limited. Is there a way for me to tell if my English Bulldog likes his or her food? Yes, if your English Bulldog finishes his or her food without throwing up or suffering diarrhea, this is a good sign. If your English Bulldog has a wagging tail, this is another sign that he or she is happy. Is it okay for me to give rice to my English Bulldog? Yes, if you give your English Bulldog rice, just make sure to cook it thoroughly. White rice is a good option if you need to put your English Bulldog on a bland diet. Is it okay for me to give bananas to my English Bulldog? Yes, it is okay for you to give bananas to your English Bulldog as well. Remember that these are high in sugar, so feed bananas in moderation. Why are simple carbs bad for my English Bulldog? Simple carbs are not necessarily bad for your English Bulldog. They simply need to be limited. Simple sugars can cause the blood sugar of your English Bulldog to spike. If you do this continuously, it could lead to the development of diabetes. How can I save money on my dog food for my English Bulldog? Dog food can be expensive. If you are looking for ways to save money on your dog food for your English Bulldog, try to buy it in bulk. Or, see if your vet is giving away any samples. Is it possible for my English Bulldog to have allergies? Yes, some dogs have allergies. There are a few common sources of allergens in English Bulldogs. These include corn, wheat, soy, eggs, and dairy. How do I know if my English Bulldog is suffering from allergies? There are a few signs that your English Bulldog could be suffering from allergies. First, if you notice that your English Bulldog is losing weight, this could be a sign of an allergy. Second, you might also see your English Bulldog throw up after eating food. Finally, if you notice blood in the stool, this might be a sign of inflammation due to allergies. Can my English Bulldog eat cheese? Yes, your English Bulldog can eat cheese; however, this must be in moderation. Cheese is high in fat and calories, so try to limit the amount of cheese you give your English Bulldog. Why does my English Bulldog always smell bad? An English Bulldog has many folds that can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to a yeast infection. Is it okay for me to give my English Bulldog peanut butter? Yes, you can give your English Bulldog peanut butter; however, make sure that there is no xylitol present, as this is toxic to English Bulldogs. How often do I need to take my English Bulldog to the vet? You should try to take your English Bulldog to the vet at least once per year for an annual exam. If your English Bulldog is still a puppy, then you might need to take your English Bulldog to the vet more often. How long should I expect my English Bulldog to live? If you give your English Bulldog a healthy diet and take care of him or her, the average lifespan is between 8 and 10 years. Exercise your bulldog daily, and feed him a well-rounded diet to maximize his lifespan. The English Bulldog is known for its cute, wrinkled skin and friendly demeanor. Therefore, this dog breed is particularly good for kids. It is also easy to train an English Bulldog, and they get along well with just about everyone they meet, including not only people but also other dogs and cats. At the same time, if you want your English Bulldog to be healthy, you need to think carefully about the dog food you give to him or her. Even though English Bulldogs are not the most active dogs, they are still very friendly. When they are fully grown, they usually weigh between 40 and 50 pounds. In addition, they live between 8 and 10 years. If you take care of your English Bulldog, he or she could live much longer than that. Furthermore, if you get a mixed dog that contains an English Bulldog and another breed, he or she might live longer, allowing you to love your furry friend for even longer. The English Bulldog has a short, stocky build and wrinkled skin. The English Bulldog also has a massive build with plenty of muscle that could cause it to look a bit intimidating. With an undershot jaw, bulldogs also have a unique shape. On the other hand, the English Bulldog also has a soft heart that everyone loves once you know them! For this reason, it should come as no surprise that the English Bulldog is also one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Maybe this is why you have an English Bulldog as well! If you are looking for dog food for your English Bulldog, there are many factors to consider. For example, the English Bulldog is prone to developing various health concerns that could impact the food you decide to give to your dog. These include: Brachycephalic Syndrome: This refers to the unique anatomy of the English Bulldog, which could cause his or her breathing to be restricted. In addition, English Bulldogs commonly develop food allergies as well. If your English Bulldog is exposed to allergens to which it is allergic, it could make it hard for them to absorb the nutrients that it requires. The inflammation present in the GI tract will cause the nutrients to pass right through your dog instead of being absorbed and used. It is common in dogs that have a deep chest. Finally, the English Bulldog is also prone to developing bladder stones. These are a few of the most common health conditions that the English Bulldog could develop. To keep these problems at bay, you need to take your English Bulldog to the vet on time, every time. Furthermore, you also need to think carefully about the food you provide him or her, selecting wholesome, natural ingredients that will allow your English Bulldog to live a long and healthy life. With all of this in mind, some of the factors you need to consider include: The English Bulldog does not have nutritional needs that are significantly different from other dogs. Because they are a stocky breed, they need plenty of protein to support their musculature. Therefore, do not hesitate to reach for dog food that has extra protein in it. If you find that your English Bulldog suffers from food allergies, you might want to target a dog food option with a limited amount of protein and carbs to restrict possible allergens. You can take your dog to the vet for more testing; however, you might want to switch over to a limited ingredient diet that can prevent the development of more allergic reactions. You can also target unusual protein sources if you are worried about allergic reactions in your English Bulldog. For example, venison is a relatively rare protein source in dog food. Therefore, this might be a source of protein you can share with your English Bulldog that might not lead to an allergic reaction. In addition, fat is a very concentrated source of energy for dogs. On the other hand, it contains nine calories per gram on average, depending on the type of fat compared to 4 calories per gram of protein and carbs. Therefore, stay away from dog food that contains too many grams of fat. Furthermore, you should also try to stick to food sources that contain plenty of complex, healthy carbs. Complex carbs are a great energy source; however, if the dog food has too many grams of carbs, it could lead to weight gain. Great sources of carbs include oatmeal, brown rice, and vegetables that contain starch. Next, it is important to highlight some of the serious weight issues that English Bulldogs can develop. Clearly, with the extra skin folds, obesity is a common problem among English Bulldogs. There are several points you should keep in mind when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight. These include: Take a look at the serving size and calorie content on the back of the dog food. Depending on how big the serving size is, you might need to multiply this to reach a single helping for your dog. Be aware of how many calories you are giving your English Bulldog. Smaller dogs usually need a bit more than 30 calories per pound of weight. Larger dogs might need a bit less. English Bulldogs fall in the middle, so use this as a benchmark for how many calories you want to give to your dog. Because English Bulldogs are prone to gaining weight, try to avoid dog food with many simple sugars in it. Simple sugars can lead to the development of diabetes if there are too many of them. Diabetes and obesity go hand in hand, particularly in heavier dog breeds, such as the English Bulldog. Remember that English Bulldogs have skin folds that can collect moisture and bacteria. If you notice that your English Bulldog is starting to smell bad, there might be a yeast infection in the skin folds. If you want to limit this, keep your English Bulldog at a healthy weight. English Bulldogs are prone to having weight problems. Therefore, you need to protect their joints as well. Look for dog food options that contain plenty of chondroitin and glucosamine. If you do not protect the skin of your English Bulldog, he or she might develop something called eczema. Also called canine atopic dermatitis, this is the most common skin problem in the English Bulldog and can lead to the development of itchy, dry skin that can also lead to open sores or scaly bumps. If you notice this problem in your English Bulldog, be sure to reach out to your vet to see what you can do about this issue. If you ignore it, your English Bulldog could develop open sores, leading to major skin infections. Finally, you might also be wondering about the price of dog food for your English Bulldog. Fortunately, it is usually not any more expensive than dog food for other types of dogs. At the same time, if your English Bulldog has to go on a limited ingredient diet, this can get pricey. Talk to your vet to see if he or she has access to any samples. Then, talk to the local pet store to see if they are running any sales to help you find the best dog food for your English Bulldog at a price you can afford. You do not have to break the bank on your dog food for your English Bulldog. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Don't disregard advice from a vet. We may direct you to retailers such as Chewy or Amazon that provide us with a tiny commission on resulting sales. This comes at no extra cost to you. OUR TEAM Our team is made up of professional pet trainers, veterinarians, and experienced pet owners who have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. We believe that pets are not just animals but members of the family, and we strive to provide the best possible advice and support for pet lovers. It contains four different recipes that provide an easily digestible source of animal-sourced protein to support lean muscles, making it a great choice for picky eaters. Lastly, the Weruva No Ruff Days Variety Pack Grain-Free Canned Dog Food is made with real shredded meat and veggies that you can actually see, ensuring that your furry friend enjoys a delectable culinary experience in every bowl. They have reported that their dogs love the taste and texture of the food and have shown improvement in their overall health and energy levels. Overall, the product has received great reviews, making it a top contender for the best wet dog food for English Bulldog seniors. As a responsible pet owner, it is important to provide them with the best dog food to help manage their health conditions. Here are the best dog foods for English Bulldogs with health issues. This dog food is specifically designed to support joint health and mobility. It contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which are essential for maintaining healthy joints. This dog food is grain-free and contains limited ingredients to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Additionally, it has reduced calories to help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of ear infections. In conclusion, these dog foods are some of the best options for English Bulldogs with specific health issues. As responsible pet owners, we must take into account their specific dietary needs when choosing the right food for them. Feeding them with the wrong type of food may lead to health issues such as obesity, skin problems, and digestive problems, among others. Thus, it is essential to choose the best dog food for English Bulldogs to ensure their overall health and well-being. There are several factors to consider when choosing the best dog food for English Bulldogs. First, you need to look for a food that meets their specific nutritional needs, based on their age, weight, and activity level. Next, you should consider any health issues your dog may have and choose a food that addresses those issues. Other factors to consider include the quality of ingredients, the type of food dry, wet, or raw , and your budget. In this section, we will discuss how to choose the best dog food for English Bulldogs, so you can ensure your pup is getting the nutrition they need to stay healthy and happy. English Bulldogs are a medium-sized breed that typically weighs between pounds. They have a stocky build with short legs and a broad chest. This unique body type requires a diet that supports their muscular structure while preventing excess weight gain. Essential Nutrients required by English Bulldogs Essential nutrients required by English Bulldogs include protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients are necessary for their overall health and well-being. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle, and it should be sourced from high-quality animal protein such as chicken, beef, or fish. Fat is a source of energy and helps maintain healthy skin and coat. Carbohydrates provide energy and fiber, and they can come from sources like grains, vegetables, and fruits. Vitamins and minerals are important for various bodily functions, and they should be included in appropriate amounts in their diet. Puppies require more protein and fat for growth and development, while adults need a balanced diet to maintain their weight and energy levels. A well-balanced diet can help prevent health issues such as obesity, joint problems, and skin allergies. Look for high-quality animal protein sources, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Avoid dog foods that contain artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind: A. Age and Life Stage Just like humans, dogs have different nutritional needs at different stages of their lives. English Bulldog puppies have different requirements than adult dogs, and seniors have different requirements than both puppies and adults. Talk to your veterinarian about any specific dietary needs your dog may have and look for a dog food that is tailored to address those needs. If your Bulldog is particularly active, they may need a higher-calorie dog food to meet their energy needs. Nutritional Needs As we discussed earlier, English Bulldogs have specific nutritional needs that are unique to their breed. When choosing a dog food, make sure to look for one that contains high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals that support their overall health and well-being. Here are some insights on what types of dog food are available and how they differ from one another. Dry Dog Food Dry dog food is a popular choice among dog owners. It is a type of kibble that is easy to store, convenient to use, and can be left out for your dog to eat at their leisure. It is typically made from meat, grains, and vegetables and has a longer shelf life than other types of dog food. However, it is important to note that not all dry dog food is created equal. Some brands contain fillers and artificial preservatives that may not be the healthiest option for your English Bulldog. It is typically sold in cans or pouches and is made up of a combination of meat, grains, and vegetables. Wet dog food contains more moisture than dry dog food, which can help keep your dog hydrated. However, it has a shorter shelf life than dry dog food and may be more expensive. Semi-Moist Dog Food Semi-moist dog food is a type of dog food that is not as popular as dry or wet dog food. It is a soft, chewy type of food that comes in small packets or pouches. It is typically made from meat, grains, and vegetables and is easy to serve. However, it is important to note that semi-moist dog food is often high in sugar and salt, which can lead to health problems such as obesity and dental issues. Freeze-Dried Dog Food Freeze-dried dog food is a type of dog food that is becoming increasingly popular among dog owners. It is made by freeze-drying raw food, such as meat, vegetables, and fruits, and then packaging it into small, easy-to-serve pieces. Freeze-dried dog food is a healthy option for your English Bulldog, as it is free from fillers and artificial preservatives. However, it can be more expensive than other types of dog food. Raw Dog Food Raw dog food is a controversial type of dog food that is gaining popularity among some dog owners. It is made up of raw meat, bones, and organs, and is supposed to mimic the diet of wild dogs. However, there are risks associated with feeding your English Bulldog raw food, such as bacterial contamination and nutrient imbalances. Homemade Dog Food Homemade dog food is another option available to dog owners. It is made by cooking a combination of meat, grains, and vegetables at home and serving it to your English Bulldog. Homemade dog food can be a healthy option, as you have full control over the ingredients used. However, it can be time-consuming to prepare and may not provide your dog with all the nutrients they need. In conclusion, when choosing the best dog food for your English Bulldog, it is important to consider the type of food that will meet their nutritional needs, age, health condition, activity level, and budget. Here are some key ingredients to look for: A. Look for dog food that has high-quality protein sources like chicken, beef, turkey, fish, and lamb. These protein sources provide essential amino acids that help to build and maintain strong muscles, tissues, and organs. Carbohydrate Sources Carbohydrates provide energy for your English Bulldog and are an important part of their diet. Look for dog food that contains easily digestible carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, brown rice, and oatmeal. Look for dog food that contains healthy fats like chicken fat, fish oil, and flaxseed oil. Look for dog food that contains a balanced blend of essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, vitamin E, and vitamin A. Glucosamine and chondroitin can help to support joint health, while probiotics can help to support digestive health. Remember, the best dog food for your English Bulldog is one that is balanced, complete, and meets its nutritional needs. Fillers and Additives Fillers and additives are usually added to dog food to increase its volume and weight. These ingredients are often used to make the food look more substantial than it actually is. They can cause digestive problems, allergies, and other health issues. Some examples of fillers and additives to avoid are corn, soy, and wheat. Artificial Preservatives Artificial preservatives are often added to dog food to extend its shelf life. By-Products By-products are often used in dog food as a cheap source of protein. These by-products can be anything from animal intestines to chicken feet. While they might be a good source of protein, they are not always healthy for your English Bulldog. By-products can be contaminated with bacteria and other harmful substances that can cause illness and other health problems. Grains and Gluten Grains and gluten are often used in dog food as a cheap source of carbohydrates. However, many dogs, including English Bulldogs, are sensitive to these ingredients. They can cause digestive problems, skin issues, and other health problems. By avoiding fillers and additives, artificial preservatives, by-products, grains, and gluten; you can help ensure your pup stays healthy and happy. Reading Dog Food Labels for English Bulldogs When it comes to choosing the best dog food for English Bulldogs, one of the most important things to do is to read the labels carefully. It usually includes information about the percentage of protein, fat, fiber, and moisture in the food. Understanding the Ingredients List The ingredients list on the label is another important factor to consider. Ingredients are listed in order of weight, with the heaviest ingredient listed first. Look for dog foods that list high-quality sources of protein, such as meat, poultry, or fish, as the first ingredient. Avoid dog foods that list fillers or by-products as the first ingredient, as these are often low-quality sources of protein. Keep in mind that these guidelines are just that — guidelines. They can help you figure out the appropriate amount of food for your dog based on their individual needs. How to Switch Your English Bulldog to a New Dog Food Once we have selected the perfect dog food, there is still one more important thing to do — transitioning them to the new diet. In this section, we will discuss the proper way to switch your English Bulldog to a new dog food. Therefore, it is essential to make a gradual transition to the new food. Start by mixing a small amount of the new dog food with the old one, gradually increasing the amount of the new food, and decreasing the old food over a period of days. Observe their stool quality, energy level, and overall behavior. Any changes in these factors can be a sign that the new food is not suitable for them. If you notice any adverse effects, you may need to slow down the transition or consult your veterinarian for guidance. It is also important to note that different dogs may have different responses to new food, even if they are of the same breed. In conclusion, switching your English Bulldog to a new dog food is a gradual process that requires patience and observation. To sum up, choosing the right dog food for your English Bulldog is essential for their health and happiness. By understanding the nutritional needs of your dog, reading labels carefully, and avoiding harmful ingredients, you can ensure that your Bulldog gets the best nutrition possible. We have discussed the best dog food options for English Bulldogs, categorized by age: puppies, adults, and seniors. For each category, I gave you both dry and wet dog food options from the biggest dog food brands like Royal Canin, Purina Pro Plan, Eukanuba, and Weruva. We have discussed some of the best dog foods for English Bulldogs with various health issues, including hip dysplasia, sensitive skin, stomach sensitivities, eye issues, and ear infections. These dog food options are selected based on extensive research and consultation with veterinarians and pet nutritionists to ensure that they meet the specific nutritional needs of English Bulldogs at different stages of life. Remember that the best dog food is one that provides balanced nutrition, supports their overall health, and keeps them happy and energetic. With the information we have discussed, I hope you can make an informed decision on the best dog food for your English Bulldog. Remember to keep an eye on any signs of allergies, sensitivities, or other health issues and make adjustments to your diet accordingly. David Cassiel As a biologist and dog enthusiast, I have gained valuable experience and knowledge through my internship at a veterinary hospital and my personal ownership of multiple breeds. My passion for dogs and expertise in areas such as nutrition, care, and training drives my goal of providing a helpful resource for dog owners through my pet website. Find More Search for: Affiliate Disclaimer We may earn commission from Amazon and other retailers when you make a purchase through our links. You can learn more about our affiliate disclaimer here. Puppies with allergies Physical Traits That Will Impact Your Choice Having a very short muzzle can present some challenges with lifting up and munching on food. English Bulldogs can also struggle sometimes with swallowing their meals, and with taking in sufficient oxygen while they are busy eating. Bulldog puppies often also have teeth that are overly crowded together in their smaller mouths. Rounded, triangular or other unique-shaped kibble are ideal, avoid the traditional large square bits. And if your English Bulldog puppy is still having a tough time with chewing, mix dry kibble with some wet puppy food. Portion sizes Begin by following the amounts listed on the packaging. How often to feed English Bulldog puppies Little and often is always the best approach when feeding a puppy. I start my puppies off with four meals a day, spread evenly over the daylight hours. Best dried food for English Bulldog puppies These three brands make some of the best food for English Bulldog puppies. You will notice each food is enriched with special nutrients, minerals and vitamins. Those that your English Bulldog puppy needs to develop healthily in every way. Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy dry dog food Royal Canin creates tailored recipes for the unique needs of different puppy and dog breeds. This has the same unique S-shaped kibble. Best canned food for English Bulldog puppies The best food for English Bulldog puppy can end up being a combination of dry puppy food mixed with a bit of wet puppy food. It also makes learning how to grab and chew the dry kibble just a bit easier! For both puppies and adult dogs, wet food can be more palatable than dry kibble. It is designed in a complete and balanced nutrition puppy formula. A great choice to mix with the Purina Pro Plan dry kibble, to help your English Bulldog puppy learn how to grasp and chew solid food! There are no artificial ingredients or by-products in this wet food either. Packed with vitamins, lutein, taurine and fish oils, your English Bulldog puppy will have the nutritional support to make the extra work of eating worth it. This is a great choice to mix with Royal Canin Bulldog puppy dry food for a little extra mealtime incentive! Best food for English Bulldog puppies with food allergies Treating food allergies in puppies often requires two phases: allergy testing and a limited ingredient diet. One of the known triggers for food allergies in dogs is grain. So the best puppy food for Bulldogs who have food allergies is often a grain-free diet. Plus DHA and plenty of vitamins and minerals to help with digestive support and immune system health. The kibble is a unique triangle shape which can be easier for your puppy to grab hold of and pick up. Best food for English Bulldog puppies with sensitive stomachs Finding the best dog food for English Bulldog puppies can sometimes be a challenge because of their unique anatomy. This can sometimes lead to digestive disruption. A limited ingredient diet may ease tummy upset, gas, diarrhea and other symptoms of a sensitive stomach. There is very minimal processing and no artificial additives of any kind. The kibble is both round and rectangular, offering a nice mix of shapes to help your English Bulldog puppy grasp it more easily. There is no corn or beef, both of which can be a source of digestive upset in puppies. This limited ingredient puppy food comes in two recipes: chicken and oats or lamb and rice. Both recipes include plenty of glucosamine and chondroitin, calcium and phosphorus. As well as vitamins and minerals to support healthy joints, bones and immune system. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. Although certain health issues that Bulldogs may experience are congenital and beyond our control, others can be influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet. Some of the most common health issues faced by Bulldog include the following: Food allergies. Certain ingredients in their food can cause allergies in Bulldogs. This occurs when the immune system of some dogs identifies a specific protein, carbohydrate, or other ingredients in their diet as foreign and reacts to it as if it were a harmful substance. Food allergies in Bulldogs may present as dry, itchy skin, ears, or paws. However, intolerances do not involve the immune system but can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. We highly recommend conducting an at-home dog food allergy test like the 5Strands kit. This particular kit can test for up to ingredients and determine which ones may cause food intolerance in your dog. Once you receive the results, you can use the list to avoid dog food formulas that contain potential allergens. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BAS. This condition occurs in Bulldogs and other animals with shortened facial features that result in a pushed-in nose. Bulldogs with BAS may experience difficulty breathing, especially during exercise or in hot weather. Hip and elbow dysplasia. Bulldogs are prone to joint conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, which can cause discomfort and mobility issues. Skin conditions. Bulldogs are susceptible to several skin conditions due to the folds in their skin that can trap dirt and moisture. Common skin conditions include eczema or atopic dermatitis, skin fold dermatitis, interdigital pyoderma, and chin folliculitis. Bulldogs may also develop demodectic mange, a skin disease caused by mites. Eye conditions. Bulldogs are prone to several eye conditions, including cherry eye, dry eye, corneal ulcers, eyelid and eyelash abnormalities, and persistent pupillary membranes. Bulldogs may also develop cataracts at a young age. This condition occurs when Bulldogs develop excessively thick skin on their legs or nose, which can be uncomfortable and lead to infections. Bulldogs may develop allergies to certain foods, medications, or environmental factors such as pollen or dust mites. Allergies can cause skin irritation, itchiness, and gastrointestinal issues. Heat sensitivity. Bulldogs are prone to heat sensitivity due to their shortened airways and difficulty regulating body temperature. Bulldogs should be kept in a cool, shaded area during hot weather to prevent heat exhaustion. Gastrointestinal issues. Bulldogs may experience gastrointestinal issues such as colitis and chronic diarrhea, which can cause discomfort and dehydration. Bulldogs may develop deafness, which can be caused by genetics or chronic ear infections. Bulldogs require a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain energy levels and stay active. Feeding a Bulldog an inadequate or low-quality diet can lead to a lack of energy, sluggishness, and even obesity. Bulldogs that are less active or prone to weight gain may require a lower-calorie diet, while more active Bulldogs may need a higher-calorie diet to fuel their activities. Feeding Bulldogs the right food and portions is essential to maintaining their activity level and overall health. Require a diet that is higher in calories and protein to support their growth and development. They also need a balanced calcium and phosphorus diet for healthy bone growth. Feeding high-quality puppy food formulated explicitly for English Bulldog puppies can help ensure they receive the necessary nutrients during this crucial stage. Adult English Bulldogs. Require a diet that is lower in calories and protein to maintain their weight and prevent obesity. They also need a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to support their overall health and energy needs. Senior English Bulldogs. Senior dogs may require a diet lower in calories and fat to maintain a healthy weight and higher fiber to support digestive health. Senior dog foods often contain joint supplements to help mobility and joint health. Avoid common allergens. Bulldog often develops food allergies or intolerances, so it may be helpful if your dog food is free from common allergens, such as corn, wheat, chicken, and beef. Bulldogs can have sensitive digestive systems. Look for a dog food that adds probiotics to its formula. Dog probiotics support a healthy digestive system and immune system. Digestibility: Bulldogs can be prone to digestive issues, so look for dog food that is minimally processed, such as fresh dog food. Lower-quality kibble may contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and other ingredients that can be harder to digest and may cause digestive upset in some dogs. Joint support ingredients. Since Bulldogs are prone to common conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, look for dog food that contains ingredients that support joint health, such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Limited ingredients. Bulldogs with skin allergies or sensitivities may benefit from dog food with limited ingredients, which can help identify potential allergens. Look for dog food that contains a single protein source and a limited number of carbohydrates. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Bulldogs with skin conditions may benefit from dog food that contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can help promote healthy skin and coat. Look for dog food that contains fish oil, flaxseed, or other sources of these fatty acids. Easy-to-digest ingredients. Bulldogs with gastrointestinal issues may benefit from dog food that contains easy-to-digest ingredients, such as chicken, rice, or sweet potatoes. Avoid dog food that contains artificial preservatives or fillers, which can be difficult for Bulldogs to digest. Limited sodium content. Chapter 2: The Reviews. This food appeals to those who pay attention to where their food comes from. Halo contains fatty acids and antioxidants but no DHA like most puppy foods. This recipe also contains legumes peas , which are ingredients of concern in canine diets, as we mentioned in a previous review. However, as we mentioned earlier, those fancy terms are primarily for advertising, not an actual reflection of the nutritional quality of the food. Also, grain-free diets come with their own cause for concern due to the high legume content. Although pet food makers use various sources for protein, dogs tend not to care whether the meat in their diet is cage-free or what form it comes in whole, meal, or by-product. English Bulldogs are prone to obesity, which is not healthy for any dog but is particularly dangerous for this breed. Flat-faced dogs, including Bulldogs, are prone to breathing issues related to their unusual anatomy. Being overweight makes these problems worse. Most foods come with a suggested feeding guide, but to be safe, ask your vet to help you calculate the ideal daily calorie intake for your bulldog. Your food choice may be somewhat dictated by any emerging medical concerns your pup is experiencing. Allergies, with their accompanying skin and ear problems, are one of the most common issues. We listed several allergy-friendly diets on our list for this reason. Do Your Research Before You Buy A Puppy Yes, you want to feed your English Bulldog puppy a healthy diet, but food can only do so much if your little dog comes with a host of inherited medical conditions. Our best value pick, Purina One , is both cost-effective and convenient. Royal Canin Bulldog features breed-specific nutrition. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains is free of ingredients from China and loaded with nutritious extras perfect for the Bulldog. We hope our reviews of these puppy diets help you navigate the crowded landscape of the pet food industry as you search for the best option for your wrinkly baby dog. She got her first cat at 5 years old and at 14, she started working for her local veterinarian. Elizabeth spent more than 20 years working as a veterinary nurse before stepping away to become a stay-at-home parent to her daughter. Now, she is excited to share her hard-earned knowledge literally--she has scars with our readers. When not writing, she enjoys reading, watching all sports but especially soccer, and spending time outdoors with her family.Read more Advertisement. Nowadays, many vets recommend using both wet and dry dog food and mixing it daily so that your dog gets the best of both worlds. English bulldogs originally were bred to eat only raw meat there was no kibble around when these pups were first produced in 16th century England. As a result, most English bulldogs love eating raw meat. You can also feed your pup this mixture by itself. Plus, the recipe is packed with tons of minerals and vitamins. We love the fact that this wet dog food even includes folic acid. If you have an English bulldog that is a picky eater, this wet dog food might be an excellent choice for you. If your English bulldog suffers from a lot of food allergies and digestive issues, then this wet dog food would be an excellent option for you. Plus, this food will also entice even the pickiest of eaters so that you can keep your pooch healthy. Cesar is designed to help keep your pooch hydrated. You can purchase this wet dog food as a pate, and that means this food is straightforward for dogs to eat and digest. Cesar provides plenty of vitamins and minerals in their recipe. Cesar also makes their dog food with real meat and includes healthy, safe ingredients in its cuisine. This wet dog food comes packed with vitamins and minerals and is made to be grain-free. The ingredients in this mix are granulated, so that makes it particularly easy for your English bulldog to digest. If your dog is a picky eater or it experiences a lot of gas or food allergies , this food could be particularly helpful. This food is low calorie but packed with nutrition. So if maintaining a healthy weight and proper nutrition is a major factor for your English bulldog, you should consider Dr. That should be especially comforting if you own an English bulldog that suffers from several food allergies and flatulence. Royal Canin packs plenty of fibers into their food, and that helps alleviate the many gas and digestive issues that many English bulldogs experience. So, if you are worried about hip dysplasia in your English bulldog, this food can help alleviate that issue. Another thing we love about this food is user reviews. If you are looking for a wet dog food that can do it all for your bulldog, then Royal Canin would be an excellent choice. A Background on the English Bulldog Breed English bulldogs grow to weigh about forty to fifty pounds, making them a medium-sized dog breed. These dogs are beloved for their muscular and unusual appearances. Many people find these dogs so unique and wrinkled because of their adorably comical appearance. So, plan on lots of cuddle sessions while you are sitting down and watching television if you plan to purchase an English bulldog. However, English bulldogs, as a breed, are known to be prone to food allergies and gas. This dog breed is so well known for its flatulence that many English bulldog owners chronically joke about the issue. However, flatulence and food allergies in an English bulldog is no laughing matter. Again, this is another area where healthy feeding is essential for your English bulldog. If you are feeding your English bulldog the right types of food, then it should be able to keep its weight down, which helps prevent hip dysplasia. English bulldogs are not fast growers. They develop much more slowly compared to other dog breeds. English bulldogs have short noses. Those short noses make it tough for your pooch to play in a hot or humid climate. We already mentioned that your typical English bulldog grows to be about 40 or 50 pounds. English bulldogs are muscular, dense little dogs, and their unique appearance is one of the most beautiful things about them. Your bulldog needs to eat about thirty to forty calories per day for each pound of weight it has. So, a forty-pound English bulldog would need to eat about calories each day. Some English Bulldogs are more active than others and tend to stay leaner so they can eat more food. However, most English bulldogs cannot be overfed because they are already genetically predisposed to weight gain. However, since you now know that your English bulldog is prone to weight gain, it would be better to feed your pooch leaner foods. You should opt for a wet dog food that has protein and fiber, and less fat. Carbohydrates in wet dog food will be another thing to think about when you are purchasing your food for your pooch. Just like sugar causes weight gain in people, it also causes weight gain in dogs. Luckily, the better the wet dog food you buy your dog, the healthier your dog is likely to be. First, what type of food do you want to buy your dog? We are focusing on wet dog food in this article, but you could also consider buying dry dog food for your English bulldog. Wet and dry dog foods have different advantages and consequences. Second, consider the size of your wet dog food package. If you want to compare prices and purchase high-quality wet dog food while saving some money, you might want to consider buying things in bulk. Knowing the size of the wet dog food packaging should help you do that. Fourth, look at the types of protein that are found in wet dog food. Keep in mind that chicken can irritate dogs that are prone to food allergies, like English bulldogs. However, there are many other protein sources out there that will be easier for your pup to digest. Sixth, you can also consider dehydrated dog food. These types of wet food choices allow dogs to have raw food that tastes fresh and also lasts longer. If your pooch is still young and growing, then chances are it needs a lot more fat and protein. Puppies are growing, so they require a completely different diet than adult English bulldogs. Healthy, young English bulldogs still tend to be far less physically active than most other dog breeds. Even as puppies, English bulldogs can be a bit sedentary. As your dog ages, it will need fewer calories in its food. All dogs get less physically active as they get older, and that fact is especially actual of English bulldogs. As your English bulldog gets older, it will need nutrient-dense wet foods that have a lot of vitamins and minerals. Many vets recommend feeding English bulldogs the right amount of Protein Antioxidants and vitamins Long-chain fatty acids. However, if you feed your English bulldog a proper, healthy diet and you pay close attention to its digestive system, you can ensure an active, healthy lifestyle. We already mentioned earlier that English bulldogs are very prone to food allergies. When it comes to purchasing wet dog food, this can present a problem. Some English bulldogs form allergies to particular meats, and that can make finding the right wet dog food for your pooch even more difficult. While chicken is the most common culprit, English bulldogs can also be allergic to salmon. Typically, most English bulldogs can digest lean red meat food products the best. Overfeeding any dog carbs can lead to diseases that your dog could have otherwise avoided, so make sure you limit that carb intake. Since English bulldogs are massive dogs that have many muscles, they need to ingest more protein than most other dog breeds. English bulldogs do need a lot of nutrients daily and so they also require plenty of fibre. Plus, fiber will also help to ensure that your dog feels fuller. That means your pooch will eat less. They require more vitamins and minerals than other dog breeds because they are genetically predisposed to weight gain and other diseases. That amount is relatively standard for most large dog breeds.
Please be sure to provide many chew toys to help with this transitional period. Cow hooves can be found at many pet stores and are recommended. Stay away from pig ears and cheap rawhide, and "greenies," as these can cause severe diarrhea, bloat, and are a choking hazard. For instance, keep an eye out for diarrhea if you change your pup's food. If your bulldog develops diarrhea then stop all food for 12 hours. If it persists for more than 24 hours, contact your veterinarian immediately to prevent dehydration. Puppies can dehydrate very rapidly so you need to take it seriously when diarrhea occurs. Dogs can pick up some unwanted guests: ticks, fleas, mites, lice, and intestinal worms. Your dog can be the perfect host for these pests if regular treatment for these nasty pests is not given. Your veterinarian is the best source of knowledge for the local bugs that bug the local dog population and how to prevent these pests. Heartworm is a widespread disease present spread by mosquitoes throughout most of the United States. There is a treatment for heartworm, but it is expensive and takes a toll physically on the dog and can take months to combat. This is especially important for dogs that spend a lot of time outside, that live on farms, or that hunt, as they are at increased risk of contracting this tick-borne disease. Puppies will generally have a first veterinary visit at the age of six weeks by the person who has the mother dog. The veterinarian will examine the puppies to make sure there are no hernias, heart, lung, or eye or ear problems in any of the pups. At 9 weeks, and then again at 12 weeks, the de-wormer and distemper vaccines will be repeated. Then these can be given once a year or on a schedule determined by you and your veterinarian. Lowell Ackerman. This vaccination is required by many communities. There can sometimes be severe penalties if your dog is not rabies vaccinated especially if the dog bites a person or another pet. As your dog ages, more frequent examinations will need to be given. Twice yearly examination will catch medical issues before they become big problems. Older dogs frequently suffer from arthritis and heart disease just like elderly humans. There are effective and safe treatments that can help your older dog live reasonably pain-free and pleasant golden years. It is important to spay females or neuter male your puppy. In addition to various health benefits for the dog decreased chances of certain tumors and infections , there is a big societal benefit in the decreased number of unwanted dogs. Microchipping is also encouraged in case your dog ever becomes lost. The inner ear part of the ear is normally white or darker colored, usually corresponding to the color of the dog's coat, so look for discoloring. The puppy's ears should also not smell nor have any discharge in the ear or on the flap. The ear should be free of debris, dirt, or parasites, like ticks or mites. Any of the following are abnormal: [9] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Scratching or pawing the ear. Shaking the head excessively. If in doubt, or if you suspect an ear infection, have your veterinarian look in the ear using an otoscope to examine the eardrum. Never stick a q-tip or similar type of product into the ear canal. You will not be able to see the entire ear canal and should not try to put anything down there. Never use human toothpaste on a dog; only use dental toothpaste made for dogs. The fluoride in human toothpaste is poisonous to dogs and can cause serious health problems. Place a little puppy toothpaste on your fingertip and let your puppy lick it off. The next day put it on your finger and rub it along the outer gums. Then try to put a little on a dog toothbrush, let the puppy lick it then run the toothbrush along the outer edges of the teeth and gums. Only the outer part against the cheeks needs to be brushed. Even with regular tooth brushing, dogs may need dental cleanings once in a while. Plaque and bacteria can build up under the gum line causing problems there or in the roots of the teeth. Just like with their human owners, regular mouth examinations by their doggy dentist should be done once a year. UKC Classification: Companion Dog Prevalence: Common The English bulldog is a brawny little powerhouse whose characteristic crablike waddle exudes great strength, stability and vigor. The dog's head is large and spherical, and the muzzle is extremely short, giving the face a flattened appearance. The English bulldog's eyes are dark and set low and wide on the forehead in the frontal plane. The nose is black and slightly upturned. The jaws or "chops" are massive, broad and undershot. The lower jaw juts out in front of the upper jaw to scarcely expose the lower incisors, producing a comical grin. The lips are fleshy and pendulous. The cheeks are well rounded and protrude sideways. The ears are thin, small and angle forward like flaps that frame the forehead. The English bulldog's neck is short and thick; the shoulders are massive, muscular and broad. The chest is deep and full, and the back is barreled and slightly arched. His rounded hips protrude slightly above the level of the back. The stubby tail is thick and either straight or screwed. His short, stocky legs have great muscle definition. They are splayed out and slightly bowed at the elbows and hocks to form a sturdy, base-wide stance. The English bulldog stands about 16 inches tall. The female weighs about 50 pounds 23 kilograms , and the male weighs about 54 pounds 24 kilograms. The English bulldog's skin is loose and pendant with heavy wrinkles and thick folds on the face and a dewlap hanging from the throat. The coat is short and fine textured. The various color patterns are brindle, piebald, and solid white, red, fawn or fallow. Personality: The English bulldog has a sweet, gentle disposition. Dependable and predictable, the bulldog is a wonderful family pet and loving to most children. People-oriented as a breed, they actively solicit human attention. However, they have retained the courage that was originally bred into them for bull baiting, so they make fine watchdogs. Although they generally get along well with other family pets, English bulldogs can be aggressive to unfamiliar dogs. Living With: English bulldogs make fine apartment pets and do not require a yard. Typically low-endurance dogs, they need only a moderate amount of exercise. They thrive best in temperate climates; they readily overheat and have breathing difficulties in hot weather, and they chill easily in cold temperatures. Generally loud breathers, English bulldogs tend to snore and wheeze. Many drool as well. They are moderate shedders and their short coats require little grooming. However, the wrinkles on the face should be wiped regularly to prevent skin infections. History: Named for its use in the sport of bull baiting, the English bulldog seems to have originated in the British Isles sometime prior to the 13th century. One of the few references to the sport dates back to , and talks about a butcher's dogs that chased a bull through the English town of Stamford. This pursuit so pleased the earl of the town that he inaugurated bull baiting as a sport in his domain. Today, the English bulldog makes a fine family pet. The AKC recognizes the breed simply as the bulldog. Related Pet Care Articles. Dog domestic dog The Bulldog is a British breed of dog of mastiff type. It may also be known as the English Bulldog or British Bulldog. It is a medium-sized, muscular dog of around 40—55 lb 18—25 kg. They have large heads with thick folds of skin around the face and shoulders, and a relatively flat face with a protruding lower jaw. The breed has significant health issues as a consequence of breeding for its distinctive appearance, including brachycephalia , hip dysplasia , heat sensitivity, and skin infections. Due to concerns about their quality of life, breeding Bulldogs is illegal in Norway and the Netherlands. The modern Bulldog was bred as a companion dog from the Old English Bulldog , a now-extinct breed used for bull-baiting , when the sport was outlawed in England under the Cruelty to Animals Act. While often used as a symbol of ferocity and courage, modern Bulldogs are generally friendly, amiable dogs. Bulldogs are now commonly kept as pets; in it was in twelfth place on a list of the breeds most frequently registered worldwide. The first reference to the word "Bulldog" is dated or in a letter by a man named Preswick Eaton where he writes: "procuer mee two good Bulldogs, and let them be sent by ye first shipp". This entailed the setting of dogs after placing wagers on each dog onto a tethered bull. The dog that grabbed the bull by the nose and pinned it to the ground would be the victor. It was common for a bull to maim or kill several dogs at such an event, either by goring, tossing, or trampling over them. Over the centuries, dogs used for bull-baiting developed the stocky bodies and massive heads and jaws that typify the breed, as well as a ferocious and savage temperament. Bull-baiting was made illegal in England by the Cruelty to Animals Act .However, emigrants did have a use for such dogs in the New World. In midth century New York, Bulldogs were used as a part of a citywide roundup effort led by Governor Richard Nicolls. Because cornering and leading wild bulls was dangerous, Bulldogs were trained to seize a bull by its nose long enough for a rope to be secured around its neck. Rockstro founded the first Bulldog Club. Three years after its opening the Club ceased to exist, not having organized a single show. Samuel Wickens, treasurer of the club, published this description in under the pseudonym Philo-Kuan. The first English Bulldog entered into the register was a male dog named Adam Adamo , born in .The founders of the club collected all available information about the breed and its best representatives and developed a new standard for the English Bulldog, which was published on 27 May , the same year they held the first breed show. Since , exhibitions of the club were held annually, except during the Second World War. On 17 May , the Bulldog Club was granted the status of a corporation and since then has carried the official name "The Bulldog Club, Inc. It is the oldest mono-breed dog kennel club in the world. King Orry was reminiscent of the original Bulldogs, lighter boned and very athletic. Dock Leaf was smaller and heavier set, more like modern Bulldogs. King Orry was declared the winner that year, finishing the mile 32 km walk while Dock Leaf collapsed and expired. Although not as physically capable as their ancestors, modern Bulldogs are much calmer and less aggressive. Note the "rope" over the nose, and pronounced underbite Bulldogs have characteristically wide heads and shoulders along with a pronounced mandibular prognathism. There are generally thick folds of skin on the brow; round, black, wide-set eyes; a short muzzle with characteristic folds called a rope or nose roll above the nose; hanging skin under the neck; drooping lips and pointed teeth, and an underbite with an upturned jaw. The coat is short, flat, and sleek with colours of red, fawn, white, brindle , and piebald. In the United Kingdom, the breed standards are 55 lb 25 kg for a male and 50 lb 23 kg for a female. These attributes should be countenanced by the expression and behavior". Bulldogs are recognized as excellent family pets because of their tendency to form strong bonds with children. At five to six years old, they start to show signs of aging. Those that died of old age had an average lifespan of 10 to 11 years. Left to right, the skulls are from approximately the s, s, and s. A study by the Royal Veterinary College found that Bulldogs are a much less healthy breed than average, with over twice the odds of being diagnosed with at least one of the common dog disorders investigated in the study. A degree of BOAS has been normalized in the breed, as an inevitable consequence of their distinctive face. Since dogs regulate heat primarily by panting, Bulldogs are very sensitive to heat; they may actually gain rather than lose heat due to their inefficient breathing, leading to a vicious cycle. Bulldogs must be given plenty of shade and water, and must be kept out of standing heat. If not properly exercised it is possible for a Bulldog to become overweight, which could lead to heart and lung problems, as well as stress on the joints. These cause the dog some discomfort, but are treatable either by vet or an experienced owner. Other problems can include cherry eye , a protrusion of the inner eyelid which can be corrected by a veterinarian , allergies , and hip issues in older Bulldogs. Due to the high volume of skin folds on the Bulldog's body, they have high prevalence of skin-fold dermatitis. Opposed by the British Bulldog Breed Council, it was speculated by the press that the changes would lead to a smaller head, fewer skin folds, a longer muzzle, and a taller thinner posture, in order to combat problems with respiration and breeding due to head size and width of shoulders. Among these is a fitness test where the dog has to walk 1 km 0. Its temperature and heart rate has to recover after 15 minutes. They are often used as mascots by universities, sports team, and other organizations. Life Span Did You Know? The loving and gentle English Bulldog is one of the most well-liked companion dog breeds around the world. A breed of English origins, the Bulldog was first recognized as a non-sporting dog by the American Kennel Club in .The original use of this breed was Bull baiting, which was eventually outlawed with the establishment of the Cruelty to Animals Act of .This legislative act made the act of Bull and Bear baiting both illegal. The current role most suitable for the English Bulldog would be as a companion or family pet, given their sweet demeanor. The English Bulldog is relatively easy to train but definitely takes some work for more complicated commands. If you are looking for a breed to sit, stay, and play dead for treats, this is the breed for you. While they may not be the sharpest tool in the shed compared to some of the other highly intelligent breeds, they are easy going and apt to please their owner. Training this breed will be accomplished with less difficulty if you make the training reward based. Can you say Sweetheart? While this dog breed makes an above average watchdog because of their courage, this breed is a loving companion at heart. The Bulldog is excellent with kids when socialized and should be very agreeable with guests of the house. The English Bulldog breed as a whole is heralded as one of the most well liked companion breeds in the world. The Bulldog should do well with other family pets as long as properly introduced and socialized. They need to be socialized early and often to curb any negative feelings towards strange dogs. This breed is generally agreeable to most environments. Although they easily adapt to a noisy and chaotic household, they are not very tolerant of extreme weather, whether it be hot or cold. Although they are well liked and very popular, one must be aware of the potential health pitfalls with this breed. Some of the potential issues you can see with the English Bulldog is Cherry Eye, Entropion, or dysplasia. This breed also has a high risk for weight gain, so this should be monitored. An average Bulldog life span is between 8 and 12 years. You do not need to be a professional dog trainer to own an English Bulldog. They are good for most novice owners because they are passive by nature. The English Bulldog is an average shedder, so brushing him twice a week with a firm brush will be a good idea. Also, they can have a tendency to drool, so making sure you wipe their face off everyday can help ensure they do not suffer irritation on their faces and between their wrinkles. Because of the amount of wrinkles they have, it is recommended that you clean between the wrinkles fairly often to avoid irritations. The English Bulldog is a generally low energy breed. They do not require a lot of exercise, but when they do play, they play hard! Because they can be intense when they do have an energy burst, an owner must be aware of overexertion. They can be very playful, but do tend to tire out quickly. The English Bulldog is a short, stocky breed that should weigh between pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Warren G. Harding both owned English Bulldogs. Featured English Bulldog Article.
Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors are amongst the most popular family pets in the UK thanks to their loyalty, gentle nature, and intelligence. Like most dogs, they thrive with regular exercise, keeping them healthy and happy. How much exercise does an adult Labrador need? A healthy adult Labrador generally needs at least 80 minutes of high-quality exercise per day. Of course, when setting exercise goals for dogs with existing health issues including obesity , you should consult your vet first. What types of exercise are best for Labradors? When we say high quality, we mean just that. Try and incorporate off-lead time into their exercise routine and take a ball or toy to play fetch with — running will help to raise their heart rate and burn off more calories. How much exercise does a Labrador puppy need? For their first three months, your puppy will get enough exercise from tearing around the house, playing and causing chaos. How much exercise does an old Labrador need? At an advanced age, your dog will have less energy in general and be more likely to suffer from health issues that may limit their mobility. Be observant — being the loyal companions they are, Labradors will push through a lot of pain to keep up with you. Watch for excessive panting, changes in their movement, and exhaustion as signals that they have overstretched themselves and adjust their activity accordingly. Can you over-exercise a Labrador? Labradors have the capacity to build up incredible fitness that will see them on the go all day long, but for most, there is a limit on how much they can do. Gradually increase their activity levels, using a PitPat to check in on their progress. How far can a Labrador walk? A working Labrador could be expected to cover many miles every day through the undergrowth and even water. However, your pet Labrador will have slightly different stamina, depending on how much exercise they are used to. Getting out and about with your Labrador keeps them happy and healthy and can be a highly rewarding experience for you both. Download our app for free to see if PitPat is for you. You might also like Single page Single page Top 10 most active dog breeds Got energy to burn? Single page Single page 10 ways to exercise your dog indoors Whether you find yourself stuck indoors because of the weather or for any other reason, your dog still needs plenty of exercise. Here are our top tips for exercising your dog indoors. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Whether young or old, big or small, yellow, black, chocolate, from field lines or show lines, your Labrador needs exercise. It will keep their heart and muscles strong, their mind stimulated and their weight under control. But how much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors Are a High Energy Breed The Labrador Retriever is a high energy working breed, initially bred for very physically demanding work retrieving game for hunters. This would involve all day hiking, running and swimming in sometimes difficult conditions. So Labrador Retrievers were bred to have lots of energy and be very active. And though their main role in life today is as a family pet, they still have those same genetics that made them suited to their original role. Dog Ball Thrower. Yes, you can throw a tennis ball extra far with the Chuckit, but two reasons why I love it: 1. In this state they will often resort to destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing…and will often be very restless, may bark excessively and try to escape your home and garden at every opportunity. Insufficient exercise can also lead to weight problems with Labradors. Excess weight is a problem because it can lead to all sorts of problems such as damage to their joints hips and elbows , heart disease, increased blood pressure and increases the risk of diabetes. So a lack of exercise leads to behavioral problems, hyperactivity and possibly an assortment of health problems. However, as a general rule of thumb, a normally healthy adult Labrador Retriever will need 1 hour of exercise every day. The more relaxed Labs just 45 minutes per day, the more energetic 1. This can be made up of running, swimming, playing fetch , jogging alongside you…anything that goes beyond a gentle walk. But if the first consideration is your Labradors age, how much do puppies and the elderly need? Nice for long runs with your Lab. If you have older dogs or children, the puppy may well try to keep up with them and over-exert themselves, playing to exhaustion and damage their developing joints. So keep an eye on them and interrupt play if need be, to give them plenty of rest. Once they are fully grown, they can go out for much longer. The 5 minute rule should be sufficient to keep your lab puppy fit, burn off excess energy yet not over-exert them and cause possible developmental issues. Continue the 5 minute rule until your puppy is at least one year of age where you can then begin to exercise them more vigorously. This is highly dependent on your labs overall health and can vary wildly from one Labrador to another. Some labs may need to slow down from the 7th year onwards, while others remain extremely active beyond their 10th year. As Labradors get older, many develop arthritis, dysplasia and other health issues that can prevent a Labrador from enjoying or needing exercise as much as they used to when young and healthy. They will likely still try to chase a tennis ball all day and hike mountains just to please you, even if it may be doing them more harm than good. Try not to put them in this position. As your Labrador ages, you need to be more observant , looking for changes in their movement, excessive panting, slowing down, feeling tired. And during grooming sessions and massage, check for any painful spots indicative of sore joints or other problems. We noticed Linus was stiff getting up in the morning and decided to try adding glucosamine to his diet. We saw a noticeable difference a few days later and an added spring in his step. If your Labrador tears around your home like a tornado. If your Lab displays any of the restless and destructive symptoms described above, try increasing their levels of exercise for a few days and see if their behavior problems improve. However, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket you might want to check out PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher. Over-exercising very young and elderly Labradors can do more harm than good. For your adolescent and adult Labrador, exercise them well. As a general rule of thumb, aim for 1hr per day and scale this up or down depending on your Labradors individual needs. This could mean 45 mins for the more sedate and elderly, or 1. And at the end of the day, think of it like this: You have the best exercise machine to rival that of any gym to keep you fit and healthy yourself. And hey, what fun!!! What better motivation and need is there to keep yourself in shape? Do you mostly agree with the above? Please let us know in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. These tips will also help you to advance your dog so that, eventually, you can trust them to be off the leash in a safe area. Don't release your dog until they can demonstrate knowledge and obedience on the long leash and in many different settings. To begin with, walk them in the house and in the yard. Dogs learn 'contextually and by repetition'. These hints will help you to become the pack leader. Be certain that this is only reason that your dog will follow you. Make time to walk your dog Whether you walk your dog in the morning or evening will be influenced by your program. Whenever you exercise your dog, the walk should allow for 'focused time' and 'free time'. Two leashes will facilitate this. If they are under 12 months old, take some water with you. Also take a back-pack and a treat belt available on Ebay. I recommend no more than thirty minutes of walking in total for a dog under 14 months old as their growth plates are not set until this time. Be careful of overly vigorous activity, particularly if you have an older but playful dog. I don't recommend running for more than very short bursts for the same reason. Healthy hips and elbows are critical for a healthy, active and long life. Use two leashes - a long leash approx 7m and a short leash approx 1m Start your walk with the labrador pup on a short leash. The short leash will help you to direct and guide the dog. This allows you to maintain full control over your dog. Set up your walk for success. Start by getting the dog to sit or at the least be stationary and under your control. As you begin, keep your dog behind your body alignment. Be patient and encourage your dog. Do not show aggressive frustration. This will only cause confusion and fear or aggression. If your dog is not complying, stop and reset. You are the master Walking in front of your dog demonstrates that you are the master or the pack leader. You should be first out the door. The dogs should exit the compound only at your command. This is essential whether you are walking 1, 2 or more dogs. If your dog controls the pace and direction of the walk, they are the pack leader. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk. Dogs learn contextually The next two hints are important training essentials. Firstly, labradors learn contextually and their training in not immediately transferable to a new environment. Using the same disciplines and routines, train your dog the same way in different settings. This will entrench your expectations. Correct immediately Secondly, a labrador has about a five second retention of information. After five seconds the dog has lost any association between your assertiveness and their behaviour. If they disobey you, you must correct them within five seconds or not at all. If the dog is disobedient or simply does not understand, reset and start again. The long leash I'm a big fan of the long leash. A long leash will help you to correct bad behaviour at a distance. After a period of training with the short leash, remove it and connect the longer lead. Keep the leash in your hand, releasing it slowly and progressively. As they master this, you can back away while the dog is 'sitting and staying'. Reward your labrador pup with vigorous affection and a treat. After this, you should allow them to wander and sniff around. All this time you will keep your dog on the long leash and under your control. Be sure that the free time is less than their focus time. During the socialisation phase, 8 - 16 weeks, you will need both leashes as you expose your labrador pup to other dogs. As you walk your dog, you will come across small and large dogs that are aggressive. Walking on either leash will give your complete control. And it will ensure safety at all time. You new labrador pup has no innate road sense. Walk them, getting close to roads. Expose them to vehicles so that they do not panic. Reward your dog for good behaviour. Remember that dogs register tones and frequencies, not words. Use higher tones to affirm, reward and encourage. You approval is the greatest reward for a Labrador. Direct eye contact without high vocal affirmation will be interpreted as aggression. Use lower growling tones to reinforce disapproval. Try to avoid 'No' as a command. It is too general and therefore confusing to the dog. Always reward and reinforce obedience to specific commands. Use food treats to begin with, however you must gradually phase them out. Your vocal affirmation and affection should be your longer term goal. As your dog maintains the proper behaviour, reward them with treats. Reward your dog after the walk I recommend that you reward your labrador pup after the walk. Let them have a drink firstly then give them a portion of food that is less than a meal but more than a treat. It will not take long for your dog to anticipate the whole experience. When you appear with the leashes, they will become very enthusiastic. If you adhere to these eight hints and maintain the discipline of your training, you and your dog will value and enjoy the experience. Finally, remember to pick up after your dog. Don't go on a walk without your poop bags on hand! Find a vet you can have confidence in. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. Exercising Your Labrador pup Labrador puppies need exercise Understanding dog psychology is not complex. For all creatures, fear and distress are the primary factors that cause uncertainty and instability. This is why calmness and consistency are so important. Labradors follow calm leaders. If you are not calm, then your dog will not be calm either. If you set the rule for your dog, then you have to be consistent and enforce that rule every time. Otherwise, your dog will become confused. Your dog is eager to please and, without rules and limits, they will become distressed and possibly fearful. Your dog will not be a confident and comfortable dog expressing normal behavior. You are the master, whether you want to be or not. Your new pup needs to see you this way and only this way. This does not mean that you are a cruel task master. However you need to reinforce your dominance with structure and discipline. You will do this by giving clear and consistent messages. Only then will you be able to direct the pack. If you are the pack leader then you are your lab's closest friend. The key is exercise You will need to exercise you labrador puppy to bring structure and discipline. This will settle them and reinforce the same calm and peaceful state that we all achieve after exercise. For your new labrador pup to grow up as a happy creature, it has to be psychologically balanced. If your pup is anxious, their mind will not rest. An anxious or bored dog will dig holes everywhere. They will start barking at shadows, chewing everything in sight, and chasing bicycles and cars. This is why exercise is so important. It relaxes the mind and expends excess energy so your dog can then enjoy the comfort and affection you provide. Remember that discipline means teaching a dog to follow the rules. I suggest that you train your dog to sit calmly while you prepare her food. Begin by feeding them on a leash. Do not allow a labrador pup to touch the food bowl until you give the command 'OK' or similar. This way the pup works for the food. Labs are always pleased with their obedience. In their natural setting, dogs work for their food and want to please the pack leader. Teaching the labrador pup to sit before eating builds their self-esteem and morale. Eventually, the young dog will sit to attention, eager to please and waiting for the command. This is very rewarding. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. Just like us, Labradors need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Whether you have a young or old dog, they all need to get the blood flowing to stay healthy and live long happy doggie lives. Regular exercise with your Labrador is very beneficial for you both. Exercise stimulates neuron growth in the brain, encourages the production of endorphins with a known mood-boosting effect , helps strengthen your bones and muscles, improves blood pressure, and can significantly help with depression. Are you having a hard time figuring out how much exercise your lab needs? Answers vary drastically from one dog to another. The amount of exercise to give your Labrador depends mostly on the age of the dog. The key to taking your Labrador puppy out for exercise is to be patient. Some labs are athletic, and thus need more exercise than others. Also, certain Labradors are genetically programmed to be energetic and have high metabolism rates, whereas others are more laid-back. Here are some exercise guidelines a new lab owner can follow to make sure their dog gets the right workout. With older dogs or children, a lab puppy may well try to keep up with them and exhaust themselves before they reach their adult size and stamina. Hold off on structured games and other forms of heavy physical activity for the first three months. This will set the stage for long-term, healthy exercise habits. This rule states that you should take your Labrador puppy out for at least five minutes of exercise per month of age up to twice a day until he or she is fully grown. This can be anything from a walk around the block to a run in the dog park. How old your dog is will make a difference in their stamina. To determine how much exercise your dog needs, first take their age into consideration. Labs that are four years old and above need between one and two hours of exercise per day. The truth is Labradors can lead a perfectly healthy life with just an hour of daily active playtime. The Labrador Retriever was bred to retrieve game for hunters. That means they naturally love to play fetch. All you need is a toy for playtime and room for running around. Tug-of-War is less cardio-oriented but helps with muscle mass and body structure in growing dogs. Plus, they love it! It requires that you prepare your puppy with a proper agility training course. Agility training is great for completing a total-body, structured workout, while also providing mental stimulation for your labrador. This involves activities such as going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. You will need to train your lab to engage in the activity and this involves proper instruction. Find one that fits his size and abilities, as well as your own personal comfort level. Either due to space or having a small yard, it may be difficult to get their puppies out every day. The good news is that, with a little creativity, indoor exercise can be just as viable and fun! Here are a few ideas you can try at home. Try Treadmill Training Sessions With Dogs A dog can be trained to use a treadmill and enjoy it, but the experience will take time. Build an Obstacle Course for Your Labrador Use everyday things found around the home or office to create an obstacle course. It also boosts their energy levels and problem-solving skills. For example, you might use old boxes and trash bags to make a tunnel, chairs or stools to jump across, and other furniture for your puppy to climb. At first your puppy may not catch on, but with effective use of the treat and lots of encouragement, you can help it learn as it goes. Hide-and-Seek With a Treat! Hide a treat around the house, and let your puppy work to find it. As you hide treats around the room, remember to make sure they are not hiding somewhere that is unreachable. Tip 2. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. All dog breeds respond positively to lots of physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will flow. Tip 3. Make an Exercise Routine and Schedule for Your Dog Lab owners, take note: maintaining the health of an adult Lab is all about consistency. And this starts with walks at a young age. Take regular walks with your dog, no matter the weather conditions. Walk at the same time each day in order to create an exercise pattern that both you and your dog can stick to. Maybe you can get the puppy used to a leash and casually walk through your neighborhood with it. That way, you can vary the activity occasionally. In six months, increase the amount of time your dogs are running to 15 minutes. This keeps their energy high and stops weight gain as they mature. Conclusion As a dog owner, your foremost responsibility is protecting the health and safety of your pet. Insufficient exercise causes health problems in dogs , like hip dysplasia especially those already prone to hip or joint problems. Share on. Tweet on Twitter Puppy exercise requirements vary between different types of dog, and as a puppy grows the exercise they need will increase. It is possible to give a puppy too much exercise so I will give you a puppy exercise chart, as a guide to how far a puppy can walk at different ages. Taking your new puppy for a walk We all look forward to the day we can take our new puppy for a walk. For many people, daily dog walks is a huge part of why they bought a Labrador in the first place. Others already take quite small puppies for quite long walks and are surprised to discover that many experts believe this to be a bad thing. So just how much exercise does a puppy really need? How much exercise does a puppy need? This rule of thumb says that a puppy should have no more than five minutes of walking for every month of his age. So that would be fifteen minutes a day maximum for a three month old puppy, twenty minutes for a four month old and so on. This concern about excessive exercise has arisen because it is widely believed that exercise is a factor in the development of serious joint disorders. Especially in larger breed puppies such as Labradors Breeders are particularly concerned about hip dysplasia, a serious and complex disorder of the hip joints, that is believed to be influenced both by inherited factors passed from dogs to their puppies and by environmental factors In addition to factors influencing growth rates, the stresses and strains placed on the vulnerable growing joint by excessive exercise are believed to be a contributory environmental factor in the development of inadequate hip joints. It seems likely, that a puppy that had inherited a tendency for poor hips, could have its soft and still forming hip joints made a good deal worse through prolonged or hard exercise. It is also possible that a puppy that has inherited excellent hips, will come to no harm whatsoever through hard exercise. On the contrary, a certain amount of free running exercise is a good thing Running off-leash A Norwegian study published and which included labradors, showed that puppies given the opportunity to exercise off leash in a park before the age of three months were less likely to develop hip dysplasia HD , not more. Stair climbing The same study showed that puppies that had to climb stairs on a regular basis during the same period were at increased risk of HD You can read about this study in Science Daily. So what does this study tell us? Well, it is only one study, but it suggests that playing in a natural way, with other pups or simply running about at their own speed is probably going to benefit a small puppy Strenuous exercise Whereas more strenuous activity such as climbing hills and stairs, may not be such a good thing at a very young age. Another study has suggested that running hard for a retrieve, may not be great for joint health either. And some breeders also prevent dogs from jumping for the first twelve months to reduce impact on the shoulder and elbow joints. This may be especially important for some of the heavier breeds of dog, and those that are slow to mature. How far should my puppy walk? But how does that translate to distances walked? If you like to think in distances rather than time, a mile is around steps for an adult human and takes about twenty minutes at a moderate walking speed. So a maximum walk for a four month old Labrador might be about a mile. And of course if you are walking out and back again, that means not taking the dog more than half a mile from your home or car, whichever is your starting point. With young puppies, you need to keep a balance. Think about the overall energy your puppy is expending rather than focusing on walking alone. Walking is only one form of exercise and is no more valuable or important than games or training exercises. If you have been to visit a friend with your five month old pup and their dog has played for half an hour in the garden with yours, your dog does not need a walk as well. It is the total exercise that counts. How much exercise is too much? And you are bound to know of someone whose puppy had far more exercise than this and came to no harm. However taking a puppy for long walks or asking him to negotiate very steep or uneven surfaces when he is little, is probably a bad idea. Beware of letting a puppy play for too long with an older dog that does not want to stop. And keep an eye on children who may inadvertently exhaust a puppy by encouraging him to play when he needs to sleep. Crating your puppy when he is tired or overexcited, will enable you to make sure that your puppy gets some well deserved down time. Summary Young puppies need the time and space to run about freely, and free running exercise is beneficial. You do not need to attempt to prevent puppies playing in the garden, trotting about the house or playing with another young puppy for a while. Provided that the puppy is free to stop and rest whenever he wants. As far as we know at the moment, formal exercise — walking on a lead — for example, is probably best restricted using the five minute rule as an approximate guide. And strenuous exercise such as stair climbing, and chasing balls should be limited or avoided altogether in puppies under three months of age. Remember, an adult dog can become an amazing athlete, but like all athletes, fitness and stamina are best built up in gentle stages if injury is to be avoided. Do talk to your vet about exercise at your first appointment with your puppy. We are still learning about hip dysplasia. Research is ongoing, knowledge increases all the time. Your vet should be up to date with the latest information regarding the optimum amount of exercise for your new puppy. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was originally published in and has been extensively revised and updated for References Slater et al. Diet and exercise as potential risk factors for osteochondritis dissecans in dogs. Am J Vet Res. Sallander et al. American Society for Nutrition. Krontveit et al. Risk factors for hip-related clinical signs in a prospective cohort study of four large dog breeds in Norway. Learn more » While Labrador Retrievers are a popular companion dog worldwide, they were initially bred as sporting dogs and have retained a lot of their working prowess even after the shift to companionship. AKC compliant breeder Ruffwood Labs emphasizes that exercise is not a value of time exercised but exertion. Puppies According to Ruffwood Labs, Labrador puppies need to be walked for around 5 minutes for every month of life. So, a minute walk would be appropriate for a four-month-old puppy. However, not all walks are equal. Take into account the terrain that you will be walking on eg. The most important part is not the length of the exercise but the quality of it. Puppies are being walked to help with socialization and lead skills rather than a need for exercise per se. Let them guide the activity- sniffing and investigating or running around madly for a few minutes. They will usually stop and sit or lie down if they need a rest, let them do this. Additionally, Ruffwood Labs warns against overexercising your puppies. Hip dysplasia is multifactorial and genetics, diet and exercise all play a part. Ruffwood Labs recommends that Labrador puppies not be vigorously exercised and kept away from stairs to avoid causing damage to their delicate, growing joints. Once they are mature, by 18 months, they will be able to engage in more vigorous exercise and start to go jogging with you if you wish. Your average labrador would enjoy around 1 to 2 hours of exercise a day but this can be divided into manageable time slots. Exercise also includes brain stimulation such as training and scent work. So your morning and evening walks can be supplemented with training sessions at home too. Labradors love to swim and this can be a great form of exercise for them. Get creative, play games, use puzzle feeders and have fun together building your bond. If you see any of the following signs while exercising your Labrador, stop the activity and let your dog rest. Damage to the Paw Pads Some dogs get so absorbed in their play that they accidentally put excessive strain on the paw pads. Even though paw pad injuries are typically painful, some dogs will ignore the very clear sign that they need to stop to continue playing. Soreness or stiffness will typically become visible once your dog has rested up following their play session. Image By: SeventyFour, Shutterstock Behavioral Changes If your dog is not quite themselves or behaving oddly, especially around the time you would typically exercise, this is a good sign that something is wrong. Your dog may be feeling under the weather, or maybe you went a little too hard the day before. If the problem persists, contact your veterinarian to rule out any medical diagnoses. Injury or Heat Intolerance If your dog is injured during play or starts showing signs of heat sickness , you should halt play immediately and bring them to a veterinarian. Prompt treatment is of the essence with these kinds of situations. Final Thoughts Exercising your dog is a critical component of being a dog owner. So, it makes sense to learn as much as you can about how to properly keep your dog healthy before you get one. So, keep that in mind before bringing your new dog home. Exercise, Growth, and Joints Exercise Labradors not only love exercise, they need exercise. We all look forward to taking our puppy for a walk, however it is important not to over-exercise your puppy. In natural play, puppies will romp until they are tired and then stop to lay down for rest. When walking a puppy on a leash, they cannot stop when they normally would for rest. Too much exercise or walking can severely damage their bone and joint structures irreversibly. This should be taken seriously. THE RULE is: No more than 5 minutes of exercise for every month of age So that means, at 2 months old 8 weeks , your puppy only needs to exercise or walk for 10 minutes per day. At 3 months of age 15 minutes of exercise and so on. If you walk your puppy too far too soon, your puppy may develop hip and elbow dysplasia as they get older. Labradors have been known to develop dysplasia younger than other breeds of dogs. In many of these cases, it is often due to environmental factors such as over-exercise, running on hard or strenuous surfaces such as concrete or sand , continual jumping or agility work. Things to avoid with your puppy: No jumping in or out of car, especially larger cars. Lift the dog or use a ramp. No throwing balls or frisbee great distances for your puppy to chase. The sudden stopping and over reaching with the front legs is dangerous. No agility, jumping or flyball before years old Do not let other dogs knock or push the puppy over continually, includes body-slamming Avoid much stair climbing which can increase the risk of dysplasia No fast turns or roll-overs Good exercise: Swimming is great, since there is no weight-bearing impact on their joints. Remember, labradors love water! Walking on leash, for no longer than the recommended length of time for their age Self-directed play is an overriding rule for any puppy under 18 months old. The majority of exercise should be free play, exploring, and noodling around Hide and seek games are fantastic, as the dog can move at its own pace looking for its toy or treat or you. Size is a factor as large dogs, especially ones that like to play with paw whacks, can inadvertently injury a young puppy. Supervised play is critical. You need to teach the puppy a release command. All these games are forms of exercise for puppies and are a great way to help your puppy learn useful lifelong skills and qualities. Growth plates and bones: Development and injury Growth Plates Growth plates are soft areas that sit at the ends of the long bones in puppies and young dogs. They contain rapidly dividing cells that allow bones to grow longer until the end of puberty. Growth plates gradually thin as the hormonal changes approaching puberty signal the growth plates to close. In puppies, this closure normally completes between 18 to 24 months old in labradors. After sexual maturity, the growth plates calcify and the rapid cell division ends. The growth plates become a stable, inactive part of the bone, now known as an epiphyseal line. Dogs bones are held together with muscles, tendons and ligaments soft tissue. In an adult dog, if a joint experiences a stress such as bending the wrong way or rotating too much, the bones will hold firm and soft tissue will be pulled, resulting in a sprain or tear. Why this matters so much, is that unlike a sprain, injuries to the growth plate may not heal properly or not heal in time for the puppy to grow up straight and strong. Injury to a growth plate can result in a misshapen or shortened limb, which creates an incorrect angle to a joint resulting in yet more future injuries when he grows up, including dysplasia. These xray images show open and closed growth plates in a puppy and adult dog. Bone Strength In addition to having soft growth plates at the end of long bones, puppies bones in general are softer. Spiral fractures of the tibia lower leg bone are very common in puppies. A spiral fracture is where the bottom half of the bone twists in the opposite direction of the top half. Any exercise that puts torque twist on a bone puts the puppy at risk of a fracture. For an example, movements such as twisting and turning suddenly can cause these type of fractures. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This is where we recommend you read our Health and Genetic Testing page, where we talk about hip and elbow dysplasia. It is critical that you, as a puppy owner, understand as much as you can about hip and elbow dysplasia, how you can help prevent it, and what your breeder should be testing for. On the other hand, an underfed or malnourished puppy or dog is also at higher risk of injury. Muscles mass directly influences strength, likewise inadequate calcium and nutrients affect bone density. A body condition score of about is healthy for a young puppy. Once an adult, the ideal body condition score would be about 5 for a healthy, fit labrador. Sterilisation Desexing In larger breeds, sterilising young puppies at a young age has shown to increase the risk of joint disorders and injury. We recommend sterilisation occurs between 24 months old for this reason. This recommendation is outlined in our Health Guarantee. We discuss this more under Desexing or Sterilisation. In the case of Labradors, maintenance is relatively easy, but they are very high-energy dogs that need plenty of regular exercises. Some of the best things a Labrador can do for exercise are going for walks and runs, hiking, and playing with a frisbee. You can also consider scent work, indoor games, and dog sports. In this article, I will detail the best things your labrador can do for exercise. Keep reading to make sure your labrador retriever stays strong and healthy throughout their life. Walks or Runs Your Labrador will enjoy what you like doing, so there is no need to complicate exercise if you can keep it easy. Dogs enjoy running and walking, especially if you do it with them. They can also benefit from bikejoring, where you attach an elastic line to your dog while you bike or run. To diversify your walks, you can choose to alternate flat and hilly terrains. Remember to give your Labrador some time to follow its nose and explore various paths that diverge from your usual route. Allow interactions with other dogs during walks whenever possible and appropriate. If you want to take it a notch higher for a bit more excitement than your classic run or walk, there are less traditional dog exercises, like bringing your Labrador to yoga or doing a floor workout with your dog. After your joint session, reward your Labrador with a cool-down walk, hugs, and treats. Core Strength Exercises A research survey showed that these core strength exercises help prevent ligament injuries. Any movement can work to minimize risk, but balance exercises are ideal. Some of the best core strengthening exercises you can do with your dog are scent work, dock diving, and barn hunting. Indoor Games Who says that you should always provide exercise opportunities for your Labrador outdoors? There are creative indoor games out there that can engage your Labrador physically and mentally. A good example is playing hide-and-seek with your dog using their favorite treats and toys. Your Labradors might also want to chase laser pointers. Providing an opportunity for play and indoor exercise will also give your Labrador variety. These enrichment activities are similar to what zookeepers do to help animals acclimate to their environment and not get bored with the same routines. You can give your Labrador some good old mental stimulation by asking it to search for hidden items inside the house or complete particular tasks. Dog Camps If you want to give your Labrador a fun experience, you can check out day camps and dog parks. Many communities have canine daycare facilities. These camps also have indoor playgrounds and lots of opportunities for your Labrador to commune with other dogs. Some centers even come with indoor agility courses. Consider this if you anticipate being unable to be with your Labrador for enough exercise. Flyball and Frisbee As a form of dog exercise, flyball is practical and very demanding. If you believe your Labrador might be good for a competition sport, flyball works as suitable training. Throwing a frisbee will also let your dog exercise by jumping and grabbing the disc in the air. Training Tricks If you and your dog are up for it, having them engage in training tricks, whether simple or complicated, is a good form of exercise for your Labrador. They get to keep their minds active and their bodies engaged while also learning the value of focus. There are many tricks you can check out. You can easily find videos on training tricks such as jumping through your arms or carrying baskets. Obedience Classes If you have the budget, enroll your Labrador in obedience training classes. There are primary and advanced options that training centers offer. If your Labrador is a good fit, that is a good starting point for interactive exercise experiences with other dogs. Additionally, the positive reinforcements that trainers hand to dogs in obedience classes make for a good and fun experience for your dog. You can also opt for in-home training if you have the space and resources. Puzzle Toys You can do a lot with puzzle toys for your Labrador exercise regimen. Using puzzle toys allows you to combine mental and physical stimulation for your dog. Studies show that puzzle toys reduce barking behaviors and increase exercise time, underscoring that dogs also learn the value of praise through it. You can also pick puzzle toys with hidden compartments and fill those with treats. Make your Labrador exercise by sliding, tipping it over, or lifting pieces to have the hidden food as a reward. A good idea to maximize puzzle toys is to combine feeding time with it. Rather than just placing food on a dish, your puzzle toy can have a tasty treat on the other end. There are many possibilities for your dog to get its reward. Remember to pick non-toxic, safe, and durable toys. Take great care not to feed your Labrador with too many treats, as you risk overfeeding them. Labradors need around 60 minutes of regular exercise. This can vary depending on how active your dog is. Some Labradors are more high-energy than others and can go at it for as long as 90 minutes, while others may get tired with only 45 minutes. You can slowly start giving structured exercise to your Labrador after they reach 3 months of age. Start with only a few minutes and increase it bit by bit until they reach 18 months. You may want to dial down your regular exercise, such as going for walks instead of jogs. Exercise Tips for Labrador Retriever Owners Exercising your dog increases their bone health and lung and organ function. It also promotes good muscle tone and prevents bone illnesses, brain disorders, and other injuries, including behavioral and emotional quirks. On top of the many things a labrador can do for exercise, other considerations should be taken to ensure that your labrador is in top shape. Exercise With Your Dog Many of us lead busy lives, and it can be hard to find time to exercise ourselves and our dogs. There are many ways to exercise with your dog on top of the usual movement involved in walks and throwing a ball. As mentioned earlier, you can go for a run with your dog as long as you have the appropriate leash. You can also go for a hike with them, which might be demanding enough for both of you. However, Labradors are smart and will happily take on more structured games and activities. Perhaps the most well-known dog sport is canine agility. In this sport, dogs run through an obstacle course where they have to make jumps, get through tunnels, and traverse walkways. This requires a lot of cooperation from their owner, who will have to run along with them. The options are endless. If your dog likes water, you could go for a swim with them. You can also do sprinting challenges with your Labrador. If you want something more unusual, you could sign up for Doga, which incorporates your pup into a Yoga practice. There are even freestyle dancing classes where you can bring your dog! Prepare Proper Footwear Many dogs suffer from burns on their paw pads from walking on hot pavements. Dog footwear often comes in the form of slip-on silicon booties. You can purchase them from various pet retailers. Make sure they always have access to water and be aware of the temperature and humidity. You may want to avoid extreme temperatures in the summer by limiting exercise times to early morning or late evening. Labradors are prone to this condition, as the chances are higher for long-coated and dark-haired breeds like them. That is why you need to consider the temperature during your Labrador exercise. You also want to ensure that your Labrador finds their way to climb in and out of the pool. Introduce Structured Activities While any form of movement will do your Labrador good, having a structured activity is still the best option. Structured activities can also help address any existing behavioral problems of your Labrador, such as barking or chewing. Make leashed walks a habit. Provide a sandbox. Hang an inner tube or rope from a tree branch so that your Labrador can play tug. During fall, play a game of fetch by raking some leaves and allowing your Labrador to chase a ball through the piles. Talk to Your Vet A vet can inform you about the unique exercise needs and limitations of your dog. Some health issues, such as cardiac conditions, might limit the amount or type of exercise they can engage in. On the other hand, if you want to get involved in dog sports or other demanding activities, you might want to ask your vet for things such as nutritional requirements. You can consult your vet regarding specific activities, time limitations, proper intensity levels, and whether your dog needs group activities. Have provisions for your Labrador to access resources like water, shade, and shelter while exercising.
Our Mission To rescue and re-home Retrievers and find new, loving homes for them. We have positioned Fetchin' Retrievers Rescue to partner with veterinarians, dog trainers, groomers, and other rescue groups as a resource for these professionals and organizations if they encounter dogs in need. Your contribution will help us whether you foster, adopt, donate, or volunteer! Fetchin' Retrievers Rescue will take the very young to the very old, the very sick to the unwanted. Every dog is an individual and will be placed in a home that meets their needs and where their individuality can thrive. Andy's foster - to - adopt success story written by his forever family: "Early in , we started the process to find our Golden Retriever girl a companion and adopt a rescue dog in need of a good home. We submitted an application to FRR and subsequently had a virtual home visit. We were impressed by the thoroughness of both, as it gave us confidence that FFR clearly had the best interest of their animals in mind. While the timing was less than ideal due to some upcoming summer plans, we agreed to foster one of the pups for as long as three weeks. Two days later, a tiny black male pup with a spotted white chest was delivered to our home. He looked like he is wearing a tuxedo. He came with the name, Andy. He was a world-class cuddler who immediately began to work his way into our hearts. Our golden retriever soon welcomed him into our home as well. Within a couple of weeks, it became apparent that this foster puppy was going to be adopted as a member of our family. It also became apparent that Andy was the perfect name for him. It just fit, not only in his cute appearance but also in his behavior and antics. Andy was one of a number of puppies that we have brought into our home over the years, and we have always been sticklers about health, wellness and neutering. So, it was great to see that FFR also insisted on this same level of care and attention. Andy is now 6 months old. He has adapted well to our home and lifestyle. He has even traveled with us to our Idaho home for three months. He is still all puppy: filled with the energy, entertaining antics, and occasional mischief that make puppies fun. He and our golden retriever are now fast friends, so our efforts to find her a companion have been richly rewarded. He has a desire to please, and he has learned basic commands and to walk well on leash and to heel faster than any dog we have had. Foster-to-adopt worked really well for our family. Thanks to FFR and all their dedicated staff for helping us bring Andy into our home. Click here for more information. Walk for the Dogs with ResQWalk! Whether you walk, run, or have another activity you enjoy that is less than 14 miles per hour, you can participate. To start, download the ResQwalk app on your mobile device, sign up, and then select Fetchin' Retrievers Rescue as your rescue of choice. Then start the app at the beginning of your walk, run, or activity. Throughout the year, we will receive donations based on participation levels. Changing the lives of Golden Retrievers and the people who love them. Adoption Policy Thank you for your interest and caring to adopt! The first step in the adoption process is to complete the online adoption application link below. The next step is the in-home visit. This non-refundable donation helps to offset the costs associated with making our dogs ready to meet adopters, including providing veterinary care, boarding, and other needs. After your application is received, one of our volunteers will contact you. It may take days to be contacted, as we receive many applications and volunteers are spread across many duties. The volunteer will schedule a home visit with you. Before submitting your application, please know that our current inventory of dogs is low and the level of applications continues at robust levels. The application and home visit are held open for 2 years. Please carefully review this eligibility information prior to submitting your adoption application: GRCGLARescue does not adopt dogs to homes with children under 7 years old unless we know that a particular dog has a solid, positive history living successfully with kids of a similar age to those in the potential adopter's home. As a rescue we receive very few dogs that meet this criterion. Finding a dog who is going to be safe with your kids will likely make your adoption process longer. This policy is for the safety and well-being of your families and our dogs. If you're patient and have realistic expectations about adoption, we'll be very happy to work with you. Because we do require pre-adoption screening and post-adoption follow-up, we cannot support adoptions outside of this service area. If you have any question about whether your city is part of our service area, please email us at info grcglarescue. GRCGLARescue does not adopt dogs to rental applicants without written proof that the landlord will permit a dog the size of a Golden Retriever in their rental abode. This proof can be a copy of the lease having a clause allowing such a dog, or a separate written document of landlord approval and must be provided to one of our volunteers prior to a home visit being scheduled. Additionally, we will require written proof of any additional pet security deposit required by the landlord being paid. Unfortunately, most applicants will not get a dog from us. The more flexible you are about your ideal dog the better your chances become. We recognize that you may be working with other rescues, as well as breeders, and visiting animal shelters too. All dogs are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and vet-checked prior to adoption.
It is preferable that you do this without having the dog on a leash, but it can also be done with a leash. Just make sure you are using a long training leash. Your Labradoodle will probably try and jump to your hand and start licking it. Move a bit to one side or the other, and repeat the exercise. Remember to keep totally quiet and hold your hand perfectly still. Also remember that it is important that you finish the exercise with a success, and take several breaks while training. When the dog then once again sits, give it a treat, and end the training session for the day. Step Two Repeat the process from the first step. Start by saying the command at the exact moment your Labradoodle is starting to sit down. Remember to praise and give it a treat when your dog sits. While your dog is sitting down, you turn the palm of your hand so that it points upwards and then bend your arm a little. Praise your dog when it sits. Continue practicing this, and eventually, the dog will be able to sit just by looking at your arm. Remember to practice and maintain all 3 signals, if you want to be able to use them at a later time. When your Labradoodle fully understands this exercise, you can try and expand the amount of time the dog sits, or your distance to the dog. When trying to do that, there are these following rules you should follow: Practice in calm and familiar areas. The amount of time or distance between you and your Labradoodle should be expanded slowly. Stay with your dog while slowly increasing the amount of time you want the dog to sit. Remember to take breaks and to end with a success. When you want to increase the distance between you and your dog: Give your dog the signal to sit. Speak in a calm and praising voice while taking one step back. At this point, a lot of people will be tempted to call their dog when they have distanced themselves from it during the sitting practice. Only do this very rarely! At this point and time of the training, the exercise is all about getting your dog to stay in its place, not to come when called upon. But only do that when your dog is extremely experienced in this exercise. Start by just going behind a bush, where you can still see your dog, for just a few seconds. Then return to the dog and praise and reward it. This is an exercise you should do very slowly. If you want to spice up the training a bit, try doing it while you are sitting in a chair or perhaps laying on the floor. You can also do it while your dog is standing on a table or any kind of platform. Making it fun and interesting for the dog is key in getting any kind of training to work. But here is how you could practice this exercise: Do this exercise without a leash in a spot where there are no disturbances. Praise your dog and play a bit with it. Repeat this several times throwing the item at different distances from the dog. But always throw the item towards your dog. Wait a few seconds, and only then walk to your dog or throw the item towards it as a reward. Always remember that the praising and reward should only happen while your dog is at a distance, either by throwing the reward or by walking towards it and giving it the treat. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. But in the early days, we recommend keeping them close to you at night. It will help them feel safe and cared for — leaving their litter is quite a big step, after all. Your puppy may be unsettled and will most likely need at least one bathroom break through the night. It will all be okay in a few weeks time, though. The crate should be a cozy warm den for your puppy. Soft blankets and a cuddly toy should do the trick to help them settle. It is also a good idea to cover over the sides but keep the front uncovered so your pup can still see out. Just before bed, take your pup out for one last potty stop. With that beautiful voice of yours, gently reassure them and rest your hand in the crate so they know you are there. When your puppy wakes up in the night they definitely will at some point , listen to see if they are settling back down. Expect to be out at or am to take them straight to the loo. They will be bursting! That just about covers the first steps of Labradoodle sleep training. Very tired. But early mornings, late nights and disturbed sleep are all part of owning a puppy. As they mature emotionally and settle into their new home they will be happy in other parts of the house, and even outside of their crate. Having them in your room does not cause separation anxiety later on. Stick to a routine! Consistency is everything. It will backfire on you. Check out our guide on how to get a puppy to sleep through the night for more tips. Alone Training Labradoodles are very sociable. That can mean two things — they will always be happy to see you and that being alone can be challenging for them. This will help them feel at ease without you and also help them love their crate a little bit more too. While they are eating, go and do something close by. No need to go completely out of sight, but try not to focus on your puppy either. Labradoodles love to eat, so use this time wisely to distract them away from you. Just a few seconds is good enough in the early stages. Repeat: Practice makes perfect! Do this exercise at least once a day to build up alone time, and check out our guide to puppy separation anxiety. We expand on our little secret in our puppy potty training article. Every 30 minutes, after eating, sleeping or playing. Socialization Exercises to do This Week Early socialization is important for all puppies. It gives them confidence and teaches them to view the world in an optimistic way. Here are some puppy socialization exercises to do with your Labradoodle. Let your Labradoodle Puppy Explore the Yard The yard is a great way to introduce your puppy to the great outdoors. They will also get used to walking on different types of surfaces such as your tiled, wet lawn or open flower beds. To get them there, here is a quick exercise you can run through: Exploring different surfaces exercise Have plenty of treats ready. Only use safe surfaces, nothing too slippery. Gather surfaces such as: A piece of carpet A large tray with a thin layer of water A large piece of tin foil or cardboard, something that makes a noise. Put the surfaces out on the floor and let your puppy investigate. Let them take their time and go at their own pace. In our experience Labradoodles are quite food motivated, and you can probably use a low or medium value treat for this. You can even try to use their kibble as many will be delighted to work for their food. For more info on what rewards to use check out our article on rewards and treats. Teach your puppy their name One of the first things your puppy will learn from you is their name. Fortunately, teaching a Labradoodle puppy their name is rather simple. Pretty easy, right? Practice this a few times everyday until they start flipping their head at you every time you call their name. Make sure everyone in the family uses the same name too! Teach your puppy to sit Labradoodle training is often started by teaching them how to sit. We call this a marker word. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow with a tasty treat. Bits of smelly sausage or cheese will definitely do the trick. If this happens, try to keep it simple at first and just use their own kibble if they are motivated to work for it. Save the big guns in treat terms for when you really need it! How to do it Always begin training at home. The outside world is far too exciting at the moment, and your puppy will probably not focus on you. Stand in front of your pup with a treat in your hand and place the treat on their nose, then bring it up to your waist. Recall — How to teach your Labradoodle puppy to come back when called Your puppy should have a good grasp of their name by now, which should make recall training pretty straightforward. Pun intended. How to do it You will need plenty of those high value treats and your best cheery voice. Call your puppy only once! This is super important as you want them to learn that their name only has to be called once for them to react to it. How to do it Get your puppy excited by showing them their favorite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Once they are interested in the toy, throw it a short distance away from you. With that lovely singing voice of yours, encourage them to bring it back to you. When they do, swap the toy in their mouth for another identical toy. Repeat about 5 times and practice everyday. Get your puppy excited by showing them their favorite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Prevention of Resource Guarding This part of Labradoodle training is important — it will prevent resource guarding by teaching your puppy how to give up items willingly. Resource guarding is this thing that happens when dogs are unwilling to give up items back, or when they get protective over something from humans or other dogs. From the training tips above, preventing resource guarding always comes down to a good swapping. Resource guarding starts when we force our dogs as puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. To avoid that, resist your temptation to reach deep inside their mouths to get whatever it is they have. Ultimately, we want our puppies to be willing to give things up when we need them to. What we really mean is care, handling, health and grooming. Start by just showing them the brush and running it over them with the apartment side so they get used to the sensation minus the bristles. Hand Touch and Handling If you handle your puppy too roughly or grab at them, not only are they going to have a bit of a fright, but it could make them feel scared about being touched in the future. Use plenty of treats, and remember to stop if they walk away. Touch should be a pleasant thing not forced. Week 2 — Training your Labradoodle puppy Week 2 already! Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. If you put in the effort early on, then you will be rewarded with a well-mannered dog who will be a joy to spend time with for years to come. Labradoodles are intelligent, friendly, and playful, but if you let your youngster do whatever he wants and allow him to think that he is the boss, then you may well end up with a naughty, attention-seeking adult. Lack of training usually plays a big part in why the dog develops some unwanted behavior traits. If you want a dog that you can take anywhere and who will be a perfect companion, rather than a pain in the neck, then spend time early on teaching him some manners and your ground rules. You may consider seeking the help of a professional trainer, but that option may not be practical or within the budget. This way, your puppy will get to learn and socialize with other dogs at the same time. You could also watch some Labradoodle training videos on YouTube, but it should not replace training with other dogs. If you decide to train your Doodle yourself, then remember the golden rule: training should always be based on rewards and not punishment. It should be a positive learning experience for both of you. Labradoodles can be sensitive little critters, and bawling at the top of your voice or smacking should not play any part in training. Are Labradoodles Easy to Train? Labradoodles are very intelligent and generally regarded as easy to train due to their easy-going temperaments and desire to connect with and please their humans. They have curious minds, and most will thrive on training if they get the chance to exercise their grey matter with some fun. Some Labradoodles are professionally trained to a very high standard to become guide or therapy dogs. Over the years, Labradoodles, especially Australian Labradoodles , have been bred with a specific easy-going temperament in mind. Early Labradoodles were often headstrong and hyper-active, but well-bred Aussie Doodles these days usually have great personalities and fit well into family life. Like most dogs, Labradoodles are pack animals and hierarchical. They respect the pecking order and are happy when they know and are comfortable with their place in it. They need to learn their place in the pack and accept you as a pack leader. You cannot force this on a dog by shouting and hitting. It has to be established by the natural order of things like mutual consent and brought about by proper training. If your puppy is not made aware of his place in the household and the rules to abide by, then he will end up ruling you and your family. Be firm, but never aggressive with your dog. If you do it wrong then, you will either frighten him or teach him to be aggressive. Keep training short and fun, especially at the beginning. If you have adopted an older dog, you can still train him, but it is a lot harder for them to unlearn bad habits. Training Tip 2: Your voice is your most important training tool Your dog has to learn to understand your language. The tone of your voice is very important. You should command in a calm, authoritative voice without shouting. Praise the puppy in a cheerful, encouraging voice, followed by a stroke or a pat. If your dog has done something wrong, use a firm, stern voice, not a harsh scream. This rule still applies even if your Labradoodle is unresponsive at the beginning. Training Tip 3: Only give command that you can enforce Labradoodles are intelligent dogs. Training Tip 4: Train your dog gently and humanely. Use positive and motivational methods to teach your puppy. Keep training sessions upbeat, so the whole experience is enjoyable for both of you. Training Tip 5: Begin your training from home How well your dog responds to you at home affects his behavior away from home as well. Training Tip 6: One command equals one response Give your dog only one command — twice maximum — then gently enforce it. Repeating commands or nagging will make your Labradoodle tune out. It also tells him that the first few commands are a bluff. But a relationship based on fear is not a good one, and it will undermine your relationship with him. He should trust that when he hears his name, good things happen. His name should always be a word that your Doodle responds to with enthusiasm, never hesitancy or fear. If he gets lots of attention when he jumps up on you, his bad behavior gets reinforced. Training Tip Timing is critical When your puppy does something right, praise him immediately. Similarly, when he does something wrong, correct him straight away. This technique works surprisingly well. Training Tip Give your dog attention when YOU want Labradoodles are sociable creatures, and they love being with you and involved with the family. While you are training him, it is good to give your puppy lots of positive attention when he is good. But if he starts jumping up, nudging you constantly or barking for your attention, then ignore him. If you give in to his every demand, then he will begin to think that he is the boss and become more demanding. Wait a while and pat him when you want, and when he has stopped demanding your attention. Training Tip Be Consistent In terms of rules and training, treat your fluffy little Doodle pup as a grown-up. Make him abide by the rules you want him to live by as an adult. You may want to put your pup on a leash to hold his attention in the beginning. Stand facing each other and hold a treat a few inches above his head. Stroke and praise him for as long as he stays in the sitting position. Practice it in short sessions until he does it every time. After a while, he should do it just from command, without moving the treat over him. When he does, give him a treat anyway. If he jumps up on his back legs and paws while you are moving the treat, be patient, and start all over again. Another method is to put one hand on his chest and with your other hand, gently push down on his rear end until he is sitting. Give him a treat and praise, even though you have made him do it. For example, when you are putting his leash on, while you are preparing his meal, when he fetches the ball, or when he is demanding attention or getting over-excited. They do it all the time with their siblings in the litter. It is a game for them. But when they arrive at your home, they have to be taught that human body parts are not for biting. Try not to encourage play-biting. As a puppy grows and feels more confident in his surroundings, and he may become slightly more aggressive. His bites may hurt someone, especially if you have children or older people at home. Make sure to have a soft toy nearby every time you have a play session with your puppy. When he starts to chew your hand or feet, clench your fingers or toes to make it more difficult and distract him with the soft toy in your other hand. Keep the game interesting by moving the toy around or rolling it around in front of him. He may continue to chew you, but will eventually realize that the toy is far more exciting and livelier than your body parts. If he becomes over-excited or too aggressive with the toy and starts growling a lot, then stop playing with him, and walk away. If your pup is more persistent and tries to bite your legs as you walk away, thinking this is another fantastic game, stand still and ignore him. Your puppy may well jump back in amazement, surprised that he has hurt you. Train a Labradoodle Not to Jump The reason why a labradoodle jumps up onto humans is that they want to get your attention and say hello. As you are taller than him, he has to jump to get your attention. Sadly, it might not be enjoyable for your guests or other people having an unknown dog jumping on them. As a dog owner, you must stop your dog from bothering other people. You can try the below techniques to train your labradoodle not to jump: When your dog starts jumping, follow training tip 9. Do not look into his eyes and stand straight up with your arms crossed. When his paws touch the ground, pat him. Repeat the exercise until he stops jumping. If your dog is jumping on a guest, then ask your guest to turn around and ignore him. Labradoodle Crate Training Crate training is the process of teaching your pup how to behave and enjoy spending time in a crate. Along with housetraining, this is one of the first things you should do when you get a new puppy. The idea behind crate training is that dogs like to have their particular spot. This place is a Safe Haven where only they can go. It teaches them to hold it until they are let outside to potty. Crates are not for every Labradoodle, and you should NEVER use them to imprison the dog while you are out of the house all day. Doodles are not like hamsters or pet mice, which can adapt to life in a cage. But, used correctly, a crate can help to: Housetrain your dog Keep your dog safe when traveling Create a doggy bedroom or place where your Labradoodle feels safe. If you use a crate, then remember that it is NOT a prison to restrain the dog. It should only be used humanely, and time should be spent to make the puppy feel like the crate is his safe little haven. Place the crate in the corner of a room, away from cold draughts or too much heat. Labradoodles like to be near their pack so, leave him where he can hear you. Crate Training Here are some techniques that you can follow to make your puppy to accept a crate and then to want to spend time in there. He might not be very happy about going in at first, but he will be a lot easier to crate train than an adult dog Drop a few tasty treats around and then inside the crate. Keep the door open. Do not close the crate door yet. Place a chew or treat inside the crate and close the door while your pup is outside the crate. He will be desperate to get in. Open the door to let him in and praises him. Fasten a long-lasting chew inside the crate and leave the door open. Let your puppy go inside and spend some time eating the chew. After a while, close the crate door and feed him some treats through the mesh. At first, do it for a few seconds at a time, then gradually increase the time. If you do it too fast, he will become distressed. Slowly build up the amount of time he is in the crate. For the first few days, stay in the room, then gradually leave the room for a short time, first one minute, then three, then 10, 30 minutes, and so on. The next points are very important to make the crate training successful: Do not let the dog immediately out of the crate while he is barking, or he will think that barking is the key to opening the door to the crate. Wait until the barking or whining has stopped for at least 10 seconds before letting him out. If you do decide to use a crate, remember that a dog is NOT a caged animal. Use the crate for limited periods and only if your dog is comfortable in there. NEVER force a dog to go in and then lock him in for hours on end. From about the age of three weeks, a puppy will leave his sleeping area to go to the toilet. Therefore, you need to teach him that it is unacceptable to make a mess anywhere inside the home. It depends on how quickly your puppy learns and how persistent and patient you are. Follow these steps to speed up the potty-training process: Constant supervision is essential for the first few weeks if you want to house train your puppy quickly. This is why it is necessary to book the week off work when you bring a new puppy home. Making sure you are there to take him outside regularly. If nobody is there, he will learn to urinate or poop inside the house. Take your puppy outside to the same place every time. Dogs naturally develop a preference for going in the same spot or on the same surface -often grass. Take him to the same patch every time, so he learns this is his toilet — preferably an area in a far corner of your garden or yard. No pressure — be patient. You must allow your Doodle pup to wander around and have a good sniff before he does his duties. Stay around a short distance away instead of leaving him. Sadly, puppies are not known for their powers of concentration. They may become easily distracted, and it may take a while for them to select that perfect spot to wee pee on! Share the responsibility. Just make sure you stick to the same routines and patch of ground. Take your pup outside at the following times: As soon as he wakes — every time Shortly after each feed. Will they cry when they leave their mates or what should I do when they cry in the crate? What kind of socialization should I be doing? I am concerned about disease. House Training, they do not seem to know what I want them to do outside? What can you do to train your puppy? I have been working with pets and breeding dogs for over 40 years and I have three kids. I read just about every book that comes out on the subject of dog training and breeding. However, this does not make me an expert; it does give me knowledge and hands on experience which I share with my puppy families. Each family is given a short training session at pick up and a series of written papers over the first 9 weeks on puppy behavior and training. I recommend every family finds two things, one an in home trainer that will come to your home and answer specific questions about your own family situation. The second sign up for a puppy training class. This is critical and will help in establishing you as the leader, provide socialization both human and animal, plus teach the basics, sit, stay and come. Two way Communication and Relationship Building Two way communication and relationship building involves understanding what your puppy needs from each family member. People mistakenly believe that the communication between a family and their dog is one way: telling the dog what to do. That is only half the equation. First from the home leader, the person that will be the primary care giver this is never a child , the puppy needs the most effort. The home leader needs to be designated as the leader up front and everyone needs to know this person will apply the rules, the schedule and manage puppy time until the puppy is considered an adult. The home leader sets up all the other family members to succeed. To succeed everyone needs to know the rules, the schedule and what is expected. The home leader takes the cues from the puppy and adjusts the schedule see schedule below as needed by the puppy. This involves two things, free roam and love. The puppy needs free roam time, time to look around the home, smell, and experience things on their own terms quietly. The home leader should either supervise this time or put a leash on the puppy and allow the puppy to follow them everywhere for free roam time. Children need to understand this is free roam time, NOT play time. Also, the puppy needs love, just basic love, holding and petting. This is rarely provided by a child. This is best done as the leader or the co-leader is watching TV. It is sitting with the puppy on your lap and cuddling. If you do not want the dog to be on the furniture then sit on the floor for this time. This time is critical in bonding for you and the puppy but also remember if this is not provided they will seek it. Putting the puppy in a crate all day and taking it out to go to the bathroom and play with the kids never teaches the puppy how to live in your home. The puppy will jump and nip just saying.Both free roam and cuddle time teaches the puppy how to live in your home and builds a strong relationship. Children need to be taught how to play with the puppy. They need to understand that puppies are different than dogs, puppies jump, chase, nip and so on and it is the job of the entire family to train the puppy to be a good adult dog. This knowledge empowers the children. One, the child is going to stand like a tree and ignore the puppy during free roam time. Two, practice what is expected of them when you take the puppy outside to go poop. Where should they be and how should they behave. And three, how do they teach the puppy during play time, remember, playtime must be a designated time during the day. The child should be calm and relaxed, moving in slow motion. The puppy will mirror them, if they are excited they puppy will be excited. Play time is best scheduled after some free roam time so the puppy is tired. The child should be taught how to reach if the puppy jumps up, nips and how to hold and pet the puppy. Various training techniques are taught in books, I have my own that I go over with my families. Schedule Just as a child needs a schedule to have their best day a puppy needs a schedule. A puppy cannot tell time, so it does not need to be, from 7 to 8 this happens. This also helps the child know when what will happen, this way they are not always asking to play with the puppy when you want them to do something else. Evening cuddling with all family members sleeping The schedule should be written before hand but should be adapted to the puppy once it arrives. For example, if the puppy wakes up and is very excited in the evening, add a fetch time to the schedule. The point is to get the puppy on your schedule, but also provide the puppy what he needs individually as well. Training As stated in the beginning, look for two types of trainers. Here is my recommendation on becoming the leader. No more freebies It is terribly important to keep in mind that effective leadership of your dog hinges upon giving. A good leader makes sure the dog that is getting something is made to work for the privilege. This is precisely the concept that works to loft entire families—kids and all—to positions of respect in the eyes of their dogs. The technique is very simple. If a family can integrate this concept into the day-to-day care of their dog, they will subtly but dramatically change the dynamics of their relationship with that dog. Every time they feed the dog, give him treats, let him out, give him a toy, play a game with him, or, with a very arrogant beast, every time they bestow upon him the gift of their affection and attention, he will be reminded that the people in his family control his environment. The dog must control himself, as opposed to being physically controlled by the owner. He must learn that he gains things through his family members, not that he is kept from things by them. He can only learn this by taking the initiative himself to keep still with no guidance or interference from the owner. It is actually this aspect of the exercise—that the dog control himself—that both makes the interaction so very impressive to the dog, and that makes it possible for all but the very youngest of children to be an active part of the care of the dog. Teaching Control Teaching a dog to teach himself to sit and wait for something is a very simple procedure. The principles involved are the absolutely most basic in learning: reinforcement and punishment. The idea in the wait exercise is to teach the dog not to move, and you do that by making moving unpleasant through loss. You teach the dog that getting up causes a loss. This puts the dog in a quandary of sorts, which gives you even more power. You and you alone have the answer to his problem! You control the movement of the goody. Yes you are, and, at the same time, conveniently, sitting is reinforced because the dog gains the goody. Let the dog know that you have kibble on your person, and then put the food in the bowl and set it on a chair or counter or anywhere else handy to you. Place your dog into a sit. Next, pick up the food bowl. Instead, pick up the bowl. Your control of the bowl is your ultimate control of the dog. Then, without talking to the dog or schooling or anything, put him back in the sit and start over. He might get up faster at first frustration , he might lie down trying a new behavior , he might begin to wait until the instant you take your hand off from the bowl, or he might start looking from the bowl to you and then back again. Waiting is important for everything a dog might want, so it would be a good idea to also practice this when letting your dogs in and out the door. If one of your guys has ever knocked you aside or stepped on your toes as he or she bolted out the door, you might even find this fun. Bring the dog to the door and sit him. No problem. Just shut the door in his face. Then sit him back down and start over. Keep it up until you can hold the door open and get through it yourself without the dog moving. Success Patience and consistency are two elements that your dog needs to receive from you for him to learn. To accomplish this, you have to be very consistent in what it is you are punishing, and very consistent in what it is that you are reinforcing. You must be consistent. Very consistent and very specific. If your dog sits there for more than a split second, reinforce his hold of that position! This part, the reinforcement part, is what gets some people into trouble. The problem is that we sometimes feel as if we need to punish the dog for having tried to move. The most difficult part of teaching your dog this lesson about waiting is trying not to interfere physically with the dog. It is very important that you remember not to try to stop him from getting up or moving. The truth is this is the only hard part of teaching your dog this lesson. The key to teaching a dog self-control is that he learns about the consequence of his actions and not get help in figuring out what he must do to change things. In the waiting exercise, the dog learns that he must control himself. He controls himself for someone, and continues to do so until that person says that he or she is satisfied. The power here is through a creation and nurturing of reliance; you develop dependence through contingencies of desire leading to fulfillment—contingencies of which you are always a key part. Regardless of what anyone might tell you, a dog cannot be made to believe that children are not juvenile; dogs are an intimate part of a family and they notice all interactions within that family. They know that the kids are kids. Children can be taught how to make a dog wait, and their subsequent control of the dog will help dramatically in the dynamics between themselves and the dog. For this to work best though, children should use treats instead of the food bowl. Treats work great with kids because they can hold the goodies in their hands. This eliminates the problems of the child not being able to lift the bowl. It works like this. She should hold it there until the dog is seated again. She can then lower her hand and open her fist before the dog, and try again. The dog will catch on. The child will teach the dog not just to sit and wait, but to sit politely, not even reaching toward the treat with his nose. But of course, an adult could help here. It only matters that the kids give some signal that the dog can interpret as a release. Remember, make the dog wait and keep himself still. This dog has seen his goodies taken from him and has been replaced in the sit quite a bit, and, through these experiences, he has learned that it does him no good to try to move. This blank stare thing can be rather a let-down, as anti-climactic as it tends to be. He will have to learn it. Sooner or later he will connect the two. Unfortunately, this will mess up the training because it will change the entire focus of the exercise. Even though the timing was so close, letting the dog get up on his own will reinforce his initiative to take, instead of reinforcing his initiative to please his owners so that he can receive. At any rate, the biggest problem with this is not the behavior itself, but the implications of the behavior. Once it has been figured out whether or not the dog is being influenced physically, the exercise should be tried with something the dog definitely wants, like a toy, a piece of liver, or a chance to go outdoors. In short, they switch their attention to doing anything fun that comes to mind. This can be done by placing the bowl fairly close to the puppy and tapping it with a finger to make it interesting, or even by giving the pup a freebee. Letting him snatch a treat or two will get him believing that he can indeed succeed in getting the food, and it will give him a reason to want it. The thing to do is to ignore the dog. Ultimately, as a result of this extra step in the day-to-day care of their dog, you will have a dog that chooses to make decisions through each of the people in his family, a dog who thinks of going to his people when he wants or needs something instead of simply taking it for himself. And I will have peace of mind. That you have excellent relationships with their dogs—happy dogs, happy people, I like that end. Dogs are social animals, and instinctively have a need to bond with their 'pack'. Your puppy needs to learn how to respond to you, but also to other dogs. Here are some simple things you can do to ensure that your puppy becomes a welcomed member of the canine society and your home. Touch your puppy. Puppies need to be handled. Rub their ears, massage their paws, get them used to being poked and prodded. By getting your puppy used to being touched, visits to the vet and groomer become easier. The more you do this the more likely your puppy will be accustomed to being touched, and will be less likely to resist. Pass your puppy. Your puppy should meet people before he's 6 months old. Pass the puppy becomes a game. A new puppy is hard to resist, which is good for him. Let others hold him, pet him, touch his ears, the pads of his feet, etc. Remember that when you pass a puppy to someone, make sure that they are supporting your puppy and have a good hold on him before you let go. The last thing you want to do while socializing your puppy is drop him, which could be a traumatizing experience for the puppy and all! Feed your puppy. Your puppy needs to accept your presence around his food bowl. You can avoid future problems by not allowing your puppy to become protective of his food bowl. A dog that becomes protective of his food may become aggressive when approached. If your puppy does act protective, take it as a warning sign and seek professional help ASAP. Work to get him used to your presence while he is eating. Play with your puppy. Spend time with your puppy. Take your puppy's toys away from him. He needs to learn to accept that you can take his toys. By doing so at an early age, you are helping your puppy not to become protective of his toys. If your puppy becomes aggressive when you take away his toys, your red flags should go up. Seek professional help; behavior like this will not go away on its own. Teach your puppy. Every puppy should know some basic commands. Take a "puppy kindergarten" class as soon as you get your puppy. It's a great place to start, and it should be a lot of fun for all. Do some research and ask around to find a reputable trainer. Roll your puppy. When playing with your puppy, roll him over onto his side. Hold him there for a few seconds and then let him go. If he struggles don't let him go. You're trying to teach him that physically he can't over power you. When a dog is on his side, he is in a submissive position. By placing your puppy in this position, he learns that you are the dominant member of his pack, and that he can trust you. He will learn that nothing bad will happen when he allows himself to be vulnerable to you. Make this a fun part of every day. Puppy play groups. Many people think that they need to shelter their puppy as you would a baby, which leads many dogs to grow up unable to socialize with other dogs. By getting your puppy into a "puppy playgroup" at an early age, he will learn how to interact with others. It's never too soon for your new puppy to meet other puppies. Kids and puppies. Puppies need to learn how to behave around children. Children need to learn how to behave around puppies. Your puppy needs to learn that a toddler pulling his tail is allowed, and that snapping in response to a tug is not allowed. Children need to be taught not to pull puppies' tails, or they may get snapped at. It's a fine line, however there is a mutual respect that all puppies and kids need to learn early on. Never leave a child unattended with any dog at any time. It only takes a second for a disaster to happen. Your frightened puppy. Remember that puppies, like toddlers, are learning everything for the first time. The first time they hear a loud noise or something scares them, they will retreat and be afraid. Your first reaction is to smother them with 'It's OK' and lots of attention. Act like nothing happened. By drawing attention to his fright, he will grow to be afraid of everything. Let your puppy realize that the noise he heard wasn't that big of a deal, and he will learn to recover from startling situations quickly. Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodle dogs and puppies. The Labradoodle is a gorgeous cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, and the Goldendoodle is an adorable mix between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Characteristics and traits can vary significantly because these pups are a hybrid breed, but they are usually incredibly people-focused, laid back, and playful, making Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training an enjoyable moment. Doodles make awesome pets, especially if their owners fully comprehend the importance of training from a young age. The type of adult dog breed you end up with depends a little bit on their personality and a lot on how you take care of them. Before you begin Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training, it helps to decide exactly what kind of dog you want to have. Do Plenty of Research It is vital that you have an understanding of canine learning theory because dogs learn very differently from people. A puppy does whatever it can to get what it desires the most at that moment. There are plenty of online resources that can teach you about methods to get the best out of your training. It may be helpful to consult a puppy training professional or spend some time at doggy school to get a headstart and pick up tips from experts. Your pup is a blank slate — with your guidance, they can develop the traits and learn the behaviors that you value the most. Labradoodle and Goldendoodle puppies are curious and they love exploring their new home as they make it their own. Getting it right during the early stages sets a precedent for the rest of their life. Spending as much time as you can with them helps build the foundation for a happy, confident and well-behaved dog. Form a Bond and Gain Trust With Your Doodle Before you do anything, you will need to develop a strong bond with your new pal to make sure they trust you. Try to keep your own energy as calm as possible — they bounce off you. While it may be tempting to get excited by their cuteness and mirror their enthusiasm, this makes it more difficult for them to listen to you and regulate their own behavior. Teach your furry friend what to expect from the moment they get into the home to stop them from getting confused. Use Positive Reinforcement Intimidation or fear tactics are never the best way to build a loving and secure bond between you and your fur baby. To make the most of this method, reward your pooch for good behavior and ignore bad behavior. Treats, verbal praise, and clicker training reward them for a job well done. This also helps them to make positive associations with you and training time. Everyone has their own list of priorities and yours will depend on factors such as whether you have children or other pets. Potty training is a straightforward, formulaic process that your new puppy will adapt to. A consistent routine is the key to getting them toilet trained as efficiently and effectively as possible. Let them outside at the same time each day, and take them to the same spot. In the early days, it may be difficult for them to make it all the way through the night, so try to make provisions for this stage. Select a word for them to associate with potty training and repeat it over and over whenever you take them to the toilet. Every time they do their business outside, give them lots of cuddles and praise, treat them and play one of their favorite games. There will be setbacks — getting it right takes time! If they mess in the wrong place, take them outside to their toileting spot and give them the chance to relieve themselves. We cannot emphasize the importance of praising them when they get it right enough! Crate Training Not everyone opts to crate train their puppy, but it can be useful for the earliest stages of Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training. The crate gives them a safe place they can call their own. Be sure to make the time they spend in the crate a positive experience, and never leave them in there for more hours than their age in months plus one hour. For example, a three-month-old puppy can be kept in their crate for no more than four hours. Socialization Dogs are social animals, and Goldendoodles and Labradoodles, in particular, are happiest when they spend time pleasing people and playing. However, building confidence takes effort and guidance from their pet parent. If you want to ensure they grow up to have a balanced personality, you need to expose them to plenty of dogs, people and different situations. Take them out and about as much as possible to help them become accustomed to a range of noises, sights and sounds. Bring them to a local dog park to get them used to spending time around other dogs. Manners Your adorable little pup has the potential to develop a host of bad habits, but these behaviors can be nipped in the bud. Temperament and Dealing with Small Children There are several steps to take while getting your canine cutie used to being a member of a family with children. Both pup and child will need to have clear boundaries mapped out for them so they can build mutual trust and be kind to each other. Let the child practice with a toy before they pick up or cuddle the pup. Ensure the child sits down when they play with the dog; this helps to prevent the pup from getting overexcited. Teach the child to do small tasks to help care for the dog, such as filling the bowl or helping with grooming. Knowing what to expect according to the time of day helps them to settle and feel reassured. Always wake them up at the same time, feed and walk them around the same time and do training exercises at a set time. Patience Is Everything! The best piece of advice for Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training is to have patience. Spend lots of time bonding and playing with your pooch so you can make training something fun that you both enjoy.
Labradoodles of Long Island has many wonderful Labradoodles that are up for adoption. Dog lovers from Montauk to Manhattan come to us for adoptions for Labradoodles. So please, give us a call today for more information adopting a Labradoodle! The number for our office is .When you call, we can provide you with all the necessary information regarding Labradoodle adoptions. We are a trusted home breeder of Australian Labradoodle puppies. The Labradoodles we breed are treated as a member of our family and live in our home. We breed for the joy of these puppies and the eventual happiness they bring to their new families. Committed to Raising Quality Labradoodles At six weeks, families are invited to come to visit with both the mommy Labradoodle and her puppies. We want you to see firsthand how special Australian Labradoodles are and how well you acclimate to them. Each puppy comes with their own lineage back to Australia. These multigenerational dogs all maintain the integrity of the breed. For your assurance, all of our breeding dogs are tested by a veterinarian. And they are all hip, elbow, heart and eye certified by OFA. Our puppies are vaccinated age-appropriate and receive their 8-week distemper. They are also dewormed and microchipped. And all puppies have a two-year health guarantee. Once they are between 8 and 9 weeks old we can send them to their new home. These dogs are highly intelligent, loyal and friendly, which makes for an excellent pet! We have been breeding puppies since and have become a trusted name for many prospective dog owners. For more information about our adoptions for our Labradoodles, please contact us today. We gladly answer any questions you may have at the moment. The number to call to speak to our office is .When you call, we can answer any questions you have about the adoption process. We look forward to hearing from you! Vocality level 3 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. They are generally very friendly and are an ideal best friend. Labradoodles are very playful and have a high energy level. Long walks, hiking or jogging will definitely be a part of your future life as dog-parent to a Labradoodle. These dogs tend to do well with children in the home, but sometimes are better suited for older kids since they could knock smaller family members over with their size and exuberance. Are you looking for a dog park buddy? The Labradoodle could be the perfect match for you! They usually like to play with other dogs, so a good romp with some canine friends is ideal for them, with proper oversight and introductions. They would be a good choice if you have other pets in the home, given their general good nature. Still, cautious introductions of new pets are always a must! Labradoodles usually want to please their parents, so can be easily trained with positive methods. Upkeep Labradoodles have a lot of energy to burn! You should expect to dedicate at least minutes per day to giving your Labradoodle an outlet for their energy, whether in the form of a structured walk, playing in the yard with them, training, or a trip to the dog park to socialize. Their enthusiasm could easily turn to destructive behavior if not given this outlet. They would do best in a home with a fenced yard, so this energetic dog may not be the best option if you have a low-energy apartment life. Grooming needs will vary, depending on whether your Labradoodle inherits smoother or curlier fur from the Labrador and Poodle breeds. You can expect to devote some time each week to regular brushing and bathing, but some may require a trip to a professional groomer every weeks. What people love most are their incredibly cute looks and dazzling personality. They are like big cuddly teddy bears with their wavy soft fur, big round brown eyes and dark noses. As soon as you see one you will want to cuddle. These dogs are huge love bugs and will certainly want to cuddle with you too! These days everyone seems to want a Labradoodle! Lots of people are now breeding Labradoodles because of a huge demand. However, not all breeders are trustworthy. Reputable breeders will know how to breed a healthy puppy. They will also adhere to the standards set by the Australian Labradoodle Club of America. For first time owners Labradoodles are one of the best breeds because of how obedient and smart they are. Because they are a combination of a Labrador and a Poodle they can be easily trained. They also make great family dogs because of their gentleness with children. However, these dogs are not meant for everyone. They need someone who can be dedicated to them and can take them out on long walks and exciting adventures. Unfortunately this means some Labradoodles end up in shelters. Other times Labradoodles might grow larger than some people were expecting. By adopting a Labradoodle you are decreasing the demand on breeders and giving a dog a loving home. To help you on your journey we have put together a list of all the Labradoodle rescue shelters in the US. Just choose your state in the tool below and easily find Labradoodles for adoption near you. Labradoodle Rescue By State.
Pinterest Goldendoodle puppy supplies: The ultimate list Oh. So that probably means you or someone you know are about to become a new puppy parent—and will soon be looking into the adoring eyes of a sweet Goldendoodle puppy. In fact, many dog parents have asked us about Goldendoodle puppy supplies. Teething toys. Goldendoodle accessories. Dog crates. Grooming tools. Please feel free to use it as your shopping list. When to get your Goldendoodle puppy supplies But first things first. We recommend that you buy the essentials for your Goldendoodle puppy before you bring your puppy home rather than waiting until after the big day. What do I need for my Goldendoodle puppy? For easy scanning, our list of Goldendoodle supplies is organized by activity— meal time, bed time, potty time, grooming time, play time, and training time. Goldendoodle puppy supplies for bedtime and nap time 1. Dog crate There are so many benefits to teaching your Goldendoodle puppy to enjoy the security and comfort of a dog crate. A natural disaster where you need a safe place to keep your dog in the hours following the event. Two of our favorites that we use are the Midwest Homes for Pets dog crate and the Petmate dog kennel. Yes, Goldendoodles and all dogs need their teeth brushed! Need supplies for every age and stage of your Goldendoodle? Take a look at our Goldendoodle supplies list. All products in the store have been used and recommended by us and our Doods. Goldendoodle accessories 4. But what size? In the photo below, you can see the size of her first puppy collar compared to the size of the rolled leather collar she wears now. Think of this first leash as an all-purpose leash that you can use for taking your puppy out to go potty, to the vet, etc. Cross-body leash The cross-body leash has been a game changer for our family! We used this style of leash to keep our puppy close to us while inside our home. For example, there are times when you need to be hands-free while keeping your inquisitive puppy nearby and out of trouble. The cross-body leash makes this possible! Goldendoodle puppy supplies for mealtime happiness 7. Then ask your veterinarian about the quality of the food and whether you will need to make a switch. If your puppy needs to transition away from the current puppy food to another formula, your vet will outline how to transition slowly to avoid tummy upset. Stainless steel food and water bowls We like stainless steel bowls because they are durable and resistant to bacteria. Measuring cup or kitchen food scale A measuring cup might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of puppy supplies. I want to do everything in my power to help them live their best lives—way beyond the average lifespan for a Goldendoodle. Just by keeping our dogs at their ideal weight, they can live up to two years longer! Training treats Goldendoodle puppies are eager to learn and eager to please you. Training treats are essential for teaching your puppy…positively. We like treats that are small, soft, made in the USA, and have very few ingredients. If you have any questions about which treats are right for your Goldendoodle puppy, talk with your vet at the first puppy wellness visit. Puppy shampoo and conditioner Puppies and dogs need a shampoo formulated especially for canines. Soft bristled dog brush When your Goldendoodle is a puppy, the goal of brushing is simply to help your Goldendoodle puppy get used to the concept, experience the feel of brushing, and make it fun. Since it is less about the brush itself and more about the act of brushing, just having a soft bristled brush on hand will work. Steel pet grooming comb It seems like brushes take center stage when pet parents think about grooming. But a good comb is equally as important. We love the Andis steel comb. As you can see in the photos below, I use this comb for both our adult Goldendoodle and also for our Goldendoodle puppy. Yes, the same one. It was a game changer for me. I recommend it after your puppy begins the Goldendoodle puppy coat transition. Both have been a game changer for happier nail trims. If you accidentally clip the quick the blood and nerve supply of the toenail , styptic powder helps control the bleeding. Dog grooming table If you decide to groom your Goldendoodle at home, a dog grooming table makes it so much easier. But I wanted to put it on your radar. We purchased the Flying Pig Grooming Table and have loved it! On our trip home with our Goldendoodle puppy, we used the puppy wipes to clean her paws after each potty break. Goldendoodle puppy supplies for potty time Your puppy will have accidents in your home. Cleaning up after an accident with an enzymatic cleaner makes it less likely that your puppy will sniff out the urine smell and want to return to the same spot. Over time, she started ringing the bell herself. It really does make picking up the poo in the yard easier. Paper towels and bath towels Yes, these are staples for puppies…because poop, pee, and muddy dog paws happen. Poopy bags Stick a few in your pocket so they are always handy. Our motto? Safety first and happiness will follow! Puppy chew toys The Kong puppy binky has been a huge hit for our F1 Goldendoodle puppy, the newest member of our pack. The soft rubber allows her to get a good grip with her puppy teeth. Keep the binky for the youngsters only. Puppy fetch balls The question for many Goldendoodle parents is not whether to buy a fetch ball , but how many! We have many fetch balls, but a couple of stand outs are the Chuckit Breathe Right ball and the Playology scented ball. Treat dispensing dog ball or toy A treat dispensing toy is a great way to slow down mealtime for your puppy. The Bob-A-Lot tops our list of interactive food dispensing toys. Puppy-sized classic Kong toy There is a reason that Kong dog toys are staples in many households—ours included! Kong toys are durable, easy to fill with a puppy treat, and most puppies love them! The Classic Kong Puppy Toy shown below is designed for puppies and made from a softer version of the Classic Kong rubber. Puppy gate Goldendoodle puppies are very curious. You may want to place puppy gates or baby gates around your home to minimize the places where your puppy can explore. Always supervise your puppy and make sure gates are puppy safe and securely fastened. For our Goldendoodle puppy, we purchased two. A dog first aid kit is part of that philosophy and a common sense item to have in your home. Pet insurance There are many different points of view about pet insurance. Puppy ID tag No one wants to think about a new puppy getting lost. But if the worst happens, having a puppy ID tag with your contact information on it could be a lifesaver. You can find a wide variety of puppy ID tags that can be personalized on Amazon. Additionally, you can talk with your vet about microchipping your puppy. Animal poison control phone number Accidents can happen so quickly. Now is a great time to add a pet poison control phone number to your contacts list on your phone. Note: Using their hotline number may require a consultation fee. To go along with training, you may want to consider purchasing a dog treat pouch that you can wear around your waist. Goldendoodle puppy supplies for travel time Will you be traveling with your new puppy? You might want to have a travel bag at the ready. Here are some travel time supplies that we keep packed in a travel bag: Collapsible food and water bowls , travel-sized food pouch, poopy sacks, travel toys, paw wipes, and a car safety harness or travel-sized crate. A name as perfect as your Goldendoodle puppy Now that you have a good start on what to buy your puppy, you may be ready to think about what to name your sweet Goldendoodle. To make shopping easier, print out this list and check each item off as you make your purchases. You have found the puppy of your dreams and you are probably feeling really excited and maybe a little nervous. One way to feel less nervous prior to bringing home a Goldendoodle puppy is to make sure your new Goldendoodle puppy has everything it will need. There are so many puppy items to choose from, you may feel completely overwhelmed. In order to help you, I have compiled this handy shopping list which includes all the essential items you will need when bringing home a new Goldendoodle puppy. The puppy items on this list will make sure you are well-prepared for the first few days or weeks. Hey there! Some links on this page are affiliate links which means that, if you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I greatly appreciate your support! Essential Goldendoodle Puppy Shopping List To learn more about any item on the must-have puppy shopping list, simply click on the photo or any underlined text to be directly linked to Amazon. Thank you. A lot of collars are adjustable, but you will probably end up buying several collars as time goes on. You want something that is light, but durable. Therefore, I like to start with a 6-foot leash like the one linked above, as this length is great for training and teaching loose leash walking. I also suggest investing in a foot leash for recall training. The longer leash allows the puppy to have some freedom, while still being under my control. Food Dish Your new Goldendoodle puppy is going to need a food dish. Some people like stainless steel food dishes because they are easy to clean. If your pup eats quickly, you may consider a slow-feeder bowl or even a muffin tin! Alternatively, your puppy may prefer ceramic, like this food and water bowl set that is weighted, food-grade, and lead-free. With my Goldendoodle, I use a ceramic bowl for her first meal, and then I am a big proponent of ditching the bowl and offering her second and third meals in a canine-enrichment feeder. Water Bowl Your new Goldendoodle puppy is going to need access to clean water throughout the day. If you research water bowls, it would seem that everyone has their favourite. The Neater Feeder is also a popular choice. As a puppy, my Goldendoodle enjoyed standing in her bowl and making a mess. Also, since she has a fuzzy muppet face, her beard would ultimately soak up the water from her bowl and she would drip water all over the house. After some trial and error, the best bowl I found for her was this one from LumoLeaf. It solved all of our problems and I highly recommend it. Food Your puppy should continue to eat the food it was eating before you brought it home. Goldendoodle Brush When bringing home a Goldendoodle puppy it is very important for it to become accustomed to being groomed from the start. To begin, use a soft slicker brush and provide treats while gently stroking your puppy to form a positive association with grooming. Goldendoodle Crate There are many crates to choose from and they can be very beneficial for housetraining and keeping your puppy safe when you ar e not there to monitor her. A wire crate usually comes with a divider, so you buy one for the size you think your puppy will eventually be and section it off with the divider as needed. You can also choose a plastic crate. These are great because they can also be used for travel in a car. There are also decorative crates that blend in to look like furniture. To start, the crate should be about two inches taller and longer than your puppy. Toothbrush and Toothpaste Dogs can have tartar and plaque build-up just like you. It is important to get your new Goldendoodle puppy used to dental hygiene. A finger toothbrush is usually the easiest to work with and most dogs enjoy the taste of liver-flavoured toothpaste. Puppy Playpen I found having a playpen to be absolutely essential with my Goldendoodle, so I am including it on this list. I used it for house training and when she was in the biting stage. It was also an excellent place for her when she was overstimulated and needed a quiet place to settle. The playpen was a positive space for her with her favourite stuffies and chews. In fact, I even served my Goldendoodle puppy her meals in her playpen so she could form a really positive association with her playpen. I never used it for discipline. Playpens come in all different sizes and shapes depending on your space. I have always used clippers for my dogs but recently purchased a Dremel. I am still getting used to the Dremel, but so far I really like it. I suggest watching some videos on puppy nail cutting prior to trying it yourself. If you are uncomfortable doing it yourself, then take your pup to a groomer that you trust for nail care. Benebones or Nylabones When bringing home a Goldendoodle puppy it is essential that you have some puppy-approved items for your puppy to chew on. Benebones and Nylabones are life-savers during the biting phase of puppyhood. When your Goldendoodle puppy is biting your fingers or a table leg, quickly stop the unwanted behaviour and give your Goldendoodle puppy this safe alternative to chew. Benebones and Nylabones come in different flavours and can help you to avoid ruined furniture or injured skin. Be sure to pick one that is made especially for puppy chewing. Soft and Hard Toys Undoubtedly, my Goldendoodle has no shortage of toys. Soft Training Treats You can never have enough training treats when bringing home a new Goldendoodle puppy, as training should start in the first few days. In fact, you will be amazed at how quickly they learn with direct training. Most importantly, soft training treats can be consumed quickly allowing you to practice training without having to stop and wait for chewing. I like to mix up higher-value and lower-value treats when training her to keep her guessing and motivated. Freeze Dried Meat Another training must-have is freeze-dried meat. My Goldendoodle has a chicken allergy which seems to be common in Goldendoodles so I like to use freeze-dried beef. The ones pictured above come in a variety of different meat types. Since freeze-dried meat is a high-value treat, it works great for potty training. In fact, some even come with a dispensing container that attaches to a leash. The Snuggle Puppy has a heartbeat that your new Goldendoodle puppy will find very comforting. Even though my Goldendoodle is now 1. Although it may seem a little pricey, I am so happy I had it for my Goldendoodle puppy. Final Thoughts In conclusion, the excitement and anticipation prior to bringing home a Goldendoodle puppy is something that all new Goldendoodle owners experience. Hence, why it is important to be prepared for the arrival of your Goldendoodle puppy ahead of time. By stocking up on the items on my Essential Goldendoodle Puppy Shopping List before bringing home a Goldendoodle puppy, you will have everything you need, and your time and energy can be dedicated to spending time with your new furry bundle of joy. Happy Tail Wags xo Money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make him wag his tail. Kinky Friedman. Cart Puppy Shopping Checklist Below are some of the items you should consider when preparing for your new Moss Creek Goldendoodle puppy. You will not need everything listed before your puppy arrives - this list is intended to help you consider all your puppy's basic needs. You can print this and take it with you when you are shopping for your new puppy. General Paper towels - a lot of paper towels. Then use old towels. Once puppy is reliably crate trained, a "real" crate bed can be used. Old Blanket or Towel s to cover wire Crate. Acrylic Fake Nail file, cardboard with sandpaper type, for smoothing nails, if desired. Hydrogen Peroxide - to induce vomiting, if necessary. Baby Gate s - Try baby supply stores and Target - generally more choices and cheaper than pet stores Beware that horizontal bars provide a foot-hold for climbing puppies. Also consider spacing between bars, as some times it is large enough for little puppies to get caught. Storage bin for dry food - air tight. Poop Scooper I. Tag - See boomerangtags. They also sell collars with tags included for the smaller sized dogs. You can also make them yourself at PetSmart or PetCo. Wire Crate for crate training - Double door folding crate with divider. Check out the Crate Shopping page for the crate we use and recommend. Medium - Standard sized Goldendoodles need at least a 42 inch crate - If you have room, get the 48 inch. Doodles sleep stretched out like frogs. They like a lot of room to be comfortable. Small Doodles can use a 36 inch crate. This will work for them for several months. Smaller for mini-small Goldendoodle puppies. Food and water bowls stainless steel or ceramic, no plastic. Waste Bags Poochie-Bells to hang by back door. Helps with house training - they learn to ring the bell to alert you that they need to go out. I highly recommend them for house training your new puppy. Nutrition is incredibly important for our puppies, and we want to make sure that we are in compliance with current, science-based recommendations. Read more about this Food on our Puppy Food page. Your puppy will start them at 6 weeks old. You cannot purchase these at the pet store, you will need to order them online. Visit our NuVet Vitamin page to order online or call order code - .Shop NuVet Vitamins Chews, Treats and Toys Puppies don't need a lot of treats for the first month until they are about 12 weeks old - treats can upset their stomachs and cause diarrhea. It's best to treat them with pieces of their dog food and lots of praise. Contact Recommended Puppy Supplies We suggest Amazon or PawTree for online purchasing of your supplies, they are almost always cheaper than the box stores! For more recommendations on food, treats, potty training, and toys visit our Nutrition page. While you do not need a bed right away I do recommend getting a nice pad or elevated dog bed for training purposes, we regularly use pads or elevated beds for training, and for placing our dogs and puppies, we keep ours in the main area of our home to place our dogs when people come over, during dinner, etc. We recommend getting one with a divider that can be adjusted, it will make crate training easier when your puppy first comes home and will prevent you from having to buy multiple crates. You can purchase a nice pad or cushion for the crate but we do not recommend using it inside of the crate until you are sure they will not have accidents in the crate until then use a towel or small blanket that is easier to wash! Single Door Dog Crate Durable heavy-duty slide bolt latch firmly locks the door to keep your dog safely inside while you're away. This will be a place for them to sleep and relax. Make sure that this bed is big enough for your Goldendoodle to sleep on. As a puppy, your Goldendoodle may chew on their bed and blankets. Make sure to get a bed that is made of out tough material but is soft enough for them to want to sleep on. As your Goldendoodle gets older , you may want to transition them to an orthopedic dog bed. These beds would not be a bad choice for a puppy either. Most dogs love the plush sides to rest their head. This bed is waterproof, which is great for those puppies learning to potty train. This bed is very comfy and is made of memory foam, which is a plus for older Goldendoodles. Check Price Food and Water Bowls As soon as you get your Goldendoodle home, they will need to have food and water available. There are many different size and shape food bowls that you can get for your Goldendoodle puppy. There are even pet water fountains to keep your Goldendoodle entertained while drinking water. This is a very personal preference. When looking for a food and water bowl, also look at your new puppies eating style. Many people will let their Goldendoodle eat out of Tupperware for a few days until they know if they have a dog that is constantly moving the bowl around the house or one that eats very fast. If your dog is moving the bowl around the house, consider a bowl with a rubber bottom to help it stay in place more. Stainless steel bowls are great for cleaning but may be strange for your puppy to eat out of. If your pup is eating their food very fast, consider a puzzle bowl. This bowl is designed for them to have to eat around different parts until they finish their meal. If your dog eats very fast, they are prone to vomiting shortly after eating or even Bloat. Photo outfit ideas, wedding planning tips and more. All my best advice. I spent hours reading about the best treats, toys, gear for puppies so that we had everything for our little guy before he arrived. As we are gearing up for my sister-in-law and aunt to bring home their new goldendoodle puppies, I thought a little blog post about my favorite things would be helpful to all the puppy parents and the soon-to-be puppy parents out there. Here is my must-have list for your goldendoodle puppy! We kept Clifton in here at night and when we would leave the house. This one fits perfectly with the crate. We used these to create a safe little area for Clifton once we stopped crate training him to be in. This clips right into the seat belt and on to any harness. This spray helps prevent your dog from chewing on things like your furniture, shoes, etc. You will be using this spray every time there is an accident in the house those first few weeks. We still use this spray 5 years later. Harness : We recently purchased this harness , and we LOVE this one and would recommend this to anyone with a pup as this harness is a little trickier to wiggle out of. Clifton has a medium he weighs about 30 pounds. Collar : We have a bunch of different collars that we switch between, but I love this cognac leather collar for every day. We have this one , and as soon as we switched to this, Clifton walked so much better and stopped pulling. Some of my current favorites are this modern set which is great because it includes a stand. Did You Feed the Dog? I love the smell of it. John Paul Pet Lavender Mint Detangling Spray : Doodles get matted super easily, so we add this detangling spray into our grooming routine to help with the matting. Andis Pet Steel Comb : If you can keep your furbaby mat-free this comb is great for combing him or her out. Safari Dematting Comb : You are going to need a de-matting comb to helpwith matting especially as your puppy gets older. It is the best thing we have bought, and we use it all the time. Start doing this when they are little. We love this little set that includes the toothpaste, brush and finger brush. Towel : We keep two of these pet towels in the bathroom where we give Clifton a bath. They are great at absorbing the water after a bath. We also pack these when we take him to the dog beach or Florida. Mushers Secret Paw Wax : If your pup lives in a cold climate, this is perfect for their dry, cracked paws that will come in winter. Shopping for toys was one of my favorite parts when I first started shopping for Clifton. My advice is not to buy too many toys at first like I did. Your puppy is going to destroy those cute, stuffed animals quickly. Grab a few because they make for some cute photos and toys around the house, but also stock up on things that will help when they need to chew. One thing to keep in mind when getting toys is to avoid any rope toys. Pups can eat the strings and have them wrap around their intestines — which is NOT good. So just skip them altogether. It is supposed to help transition them because it has a battery heartbeat and a pouch to make it warm. If you can, ask the breeder to rub it on his mom or the other puppies so it smells like them. Your Puppy's New Home 1. Foldable Wire Crate I recommend a wire-sided crate with a removable tray and adjustable divider. This encourages pottying outside. This pen should be helpful for the first several months. Puppy Toys Each of these items are in my personal inventory for puppy families to purchase when they pick up their puppy! My top recommendation is the Snuggle Puppy. KONG puppy toys are also available in my inventory for purchase. You can choose to purchase for in-person pick up in your puppy pack, or order to be shipped to you. This can cause crying at night and anxiety being alone for the first weeks home. A snuggle puppy is a soft toy with a heart beat simulator and heating pack. These features make it feel like your puppy is cuddling with another dog. It makes a huge difference for your puppy! I encourage every family to order one for your puppy pack so I can send it home with you on adoption day. Play fetch, or stuff with treats or canned food to keep your puppy content for crate time. It is soft rubber, and squeaks when your dog catches or chews. Medium is the size of an average tennis ball. Food should be offered twice per day: morning and night. Food should be restricted before a long period of crate time and at least an hour before bed, to prevent unnecessary accidents. Puppy Food My dogs and puppies are fed an exclusive diet of premium dog food and nutritional supplements not sold in stores. As part of my conditions of sale and health guarantee , this food is a requirement for your puppy. This holistic food was designed by Dr. Jane Bicks, a veterinary nutrition specialist. It is locally sourced and has a list of top quality, limited ingredients. As a calorie-dense, nutrition-packed food, your puppy will need to consume less volume than with other brands. I am proud to say this nutrition company has always been chemical and recall free! For informational videos about the nutrition value and ingredients of this food, please visit the Healthy Pet Challenge site! Here are some of my top recommendations. I use each of them in my own home and puppy nursery. To browse through other recommended products, visit the LA webpage here. Canned Food.
Adopt a Goldendoodle! At the time, they rescued and put up for adoption 24 Goldendoodles that were rescued from a breeding center that needed to be shut down. In addition to Goldendoodles, Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue also rescues and puts up labradoodles for adoption. Delaware Rescue has strict guidelines that must be followed. This is one of the largest doodle rescue and adoption centers in the world. IDOG Rescue is a non-profit organization that is headquartered in Houston, Texas, but they receive calls and entertain inquiries from around the country. They mostly rehome and set up retired Goldendoodle adults for adoption. Some pups are rescued, but they are extremely rare. Wavy coat F1b Goldendoodles are typically non-shedding while still maintaining that teddy bear look. If you want to adopt a Goldendoodle, then Doodle Dandy Rescue is a great option. They have strict guidelines for adoption that must be met. The entire adoption process is quite long and rigid so it can take some time for your adoption request to get approved. What are the best Goldendoodle rescues in the US? Norcal Poodle Rescue Adoption is a certified non-profit organization made up of people who specialize in rescuing and looking after poodle breeds like the Goldendoodle. They are currently based out of North Carolina and cater to humane societies, pet owners who have given up their poodles, and shelters. In addition to adoption applications, they also accept shelter volunteers. They have saved close to 4, doodles. They primarily focus on rescuing and nurturing labradoodles and Goldendoodles. Although they are based in California, they have over volunteers from all over the country who help rescue and get Goldendoodles adopted. They rarely have Goldendoodle puppies for adoption, but when they do, they provide transport and help the puppies find a new home. As the name suggests, the center primarily focuses on the rescue and adoption of golden retrievers and its mixes. GRIN is a non-profit organization that operates with over volunteers. Rather, they are a group of people and homes scattered all over Western Pennsylvania and Northeast Ohio. They advise you to apply for a younger dog in advance through their website. They have rigid guidelines for adoption that must be met and their acceptance period takes anywhere between 2 to 4 weeks. They have become increasingly popular, which means finding one for adoption can be a bit of a challenge. Goldendoodle puppy plays with a toy actively outdoors. You can also reach out to your local animal shelters and rescue organizations to inquire about Goldendoodles in need of a loving home. By expressing your interest, you can be among the first to know when a Goldendoodle becomes available for adoption. Another option is to join social media groups and forums dedicated to Goldendoodle enthusiasts. These communities often share information about Goldendoodles in need of homes, upcoming adoption events, and more. Being part of such groups can increase your chances of finding a Goldendoodle that needs a loving family. Keep in mind that the adoption process may take some time, as these organizations want to ensure that the dogs are placed in the best possible homes. You may need to complete an application, provide references, and even have a home visit. Another thing to consider is offering your home as a residence for a family dog that is part of a breeders program. Many breeders offer free or very discounted dogs as long as you are okay with them having a litter or two throughout their life. It never hurts to reach out or ask the question in a local Facebook group for the Goldendoodle breed! They require a lot of attention. If you leave them alone for more than a few hours, they can be difficult to manage. A lot of people are initially enthusiastic before adopting a Goldendoodle but very quickly realize how much time they have to spend with these little canines. Goldendoodles thrive in environments where people are at home at all times. Like other smaller dogs, Goldendoodles bark as a defense mechanism. If you adopt a Goldendoodle that barks a lot, take the time to get your dog trained. We might get sick or move, and sometimes we may need to find a new job. If you know that these factors could potentially hamper the time you devote to your dog, you may have to put your dog up for adoption. Why Is Adopting a Goldendoodle Rare? Although this is a list of some of the best Goldendoodle rescue shelters and networks in the United States, most of them may not have Goldendoodles up for adoption when you check. Some adoption facilities have never received any Goldendoodles at all despite being open for their rescue. There are a couple of reasons for this. A Goldendoodle puppy needs enough sleep for best health. If these dogs get on any adoption websites or similar websites, they will likely be gone within the first day. This can lead to a puppy mill or dodgy breeder scenario where the popularity makes the breeder chase litter after litter without caring for the dog. A dog owner who adopts from a breeder must take appropriate steps to ensure it is not a puppy mill, and is in fact an ethical and reputable breeder. They form strong bonds with their owners. If owners face any problems with their dogs, they would rather find ways to work through these problems than give them up for adoption. However, Goldendoodles are one of the friendliest and most social dogs out there. Desirable Goldendoodle Personality Goldendoodles are extremely adventurous. Generally, these cute canines are outgoing, friendly, and happy dogs. They love meeting new people and dogs. One thing to remember about these dogs is that they do well in open spaces like spacious yards or country homes. Their affection, intelligence, and bubbly personalities make them great therapy and working dogs. They enjoy mentally stimulating activities. For example, Goldendoodles are known to be able to smell peanuts in foods for people suffering from nut allergies. To satiate their need for activity, you will have to take them out for walks and runs daily. Goldendoodles are also known for enjoying swimming and playing in the water. They Are Good with Children If you have children at home, then adopting a Goldendoodle is a great choice. These dogs play well with kids. They are gentle, loving, and patient around young kids which is one of the reasons they make great family dogs. You should still exercise caution and check on their behavior. You must also teach your children how to behave around dogs. Prevent your child from agitating your Goldendoodle with ear or tail pulling and other rough activities. Like any other animal, dogs are protective of their food and can become aggressive if they perceive a threat. This may not be true for all Goldendoodles, but you should still take precautions to protect your kids. These dogs are social animals and love interacting with other dogs. Wavy coat Goldendoodles are typically low shedding. However, they still need a certain amount of grooming. To prevent them from shedding, some people cut their hair short. It will take some time for the rescue dog to get comfortable around you and you may have to deal with issues like separation anxiety. Goldendoodles require a few hours of activity every day. You will have to spend time walking and playing with them daily. Active play, a visit to a dog park, or fetch are appropraite activities. Grooming Is Imperative Though your new doodle puppy will likely shed lightly, you will still need to groom their coats or have a pet groomer take care of their grooming once a month. Just remember to do your research before adopting a dog. Please be patient. We get hundreds of applications and can't respond to everyone. Your donations pay for expenses to foster doodles, buy pet food, cover veterinary costs, and transportation. We adopt doodles to families that will keep them as inside pets and treat them as family members. We do not adopt to families who are specifically looking for a doodle to train as a service dog. Since the majority of rescue dogs do not meet service dog requirements, this is an unfair expectation of our doodles. We also do not adopt doodles to be given as gifts. We do not permit commercial transport of our dogs, and all adopters are required to personally take their new family member home. If you adopt a doodle from us, it is important to note that rescue dogs typically require leash and other training. Your doodle may keep you up nights, have potty accidents, and other inconveniences for the first couple of weeks. We can't possibly know everything about the health or behavior of any dog in our care. You bear the responsibility of choosing to adopt your dog. If for any reason you are unable to keep your doodle, you are required to contact the California Doodle Rescue. If you are found to be a possible match for one of our doodles, you will be contacted directly by someone from California Doodle Rescue. If contacted, please be prepared for a required phone interview, contacting your references, and or veterinarian checks. Part of our adoption process requires an in-person meet and greet between the doodle and the entire household, including pets of the potential adopting family. If a home visit is not possible, you may be asked to send photos of your home and yard. Why Adopt Goldendoodles? Abandoned, stray, or neglected dogs that ended in shelters are a growing problem. Did you know approximately 3. This is the single most important reason why adopting Goldendoodles is necessary. Top Reasons to Adopt Goldendoodles Here are the top reasons why you should consider adopting Goldendoodles. Standard adoption fees vary by dog breed, demand, and other factors. Nonetheless, adopting a pup costs significantly less than buying one from a breeder. Adopting a Goldendoodle typically may save you some veterinary costs like spending on spay or neuter surgery, initial vaccinations, microchipping, and other fees. Typically, you need to put in an application to take a rescue Goldendoodle home. Goldendoodle rescues or shelters are non-profit organizations filled with Goldendoodles looking to be rehomed. Finding a Goldendoodles rescue can take some time, but there are quite a few across the U. Top Goldendoodle Rescues For Adoption The following is a comprehensive list of Goldendoodle rescues where you can potentially find Goldendoodles looking to be adopted. From mini Goldendoodles and Goldendoodle puppies to retired Goldendoodles and Teddy Bear Goldendoodle, these are the top places to get your hands on one of the most popular hybrid breeds today. Vocality level 2 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament As a crossbreed, it is hard to say for sure which behavioral and personality traits each Doodle will possess. Overall, pet parents report that Goldendoodles are friendly family dogs who do well with children and other pets. Good puppy socialization is key to their development as a well-rounded adult dog. They have an average to high energy level and require roughly minutes of exercise daily. Due to their loyal, people-pleasing nature, Goldendoodles can be easy to train, and if done properly with positive reinforcement, can be extremely obedient pets. They prefer room to run around, so would thrive with a fenced yard. They may not be the greatest choice for apartment dwellers, unless you are big on daily outdoor exercise. Upkeep With an average-to-high energy level, Goldendoodles do best with more active families who can dedicate time to playing games with them. They thrive on socialization and playtime with other dogs to help to burn their energy. Mental stimulation in the form of agility or ongoing training will help keep their adventurous spirit content. If not properly occupied, they can sometimes become destructive -- another reason why they might not be the best match for a small apartment. Goldendoodles have a double coated fur that can be quite dense. Some have fur that can be left in its natural state but you should still expect to brush it out roughly once per week. Others may have fur that will require more upkeep, including professional grooming every weeks the more dense the fur, the more it will trap dirt. Otherwise, bathe your Goldendoodle as needed, brush teeth regularly, and trim nails times per month. Be sure to check and clean their ears to remove any buildup and avoid infections! The mix of the two did not appear in America until the s, but has been gaining popularity as people value a type of dog that could possess the low dander levels of a Poodle and the intelligence and happy personality of a Golden Retriever. The Goldendoodle was originally offered as a larger alternative to the Cockapoo, one of the early intentional crossbreeds. Because Goldendoodles are so popular, they certainly can be found for adoption in animal shelters and Doodle-specific rescues. If sharing your home with a Doodle is your dream, be sure to consider adoption! Related Content.
missouri bernedoodle puppies for sale - 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 Arizona 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 Arizona? 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 Arizona? 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. Nature has a way of changing our plans sometimes. We cannot put in an order for the correct amount of females or males. We will also only breed if we have a substantial amount of commitment deposits for that litter. Please be patient, we are committed to find the right puppy for you, it might even be with another breeder we recommend that would better fit your needs. Phoenix, Arizona. We breed quality Golden Retrievers for service, therapy, facility, hunting and pets. Sires we pick have all of the same health certifications as well. Which means that our goals for being a good breeder revolve around Health, Education, Accountability, Responsibility and Tradition. Our local owners enjoy six weeks of free puppy classes after they take their pups home and have unlimited counseling with us and our trainer. Family Pets Goldens are made to love We believe Golden Retrievers are the best for all types of owners. They are so gentle that you can be assured your loved ones are safe around these wonderful dogs with responsible training. Service, Therapy and Facility Dogs goldens are made to serve We breed for service, therapy and facility dogs at a high quality. All of our puppies are trained as if they are going into service. We typically have about pups in every litter that go into service of some kind. We usualy donate one puppy out of every litter. It is our tithe and a gift we love to give to someone in need. Our Training Mission goldens are made to work We strive for excellence in our training program. All puppies are introduced to many sounds, textures and surfaces to create a confident dog. We offer complimentary 6 weeks of puppy Socialization and Obedience with their litter mates. Testimonials "Quality parentage and conscientious breeding standards.He is beyond eager to learn. She has truly changed our lives, especially our daughters life. Our passion for Golden Retrievers led us to our "Golden Heart Ranch" where our kids have room to stretch their legs and play. We breed selectively only a few times a year and to champion stock. All of our dogs have earned an AKC title or two. We believe that working with each of them helps them be well adjusted and well socialized and it shows. We abide by the code of ethics of all of these clubs. Thank you for visiting us! Not only are our puppies the focus of our lives and energy for the first two months of their lives, but they also represent our commitment to and knowledge of golden retrievers. All of our puppies come from healthy, well-conformed parents with sound bodies and temperaments. The pups are raised in the living area of our home or apartment so they are accustomed to the hustle and bustle of family life. They are also socialized with other dogs. By the time they go home at eight to ten weeks, they have been introduced to their housebreaking and simple obedience training, and been in crates. Our goal is to carefully place each pup with a well-suited family, ideally, in a working or competition home. In addition, some of our pups each year become family companions in active homes. We make every effort to match each owner or family with the pup that best suits him or her. To do this, we gather information from prospective owners about their life style, experience in dogs, and expectation for their pup. We also keep careful records of each puppy's reactions and personality to assist in placement. During their seventh week, we have other breeders evaluate the puppies' temperaments. In the eighth week, we have a breeder or judge evaluation their conformation. They are raised naturally, nursing as long as their mother will allow and transitioning to a balanced diet as weaning begins. To protect their immature immune systems, the pups receive only a single puppy shot vaccine while they are with us. We send them home with strong recommendations for follow up titers and vaccinations. The pups are checked for worms and wormed if recommended. .Each pup also receives an individual examination by our veterinarian, a skilled practitioner. We have a lifetime commitment to all of the puppies we breed. We expect to remain in contact with our puppy owners throughout the dog's life and often beyond so it is important you feel as comfortable with Joe and I as you do with our dogs. We provide information on the successes and health of each pup's parents and relatives, as well as suggestions on training, showing, and, if appropriate, breeding. We try to gather each litter together around their first birthday for a celebration, and hope every puppy and family can join us. We will take any dogs of our breeding back at any time for any reason and will place the animal into a new, loving home. About Us. They are affectionate, obedient and loyal to a fault. Originally bred as a hunting dog for retrieving waterfowl it makes an ideal pet for any type of family. They make a great family dog because of its patience, versatility, and adaptability. A golden retriever is super easy to train because of how smart and devoted they are to their owner. Goldens are gentle and playful with children and other pets, making them a perfect family pet. Their coat comes in various shades of gold and is dense, waterproof and may be wavy or straight. Discover more about our Golden Retriever puppies below! Interestingly, the Golden Retriever is very calm and relaxed indoors despite its hunting roots. However, they immensely enjoy activities, such as carrying objects around in its mouth and a good game of catch. The breed is faithful, obedient and easy to train. Golden Retriever Disposition The Golden Retriever does best when kept inside with the family, though it needs daily exercise. The Golden Retriever is very playful. Not surprisingly, it lives up to its name as a great retriever, excelling in games of catch and carrying objects around in its mouth. While it enjoys active time outdoors, the Golden Retriever is calm indoors — making it a great household pet for anyone. They do especially well with kids too. This breed is highly regarded for its love of human companionship. It is faithful, obedient and picks up easily on new commands. The Golden Retriever is among the easiest breeds to train. Its enthusiasm for learning new tricks and the ability to quickly and easily understand new commands makes it a pleasure to own and train. See store for details on this particular puppy. American Canine Association.
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missouri bernedoodle puppies for sale - Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Well, you get the German Shepherd Lab mix, a lovable crossbreed with all the great personality traits you could ever want in a family dog. Also known as Lab Shepherd mixes or Shepradors, these mixed breed canines are highly sought after. The parent breeds are some of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Like all crossbreeds, Shepradors combine the physical and personality traits of their parents, resulting in a one-of-a-kind companion. Because they are a designer dog , there are no established breeding guidelines or standards. Oftentimes, pedigree information is scarce as well, creating a lot of unknowns. Canines are fully capable of crossbreeding on their own. In fact, many of the purebred dogs we know today are a result of centuries of careful breeding. As we mentioned earlier, this crossbreed is a direct result of breeding purebred German Shepherds with Labrador Retrievers. Labrador Retrievers have a very long history that dates back all the way to the s. Back then, they were working dogs that often helped out fishermen. Eventually, these dogs made their way to England where they became companions for European royalty. German Shepherds were working dogs, too. However, their main job was to herd sheep and other livestock for farmers. Today, Labradors and German Shepherds are very popular the world over. .Though, they are popular for very different reasons. Typically, Labs are known for their companionship. They make great family pets and are often used as guide dogs for those with disabilities. Meanwhile, German Shepherds are revered for their athleticism and intelligence. German Shepherd Lab Mix Temperament The beauty of mixed breed dogs is that they take on traits from both of their parents. German Shepradors are a perfect example of this. These dogs are a joy to be around. Whether that required physical work or simply good behavior, these pups are up for the task! Like all dogs, German Shepherds and their subsequent crossbreed are products of their environment. Shepradors make great family dogs. The combination of intelligent thinking and loyalty can prove to be useful in a home setting. Your watchdog will do all they can to protect your home while still being down for cuddles. However, helping your pup grow up to be obedient and well-behaved is manageable. You see, these dogs are very intelligent. In fact, some might say that they are too intelligent for their own good. This mainly comes from the German Shepherd side of the dog. German Shepherds are notorious for being stubborn. Shepradors can take on that personality trait, making the training process a bit more challenging. They may require more time and patience to truly understand things. Another issue you might encounter with German Shepherd mixes is the need for regular mental stimulation. Because they are so intelligent, you must constantly challenge their minds to keep them happy. Like all dogs, Shepradors do best when positive reinforcement is the training method of choice. While dominance-based training used to be the go-to, several studies have shown that punishments do more harm than good. German Shepherd mixes thrive when you use a reward system. Showering your dog with praise and providing plenty of treats is the best way to instill the training techniques. Despite all of this, you may see pups with vastly different characteristics. Genetics is not an exact science. Dominant genes from one parent dog may take over, causing the puppy to look more like one breed than the other. As a result, the crossbreed is going to fall into that same category. You can use information about their parents for reference, but several factors will contribute to their true adult size. Generally, males can weigh upwards of 88 pounds when fully grown. They will stand between 22 and 26 inches at the withers. This is the point between the shoulder blades of the dog. Females are typically smaller than males. You may come across females as small as 35 pounds. Though, most will be around 70 to 80 pounds. As for height, females tend to be between 20 and 24 inches at the withers. Both of the parent breeds are pretty athletic, so most mixed pups will be as well. They fall somewhere in the middle. Depending on their activity levels, you might notice strong muscle development on their hind legs. These dogs usually have wide snouts and dark noses. Their eyes are large and brown. Some pups may have light eyes, but this is quite rare. Genetic variations in the parent breeds can lead to lighter eyes, but a vast majority are going to have big brown eyes. One characteristic where you will see a lot of variation among these dogs is the ears. Most Labs have large ears that flop down over the sides of the head Meanwhile, perky triangular ears are one of the most defining traits of the German Shepherds. The interesting thing about the ears is that you will have to wait and see whether they stand tall or flop down. Puppies are born with soft and fluffy ears. As they grow older, the cartilage in their ears may or may not strengthen to help them stand up. Some pups even have a combination of the two ear styles! Colors Coat colors can vary across the board with these pups. German Shepherds have an iconic tri-color coat. Distinct patterns of gold, black, and white cover the body. The most common is gold. However, black and pure-white Labs exist as well. They may have multi-colored coats or solid ones. Lifespan The average lifespan for a German Shepherd Lab mix is between 10 and 12 years. This falls in line with the life expectancy of the parent breeds. Generally, larger dogs tend to have a shorter lifespan than smaller ones. Many factors will affect how much time these dogs have. Health issues and a poor lifestyle can cut that lifespan short. On the same token, extremely healthy pups are fully capable of living past 12 years of age. Possible Health Issues Like all dogs, Shepradors are not immune to disease and health problems. In fact, they may be susceptible to more issues. The problem with mixing breeds is that it opens up the possibilities of health complications in the future. Hereditary problems from both parents can be passed to the puppy. Unfortunately, German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are known to suffer from a few different ailments. Here are the most common health concerns to be wary of. Dysplasia is a musculoskeletal condition that often affects dogs later in life. However, it takes years to develop and can be triggered by issues as a young pup. Take hip dysplasia for example. Hip dysplasia can cause debilitating pain. Many dogs who suffer from it have a hard time standing up. They may exhibit signs of extreme weakness in the hind legs, resulting in a noticeably different posture. The hip sockets become malformed, causing mobility issues with the hip joint. While some dogs are born with it, poor development as a puppy can exacerbate the problem. There are treatment options for hip and elbow dysplasia. Veterinarians can perform surgery early on to correct the problem and provide relief. If your dog is already suffering from it, physical therapy and joint supplements can provide relief from pain. Bloat Contrary to popular belief, bloat is not an innocent gas problem with dogs. It occurs when dogs eat too fast or exert physical exercise too soon after eating. Excess air is swallowed, filling the stomach. Eventually, the stomach can twist on itself. This restricts blood flow throughout the body. Provide small meals and prevent your dog from playing for at least 30 minutes. To control fast eating, you can utilize slow-feeding bowls or puzzle toys. They create an obstacle that forces the dog to eat slower than normal, which can do a lot to prevent GDV. Ocular Issues Eye diseases, such as progressive retinal atrophy, are pretty common with both parent breeds. The tissue within the eye can degenerate over time. This causes vision loss. From there, you can provide supplements or foods rich in beta carotene to slow its progression. Diet and Exercise Requirements Shepherd Labrador mixes are incredibly active dogs. They love nothing more than playing and getting tons of exercise. To make matters worse, a lack of exercise can turn into a lasting problem. You need to start your pup on the right foot and establish a healthy lifestyle right off the bat. Go for runs and toss chew toys around the yard. You can break up exercise time in manageable chunks throughout the day to make things easier. As long as you get those 90 minutes in, your dog should have no problem staying healthy. When it comes to diet, you must be just as vigilant! These dogs have insatiable appetites. However, you need to ensure that their food is meeting all of their nutritional needs. It should use wholesome proteins like chicken, beef, or fish. The dog food should also have complex carbs and healthy fats like fish oil. Steer clear of anything that has artificial ingredients or unnecessary fillers. Those foods will do more harm than good. The goal is to provide your dog with muscle-building protein that will keep their body in good shape. As a good rule of thumb, dogs will need about 30 calories of food for each pound of body weight. This usually amounts to about 4 cups of dry kibble a day. That said, foods can vary dramatically when it comes to nutritional density. We recommend splitting their caloric requirements into two small meals a day. One meal in the morning and one in the evening will keep their energy levels stable as they go about their active lifestyles. Plus, splitting the meals will help to avoid issues like bloat. However, thick coats need a bit of extra work. GSDs have double costs. The outer layer of hair is thinner and easier to manage. Meanwhile, the inner coat is thick and dense. It provides insulation in those cold winter months. German Shepherd Lab mixes can inherit that thick coat. They will go through shedding cycles a couple of times a year, resulting in a mess of fur throughout your home! With regular brushings, you can keep the fallout to manageable levels while keeping your pup clean. These pups make great family dogs. They get along just fine with kids as long as you socialize them early on. As always, you should never leave your dog alone with young kids. These crossbred dogs are fully capable of attacking people, so you should exercise caution and always keep a watchful eye. They should know not to pull their tail or agitate the dog in any way. Are German Shepherd Lab mixes good guard dogs? Shepradors make great guard dogs. Plus, they tend to be a bit suspicious of strangers. Are these dogs aggressive? This all depends on their upbringing. If you take the time to properly train and socialize these dogs, they will be gentle and loving. However, if the dogs are abused or trained with punishment, they could exhibit aggressive behavior. How big to German Shepherd Lab mixes get? Males can weigh as much as 88 pounds and grow to 26 inches tall at the withers. Do Shepradors get along with other dogs? German Shepherd Labrador mixes do just fine with other dogs. However, they must be properly socialized first. Exposure to other animals is key during their development. They should be introduced to new family dogs slowly to prevent any aggressive behavior. Do Shepradors make good working dogs? Thanks to their intelligence and high trainability, Labrashepherds make fine working dogs. They do particularly well herding livestock. Conclusion German Shepherd Lab mixes are a joy to raise. If you have an active lifestyle to keep them fit, they will be a great addition to your family. Treat them well and these pups will spend their lives being a loving canine companion. Search Dog Breeds. German Shepherd Lab mix puppies German Shepherd Lab mix dogs are a combination of energetic friendliness and natural protection. As well trained adults they have the potential to make great herding, hunting, retrieving, therapy, service or pet dogs. German Shepherd Lab mixes are affectionate with their family, but need plenty of exercise, shed heavily, and can be destructive if left alone for long periods. That is, they have one parent of each pedigree. So there is huge variation in how they look, and no standard appearance. Some have the telltale muzzle and tall ears of the German Shepherd, others more resemble a Labrador. The color of their coat will depend on the coloring of their parents. For example, a black Lab German Shepherd mix is likely to have a dark coat, and a German Shepherd yellow Lab mix is likely to have a mid-toned coat. There are even arresting-looking white German Shepherd Lab crosses. An ultra-warm undercoat and a coarse outer coat to protect them from the elements as they work outdoors. This is because the gene for long coats is recessive and very unusual among Labs. Gathering up their lost hair will be a never-ending task! A good vacuum cleaner is essential. This might be reason enough to choose a different crossbreed if you have a busy family or someone with allergies in the home. German Shepherds are large dogs. They stand 22 — 26 inches tall at their shoulder blades, and weigh 49 — 88 pounds. Meanwhile, Labs are a medium sized breed, 22 — 25 inches tall at their shoulders, and 55 — 80 pounds on the scales. A Labrador German shepherd mix could be as petite as their smallest parent or as big as their largest parent. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could weigh anything from 55 pounds to 80 pounds. As usual, the lower end of the range is typically made up of female dogs, and the top end is dominated by the boys. They love to interact with people, show their affection, and get on well with children. Also, the German Shepherd is confident, courageous and smart. They are loyal and full of life. Furthermore, Labradors and German Shepherds are both fast learners and eager to please. German Shepherds in particular need productive ways to channel their intelligence, or they will get into mischief to stave off boredom. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could inherit any combination of the traits of their parents, which is why meeting both parents before committing to bringing home a puppy is so important. Socialization Socialization is the process of making a dog comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities. Even for breeds that are known to be friendly and easy-going, like Labradors, socialization is very important. German Shepherd Lab mixes are likely to inherit a love of people and company from both sides of their family tree. But socializing them properly as puppies will be vital to give them the confidence they need in meeting new people. German Shepherds, despite their great loyalty to their family, can be wary of strangers. So thorough socialization from puppyhood is essential, even for a mix. For instance, Socialization can involve having new people call over to the house regularly so your pup gets used to new faces and voices. It can also involve introducing your puppy to new dogs, cats, children and other animals so that they do not become fearful or territorial. A young dog in good health could require even more. They will also need human company for much of the day, and training to keep those big brains from getting bored. They are working dogs at heart. Highly motivated to learn and impress you with their ability to follow instructions. Like with any dog, training them is an ongoing commitment that lasts a lifetime. But with your ultra smart dog it should be a satisfying and rewarding one. German Shepherd and Labrador Health Magnification of health problems in pedigree dog breeds has become a well-documented problem. Labrador Health One of the biggest health problems facing Labradors today is hip and elbow dysplasia — looseness in the joints that eventually leads to painful arthritis. Another is progressive retinal atrophy, a gradual failure of the retina at the back of their eyes that can ultimately leave them blind. Also, Labs are also notoriously greedy, and prone to obesity if their penchant for snacking is indulged too often. Another less serious but common issue in Labs is ear infections. These are easily treated but may require veterinary care and frequent inspections. In addition, they are more than usually prone to: Gastrointestinal diseases. There is no way to find out if your puppy will develop any of these conditions. All you can do is to take care of your dog properly to prevent some of these severe medical conditions. Your growing dog should maintain a healthy weight because extra weight can be an additional weight on its spine. The ideal dog nutrition will also depend on any nutritional needs of your dog. If you are training your dog, never give treats as a reward. This encourages obesity and will only cause more problems for your dog. Here are top dog food brands that your German Shepherd Lab will surely love. Its core ingredients include ground brown rice, lamb meal, white rice, and chicken. It is all natural and contains no preservatives. Even a picky puppy will surely love this dog food. Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula Precise Holistic contains chicken, brown rice, chicken fat, and oatmeal and is considered the best organic dog food for large dogs. This comes with extra calcium and phosphorus needed by dogs to achieve its full, large size. This is a portion of irresistible dog food for large breed dogs such as your Lab German Shepherd mix. Just like any other dog, never give your German Shepherd Lab the following human food. Not all human food is safe for dogs. Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Salty foods and junk food Chocolate, coffee, or tea Onions, chives, and garlic If you want your dog to grow strong and healthy, you need to give them the best care in the world. So, start with their nutrition! That means you need to stay away from the worst dry dog food, and try out the best dry dog food instead. Your hairy friend comes from different parents and therefore you can experiment with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Our puppy friends need nutrition that is full of proteins and easy to digest. You can look for some ideas in the best puppy food brands. Senior dogs, in their grandpa style, need food which contains moderate protein levels as in the best senior dry dog food. Because of this, you need to spend ample time in a day to exercise and to walk this dog otherwise; it can develop destructive behavior. Play with your dog regularly to develop a strong bond with your pet. Remember that this dog will love to swim because of its Labrador Retriever lineage. A local dog pool or a pond would work great with your dog. If you have a large yard, an old, large vat will work great just for him to play and cool off. All dogs love to fetch and play Frisbee. Use other kinds of toys like large ropes so you can play pulling games. Use a giant ball for fetches like an old football or a tennis ball. Here are a few ideas 1. This is available in six sizes so you will surely find the best size for your medium to large-sized Lab German Shepherd mix. It is indestructible so your dog will undoubtedly spend hours playing with it. It is made from durable materials that will never break or chip. This is indestructible, and your dog will surely love to play with this over and over again. It is soft but is made to be indestructible. Your pet will surely love to chew on this soft bone. This will be his favorite toy in no time. Lab German Shepherd Mix Training The Lab crossed with a German Shepherd is a brilliant dog, but it may need more than simple traditional training techniques to train this dog. The following tricks will help you make your dog obey you in no time. The Clicker Technique Learn how to train your dog using a clicker. Press this, and you will hear an audible click, a sound that dog loves very much. The clicker may be used in all kinds of tricks, but the most common is for positive reinforcement. Just click the clicker when your dog can follow the trick and then click again if you want to repeat the behavior. Invest in a good clicker which is available in most pet stores online. This can contribute to obesity and other health problems related to being overweight. Reward good behavior by patting your dog, playing with him or giving him a good scratch. Tell your dog what a good dog he is and combines this with a lot of pats as reinforcement. Every dog takes his time so you must be patient. His bed should at the same place where he found it the first time while his food bowls should also be in the same area. Consistency is the key to training dogs important stuff. Also, consider talking to everyone at home regarding your rules and commands to reinforce consistency in training your dog. Train Your Dog In A Familiar Environment Dogs like the Lab are easily distracted; therefore you must train your pup in a quiet and familiar environment first before you take him out for further training. Start inside a quiet room with only you and him. You can train him outdoors once he is less distracted to noise and the presence of other pets and people. You may also opt for professional training for your Lab German Shepherd mix dog if you want your pup to grow up and become a service dog or police dog. German Shepherd Lab Mix and Families Lab German Shepherds can be great family dogs because these dogs love to be with their masters and to please them every way they can. These are patient with children and will never roughhouse or bite. They can even tolerate toddlers and very intense games like dress up and role play games. Lab German Shepherd mix dogs will love to be with other pets and even other dogs. They are not domineering and will never cause a fight. The Lab German Shepherd mix may become anti-social and may become aggressive with people or other dogs when they are not introduced to people and other pets early on. Your dog should be trained first and exposed to other dogs and people to prevent this untoward behavior. Blue Gray Some hybrids might be a solid color, or others can have a pattern like their German Shepherd parent. If they do have a pattern they will generally have a darker shade over their back and sides and the tips of their tail, ears, and muzzle, with a lighter shade everywhere else. Size The German Shepherd Lab mix does not have a breed standard for their full grown size. This means that although they are on average 60 to 90 pounds and 20 to 25 inches tall, they can fall either side of this range as well. When these pups are born they will weigh around 5 pounds, but will quickly grow to around 15 pounds by the time you bring them home at two months of age. Both parent breeds show a difference in sizes between males and females. You can expect a male German Shepherd Lab mix to weigh about 10 pounds more and be up to 5 inches taller than a female. By the age of 10 weeks there is usually already a noticeable size difference between pups from the same litter. Temperament and Personality The German Shepherd Lab mix is about as loving, protective and family-friendly as any dog. This sprightly, goofy and loving protector thrives when all the attention is on them! They love to play and enjoy being in the company of their family. Although goofy and energetic, they are gentle and loving with children. They are just as happy with cuddle and fuss as they are with a game of chase or frisbee. German Shepherd Lab mixes are friendly and gentle dogs who want to be friends with everyone. They are great with other dogs and people and fit well into most households with other pets. If the German Sheprador is bought up with cats or rabbits from puppyhood they tend to become good friends. However, their Labrador Retriever parent may give them a slight prey drive. This instinct means some pups want to chase animals smaller than them. This is especially true if these animals run away from them as they see it as a game. The German Shepherd Lab mix is an active dog who likes to have a job to do. Remember both parents are working breeds. Whatever it may be, they need something to keep their minds and bodies busy. This is especially true if they are left alone. They get easily bored and may turn to destructive behaviors such as chewing furniture if left without company for too long. Some German Shepherd Lab mixes can be talkative. This might be especially apparent when they get carried away when playing. They might also have a deeper, more intimidating German Shepherd bark when alerting to danger or strangers. These dogs are protective and have a guarding instinct, just like the German Shepherd Rottweiler mix. The Lab German Shepherd mix is likely to be cautious of new people and tends to err towards protectiveness. This dog is just about as goofy, loving, and protective as any dog could be! They vie for your attention in all sorts of wacky and energetic ways like throwing their toys around, bounding around, or pushing their heads onto your lap. German Shepherd Lab mixes are not just a blur of energy, they are affectionate and cuddly. Their ideal Sunday morning is lying in bed with you while lapping up snuggles and belly rubs, followed by a long walk in the sunshine with plenty of treats. They are gentle and kind-hearted, making them perfect to have with children of any age. The Lab Shepherd mix is tolerant of tail pulls and ear tugs so they get on well with young children. Who They Suit Best A German Shepherd Lab mix will fit well into a family household where they are going to get plenty of that attention that they crave! They are gentle and kind dogs who get on with children of all ages. They are friendly with other dogs and small pets so will easily fit into a multi-pet household too. These dogs are better suited to those families who are very active and have a big house and garden. They need plenty of playtime, exercise and space to burn off energy. All reliable breeders will offer this. A simple google search for German Shepradors in your state should bring up a whole list of potential breeders. In fact, one in four are prone to obesity as they have a gene that is strongly associated with weight gain, obesity and a strong appetite. There is a chance that your German Shepherd Lab mix might inherit this gene and have a veracious appetite. They will need to have a well-monitored and controlled diet. This includes not just their daily kibble, but treats and titbits as well. This mix needs a large breed kibble from when they are a young puppy. This will ensure they are getting enough nutrients to support their quick growth rate into the big dogs they will become. Once fully grown they should be getting around three cups of kibble a day, spaced out across two meals. Some of this kibble can also be used as treats throughout the day and on walks. It is better to use kibble as treats, rather than using high calorie treats, as this will help keep the weight off. Training These dogs are very intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement dog training. They are easily trained as they love to please and enjoy training as it means they are the center of attention. Their Lab genes means they will do almost anything for a treat. Training this mixed breed is something even the novice dog-owner can do. Exercise The German Shepherd Lab mix is full of energy as it has working-breed parents. These hybrids need at least one hour of exercise a day. Make sure their walks involve a strenuous activity such as hiking, running or swimming. These dogs are known to love agility, although their large size and goofy nature can make them clumsy. Health German Shepherd Lab mixes live for between 10 and 12 years, however they are prone to two serious health issues. Both parents are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, so this Lab Shepherd mix is at risk too. This means they are assessed for their risk of hip and elbow dysplasia. Choose a breeder that uses this technique to be sure the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia in your puppy is reduced. These dogs are also at risk of bloat gastric dilatation volvulus which is an illness inherited from both parents. Finally, they are prone to weight gain and obesity like their Labrador parent. This coat is designed to keep them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It is equally perfect for playing in the snow or in the sand. However, this type of coat sheds heavily all year round. The German Shepherd Lab mix needs weekly grooming for up to an hour. It is best to use a slicker brush to help them shed and prevent any matting or knots. When brushing, focus especially on the armpits and under-belly, as these are the places mats most commonly form. These pups only need grooming for 30 minutes once a week with a soft bristled brush. This will help to keep their coat shiny and in tip-top condition. German Shepherd Lab mixes tend to be larger than a Labrador. They are more similar to the size of their German Shepherd parent. Fully grown they can weigh as much as 90 pounds and be 26 inches tall. The average is 75 pounds and 23 inches. Males will be larger than females by as much as 10 pounds and 5 inches. German Shepherds and Labradors are highly intelligent working dogs. They are known for their varied jobs, from guard dogs, herding dogs and police dogs to guide dogs and therapy dogs. It should be no surprise that the German Shepherd Lab mix is a clever dog! They know exactly what you want and can solve puzzles and games easily. However, sometimes you might find yourself questioning their smarts… in their desperate attempts for attention they can be extremely goofy and clumsy! In their home a German Shepherd Lab mix is goofy, playful, cuddly and affectionate. However they are protective of their families and have a strong guarding instinct. If their human is wary of a stranger you can expect a few barks. If their human greets a stranger with ease they will make friends. Although most commonly known as the German Shepherd Lab mix, they are also sometimes called Labrashepherds or Alsatian Lab mixes. German Shepherd Lab mixes weigh up to 90 pounds and grow to 26 inches tall, but the average is 75 pounds and 23 inches. These hybrids live for attention and will do a wide range of goofy and wacky thing to earn the approval of their owners. They are loving, protective, gentle and kind-natured. These traits make them the perfect family pet for households with children of any age and other pets. They are also eager to please and intelligent, so are very responsive to positive reinforcement dog training, especially if they are going to earn a treat. It is perfect for keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer. However, you might just find it all over the house as they shed all year round. They will need weekly grooming to keep their coat under control. The German Shepherd Lab mix is about as loving, protective and family-friendly as any dog. Do you think this mix would fit right into your family? More Labrador Mixes.