mixed german shepherd puppies

New puppies are just so adorable and fun to have around. How your new puppy is brought into your family has life long implications on how that puppy will develop and grow as a member of your family. No pressure! There are some practical things that you need to take care of and make sure are in place and, importantly, some behavioural things. Remember, the day you bring your puppy home is the day that they have been taken away from their litter mates. And they are just 8 weeks old. Expect them to be a little bit scared by it all. A well-planned homecoming will help them settle into their new home quickly and, just as importantly, will help you to enjoy the experience a whole lot more. The Practical Stuff - what you should have at home for your new puppy A place for your puppy to sleep and something for it to sleep on. Start out as you wish to continue. There are a multitude of dog beds on the market and dog crates are also a great option. Puppy food, and food and water bowls — By 8 weeks of age your puppy is weaned from its mother and is eating dry food. Ask us in advance the brand and type of food the puppies are already on so you can help them settle in with what they are familiar with. If you plan to change their diet we recommend you doing so over 2 weeks or so to give their digestive systems a chance to adjust. Health care worming, ticks, fleas, ear care — Talk to your vet about what they recommend for the area that you live in. Prevention is always better than cure in this case, particularly with ticks which can easily kill a small puppy. Australian labradoodles have ears that hang down so having a mild ear solution and scissors on hand to trim and keep ears clean is also recommended. Grooming — we recommend having at least a comb and a soft brush so your puppy gets used to being groomed from an early age. Go gently as their skin is still tender but if done gently this is something a puppy will always look forward to, and it is a great bonding exercise. The coat of an Australian Labradoodle can get long as it grows older so getting your puppy used to being groomed is a necessity. Hopefully you have had a chance to look through my puppy preparation checklist by this stage too. The Behavioural Stuff — introducing your puppy to its new family and home Day 1 with your new puppy is a very important day for you all. For example, can your puppy sleep on your bed? Can it play on your couch? Can you feed it while you are eating at the table yourself? Where will it go when you need to leave it at home? This can be extremely difficult as they are just so adorable — and have been so anticipated — but being calm and quiet in those few minutes will pay dividends. Let it smell you and feel your calm energy — it is looking for a pack leader in this moment so now is your chance to establish yourself as its new leader. When you take it home you should have something so it can travel safely and securely. A lap is ok if it is an adult holding it or otherwise we recommend a crate. Have the puppy close so it can still see you. Hold your puppy so it can put its front paws on the car and let it take its first few steps into the vehicle. This is very important. Be patient and let it decide to move forward. Once it has accepted that is where you want it to go quietly put it into its crate, close the door and drive home. It may cry on the way home and this is normal. Soothe the puppy calmly. If you are overly fussy or anxious yourself in these first few moments you are only teaching it that crying brings more attention and this can create a difficult dog as it grows. When you get home follow the same routine as with the car. Let it take the first steps into your house rather than carrying it inside. If you have children then they will be desperate to play with it. Calmly introduce the puppy to each child and let everybody get to know each other. Your puppy by now is probably thirsty and exhausted so once the initial introductions are done it is a great opportunity to introduce it to its new sleeping area. You should have a water bowl waiting, and a feed bowl ready to give it some kibble. Its amazing how quickly a puppy can get into something it shouldn't! Some will be more nervous than others. Be patient. They have just left everything that they know and are on their own for the first time ever. They need to learn to trust you and their new environment and this will take a week or two. Don't force them to do things or go to places eg. They will get there eventually but one step at a time. See my puppy care notes for tips for sleeping and those first few nights too. The key here is to be intuitive and flexible. Every puppy reacts differently and no book, blog or you tube clip has the exact right answer. The first five months - sets their behaviour for life The behavioural aspects of bringing home a new puppy and raising a puppy are so important. The first five months of a puppy's life are what sets its behaviour for life so it is extremely important to avoid traumatic experiences. This can include fear reactions when you take them into a new environment so be observant and intuitive and manage these gently if they happen. Sometimes you might need to relax your rules or adapt your expectations for a bit to help build their confidence. Puppies are an absolute joy and they will quickly settle into their new home. Giving them a great introduction and clearly defining their routine and boundaries from the outset will make them feel more secure in the long run, and this makes for a long and happy family relationship with your new furr-friend. There is a lot of pressure these days for the 'perfect puppy'. There is no such thing as perfect - each dog has its own personality and traits and, just like us, we work with what we have. Your strategy should be to create an environment where they trust you, and can relax and grow in confidence within the boundaries of how you see your life with a new furry family member. With a labradoodle though you have a breed that is naturally inclined to want to please you and to be part of the family so its a great foundation. You can expect a joyful experience raising a puppy that is full of personality, intelligence and love. See my puppy care notes for more tips Posted on January 10, Samantha Willis. As long as the product does the intended job. Each puppy comes with a comprehensive health guarantee, so you can be sure that your new furry friend is healthy and happy. They also give back to the pet community by supporting animal-related charities and initiatives. Overall, PuppySpot is a convenient and ethical way to find your perfect Labradoodle puppy. So why not check them out and add a new furry family member to your home? Preparing Your House — The Basics Besides getting all of the necessary supplies a Labradoodle puppy will need, you will also have to ensure that your home itself is prepared for a puppy. What can they reach? Where will they sniff around? You have to address all manner of safety issues before your puppy arrives home. Designated House-Training Area House training, and many other kinds of training, should start as soon as your puppy moves in. Designated Sleeping Area For the first couple of weeks, it has been proven more successful when you have your puppy sleep in a crate beside your bed than in some other room in your home. Your puppy will be able to feel asleep a lot easier if they know they are close to you. So unless you enjoy having to move a single crate around your home every single day, it could be a good idea to have one for your bedroom and one for whatever other room you have planned to be their future sleeping spot. You could equip the crates with nothing more than just a waterproof mat and something to comfort them such as an old t-shirt or rag from the breeder. Baby Gates Puppy gates or baby gates, getting a few of these around your house before bringing your puppy home is a good idea. Not only are they important for training purposes, but for their own safety, they are absolutely vital. Electric Cables This is something a lot of people overlook, but it can potentially be life-threatening if not taken care of. Designated Daily Area It can be challenging enough to look after a puppy, so having a sectioned-off room or area for them can help you significantly. Before you bring your puppy home, consider having a designated area for them set up and ready for use. In this area, there should be their crate, water, food bowls, assorted toys, treats, and some cleaning products ready to use. Final Check of the Home As I mentioned above, your new Labradoodle puppy will probably surprise you with their never-ending curiosity. Having Several of the Right Kinds of Toys With new puppies, a lot of the questions I hear typically have something to do with their mouths. Their teeth, chewing, biting,… the list goes on. So this is something that we have to take a look at. And you should also remember that when bringing a new puppy home, it might not have received any worthwhile training at all. This is why having a lot of the right kinds of toys will be very beneficial and helpful to both you and the puppy. The Best Toys for a Doodle puppy include: Hard, tough chew toys. These are usually toys made from hard rubber or plastic with small recesses and massagers. Dog bones. Known for their durability and ability to last for a long time. They often have a slight flavor to keep your puppy attracted to them and they are generally a great all-round option. Interactive toys. Soft training toys. You should only use these toys for training. If you do that. Doing it like this makes the toy an efficient object for training and having a handful of these toys ready would be a great idea. But allow me to also cover some general tips and tricks on how to care for your puppy and what you should do in specific situations. Have a look at the tips below to hopefully help you understand how you should act in everyday situations that puppy owners can find themselves in. Knowing just a few of these can help you prepare better for a new life filled with puppy love. A Labradoodle puppy is very intelligent and can quickly build an association between the command and toilet time. When your puppy manages to do its business in the designated area, even if you had to carry him all the way there, give him a lot of love and praise him massively. The key to a successful life with dogs is positive reinforcement training. Talk with the breeder about what their current meal times are, and then continue following that. This will make it a lot easier for the puppy to transition into this new life of theirs. Can Your Puppy Go in the Yard? Use Comforters When talking about comforters, I mean anything that your puppy can associate back to either your or their mother. This can be anything from a smell, shape, texture, or just how the item feels. These sensations remind the puppy of having their mother with them. When I first heard about these products, I brushed it off as a silly gimmick, but I got one from a friend of mine as a gift, as I was pleasantly surprised at just how great and cute, they actually are. And they are also highly recommended by other puppy owners. Final Words So that was our small Labradoodle puppy checklist, and if you follow just half the advice given, you are as prepared as you can be before welcoming your new Labradoodle puppy to your home. You now have a comprehensive list of products, how you prepare your home best, and just what you can expect from your new puppy. Taking in a puppy, training them, and just all about their general care and well-being is a very large subject. 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. Contact Prepare for Your Australian Labradoodle Puppy Bringing home your new puppy is one of the greatest joys, and planning ahead and having what your new puppy will need are keys to a successful beginning. While it is great fun to buy lots of toys and pet beds and cute collars for your new family member, the greatest gift that you can give this furry baby is to prepare yourself with the knowledge of raising a dog. It is very important to think about your puppies first week with you in the most quiet and peaceful manner you can imagine. The following tips will help establish a good foundation relationship between you and your new pet. Good idea. Your puppies first few days would be best suited to having as much of your attention as possible and as calm of a schedule as you can manage. Your puppy will adjust best if you keep company to a minimum for the first days. Establishing a routine for feeding your puppy three times a day and a designated "crate training" time each initial day will serve both your family and your puppy well. It is very scary for a puppy to come into a new home and be left alone for many hours at a time. While it is fine to leave the puppy for a little while each day, it needs to be done in a manner that will be conducive to helping your puppy adjust well. If you have children, be sure to read books and watch videos about children and dogs. The puppy is not a new toy, and the children need to be very respectful of the new puppies space and sleep schedule. The puppy is not a toy. Watch for signs that your puppy needs to use the restroom. Puppies have very little bladder control and will need to take frequent breaks to eliminate. The key times to be watchful and initiate potty breaks are: after eating, drinking, playing, or waking from sleep. Do not ever punish your pet for an accident. Just pick him up and redirect him. Then praise him each time he goes outside. Never ever take a puppy that has not been fully vaccinated to a retail pet store. Vaccinations will usually be completed by 16 weeks and your vet can inform you of the timeframe that your pet will have the full coverage of the vaccinations. Pet stores are frequently the culprits of a puppy being exposed to harmful diseases that are life threatening. Be sure you have read a few books to understand what typical "puppy behaviors" look like. A few normal puppy behaviors include: nipping, chasing, chewing, and barking. Good pet owners will have a plan in place to address these issues in a manner that is positive and will redirect the behavior. Like children, puppies respond best to repetition. Australian Labradoodles are particularly sensitive in nature and do not usually require harsh discipline. Additional supply list info that is more specific is on the Homecoming Prep link above. It is surely an exciting time for both your family and the puppy. The key to making this a smooth and easy process is proper preparation. Below you will find a simple plan to make this as easy as possible for both you and the puppy. Know your local Veterinarian This would be something you wouldn't think about until something happens and then the need arises. It is very important to have the Veterinarian you plan to use already in place prior to the puppy arriving. This will allow you to make plans for the puppies vaccine shots that will need to be done only a few weeks after arriving at your home. Having a Veterinarian already in place will eliminate a lot of stress if something happens with the puppy and you need a resource to ask questions or seek care for your Labradoodle. When looking for recommendations for a Veterinarian ask your local friends, family, neighbor, or local Doodle Facebook group. They will often be very honest about who they choose to take care of their own dog. If you are unsuccessful use Google but check reviews before making a selection. Having these items on hand prior to the puppy's arrival will make the transition of settling into the new home a lot easier. It is not necessary to have all these items on hand, so use your own judgment as to what you feel comfortable with having on hand. Most of these items are listed on our puppy products page. We recommend the "Pawtree" brand and instructions on how to order are listed on our puppy products page Small Puppy treats-see our recommended brand or select your own. Just make sure it is made in the USA Metal food and water bowls Slicker brush, comb, and detangler brush. A quality slicker brush will save you headaches later on Nail clippers Leash, collar, and harness. The puppy will grow out of these items very quickly and there will be a need to buy these items several times. So keep that in mind when deciding on how much you need to spend on these during that period. PeeWee pads. Durable chew toys. All toys should be bigger than the Labradoodle puppy's mouth. Inexpensive playpen works great for having a place to put the puppy for busy times that your attention is not on the puppy. How to Puppy Proof Your House Puppies are very curious and often find things that they really should not be in contact with. Take a look at your home and consider what the puppy might find themselves getting into. Just like having a young toddler in your home if there is trouble the Labradoodle puppy will find it. Look for items they can reach or come in contact with and remove items that might be harmful to them. Here are a few things to consider: Electric cables- Puppies will crew on anything and electric cables are one of the most dangerous and can be life-threatening. In today's world, we have so many items that require charging or electrical power. TV's, lamps, extension cords, phone chargers, and small devices throughout your home all provide the puppy an opportunity to be harmed. Small trash cans- smaller trash cans should have lids that do not allow the puppy to get into them. Also, consider the weight of the trash and could the puppy turn it over and get into it. Baby gates- These work great to keep puppy and dog out of areas you don't want them to have access too. Designated Daily Area- Your Labradoodle puppy should not be left unsupervised in your home. Inexpensive Playpens provide you with a place to put the puppy during the day when your full attention cannot be on the safety of the puppy. These can be easily moved into whatever area of the home you are in at the time the puppy needs to be in Playpen. Add a water bowl, waterproof blanket for the floor, safe toys, puppy bed, and you have a safe zone for the Labradoodle during periods of the day. It has been our experience that it is best to do a couple of things that in the long term lead to a happier puppy. Use a crate for sleep time. By using a crate we have found that the puppy sees it as their den and a safe place. Use a soft crate mat, the litter blanket from Majestic, and safe toys to make the puppy feel at home. By using one area in the home for this allows the Labradoodle to understand what is expected when in the crate. Find an area in the home that is safe, quiet, and freer of daytime light for the puppy to sleep in. Use a blanket to cover the front of the crate to allow for a cozy feel to the den. We play low volume classic music to drown out other noises that might interfere with the puppy sleeping. Set a Schedule and stick to it. Labradoodle Puppies are just like babies if you can get them on a schedule they will adjust and find comfort in having a routine. By setting a schedule for sleep time, feeding time, and playtime the puppy will quickly learn the structure. After a short period of time, it is amazing how they know what is next even without being able to tell time. Feeding Your Australian Labradoodle We feed puppies weeks old 3 times a day. We try to keep them on a schedule such as 7a, 12p, and 5 pm. It is best to not feed after 6 pm to help the puppy with bedtime. Once the puppy is 12 weeks old we cut them back to 2 feedings a day. We don't recommend free feeding and the food bowl left out at all times. Water should be provided at all times except at bedtime. This is what your puppy has been fed and what we feed to all of our dogs. In our puppy products section, you will find the instructions to purchase. Order ahead of time so that it will arrive prior to the puppy's arrival. But the first few days is not the best time to show the puppy off to family, neighbors, or friends. All of these are great for puppy socialization and we encourage you to take advantage of them. Let the puppy settle into the new surroundings before doing this. Keep the vibe in the house calm and relaxing for the first few days and soon the puppy will take to it and be right at home. During this time keep the puppy busy with lots of activities, praise, snuggles, and love to form a special bond with your family before introducing the Labradoodle to others. The Labradoodles First Night Home It is very important to understand what can happen the first few nights once you bring home your new Labradoodle puppy. In addressing this topic it is difficult to know how it will go when the puppy arrives. A lot of families have no issues and the puppy settles in and is right at home. Sometimes that is not the case and the puppy has to make the adjustment to the new surroundings. But even the short period of time it takes to get over this is worth years of the friendship, companionship, and love that the Australian Labradoodle has to offer. Labradoodle puppies prefer the safety and comfort of their family and do not like being separated from them. Consider the mindset of the Labradoodle puppy. They have always been with their mom and siblings for the last 8 weeks. Surrounded by warm bodies and the loving care of the mom. Dogs are pack animals and find safety and comfort in being with the rest of the pack. On the other hand, your family has waited with great anticipation to bring the puppy home to give it all the love and attention that you can possibly give. The only problem is the Labradoodle doesn't know that yet. The Labradoodle instinctively knows that being away from the pack is dangerous and not normal. So the crying, whining, barking, and evening squealing that could happen the first few nights are normal and just their way of trying to find their pack. I know, sad but let's read on. This will all pass and is something that a lot of puppies go through. Puppy's first few nights can be the hardest for you as well. We tend to be more emotional, take everything to heart, feel guilty the puppy is sad, overwhelmed, frustrated, think they don't like us, we picked the wrong puppy, or there must be something wrong with our new puppy. Try not to do this and understand that in a short period of time the Labradoodle will LOVE their new home. So it is important that you prepare yourself and the rest of the family for what may come in the first few nights. If your Labradoodle just settles in and doesn't cry or whine this too is ok and just count yourself lucky. So we have established that crying is the norm and the first few nights may be hard. It is also important to not jump to conclusions the first night or weeks as to what kind of companion your puppy will be. Setting boundaries, schedules, routines, exposing the puppy to new things, and continued training will all go a long way in helping the Labradoodle to be a well-balanced member of the family. Just give them all the LOVE you can and take the time to keep them busy. This will go a long way to keeping the puppy from having anxiety or being afraid. The first few weeks are not a true reflection on how successful that will be. Stay with the plan and it will all work out. So again I want to remind you that not all puppies have issues adjusting to their new forever home. But if they do it is short-lived and well worth all that the Australian Labradoodle will bring to your home. Puppies need crates like babies need cribs. It gives them a place to relax and sleep where they can feel safe. Associate the crate with something pleasant and never use it for punishment. Puppies under 6 months of age should not be crated more than hours at a time. Puppies don't have the ability to hold their bladders and bowels well at the first and really don't understand that they need too. This will be key with potty and crate training. Don't be afraid to set boundaries and don't feel guilty in establishing rules to live by. Finds ways to show puppy attention and love. Love will solve a lot of issues. Play games, sniggle, train, and just find ways to make them feel comfortable with their new surroundings. It's ok to keep the crate next to your bed for the first few nights. This will allow the Labradoodle to be able to smell and hear you. It can also help the Labradoodle to feel less afraid, not abandoned, and get over any crying a little sooner. Give the puppy the litter blanket and a soft toy animal to snuggle with. Covering the crate with a lightweight soft blanket also helps. Do not put the puppy in bed with you. I know, wow that sounds mean. But working through the first few nights or week can be hard but you will likely regret making the decision to let the puppy sleep with you. Wait until the puppy has matured to about months before doing this. Helping Your Puppy Sleep at Night Make sure the Labradoodle is getting plenty of exercise during the day while out of the crate Try to wear them out playing games, simple training, tossing a ball, or running in the yard. All this will help the puppy to be ready for a nap or to sleep at night. Make sure the Labradoodle puppy has had plenty of bathroom breaks throughout the day. Take them for a potty break just before putting them in their crate to rest or at night. Staying on a schedule will also help the Labradoodle to know when it is time to rest or sleep. The hour or so before putting them to bed for the night should be a winding down period and make it part of the everyday routine. Limit water before bedtime, potty right before bedtime, tire them out after 6 pm, and settle them down one hour before bedtime will help them to sleep longer. If the puppy wakes up in the middle of the night and is whining to go potty, take them out and put them right back to bed. Limit interaction and no playtime or sniggling. By staying with the same routine and schedule the puppy quickly learns what is expected. What do you need to do to prepare? Here are some things you will need to have that very first night. The Crate You will need a crate that the puppy can stand up and turn around in. A crate is one of the pet carriers used to transport dogs on the plane. You see them in pet shops. The crate must be big enough but not too big. A Labradoodle puppy from us has been introduced to sleeping in a crate. Many puppies find it a safe refuge and a great sleeping spot. We will let you know about your puppy when she is ready to come home. A crate might not look as adorable as the pink fluffy bed with princess embroidery but to your new puppy her crate can be the equivalent of having a room of her own. When you want your puppy to be safe while you spend a couple of hours shopping, or your puppy needs to nap the crate is a good place for puppy to be. If you are going to leave puppy for an extended daytime period a pen is a better choice than a crate. Puppy can go to the bathroom, have a drink and chew toys in a pen. Hugo in a crate of his own choosing Our puppies have been introduced to a crate. If you use your crate as a sleeping and napping space at home their crate becomes their own space. We have them spending the night in a crate before they go home to you. Our puppies often fly to their new homes and they are always welcomed by airlines because they are used to their crates. Can you imagine the trauma puppies who are not crate trained experience when they are put into a strange box and taken away from home? To our puppies the crate is their own little place and they are comfortable there. If your puppy arrives and tells you she no longer likes her crate put it where she can see you. Put her in it for short periods of time for naps. With a new environment she can be feeling strange but she will come round as all of our puppies nap and travel in crates. Pretty Or Practical Even if your plan is that Fluffy should sleep in the bed with you, her time spent in her crate will help with potty training. When nap-time is over take her quickly outside and she will go to the bathroom in the appropriate spot. Without her crate she will wake up on her frilly pink cushion, take a few steps and pee in the dining room. If she falls happily asleep at your feet or on a cushion just watch and be mindful. The minute she wakes up she will need to pee. You will both get in to a rhythm that suits you. We have introduced your puppy to appropriate places to go potty but puppy is still a baby. They are far too young and bladder and brain are not properly connected. A soft bed in the kitchen and any other room where you spend time is a great idea for puppy. Puppies will drag their toys and chewies over to this spot and it is where they are close but not right under foot. We have them in the kitchen, where we are on the computer and where we watch TV. Puppies chew. It is a fact of life. We have big smoked bones and lots of other chew toys available. Like little children they like variety. Rather than scolding him for chewing the chair rung or the woodwork offer him something even better. Ours like kongs with peanut butter inside. All kinds of dental chews. A warning though, things with bright green or red dye are never good! We like a wire crate for the car and we have a travel crate for seeping. A tin of pumpkin for tummy emergencies If you are coming to us to pick up puppy remember to bring a water dish for the car and a chew toy for the crate. He will beg you for a big, gigantic meal! Feed him very little as his tummy will be easily upset. His little system will take a while to adjust to new water, new surroundings, even new little organisms in the dirt in his new backyard. Have a tin of plain pumpkin on hand should he have some diarrhea. A big scoop of pumpkin with some kibble will help the problem. That is irritation from the diarrhea. Give the problem a couple of days before you fly to the vet. Make sure your puppy is drinking lots of water. We used to give Pepto Bismal for upset tummies but they have changed the formula and it is no longer safe for dogs. However, he is not completely protected. Your puppy will have a record telling you when his next our of a series of three vaccines should be. We used to be able to give two vaccinations but veterinary medicine has changed its protocol and does not administer the first vaccine until eight weeks. Your puppy is completely protected two weeks after her third vaccine. That is the day she can walk in the park! That being said puppy should meet as many people and go to as many noisy places as possible. Take her to sports events, to school and to all the places you go. Labradoodle Safety Tips Puppies should get used to the car even if they are not going anywhere special. However, they tend to want to leap out every time you do. This can lead to a terrible accident. Secure your puppy in a crate before you get out of the car. Be very careful when you are driving your new puppy home for the first time because everything is strange to her. Puppies love to play. Invite a puppy to your house for some puppy play but take off their collars. Accidents can happen with little mouths and little collars. Puppies are babies who put absolutely everything into their mouths from passing bugs to live electrical wires. I find I need to be in the same room as a puppy unless he is confined. A little water, five chew toys and a mat makes a nice little spot where he can be while I am not paying attention. When I do work around the house I just have appropriate chew toys in every room and keep on encouraging their use. Mercifully, young puppies sleep a lot. Labradoodle Food A puppy lives to eat! Although an older dog might be a picky eater a puppy always behaves as if he is starving. Choosing the right food for your puppy is important and we have found all those little kibbles look pretty much alike. The dog foods we are familiar with are the brands we see on TV. It is sold in the supermarkets and these foods are generally poor quality. We are now feeding various very high quality foods made by Orijen, Acana and Go. We will send home a sample of exactly what we are feeding your puppy. Puppies have sensitive tummies so she might need to be weaned from one food to another if the food she is on is not available. We do not feed puppy food. The best way to find a new food is to go to Dog Food Analysis. This is a site run by food scientists. It will give you a chemical breakdown of the food and it will rate the food according to nutrition. After you have checked out the site go to a local pet store and ask them which nutritious, well rated food they have available. Good dog food is not cheap but it is a lot less expensive than the vet bills will be a few years down the road with a poor quality food. Some foods are the equivalent of feeding your children hot dogs every night. Multiple Dog Dinner Time We humans like to dine together. I used to love to see the little food bowls of our multiple dog household all lined up in the kitchen. If puppy is joining other dogs in your house feed them in separate rooms or feed the puppy in her crate. It is a good thing for humans to be around dogs when they eat but they are too intent on seeing who got something better to eat as a dog family. Liza's family having luncheon al fresco. In a few days all of their meals will be taken separately. If you have your heart set on diamonds wait until Gigi arrives and take her into a pet shop to purchase a collar. She will need one that fits exactly right. Too large and she can easily back out of it if she is nervous or afraid. We like a harness or loopy for walking. A harness is a great investment for puppy because it will keep her safe while you are out in the world. Buy a good sturdy leash with a good clasp that will fit through the collar ring. Trainers do not recommend retractable leashes. Puppy needs to know exactly when he is at the end of the leash. When you are training your puppy you will want to have more control over the situation than you can have with a retractable leash. A Plan For Training Once your puppy has been settled into your home it is time to continue with puppy training. Learn how to continue training at home, with kids and how best to care for your puppy. The first few days are important to show your puppy they can feel comfortable around you and their new home. You can even get started on some very basic training! Perhaps this describes you right now! If so, we imagine you are excited, a little nervous, and just a touch sleep-deprived from thinking about meeting your puppy all night. Starting off on the right foot with your puppy can encourage a strong bond and great puppy manners from the beginning! Potty training, socialization, and those first few trips to the vet can be stressful. But, raising a Labradoodle puppy can also be a lot of fun. And of course, Labradoodle cuteness can really sweeten those tougher moments. This involves choosing the right supplies, learning about training and socialization, and finding a good veterinarian. Finding and Choosing a Veterinarian The first thing new puppy owners must do is find a great canine veterinarian. From early on, vet visits will involve general check ups, vaccinations, pest treatments, and more. So, find out this information from the breeder and pass it along to your veterinarian. Puppy Supplies Checklist This checklist is a great guide for new puppy owners. Speak to your breeder too, as they may have suggestions or specific recommendations to add. Of course there are other things that can be useful, but not everyone will choose to get them. For instance, you may want a bed that your puppy can use other than the one in their crate. You may want to invest in a harness in preparation for taking your puppy outside at 12 weeks. And, you might like items like a puppy sling to make carrying your Labradoodle easier during socialization sessions. They may be able to recommend specific products that they have tried and tested before. Alternatively, they may be able to add on extra things that will be useful for your specific lifestyle and situation. Your new Labradoodle puppy will explore the world with their nose and mouth. They will lick and chew almost everything they come across, from chair legs and accessible valuables to clothing and fingers. But we will talk more about potty training a little later. This will keep destruction to a minimum. Doing so can make them stressed and anxious! Remove all toxic or poisonous greenergy from your home and yard, including houseplants Remove any heirlooms or irreplaceable items, including furnishings Reroute electrical wiring, or cover it with a chew-proof cord concealer Install child-proof latches on all cabinets, drawers, and doors Secure all cleaning products, pesticides, fertilizers, medication, and any unsafe or toxic foods Clear your kitchen counters — a puppy that jumps up and finds food will keep doing it! Puppy proof all indoor and outdoor water features, spas, and pools including the toilet! Properly puppy proofing your home before their arrival will save you a lot of stress, panic, and trips to the emergency vet. Basic Puppy First Aid Kit An important thing to note here is that you should always speak to your vet first before administering any type of medical help to your puppy. But, there are a few things that are useful to have at home. You vet may advise you to use these over the phone before you can bring your Labradoodle puppy in. Here are some useful products to keep in your puppy first aid kit: Weather vest in case of anxiety during storms, fireworks, etc. Gauze pads and tape Cotton tipped swabs and cotton balls Antiseptic wipes Hydrogen peroxide and isopropyl alcohol Styptic powder Saline solution and gel for eyes Blunt end scissors and nail file Tweezers. Food and Water dishes, or a water bottle to hang in the crate door. Brushes are great for surface brushing Doodles but you really need a good comb for getting the mats out and getting all the way down to the root of the hair. I love the Carlson Gates with the handles, I do not recommend the cheap accordion style wooden ones. Puppy Bed and Blankets, if puppy is peeing on their bed or blankets then replace them with a Stuffed Animals to cuddle Whelping Pads. Your puppy has been trained from birth using these so if you absolutely can not let them outside, I think these work better then the disposal potty pads they chew and drag around. Dewormer — I recommend using Safeguard dewormer, an over the counter dewormer that kills all 4 types of intestinal worms and also treats giardia which is a very common parasite transmitted via infected feces in water or soil and the 1 cause of diarrhea in young puppies. Dreamydoodles puppies are dewormed 4x before they go home and should be wormed again at home with Safe-guard at 12 wks and then every 6 months. Feed you puppy the same food at the same time every day. Puppies should be fed times a day on a strict set schedule. Growing too rabidly can cause hip, joint problems. Appetite changes. Do not worry too much just continue your feeding routine and pull up leftovers after mins and try again their next scheduled mealtime. Puppies should be drinking even when stressed. Let sleeping puppies lie. Growing Puppies need lots of sleep, so if your puppy is sleeping, just let them sleep. ALSO some puppies may sleep even more then normal the first few days home, as a coping mechanism to the stress of a new environment. Take this very short period of time to just let them settle in and start to feel at home with you and your family and THEN you can show them off to the world, in fact I encourage you too! Kids love to carry around their new puppies but most puppies. .Talk to young children about how important it is to stay calm, Not to fight over them with each other or get super loud or scare the puppy. BEFORE you know it your kids and your puppy will be the best of friends but try to take it slow especially the first week. You wouldnt leave your infant with your 3 year old right? You gotta be just as logical with your kids and your puppy. All the situations listed below should be observed at least a couple times without a negative reaction from your adult dog… before considering leaving them alone together. For example… How well does your adult dog handle the puppy jumping on them or invading their space, bugging them while their asleep? How do they react to puppy trying to eat out of their bowl, or sleeping or playing in their bed, playing with their toys etc? Introducing puppy to new people! After the first few days and once their settled in and adjusted then I recommend you start introducing them to LOTS of new people, every age, size and type of person you can find willing to meet them. You should also start introducing them to lots of new environments and new situations. Just stay away from high dog traffic areas until after 16 wks and their last set of vaccinations. MOST puppies will grow out of this, with early puppy socialization. Take some time out every day to have a short training session with your puppy. Prepare by getting out your treats, treat bag, a few toys and chews. Bonding with you puppy! The best way to bond with your puppy is through training, games and getting down to their eye level and playing with them. Throw a toy and see if you can get them bring it back to you for a treat, use their name! Remember to keep puppy training session short. Always end by asking them to perform a command or task that they know well so you can end with a big win and lots of praise. Zak George, has a ton of helpful and positive puppy training videos! Check out the rest of his videos on his channel! Take your puppy out after eating and sleeping. Supervise your puppy! Crate-training is essential! Designate a certain potty area and stick with it! Pick an area of your yard where you want them to go, preferably in a corner of the yard away from the door and where they will play the most, this not only makes your clean up area smaller then your whole yard but it also helps it click for them. .Correct accidents only when you catch them in the act. How wonderful! But it is important to keep in mind that puppies are like children and need constant attention and monitoring. House Training should be the first order of business. As soon as you bring your puppy home, take her outside and encourage her to do her business. If she does, be sure to have treats as a reward, and give her lots of praise. Dogs are people pleasers and positive feedback from you will go a very long way. Crating your pup at night is sometimes a good way to ease her into going outside and not in the house. So be firm but loving. Everyone goes through an adjustment period when you first introduce a new puppy into the family. The puppy may miss her mom or litter mates, and she will need plenty of TLC. She may cry during the night and if you get up, take her outside immediately. Bring treats with you, and give her plenty of praise if she does her business. Try to return to the same spot each time you take her out. It will make her associate the scents and feel of the spot with going to the bathroom. Feeding should be done at the same time every day. Take her outside as soon as she finishes eating. If you have to leave the house, crate her, and take her outside once you get home. Let her also associate getting out of her crate with going to the bathroom. Do this enough and she will get the idea. She will not make the connection between bad behavior and her mess after the fact. Simply clean it up and take her outside. Your puppy will need plenty of stroking especially during these early days, so let her sleep in your lap while you pet her, and love her up. This will create lasting bonds between you and your pup. And encourage playtime. Play fetch and tug, and let her get some energy out of her system. Routine is the key here. Just as children do, puppies need a schedule and to have limits set in order to feel safe. Dogs are pack animals and you are Alpha Dog — the leader of the pack. Your puppy will turn to you, not only for affection, but to learn what you expect from her. She will be sure to become a precious member of your family — which is, after all, your goal.

I prefer to break my treats into halves or fourths before a training session; I suggest finding the smallest size treat that will keep your Frenchie motivated! I like to keep my training sessions short and sweet. I believe more is less when it comes to dog training; minute sessions once or twice a day is the sweet spot in my opinion. If your training sessions are too long, your Frenchie is likely to lose motivation and not retain as much knowledge. Cut down on those portions! Breaking the treats into smaller pieces. Training at mealtimes Using mealtimes as training sessions. Tracking those calories Before your training session, measure out a specific amount of treats and calculate how many calories they are. When it comes time for your Frenchie to eat, simply take this into account and reduce portion sizes appropriately. Slow Down Eating 4. This fast eating is what causes most of their gassiness— and this bowl is sure to slow down their eating. It's made from BPA-free plastic non-toxic and has tons of different shapes, sizes, and colors to choose from. Dog treats can be given to your French Bullie for a variety of reasons, including as a tool to train them, something to keep them occupied and out of trouble or simply to make them happy and content. Veterinarian Dr. Rachel Barrack will tell you that no treats are the best treats to give your dog because they should instead be given a healthy, nutritious diet that helps control their weight. Her colleague Dr. That sounds like a lot of thinking for a simple dog treat! They include several store-bought brands and also a few, non-processed options that you can make at home yourself. All will make your French Bulldog very happy and content. Even better, apples have natural sugars for energy but have absolutely no fat, salt or added chemicals. One thing to keep in mind is that the seeds of an apple are unhealthy, so you should cut the apple into slices and remove them before giving them to your canine companion. They are high in biotin, copper, fiber and potassium though, so do give them as a treat once in a while. They can be given right out of the peel or, if you want to give your Frenchie something that will occupy them a bit longer, frozen in medium-sized chunks. You can also steam them to make them softer and serve them warm or cold. The reason is that cucumbers are very, very low in fat, carbs and oil. That means no extra weight gain and, in most cases, extra energy, which will help your pet to lose even more weight. Besides that, celery is loaded with vitamins A, B and C and has a lot of other ingredients that scientists believe can help fight cancer and help their heart to be healthier. The recipes below are from a few different websites and so we will talk a little about the treat and then give you a link to visit the site and get the recipe. Beef broth, peanut butter and flaxseed are the main ingredients, along with oats and whole wheat flour. Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes to make them, including cooking time! Homemade Dog Biscuits 3- Frozen Apple Dog Treats If cooling your bulldog buddy down during summer is your goal while also giving him or her a healthy treat, these Frozen Apple treats are the ticket! Many are loaded with sugars and corn syrup and thus not recommended. This recipe, however, combines 2 simple ingredients that have almost no sugar at all. Even better, it only takes 15 minutes or so to make and bake, for a treat even your diabetic French bulldog will love. They have no artificial colors or flavors too, which is great, and have turmeric which is wonderful for older dogs as it can reduce inflammation. They are excellent for training and for smaller dog breeds, thus great for French bulldogs. These treats have only beef liver, an ideal source of protein for any dog. They are, however, packed with all sorts of great ingredients like Omega 3 and 6 essential oils, zinc, potassium and numerous vitamins. They contain melatonin. Conclusion Giving your French bulldog a treat when training, when they behave or just as a nice little gesture is a great idea. The treats above should help you do just that! If you have any questions or want to leave a comment please do in the space provided, and best of luck finding a treat your French Bulldog likes best! The first thing to think about is why you need treats. On the other hand, treats meant more for entertainment might mean something big and yummy to keep your dog occupied for a while. Another important decision is whether to go with crunchy or chewy treats. Some dogs prefer one or the other. Soft treats are often easy to break in half if needed. Some chewy treats are sticky enough that it takes some time for your dog to eat them. Look for high-quality proteins in the top ingredients—most treats use meat, although a few healthy treats use peanut butter or other protein options. Whole grains like oats, corn, and barley are generally healthy for your dog. Finding a flavor that motivates your dog can be tricky. Some of the most common flavors are beef, chicken, and salmon. The most common allergens in dogs are meat sources, so it might take some experimenting to find a protein type your dog loves and digests well. Once you get working, consistency is key to teaching your dog good behavior. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement.

The oldest of the designer dog breeds, cockapoos are not a true breed but, rather, a cross between the American cocker spaniel and the poodle. This offspring of a purebred cocker spaniel and a purebred poodle is also known as a cockapoodle, cockerpoo and cock-a-poo. As with any type of mixed-breed dog, the appearance of cockapoos is difficult to predict. Their size and weight depends mainly on the type of poodle used in breeding. The adult offspring of a toy poodle can weigh as little as 5 pounds, while the offspring of a standard poodle — known as maxi cockapoos — can weigh up to 65 pounds. Some breeders offer teacup cockapoos that are as tiny as 2 pounds. Most commonly, though, cockapoos are created from crossing a cocker spaniel with a miniature poodle, creating sturdy, medium-sized dogs that weigh around 15 pounds and stand about 14 inches at the withers. The appearance of their coat is also difficult to predict or control and comes down to which parent breed's genes are dominant. The coat can be straight, wavy or curly, and long, medium or short. One characteristic that is typical, yet still not guaranteed, is that cockapoos usually inherit the low-shedding quality of a poodle's coat. Another characteristic that generally applies to most cockapoos is that they don't tend to produce a strong odor and don't need to be bathed often. While their coats don't need to be cut like a poodle's, they do require regular brushing to prevent matting and remove debris that can get caught in their fur. Their coloring also widely varies. Cockapoo puppies can be any color that you'd see in a poodle or cocker spaniel, including black, white, red, brown, sable, tan, blonde or a combination of colors and patterns. Personality: Cockapoos are bred more for temperament than for appearance, and they tend to inherit the sweet, loving and friendly natures common with both parent breeds. They are highly intelligent, easy to train and also typically inherit the poodle's enthusiasm and tendency to be little jokers. These dogs tend to be extremely friendly and thrive on social interaction. They hate to be left alone and can develop separation anxiety if left solo for long periods. They get along well with other pets and children although, due to their high energy and enthusiasm, they tend to do better with older children and should be supervised around young children. Living With: Cockapoos do well in apartments, although maxi cockapoos may be less well-suited for small living spaces than their smaller counterparts. They don't bark a lot, although they will let you know when someone's at the door. They have a moderate amount of energy and can be quite bouncy, but they're also happy to curl up in a lap or next to you on the sofa. They generally require about 15 minutes of exercise a day, which can be achieved by playing in the backyard or with a quick walk around the block. Although their coats don't require regular cutting like a poodle's, they do need to be brushed regularly — and some cockapoo owners do like to keep the coat trimmed to a certain length. Their floppy ears are prone to infections and should be cleaned and inspected on a weekly basis. Signs of an ear infection include an unpleasant odor coming from the ear, redness or swelling, itching, and constant head shaking. While cockapoos tend to be healthy and hardy dogs, they can be prone to the same genetic predispositions to health conditions that affect either of their parent breeds, including cataracts, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, allergies and liver disease. When considering a cockapoo puppy, it's important to do your research and seek a reputable breeder who is happy to answer any questions you have about the parents and their health, disposition and purebred status. History: The earliest of what has become known as designer dogs, cockapoos were first created by accident in the United States in the s. Impressed by the sweet and intelligent nature of the puppies combined with their odorless, low-shed coat, enthusiasts began intentionally crossing poodles with cocker spaniels in an attempt to recreate these results. This crossbreed has only gained popularity over the decades. Cockapoos make excellent companion dogs and family pets. The American Kennel Club does not recognize cockapoos as a true breed, but considers them a mixed-breed dog. However, efforts are underway by cockapoo breeding organizations to get the cockapoo recognized as a true breed. Related Pet Care Articles. Foley which mostly promotes multigenerational breeding by crossing one Cockapoo with the other, with the effort of making it a purebred. Besides this, other organizations formed for the purpose of developing this breed included American Cockapoo Club as well as the North American Cockapoo Registry. They have a clingy nature, loving to follow their masters wherever they go or even enjoy being petted on their laps, which increases their chances of separation anxiety when left alone for prolonged periods and could also resort to destructive means like barking excessively or chewing. The Cockapoo might be either reserved or shy towards strangers like its Poodle parent, or even display aggression and bark at the sight of an unknown face, similar to the Cocker Spaniel. However, the gentle and pleasing nature it takes after both its parents lessen its possibilities of being a guard dog. Though the Poodle Cocker Spaniel mix gets along well with kids, and older children who could deal with these dogs in a sensible and well-behaved manner. They also share a comfortable rapport with other canines and cats but might get after smaller animals and birds if they inherit the chasing instinct of their Cocker Spaniel parent who has a hunting lineage. Care Exercise They are moderate in terms of activity levels, but could be immensely active if the Miniature version of Poodle is one of its parents. It also possesses the increased energy levels of the Cocker Spaniel, hence needing adequate amount of exercise to keep it physically and mentally rejuvenated. Besides giving them two short walks for 10 or 15 minutes at a time on a daily basis, give them sufficient playtime in a fenced yard or even when they are indoors. When their need for activity is met well, they would do fine in an apartment. Grooming These low shedding dogs need less amount of grooming, though its requirements vary according to its coat. A slicker brush would be suited for combing the coat at top, which may be further combed using a steel comb for removing the mats and tangles. Of the several hairstyles, the teddy bear cut is one of the sought after hair-cuts for the Cockapoo where the hair around its facial region has a full and round look. Though claimed as an odorless breed, bathe it after two or three months or whenever it gets dirty. The hair around its eyes should be trimmed on a regular basis to ensure visibility lest it could hinder its eyesight. Clean its eyes and ears using a damp wash cloth, brush its teeth twice or thrice a week and also trim its nails one or two times in a month for better hygiene. Health Problem Some of the common health problems faced by the Cockapoo include patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy and infections of the ear. Training The Cocker Spaniel Poodle Mix is intelligent but could be stubborn, hence a firm hand is needed to train it in a better way. Socialization training should be imparted to the Cockapoo puppies so that they could be able to shed off their aggressive traits if they have any. Many owners of the Poodle and Cocker Spaniel mix often follow the Rule of Seven that means acquainting them with seven new sounds, new places, new sights, and new people. In this way they would be able to understand and differentiate the good from the bad, which in turn may help in shedding off their aggressiveness, also helping them to develop a pleasant and friendly demeanor. Housetrain them as early as possible so that you can lessen their chances of separation anxiety. Place them in a crate by putting all their belongings and favorite things within. Do not go for highly spacious crates as it may stress the dog unnecessarily. The appropriate crate size for the Cockapoo is 36 x 23 x 25 length x width x height. Feeding Feed a Cockapoo with a good quality dry dog food, though the amount would differ in accordance with their size. Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Cockapoos have an infectious zest for life that spreads to everyone around them, that essential joie de vivre that makes every day a celebration. These guys are just plain happy to be alive. The true Cockapoo been bred with the goal of a healthy, hypoallergenic dog with a good temperament. When the cross works as intended, you get the intelligence and spirit of the Poodle with the sturdiness and field spirit of the Cocker. Efforts have been made over the last decade to clearly separate Cockapoos and Spoodles into two different hybrids, and some success has been achieved. If the type of Cocker involved is important to you, be sure to ask. Cockapoo Highlights 1. Friendly and Affectionate: Cockapoos are known for their friendly and loving nature, making them excellent companions. Hypoallergenic Coat: Many Cockapoos have hypoallergenic or low-shedding coats, which can be a great choice for allergy sufferers. Intelligent and Trainable: They are intelligent dogs and are usually easy to train, responding well to positive reinforcement methods. Adaptable: Cockapoos can adapt to various living environments, including apartments, as long as they receive enough exercise and attention. Good with Families: They are generally good with children and other pets, making them great family dogs. Long Lifespan: Cockapoos often have a longer lifespan compared to some other breeds, living 12 to 15 years or more with proper care. Moderate Exercise Needs: While they enjoy playtime and walks, they are not overly hyperactive, making them suitable for families with varying activity levels. Unique Coat Variety: Their coat can vary from curly to wavy and comes in a range of colors and patterns, adding to their charm. Grooming Requirements: Regular grooming is necessary to keep their coat in good condition and prevent matting. Health Considerations: Like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues, so regular veterinary care is essential to maintain their well-being. Cockapoo History When it comes to designer dogs, the Cockapoo is an old hybrid, popular since the s. The first breeding may have been accidental, but the happy result was a litter of puppies who were intelligent, almost odorless, had the low-shedding Poodle coat, and showed the easygoing and loving nature of the Cocker Spaniel. These puppies were well received, and the Cockapoo line began. Some efforts are being made today to establish breed standards and start the Cockapoo on the hard road of becoming a true breed, one producing offspring with consistent traits. Once the Cockapoo became more well-known, he only grew in popularity. The Cockapoo Club of America formed in and, in an effort to create breeding consistency, it created a breed standard. This group formed in and provides certification for Cockapoos who are the results of first- through sixth-generation breedings. The Toy Cockapoo can reach 10 inches in height but has a sturdier build, the bigger ones tipping the scales at just under 12 pounds. The Miniature Cockapoo weighs 13 to 18 pounds and ranges between 11 and 14 inches high. The Standard or Maxi Cockapoo should weigh more than 19 pounds and be at least 15 inches in height. Cockapoo Personality Intelligent and easy to please, the Cockapoo was established as a companion dog. He has an outgoing nature and usually gets along with everyone. Depending on his temperament, he can be active or he can simply enjoy snuggling up on the couch with you. He has the intelligence of his Poodle forebears but also the sweet disposition of his Cocker Spaniel ancestry. Socialization helps ensure that your Cockapoo puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. He prefers, always, to be with his family and can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for too long. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train a Cockapoo; he can achieve high levels of obedience with time and patience. However, there is a general misconception that hybrid vigor automatically applies to mixed breeds. Cataracts : Cataracts cause opacity on the lens of the eye, resulting in poor vision. Cataracts usually occur in old age and sometimes can be surgically removed to improve vision. Patellar Luxation: Also known as slipped stifles, this is a common problem in small dogs. The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part as a bone at a joint. Patellar luxation is when the knee joint often of a hind leg slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, although many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition. X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem. Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Allergies : Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, and the Cockapoo is no exception. Treatment varies according to the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications, and environmental changes. Liver Disease : This condition is becoming more prevalent in Cocker Spaniels in two forms: chronic active hepatitis and copper toxicosis poisoning. Both conditions may or may not be genetic; at this point no one is certain. Ear Infections : These afflictions may plague the Cockapoo because of his floppy Cocker ears, which can trap moisture, dirt, and debris. Ask your veterinarian about appropriate ear care products. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Health clearances are not issued to dogs younger than 2 years of age. They enjoy a good walk — and need it to keep them from becoming overweight. The best type of exercise, though, is a good play session in the backyard. Expect him to need at least 15 minutes of exercise every day. The Cockapoo is an adaptable breed. He can live in an apartment, though the smaller varieties seem to do better there than do the Maxi or Standard Cockapoos. They thrive when with their family and can suffer from separation anxiety when left for long periods of time — and that can lead to excessive barking and to destructive behavior. A crate is also a place where he can retreat for a nap. Crate training at a young age will also help your Cockapoo accept confinement if he ever needs to be boarded or hospitalized. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Cockapoo in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. For more on feeding your Cockapoo, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Cockapoos can be found in all the colors and color combinations that are seen in both Cocker Spaniels and Poodles — a more rich variety of coat colors than is usual in many other breeds. The Cockapoo is usually seen au naturel, but many people like to clip the coat. However, it should only be trimmed to two to three inches in length. The coat should be brushed daily. To retain coat oils and health, he only need be bathed when absolutely necessary. Because his floppy Cocker ears block air circulation, the ears must be checked and cleaned weekly to prevent ear infections. Gently wipe out the ear — only the part you can see! Your Cockapoo may have an ear infection if the inside of the ear smells bad, looks red or seems tender, or he frequently shakes his head or scratches at his ear. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding — and your dog may not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Cockapoo Children And Other Pets The Cockapoo does well with youngsters , although he generally prefers homes with older, more considerate children. He also gets along with other dogs and pets. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Cockapoo Rescue Groups Cockapoos are often acquired without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one, and these dogs often end up in the care of rescue groups, in need of adoption or fostering. Cockapoo Breed Organizations Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. Breed Title Cockapoo Puppies Temperament When you bring home one of our Cockapoos for sale, be prepared for a pup that will always want to go where you go. Like his Poodle ancestors, your Cockapoo will be highly curious and intelligent. This makes Cockapoo puppies a breeze to train, as they easily pick up on positive reinforcement training techniques. As Cocker Spaniels were originally bred for hunting, this is a dog that loves to explore — spending hours happily rambling through a field guided by his nose if permitted to do so! Cockapoo Puppies Health Considerations Though generally very healthy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around 13 years — our Cockapoos for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Cockapoo puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. Cockapoo puppies are at somewhat elevated risk for developing the following conditions: Vision and Hearing Issues: Cockapoos may suffer from hearing loss in later life due to mass or polyps forming in the ear, causing infections and deafness. Vision problems may be attributed to cataracts, glaucoma and a range of other issues. Common in smaller dogs, this condition may create mobility issues for your dog, but can be treated with physical therapy. Finding a Cockapoo puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. Their coat is usually, but not always, hypoallergenic. This dog loses only small amounts of hair when bathing or brushing. While all our Cockapoos for sale are low-shedding dogs, they have a variety of coat textures — each with its own maintenance requirements. Your Cockapoo will need to be brushed around four to five times a month, although straight coats can be brushed as little as two times per week. Consider purchasing this best-selling dog brush for your furry friend! Cockapoos should be taken to a groomer for a trim seasonally — around every three months — but should not have a trim until they are at least six months old. Meet Cockapoo Puppies for Sale. At the tiny end of the scale, the teacup Cockapoo will weigh less than 6 pounds. The toy Poodle Cocker Spaniel hybrid will weigh less than 12 pounds at adulthood, and a mini Cockapoo will weigh in at anywhere from 13 to 18 pounds. A full grown miniature Cockapoo is the medium size and the one you are most likely to see at the dog park. At the other end of the scale, a maxi Poodle and Cocker Spaniel mix, with a standard Poodle parent, will weigh 19 pounds or greater. The vast majority of Cockapoos weigh a more moderate lbs Appearance Cocker Spaniel Poodle mixes tend to have a broader head the average Poodle. Their fur varies between loose and very tight curls. Both Cocker Spaniels and Poodles come in a wide range of colors so there is plenty of choice for the would be cockerpoo owner. Are Cockapoos Hypoallergenic? He began crossing breeds in an effort to produce a hypoallergenic guide dog, for a blind woman whose husband was highly allergic to dogs. So, he crossed a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle. This is because allergies are caused by pet dander. And all pets, regardless of breed, produce some dander. Certain dog breeds shed that dander less readily, however. This particularly applies to dogs with very curly coats. And this may be beneficial to owners with allergies to dander. Dogs that shed less fall into this category partly because loose hair remains trapped in the curls rather than floating around your home. Do They Shed? All dogs shed to some degree. A Poodle and Cocker Spaniel hybrid dog can have either coat type, or something in between. And unfortunately, you cannot predict which coat they will inherit. So they may be less likely to trigger allergies. But they might not. Remember that the tighter the curl, the less the dog is likely to shed, and if you have allergies, do spend some time with Cockapoos to see how they affect you, before you bring one into your home. Cockapoo Temperament The typical Cockapoo personality can be hard to predict. It is important to make sure that both parents are friendly, when you buy a Cocker Spaniel Poodle mix. And Cocker Spaniels are loving and very loyal. Both breeds are clever and active. Cockapoo Barking Any dog has the capacity to bark. And may bark more if they discover barking is in some way rewarding. But some individuals of this particular breed maybe a little more prone to barking than average. And to make use of resources like this one if you need to train your pup not to bark. Training and Exercising The good news here is that these dogs are as a whole are people-centric and eager to please. Your Poodle Cocker Spaniel mix will likely want to be where you are, doing whatever you are doing. These dogs are social and people-oriented. So, the closer your bond is, the easier Cockapoo training will become. Throughout training, positive reinforcement will be your key to success. Poodle and Cocker Spaniel mix dogs are particularly sensitive to punishment, so avoid this at all costs. They need daily exercise, and regular training to stimulate their minds, too. The important thing is to keep your Poodle Spaniel mix busy. Remember that young puppies have much lower exercise needs than adult dogs. A good rule of thumb is 5 minutes of structured exercise, such as walks, per month of their age, per day. Heart Valve Disease Cocker Spaniels are liable to develop leaky heart valves as they grown older. In the early stages medications will help extend life. But in the later stages the dog develops heart failure, a leading cause of Cocker Spaniel death. Sadly operations to repair heart valves are not yet commonly performed on dogs. A blood clotting disorder that causes excessive bleeding. Epilepsy Cocker spaniels are prone to epilepsy and seizures. These can often be treated with medication. Both Poodles and Cockers are prone to this disease, which causes blindness. Hip Dysplasia Cocker spaniels and standard poodles are prone to hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia causes pain. It affects the movement and function of the hip joint. Some cases are improved by surgery. Patella Luxation Toy and Miniature Poodles are among a number of smaller breeds that can suffer from Patella Luxation. It may require surgery. Exactly how likely each problem is, depends on a number of unpredictable factors. Cockapoos can also be multicolored and have a patterned coat. This cocker spaniel and poodle mix receives the best of both worlds from its parents. Known for their friendly natures, cockapoos can get along with just about anyone, from young kids and strangers to fellow dogs and pets. Becoming familiar with different sights, sounds and smells early on can help ensure your cockapoo grows to be a kind, gentle adult. Along with socialization, we teach our puppies basic obedience commands, housebreaking and behavior modification. They should have enough room to walk around and ideally an outdoor space to get some exercise. Those with small apartments might be better off with a toy variety rather than a maxi variety. Do Cockapoos Like to Play? Ideally, your puppy should receive at least 15 minutes of exercise a day. This need can be met with a walk around the block, a quick jog or a game of tag in the backyard. Can Cockapoos Be Left Alone? Once a cockapoo is properly trained, you can leave it home alone for periods of time without worrying about your property being destroyed. Moreover, the older a cockapoo gets, the better it is at holding its bladder. However, they should not be left alone for more than eight hours at a time. Leaving it alone for too long can cause anxiety or compel your dog to behave badly. Training: Teaching a Cockapoo Cockapoos are naturally intelligent dogs that enjoy pleasing their owners. Are Cockapoos Intelligent? Poodles are known for their naturally curious and intelligent natures, a trait the cockapoo happens to have inherited. They respond well to positive reinforcement and can be encouraged with treats. Are Cockapoos Obedient? Most cockapoo owners can agree that these dogs are fairly obedient. Their ability to adapt to new environments and eagerness to learn new skills makes them great therapy dogs for elderly individuals and people with disabilities. Do Cockapoos Enjoy Mental Stimulation? You can keep a cockapoo engaged through chew toys, interactive toys or scavenger hunts. How Long Do Cockapoos Live? According to the American Cockapoo Club, most cockapoos have an average lifespan of 14 to 18 years. However, some cockapoos may live for 12 years while others live for over 20 years. Shedding While some cockapoo puppies may take after their cocker spaniel parent, most tend to retain the hypoallergenic coats found in poodles. Feeding Good food is key to a good life, and cockapoos are no exception to this rule. When feeding your cockapoo, be sure to provide it with a diet that accommodates its size and age. For instance, as your puppy transitions to adulthood, you may have to switch to a lower fat food. You should follow a twice-a-day feeding schedule and always keep an eye out for allergic reactions. Cockapoos are more prone to some of the health issues found in poodles and cocker spaniels, such as: Ear infections Hip dysplasia Patellar luxation If you notice any sudden behavioral changes in your dog or any concerning symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting or limping , you should schedule a visit with your veterinarian immediately. Because cockapoo fur has a tendency to mat, you should brush it regularly ideally a few times a week. You should also trim its fur every three months and bathe it about once a month. Avoid giving your dog too many baths, as this can dry out its skin. Life Stages of Cockapoos Just like people, cockapoos go through a variety of life stages as they age. You can expect them to undergo some changes as they transition from a newborn puppy to a senior dog. These stages include: Puppyhood Adulthood Seniority Like all dogs, cockapoos start off as puppies. Once cockapoo puppies reach sexual maturity typically between 6 and 18 months of age , they enter the adolescence stage. This life stage can be identified through behavioral changes — females may begin roaming around more often, while males might exhibit aggression. Fortunately, thorough and early training can help limit these behaviors. Your dog may also experience pain as it undergoes growth spurts. Between 12 months and 3 years, adolescent cockapoos begin to enter adulthood. They are officially adults once they reach their expected height and weight. At this stage, some of their more exuberant behaviors mellow out — you may notice your dog is more mature and relaxed. The final life stage is seniority, which is achieved anywhere between 6 and 10 years. As dogs age, you may notice issues such as increased confusion, fatigue and health problems. Senior dogs may also need to adjust their diet to accommodate changing nutrition needs or weaker teeth. Their small sizes and moderate energy levels make them the perfect dogs for anyone from a single apartment owner to a large family with small kids. What Is a Cockapoo? Sometime during the s, a poodle and a cocker spaniel mix was bred by accident. The result was the cockapoo, a smart and sweet companion dog with the ability to adapt to several environments. Breeders were thrilled by the likable personalities and easy maintenance of these mixed-breed dogs, and so they sought to create more. The cockapoo is one of the oldest designer dog breeds there is, which is a testament to its popularity. These crossbreeds also vary in size. Although all dogs tend to be on the small side, some are miniature, while others are larger. Miniature cockapoos are typically less than 15 inches in length and weigh between 12 and 19 pounds, while maxi cockapoos are over 16 inches and weigh anywhere between 20 and 65 pounds. Some breeders even offer teacup cockapoos, which are typically less than six pounds in weight and smaller than 10 inches. Most of these dogs come from miniature poodles and either American or English cocker spaniels, although the precise size and coloring depends on the exact genetic makeup of the parents. They can be hypoallergenic, low-shedding, and nearly odorless depending on the coat that they inherit, which are all desirable qualities for most prospective dog owners. However, what really makes these dogs stand out is their favorable personality traits. Cockapoo and Personality For such small dogs, cockapoos have big personalities. They inherit the intelligence and obedience of poodles, as well as the sweet and affectionate natures of cocker spaniels. They respond well to positive reinforcement and are always happy to please. Thanks to their enthusiastic nature, cockapoos get along with everyone, making them the perfect family dogs. In terms of energy, cockapoos tend to have moderate activity levels. These needs can be met through a simple walk around the block or some playtime in the backyard. Other activities cockapoos enjoy include: Scavenger hunts: Cockapoos are highly intelligent and love games that let them use their brainpower. Pet parents should try hiding toys or treats around the yard or home for them to find. Games of fetch: Fetch is a great way for a cockapoo to get physical activity. This game is also mentally stimulating as it encourages the dog to focus on a specific object. Puppy playdates: Cockapoos are very social creatures and enjoy interacting with other dogs. Short runs: When a cockapoo feels particularly energetic, it may get bored with a walk. A run is a great way to relieve this pent-up energy. They also have low prey drives, which reduces the likelihood of chasing any squirrels or small animals. However, for the best results, training should start at a young age. Taking Care of a Cockapoo While each cockapoo has its own set of unique needs, there are some characteristics they all have in common. Most cockapoos can tolerate being alone and are unlikely to dig up your carpet or destroy your cushions. In addition to physical activity, cockapoos need mental stimulation — chew toys and squeaky toys are a great way to keep them entertained. Another positive trait shared by most cockapoos is adaptability. However, for small apartment owners, it may be better to get a teacup or miniature cockapoo rather than a maxi cockapoo. However, most cockapoos will need to be groomed regularly, particularly those with long or curly coats. Generally, a dog should be bathed at least once a month, as any more than that could dry out the skin. Cockapoos enjoy swimming, so they should react well once they get used to the water. Small dogs are more likely to build up tartar and develop gum infections, so you should thoroughly brush their teeth every two days or so. You should also trim their nails at least once a month to avoid scratches. Cockapoo Health Cockapoos have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, which is on the higher side for dogs. Methods to keep your cockapoo in good condition include making sure it gets regular exercise, feeding it high-quality dog food and keeping an eye out for any common health ailments. As cocker spaniel and poodle mixes, cockapoos are susceptible to some of the health problems found in their purebred parents. Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia results in the deterioration of the hip joint, which can lead to lameness. Cataracts: Dogs with cataracts have cloudy or blurred vision. Patellar luxation: In patellar luxation, the kneecap slides out of place. This can be painful and negatively impact motion. Dermatitis: Develops rashes or itches due to airborne substances, such as pollen or dust. You can reduce the effects of these issues by getting your dog checked regularly and by keeping an eye out for any symptoms, such as lethargy, vomiting or rashes. However, many health problems can be avoided altogether by simply going to a reputable breeder. We offer the following amenities: Testing for over canine diseases Coat testing to ensure they are non-shedding and hypoallergenic Temperament testing to determine therapy dog potential Worming, vaccinations and vet checkups One- to two-year genetic health guarantee Obedience training, housebreaking, socialization and behavior modification We also offer free hand delivery in New York City, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and more depending on your location. Not only are they adorable, but their calm, affectionate temperaments and high intelligence make them incredibly practical. To learn more about this breed and how they compare to other poodle mix breeds, check our cockapoo vs cavapoo detailed comparison. Trustworthy breeders treat animals humanely, and they thoroughly check for health problems such as hip dysplasia or ear infections to make sure your new pet is both happy and healthy. Not only do we conduct extensive health tests, but we also provide therapy-dog quality obedience training. By teaching dogs valuable lessons at a young age, we help guarantee good behavior in the future. As a bonus, we make sure our dogs are non-shedding. We offer a wide range of cockapoos that come in a myriad of sizes and colors, and you can always expect your pet to be health-tested, housebroken and obedient. Learn more about our services by contacting us today! Life Span Did You Know? The Cockapoo is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Miniature Poodle, a Cockapoo and either of the original parent breeds, or two Cockapoos. They are one of the most popular designer dog breeds. The American Canine Hybrid Club recognizes both mixes. The Cockapoo can also be referred to as a Spoodle or a Cockadoodle. With some of the most affectionate dog breeds as parents, well-socialized Cockapoos are affectionate family dogs that thrive on attention and affection from their favorite humans. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Provided they are properly socialized, they are even open and friendly with strangers. Cockapoos are highly adaptable dogs. Provided they get enough daily attention, mental stimulation, and exercise, they adapt well to larger homes as well as apartments. They do well in most climates, but are sensitive to heat. Due to their small size, they may also need to bundle up with some winter dog products while on walks in the cold. Because they thrive on attention and bond so closely with their families, these companion dogs do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They can also be prone to developing separation anxiety if you do not work with them early on. Potential health concerns to be aware of in Cockapoos can include elbow dysplasia , hip dysplasia, cataracts, and glaucoma. Good breeding practices and screening make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to ensure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. With some of the best dog breeds for first-time owners as parents, the Cockapoo is also a great fit for owners of any experience level. They bond closely with their owners and are sensitive to them. This, along with their intelligence and eagerness to please, means they pick up on things quickly and respond well to rewards and praise. They could have a coat similar to a Mini Poodle or a coat similar to a Cocker Spaniel. In either case, you will need to brush them daily to remove tangles and prevent mats and visit the groomer every weeks. Weekly ear checks along with careful cleanings if needed can help prevent ear infections. Daily dental care for dogs helps prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Daily brushing, along with cleanings as the vet when needed, is ideal. Cockapoos may be small dogs, but they are also playful and energetic. These dogs sit in a moderate activity range and will often match their energy level to yours. Daily walks plus some play sessions throughout the day are usually enough for these dogs, but they will also usually be up for more activity if you are. They also tend to be versatile and athletic. Once puppies finish growing and the vet clears them for what you want to try, you can try a variety of activities with them. Fully-grown Cockapoos usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Cockapoos generally live for years on average. One of the facts about Cockapoos is that they are considered one of the first designer dog breeds, according to the modern definition of the term. They have been a popular designer dog breed since the s. Featured Cockapoo Article.

Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati recommends starting dog training as early as possible, soon after a puppy is ready to leave its mother. Puppies are capable of learning basic commands, and smart German Shepherd puppies do great with early training. Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati has adult dog training programs as well. A complete puppy training typically takes a few months. Adult dog training can take longer or shorter, depending on whether a dog needs to unlearn bad habits in addition to being trained. Working with a German Shepherd and the owner directly in the home allows dog trainers to create personalized training plans for individual dogs, as well as address any unique needs or issues. Once a dog has completed in-home training, they can take group classes for more in-depth training - Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati offers both puppy and adult dog group classes. Beginning training in the home also helps owners bond with their dogs so when the dog trainer leaves, no progress is lost. This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form after proper conditioning , when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter. Empowering Owners We empower owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times. Personalized We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis. Environment Specific We train wherever issues tend to arise i. Supportive We support owners in the off-hours when training is "not in session". Involved We work with all members of the household. Satisfaction Ratings Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors. Also, be consistent about rules - establish at the beginning, for example, whether or not your dog is allowed on the couch. An energetic dog with little to no exercise can become a destructive, disobedient dog. Training is a great way to give German Shepherds the mental and physical stimulation they need. Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati has developed training programs for puppies and adult dogs alike based on positive reinforcement. German Shepherd training with our in-home option is entirely possible. All Sizes. All Ages. The Dog Training Elite Difference Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati uses modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding between dog and dog owner. Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati never resorts to the use of punishment to help dogs unlearn bad behavior. The difference becomes clear when comparing a dog that is trained out of anxiety and intimidation vs a dog who truly desires to please from the inside out. The Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati training theory is mostly based around classical conditioning, also known as the Pavlovian method or respondent conditioning. In its simplest form after proper conditioning , when an owner says "sit," their dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Through a combination of commands and an electronic collar, dogs learn to follow commands at once. Other dog trainers use harsh static collars or spray collars which have been shown to be less effective. Ready to turn your dog into a loyal and loving companion? Find a German Shepherd trainer near you today! We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call! We gained insight into both dogs behaviors and know what to watch for to prevent fights. Also, they equipped us with training aids and worked with us individually to lay the foundation of obedience. They changed our pack dynamics in the best way. Within a week of attending a training session, which was offered at the house, we could see immediate results. Our dog loves the training sessions with other dogs as well, and is always excited to attend. I highly recommend this company, well worth your money and time. Your search is over, you won't regret it! We felt amazingly confident and comfortable with Scott and Jen and so did our pup. She has made amazing progress already and continues to improve every day. We are even considering enrolling our less difficult dog in training now based on the progress of the one in training. They truly understand dogs and care for each and every one they work with. Thank you! German Shepherds for sale in Ohio Regis Regal Specializes in providing world class German Shepherd puppies and trained adult dogs Serving Ohio with german shepherds since With over 30 years experience in the breeding and training of world-class German Shepherds from some of the top bloodlines out of Germany, here at Regis Regal German Shepherds we've been very proud to have sold our puppies and adult dogs to the residents of Ohio. We're a small family run operation with our main training and breeding facilities based in Spring Grove, Illinois. Because of the quality and pedigree of our German Shepherds there's been a demand for our dogs all over the world. The owner, Cynthia Kelly, has a lifetime of experience in creating the perfect family companion, service dog or therapy dog. Because of the lack of top quality German Shepherd breeders in some parts of the United States, we've carefully set ourselves up so that we can send our dogs direct to your home by use of a private courier service. German Shepherd Breeders in Ohio There are a number of great German Shepherd breeders in Ohio, from Cleveland to Cincinnati, but have you considered looking further afield for the perfect puppy? At Regis Regal German Shepherds we produce a select number of puppies at any one time, and take the utmost care when raising and training them ready for ownership. You should not forget that when it comes to buying a puppy you also need to be mindful of other costs outside of the purchase or adoption fee. Included within the cost of our puppies are: Lifetime health guarantee contingent on meeting criteria stated in the contract. Send us a message or give us a ring on .Emotional support dogs are suited for both children and adults and have the ability to work with their owners in all types of locations. We have placed many dogs with children and teenagers that suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and manic disorders. Service dogs provide a physical service to their owners. We have been incredibly successful in providing service dogs to children afflicted with Autism and Asbergers, as our dogs can help to enhance the verbal skills of non-verbal Autistic children and support their overall way of communicating. Some of our previous placements our dog courier service - we ship to your door in OH! You might find this a bit hard to believe but we actually ship right to your door, wherever you are based in the US! Such is the demand for one of our dogs we decided it would make things a lot easier for our customers if we could hand-deliver them right to you. For those people in need of a top class GSD, and who can't get to our premises, this is a bit of a lifesaver. We make use of a private courier service whereby they come to us and pickup the dog in their vehicle before making the journey to your home. Our driver is well trained in the handling and care of your dog on the trip, and due to their temperament our dogs always enjoy the journey! On rare occasions our dogs have flown out to their destination, again accommpanied by one of the Regis Regal team to ensure for a very smooth and calm trip. We also go through a very thorough process to make sure our dogs are going to the right kind of owner - at the end of the day it's really important that we can rest easy at night knowing they'll be going to someone that's going to love them as much as we do. Because of COVID we've held plenty of online meetings where you can ask us any questions about our dogs, and you can even get to meet-and-greet them virtually! Reviews from Customers based in OH We like to think we've made a lot of people in Ohio happy over the years that we've been in business. Take a look below at some of the feedback we've received to date. You can find more reviews of ours here too. The day we picked him was wonderful.We are taking him to OH to live, we will receive training here before we leave and in OH via the internet. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to add a healthy, beautiful addition to their family. My location in Ohio wasn't a problem at all, and the courier was happy to deliver direct to our house - and we couldn't wait to meet and rehome our new pup! As you can imagine this can change quite regularly - so please send us a message below, or give us a call on .We look forward to hearing from you! Your name. Our website offers a wide selection of German Shepherd puppies at affordable prices. Our breeders are experienced and knowledgeable about the breed, and they take great care in raising happy and healthy puppies. What is the History of German shepherd puppies German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds in the world. They were originally bred in Germany in the late 19th century as working dogs for herding and guarding sheep. However, their intelligence, loyalty, and trainability soon made them ideal for police work, search and rescue, and as family pets. What is the temperament of German shepherds The temperament of German Shepherd puppies is typically described as loyal, intelligent, and protective. They are known to be great with children and make excellent family pets. However, they do require a lot of exercise and training to keep them healthy and well-behaved. In conclusion, German Shepherd puppies are a wonderful breed with a rich history and a loyal temperament. You have found yourself an amazing German Shepherd puppy! He is super social, fun-loving and a bundle of joy. This lady loves running around playing with the children he is being raised with. He is ready to explore and will be happy to go on new adventures with you. This cutie is vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and comes with a 1 year genetic health guarantee. His momma is Tina. .You better claim this cutie before someone else does! Call today! Reviews There are no reviews yet.

The long adolescent period that ends the puppy years is highly individual, but most dogs mature somewhere before 3 years of age. The Neonatal Stage This is the very earliest stage your German shepherd will pass through. Simply put, this is the helpless baby stage when your puppy's eyes will still be closed and he is completely dependent upon his mother. She will feed him, wash him and clean up after his accidents for the first two or three weeks. His eyes will open at around 10 days. At this time, your puppy is little more than an eating machine -- filling his belly to help his tiny body grow and develop. The Transitional Stage Though it is short and indistinct, the transitional stage from the neonatal to the socialization stage is important to your pup's development nevertheless. This brief phase -- lasting only about a week after his eyes open -- marks the period when your German shepherd begins to notice his environment. He will start to look at things curiously and be aware of sounds around him. Prior to this he has been in his own little world with no sights or sounds beyond his own body and that of his mother. When his eyes open, the immediate environment -- with other living beings -- is suddenly a part of life that he must face. The Socialization Stage At around 3 weeks, your puppy begins to learn how to interact with others -- both animals and the humans around him. He has already had some practice with dogs through the daily contact with his mother and litter mates, but now he begins to expand his circle of acquaintance to other dogs or cats in the household and to the family of humans around him. This is the most critically important phase in your German shepherd's development and helps decide his later suitability for work in rescue, service or as a family dog. At this time, he should have opportunities to meet as many new animals and faces under differing circumstances as possible, so he becomes comfortable with meeting people and other animals in a variety of situations when he grows up. This stage lasts to about 3 months of age and is the period when puppies are at their most impressionable and playful. The Juvenile Stage From 3 to 6 months old, your puppy will begin to look beyond the biological world of dogs, cats and people to the larger world around him. He will want to explore new places more than new faces at this point -- which may often get him into trouble. This is an active and trying age for puppy parents. Your puppy looks like a mostly grown-up dog but behaves entirely like a pup. His attention span is about as long as that of the average teenager, so this is not a particularly easy time for obedience classes. Your shepherd will have other things on his mind, but pet parents should continue to persevere because this is the best stage to resolve any obvious aggression or anxiety issues your pup may display. If those issues are not addressed early, they could become larger problems later on. To make things a tad more difficult, at around 5 months of age, your German shepherd starts to mature sexually. The Adolescent Stage The teenage angst that human children go through is roughly equivalent to what pet parents can expect from their adolescent German shepherd. Beginning with the onset of sexual maturity and lasting through the first two years of his life, your puppy's hormones will rage uncontrollably unless he is neutered early. This stage is usually marked by mounting -- anything and everything -- marking his territory and even fighting with other male dogs. Females will enter their first estrus period at this time and may try to escape the yard or otherwise pose problems. The pup's body has become adult, and his brain is fully alert and capable, but his emotions are still in the turbulent transitional phase from teenager to full adult. If he were human, this would be the stage at which you would hide the car keys. As an adult, your German shepherd is finally the calm, dignified, courageous and respectful dog you always knew he would grow up to be. If you were patient and dedicated through those early, sometimes difficult, years, you now have a well-trained and disciplined companion for life. More Articles. Puppyhood The first growth phase — puppyhood — has six development stages. During each of these stages, a puppy learns a lot of things. Neonatal Stage This period lasts from birth to 13 days. The puppy needs a lot of nursing from its mom because it is rather helpless. Its ears and eyes are closed, so it does not have any senses. The little pups should completely rely on their mothers for nourishment and care. By 2 weeks, they double their birth weight. They start crawling, and then their eyes and ears begin to open. The first milk teeth appear. The puppy can even stand up, but too unstably and shakily. This makes it possible for little ones to hear, smell, and taste. They even try to walk. Their baby teeth continue growing. The period between weeks is also called a transitional one. At the end of the third week, the motor skills start developing fast. The puppy can already control its temperature and body, namely, bowel movements. It begins to interact with its littermates. Nevertheless, the pup is still largely dependent on its mother. Though, you can interact with it. At the end of this period, the little cub is ready to explore the world. Its baby teeth are almost complete, and it can stand up more stably. It starts barking and growling a bit. The puppy grows quickly now. It actively interacts with its littermates. The baby dog can walk, and its baby teeth are complete. You can also consider the German Shepherd behavior stages from now. Its mental development starts because it discovers the world actively with its senses. Its walking improves, and it can make attempts to run, so it can even sometimes get in trouble. The puppy can start eating dog food. That is why it is important to begin weaning. The little one can recognize and greet its littermates and people, get interested in new things, and continue to explore the world. However, at this age, the first fear period can be experienced. Read our detailed guide about 6 week old German Shepherd puppy. It is the best period for taking your pet home. This period can be psychologically traumatic, so be careful not to expose the pet to direct sunlight because it may be afraid of it for its entire life. All the fears need your special attention. You need to nurture, but not encourage them. Read our detailed guide about 2 month old German Shepherd puppy. So, your puppy is three months old now. It is playful and active. Its teeth are complete. It is weaned and eats dog food. The feeding recommendation here is the overall one and a half cups, three times a day. It is also time to get your pet vaccinated against distemper and parvovirus. At the end of the third month, your little GSD can simulate its behavior after other dogs and humans. Training can start. Read our detailed guide about 3 month old German Shepherd puppy. Your puppy already has all its baby teeth, and adult canines and incisors begin to push through. It can even try to bite or nip you. The puppy coat begins to disappear and gets ready for replacement by the adult double-layer coat. You can see a racing stripe on its spine where the adult hair will grow. The puppy displays quick growth at this time, and it becomes stronger to withstand the possible fierce competition with its siblings if it is still staying with its family. It needs a lot of biting and chewing now for the correct growth of its adult teeth. Your pet needs consistent socialization and potty training now. After three months old, you should think about such vaccination as DHPP — distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. The juvenile phase lasts from 3 to 6 months, and it can be divided into three stages by month. Continue socializing and start more substantial training. You can consult the German Shepherd weight chart here to see whether your pup develops properly. So, be attentive to the games you play with your pet. Some of them can be dangerous and traumatic because your puppy may not know how to manage its body during them. You can give it two cups of kibble totally three times per day because it needs a lot of nutrition to grow. DHPP and rabies vaccines are recommended at this age. Your little pup is ready to explore the world. However, as a true teenager, it can become more stubborn and try not to listen to your commands. It starts to understand dominance and tries to persuade you in its leadership. Read our detailed guide about 4 month old German Shepherd puppy. During this month, it can gain about 10 pounds 4. Its ears have stably perked up by this time. It looks more like an adult dog but, as a true teenager, it is very playful and is always ready to go around. The adult teeth continue to appear. Sexual maturity starts emerging. You should feed your pet around two cups three times per day. A lot of training is also needed. Read our detailed guide about 5 month old German Shepherd puppy. It needs a lot of training and positive reinforcement. Now, your pet is fully house-trained, and it needs a lot of new experiences. The sixth month is a transition period to the Adolescent Phase. The ears are completely upright. Males achieve sexual maturity, while female puppies can experience heat cycles. Hormones start working, and male puppies can start marking the territory and looking for females to mate. The adult coat grows longer and gets its normal double layers. Adult teething is about to finish, and all 42 teeth appear. You should feed your dog with the overall two or three cups two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 6 month old German Shepherd puppy. Adolescence Phase Months German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years 36 months old. Females become adults when they are 2 years 24 months old. However, these criteria differ for every puppy. That is why the adolescence phase lasts from the end of the 6th month to the end of the second year of age 24 months on average. By the end of this phase, the puppy reaches its full size though it will continue slightly growing. Your dog can display testing boundaries, so disobedience is widely encountered if the dog is not properly trained. German Shepherds do not look like puppies anymore. Within this period, some dogs can display their second fear period at approximately months old , though to avoid long-lasting psychological trauma, you should ignore the fears. Some dogs may occasionally forget their skills that they have already acquired, so you may need to repeat training again. Here, the reinforced training is useful because some puppies can become entirely rambunctious. Your pet will also need more socialization since it reaches its sexual maturity, and some of its reactions can be pretty unexpected. Its sexual maturity continues, which may cause some aggression because of increases and decreases in hormones. The puppy does not gain weight so fast. Teething is finished. The German Shepherd starts looking more similar to an adult dog, with its standing up ears and well-developed muscles. The food your dog needs involves two or three cups total, given two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 7 month old German Shepherd puppy. It displays a lot of aggression. It can bark or lunge at other animals, kids, and unfamiliar people. A lot of training and reinforcement is needed. You can teach the youngster new tricks to deal with their aggression. The dog has strong adult teeth, and its ears are well-formed and perky. The transition to adulthood continues. As for food, your dog needs two-three cups in total two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 8 month old German Shepherd puppy. It does not grow fast, gaining about a couple of pounds per month. The dog needs two-three cups of food two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 9 month old German Shepherd puppy. They are very active and need a lot of attention and training. Sometimes, they can be really goofy or clumsy because they are still learning and do not know how to behave in many events. Your pup is very smart and clever but tends to display a lot of aggression if not supported and reinforced properly. The dogs should eat two-three cups in total per day. Read our detailed guide about 10 month old German Shepherd pupp y. It starts to challenge you as an owner and likes to demonstrate its leadership. You should teach it to be responsible and obey your commands. A lot of training and reinforcement is crucial. Still, give it two or three cups in total per day. It becomes a bit destructive, but be sure not to get angry or upset with it. It needs your patience and positive attitude. Such vaccines as DHPP and rabies are recommended at this age. It should also transit to adult food. Give it three or three and a half cups total twice a day. Read our detailed guide about 1 year old German Shepherd puppy. Years 1. This time is considered a transition period. The dog may have problems with fears and memory breakdowns. It may even forget how to do familiar things and should be trained again. However, its attention span is longer at this age, so it can have a more thorough obedience training. The dog should eat three or three and a half cups two times a day. Year 2 months — The Second Transition Phase This is one more transition period known as young adulthood. Your dog still displays some aggression. That is why they continue to need reinforcement, training, and socialization. It has already gained its athletic frame and strong muscle, and only several pounds are lacking for reaching its adult weight. In fact, you get a German Shepherd full-grown pet now. The DHPP vaccination is recommended at this age. Continue to feed your dog with three to three and a half cups in total twice per day. It has become a loyal and protective family pet or an obedient and enduring working dog. The young adulthood stage lasts from the second to the third year after the puppy was born. Its size is typical now for an adult dog. However, it may continue to grow slightly, but the changes are not noticeable at all. At this phase, you can also notice that your pet becomes more and more active. It needs a lot of exercise and training. A lot of physical activity is essential for the dog to stay in high spirits. The period between the second and third years of life is also called the adult growth stage. This is the time when your friend gets its excellent breed characteristics. It loves attention very much and continues to learn new things eagerly. The dog enjoys training sessions and strives for new experiences. It becomes calmer and more confident. Its hyperactivity slightly decreases. It displays a lot of self-control and discipline. Continue feeding your dog with three to three and a half cups twice per day. It will be its constant adult diet. Vaccination against rabies is recommended and required by authorities at this age. Seniority Phase This is the last phase of German Shepherd development. It may seem wonderful, but your dog can continue to slightly grow. The phase is divided into two periods — early senior years old and late senior years old. Unfortunately, you need to focus on its health rather than on training. Such health issues as hip dysplasia, joint pain, and decreased stamina can appear at this age. You need to have consultations with your vet more often. During this period, your dog does not change its weight and height considerably. Though, you can observe slight changes in weight. On average, these dogs live years. You need to attend to their health and comfort. The dog may remain energetic and playful, but it slightly slows down. It wants to rest more and gets much calmer. The animal may suffer from some pains, so it may need pain relievers for spine and joint problems and arthritis. It may also need nutritional supplements and changes to its diet. Special senior and sensitive stomach food may become the best choice. Avoid jumping and hard playing. Continuous veterinary monitoring is needed if some symptoms are worsening. The accepted proportion that is considered ideal is .The weight is usually not taken into consideration. If your pet does not correspond to this proportion, there may be a health issue you do not know about yet. That is why you need to monitor the parameters carefully. To be sure that everything is OK, multiply the length of your dog by 0. You will get the perfect height. However, there can be some divergences. If they are minor, you have nothing to worry about. The German Shepherd is rather thin, or even skinny. This results in bad proportions. The ideal weight of your German Shepherd is lbs kg for males and lbs kg for females. You can get either a heavy or obese dog, and it can be a result of overfeeding or certain health issues. How to Check the Weight of Your German Shepherd The simplest method to see whether your dog is underweight is to check whether the ribs are visible on the sides. If you can see that the shape of your dog reminds you of a barrel on the ribs, it means that it is overweight. If you cannot feel the ribs, but there is too much skin on the sides, your dog is overweight. However, if you feel the ribs and only a thin layer of skin, it is underweight. It does not matter whether your dog is underweight or overweight. In any case, it can cause health problems if you do not repair the situation. The best way to succeed is to make changes to the diet. If your German Shepherd is underweight, you should enrich the content of its food. However, do not make it eat if the dog does not want to. That can lead to more severe problems. Make a slow transition to food with higher fat content. Or you may even give your dog puppy food because it is rich in nutrients. If your pet is obviously overweight, the best thing is to cut off the food. However, you also need to do it step by step so that the dog finally can eat just half of the amount you have recently fed it. The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder and an average weight of pounds kg. Nevertheless, some German Shepherds can grow bigger and even reach pounds kg. You need to be sure about its proportions though to understand if your pet meets the standards. If you see some deficiencies, meet your vet for a more thorough evaluation. When does a German Shepherd stop growing? German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years old. Females become adults when they are 2 years old. How tall is a German Shepherd? The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder. An average male reaches inches cm in height, while an average female should be inches cm tall. The body of both males and females should be longer than their height. How big do German Shepherds get? How much does a German Shepherd weight? In general, an average male reaches pounds kg in weight, while an average female should be pounds kg heavy. This is a very strong and brave dog that can become a perfect guardian and protector. If you decide to take a GS puppy, you need to follow its growth stages accurately to be sure that it develops properly. You should follow a high-quality diet, provide your dog with a lot of exercise, and ensure its proper training and socialization. Your German Shepherd cannot stay healthy and active if it gets some health problems related to its weight or height. Sometimes, these issues are not obvious and understandable to the owner. That is why it is important to know the main development parameters of your German Shepherd growth stages to cope with possible challenges. We hope that this article, together with the weight and height chart, will become your effective and helpful guide. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. What are these milestones, and when can you expect them to meet them? We break it all down here, so you know exactly what to expect each step of the way. When you adopt a German Shepherd puppy, it can seem like they just keep growing. A fully grown German Shepherd will stand between 22 and 24 inches tall and weigh anywhere between 50 and 90 pounds. This manifests itself in many ways, but the most notable factor is their energy level. Puppies tend to have far more energy and be a little clumsier than fully mature dogs. German Shepherds leave their first puppy stage at around the 6-month mark, when they reach adolescence. When a dog reaches sexual maturity varies drastically depending on their sex. Male dogs tend to reach sexual maturity anywhere from 6 to 9 months, while female dogs tend to wait until adulthood. If you want to neuter a dog, you have a much smaller window to prevent puppies than with females. Their adult teeth are much larger and less sharp than their puppy teeth. Image Credit: aleksandra85foto, Pixabay Final Thoughts With so many age ranges that your German Shepherd can mature in various ways, it can be hard to keep track of everything. Related German Shepherd Reads:. German Shepherd Development: From Puppies To Adults Posted on Last updated: Categories German Shepherds From early puppyhood to adulthood, German Shepherds undergo significant development that shapes their temperament, behavior, and physical abilities. As a dog owner, understanding the developmental stages of your German Shepherd is crucial to providing the right care and training. German Shepherd development consists of several stages. Hey there! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. Contents Final Thoughts German Shepherd Development and Growth Stages German Shepherd development refers to the physical, cognitive, and social changes that occur in German Shepherd puppies as they grow and mature into adulthood. These changes include the physical development of their muscles, bones, and organs, as well as their ability to learn and process information. Social development involves their ability to interact with other dogs and humans and to understand and follow social rules and norms. As a dog owner, it is important to understand the growth stages of your German Shepherd. Knowing what to expect during each stage can help you provide the best care for your furry friend. In the latter case, you need to know that the German Shepherd puppy depends on his mother for everything in these initial weeks. This includes food, warmth, and physical security. Here, your only responsibility is to make sure the dam is equipped with what she needs to fulfill her duties. As long as you feed the adult GSD right, she will be able to feed her babies and give them the warmth and company they need. You might notice that the puppies may seem asocial. Do not measure how the puppy interacts with other dogs for at least three to four weeks, which brings us to what you can expect within the next two weeks. This is where the puppy can wean off and not need a diet made up of milk exclusively. The puppy can consume solid food but is not too fond of it, especially if it is strange in texture. Your priority at this stage should be to get him to accept solid food without regressing to a diet of milk. There will be a social incentive in weaning off as the puppy will observe the litter he belongs to and notice a simultaneous change in feeding preferences. This brings us to a very important change: social interaction. I mentioned above that you should not worry about social disinterest up until the third week. However, by the fourth week, you should look for some interaction. If the puppy fails to acknowledge others in the litter or is getting shunned collectively, consulting an expert trainer or a vet can be helpful. Otherwise, the journey from being 4 weeks old to being adoption-ready is a long one, and it starts by accepting a human guardian. From weeks 4 to 5, the puppy is learning to accept a human usually the breeder as his guardian. Both dominant guardian and guiding guardian archetypes work in establishing yourself as the leader, but the dominant frame might box you into less palatable training tactics. German Shepherd puppies are quite intelligent, but a bulk of this cognitive ability is unlocked in two stages. The first is around the five-week mark. This could be the fourth or sixth week, depending on the individual puppy, but it is noticeable when the dog starts getting excited about other dogs. Of course, you need to be on schedule with socialization and carry-walks to notice this. Again, this explains why breeders usually keep the GSD puppies at this stage. Aggression issues can stem from excitement signaling menace. The opposite is true as well. Fortunately, professional breeders expose the dog to other dogs his age at this stage, and he learns to adjust how he shows and perceives excitement, making your life as a new German Shepherd parent much easier. But socializing your German Shepherd happens in stages as well. And of different ages. The wider the variety of people he gets to see and interact with at this stage, the more receptive he will be to people growing up. If your German Shepherd has seen only young people all his life, he might react differently to older ones and vice versa. This also applies to experiences. Exposing your puppy to experiences like car rides and ringing doorbells ensures that he will be calm in normal situations as he grows up. And in addition to getting your German Shepherd acquainted with normal stimuli like bells and travel, you must get him crate trained at this stage. Introducing the crate as a refuge and a secure spot as opposed to jail is a great way to get your GSD puppy to accept the crate. The more you delay this, the harder it becomes to crate-train a German Shepherd. If you want to check how his growth compares to the guidelines, head over to this article, When Do German Shepherds Stop Growing? This also includes a handy growth chart. This is a critical stage because if unchecked, your German Shepherd might end up hurting other dogs or be hurt by them. The watchful dog-parent in you that you were holding back has his chance to shine here. Make sure you keep a close eye on your German Shepherd and how he interacts with any other dogs in the house. The status-measuring step is one even adult dogs take when first interacting with each other. But at this age, dogs engage in prolonged status-measuring inquiry and either establish dominance or accept their subservient spot. You cannot force your German Shepherd to be the alpha in a relationship with another dog. GSDs are very physical, which is fine when two dogs play within the same breed. But if one of your doggos belongs to a relatively fragile lineage, you might want to consider some separation. If you are worried your German Shepherd playing too rough , click the link for some cool tips on how to limit rough play. The easier to walk your GSD is, the more enjoyable it will be for you both. This is better elaborated in my dedicated post on the fun exercises you can do with your German Shepherd puppy. At the same time, his physical energy levels are rising every day, which can be counterproductive as your German Shepherd can get uber-excited about physical activity. Make sure you have him on a no-pull harness instead of a collar-and-leash, so you can get him properly under control without hurting him. You can also see my other recommendations here. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. Weighing your German Shepherd at home can be quite a different story! Unless you have a pet scale at home, the easiest way to weigh your German Shepherd would be to use your own scale. Carefully pick up your German Shepherd puppy and make sure they are secure in your arms before stepping back on the scale. Make note of the combined weight of yourself and your puppy, and then step off of the scale and put your puppy down. Subtract your weight from the combined weight. The remaining weight should be close to how much your puppy weighs. For adult dogs, unless you can safely pick up an adult German Shepherd, it is best to contact your vet to utilize their scale, or a local groomer or pet store may also have a scale you can utilize. If you are needing to weigh your German Shepherd frequently for medical or sport reasons, you might invest in a high quality pet scale that you can keep at home. Get your measuring tape the ones used for fabric and clothing measurements are the best option and your puppy. Depending on how active your puppy is, you may need a helper to hold them in place so you can get an accurate measurement. Make sure your puppy is standing squarely and with their weight evenly distributed amongst all four paws. You may need to place a small object on top of the end of the tape to keep it in the correct place. Record the measurement usually in inches or centimeters on your German Shepherd puppy growth chart. You can either measure from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail or, more commonly, from the front of the chest to the rear end. If you have an active puppy, enlist a helper to keep them still so you can get an accurate measurement. Make sure the puppy is standing squarely and has all four paws on the ground. There should be no leaning forward or backward which can affect your measurements. This area is generally just a few inches underneath their neck and is where the blade of the shoulder sits. If you are concerned that your German Shepherd puppy is not growing as he should when compared to the average German Shepherd puppy, then a vet visit is probably in order. Your vet can conduct tests to make sure your puppy is not suffering from an underlying health condition. Genetics also play a role in how a German Shepherd puppy grows, and if your puppy does not appear to be growing as he should then it could be due to poor breeding practices or parents who were of abnormal sizes as well. Runts of the litter also tend to develop slower than their litter mates. Your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist will be able to help you set up a weight loss and exercise plan to help bring your German Shepherd back down to healthy weight, and your vet can also eliminate any health reasons, such as diabetes or a thyroid issue , that may have caused the weight gain. If your German Shepherd weighs less than he should for her age and activity level, you may need to increase his calorie intake or provide additional weight gain supplements following the advice of your veterinarian. Some German Shepherds have a higher metabolism than others, so your German Shepherd may just need an increase in food to bring them back up to a proper weight. You should also have your veterinarian conduct tests to make sure there is not an underlying health issue, such as heartworm or malnutrition , that is causing the weight loss. While a hot button topic, there is new research and evidence that spaying or neutering your German Shepherd puppy too soon can impact their growth plates and how their bodies develop. Large breed puppies should not be extensively exercised while they are still growing, and they should especially avoid any heavy impact on their joints even jumping out of the car or off of the couch can impact them! Since their growth plates are not yet closed, German Shepherd puppies should receive physical exercise in the form of light walks or playtime. While hiking and dog sports like agility may be an excellent way to bond with your German Shepherd puppy, at this young age the impact from that much exercise might cause issues with their growth plates. A good low-impact way of exercising your German Shepherd puppy is to go swimming! As your German Shepherd puppy nears maturity and their growth plates begin closing which generally occurs between 12 and 18 months of age , you can gradually add in more intensive exercise and impact. My 2 German Shepherds and 1 Siberian Husky mix keep my busy, along with my 8 cats I am also a crazy cat lady and my axolotl Fin Diesel he's all about family. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Additionally, NotABully.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. You turn your attention back to your computer screen and suddenly feel little teeth grabbing at your sock! You look down. Your once-angelic puppy is now having a full on game of tug-of-war with your pant leg! This cute baby is now more like a furry little monster. You get up and try to walk away, but the fur alligator is still attached, munching away at your trousers and having the best time! If this sounds like your life, read on to learn how to stop a puppy from biting. Why Do Puppies Bite? Believe it or not, this scenario is actually very common! Biting is one of the most natural things in the world to a young pup; and they do it for many reasons. You would be left with your feet and mouth to interact, taste and feel your environment. Now, what if you had puppy paws — incapable of grasping anything? That leaves you with one final way to interact — your mouth. For good measure, add in the incredible curiosity of a child. How many times do you see a baby grab things with their hands and pop them into the mouth? Puppies have that same mindset. Your mouth strength and play bite helped you communicate and determine your rank in society. Your mouthy mojo gave you respect in canine culture. Puppies interact with their surroundings largely through their mouths. Labradors, like most sporting breeds, have the drive to chase after prey, put it in their mouths, and bring it back to you. This translates into a strong need to chew. They will try this same tactic with their human pack members. If ignored, one bite on the toe is often enough to get the focus back on them. Remember, to a puppy even negative attention is still attention. Terrible Teething When you add teething into the mix, you have the recipe for a furry gator. Most pups will have an increased need to chew while teething , which can begin at 6 weeks and last to 8 months of age. Unlike teething, there is no magical age that puppies grow out of a learned mouthing behavior. Thankfully, with positive training, most dogs eventually lose interest in chewing on their owners. Types of Biting: Aggression or Play? Puppies use their teeth in many ways. However, this is actually just very intense play. Play biting can be accompanied with growling and snarling. This is just part of the fun to a young pup. Instead, we will look into how we can prevent playful mouthing. However, it is important to recognize the signs of aggression. Pay attention to the timing of the biting as well. If so, the motive behind the bite may be more aggressive. Could it be Resource Guarding? Some dogs also aggressively bite when they are guarding a toy or food item, commonly called resource guarding. With resource guarding, you will see the same behavior as aggressive biting, but they will also stand over an object and defend it from any perceived threat. If you think your puppy is behaving aggressively, seek professional help to learn how to actively manage this issue. In contrast to this, playing puppies will be relaxed and have a wiggly body. They will be bouncy, easily roll onto their backs and often be panting with open mouths. Even if they are growling, a relaxed face and body mean a happy puppy. What Can Trigger Biting? Do you really want your pound Labrador to target your hands as a toy later? Children Little kids tend to excite puppies more than adults. Children move erratically, run around, make strange sounds and have a lot more energy. Puppies can easily associate them with toys. Ankle Biters Puppies target fast moving objects that excite their prey drive. Your feet moving by at their eye level can be irresistible. After all, what self-respecting puppy would snub shoes with those floppy laces that are perfect for playing tug? How do we do this? Redirection with Hands When training your puppy, always have a toy to offer. Remember, puppies are like babies. Your job is to redirect them to fun toys instead of human skin. You must do everything possible to make toys extremely attractive so the puppy chooses them over your clothing, hands or feet. Redirection with Kids You can also use redirection around children. First, teach your puppy to use interactive toys and then show your child how to play with the puppy correctly. In the event that your dog forgets, teach your kids to be a tree when their puppy begins to bite them or their clothes. This position makes them less interactive to the puppy. They look boring and the puppy will lose interest. Most bites occur because the child is running or moving erratically. Remember, dogs have the same prey triggers as wolves. If something is running away, it looks like prey. Your job, therefore, is to have an even more amazing toy than your feet. You can take a toy, tie it to a rope, and then tie the rope to your belt so that you are dragging the toy whenever your pup is out. If your puppy is coming for your feet, stop moving them and wave the toy around excitedly instead. Once the pup is attached to the toy, you can start walking again. This way, they will pounce on the toy instead of you! Bite inhibition simply means that the puppy learns not to apply too much force behind their teeth. They apply gentle, but firm, pressure to their greeting. Puppies also learn to limit this pressure with their mouths by feedback from pack members. When puppies are little, they learn bite inhibition through play with their siblings. If two pups are tussling, and one bites down too hard, the other puppy yelps loudly. This startling sound usually causes the offending party to let go. The play stops for a few minutes, as the first pup nurses his wounded ego. Play then resumes, but with less brutality. Instead, let the puppy release your hand and then simply get up and and move away from your pup while ignoring them. Your job is to teach them when they bite down on you, the fun stops. Ignore them for about a minute, then return and resume the play and praise them when they focus on the toy. If they bite you too hard again, repeat this process. You can either step over a puppy barrier or go into another room and shut the door. Just make sure they are in a puppy-proof area, as they may take out their frustration on inappropriate household items. You can also keep the puppy on a leash while playing with them. If they bite you, you can calmly tether them to something and then walk out of their reach. Your goal is to correct the puppy only by taking away your fun presence. You should not be threatening or angry. Give them the appropriate time out from the fun interaction to settle down, and then come back with a toy to redirect their energy. Once they understand they have to be gentle, you can then start to ask more of them by ending the game with lighter and lighter pressure on your skin. Finally, you can take the game to the highest standard — no teeth on human skin at all. If you slowly progress to this over weeks, you teach your pup to have a soft mouth. If they do feel the need to put their teeth on a human, they know not to put much pressure into their bite. You need to teach your puppy that human skin is fragile and requires a softer touch than a canine interaction. Your goal for this exercise should be to help your puppy understand that the play and fun things continue as long as they keep their teeth on their toy and not on you! More Ways to Stop Your Puppy Biting While the yelp and time-out method works for most pups, there are additional ways to reinforce good behavior. When your puppy bites your hand, they get a terrible taste. You can use anti-chewing sprays like Bitter Apple to make your hands less appealing. When your puppy bites you, be still and wait for them to react to the bitter taste. When they let go, praise them and redirect them onto a treat or toy. You want the crate to always be associated with only good things. Crates also should be in the middle of the household, with the rest of the pack — not isolated. This is the same way other canine pack members would isolate them. A laundry room or puppy pen works well for this exercise. Make sure the room is comfortable and safe for your puppy. When the puppy is too stimulated, calmly put him in the room with some teething toys and leave. Teaching them interactive games like fetch or bringing you a toy to tug helps show them that they can have even more fun when they play by your rules. Positive play helps develop a bond with your dog. You never want to avoid it, you just want to show them how to play without biting you. Teaching puppies to retrieve objects helps to tire them out, gives them something positive to chase, and focuses their bite on an appropriate item. Plus, most Labradors are pretty good at retrieving! Remember, anytime we ask a puppy to stop a behavior, it should be because they are rewarded in an even more exciting and positive way for doing something else and things our way. The following video shows how. Video: How to Stop a Puppy from Biting This video shows how to use clicker training to stimulate a puppy in situations where they normally would bite; and then reward them when they choose a closed mouth and calm interaction. Dominant Puppies Dogs are individuals. However, as puppies mature, there may be the rare pup that uses biting as a way to take charge. Dominant puppies may bite to show you that they want to be the boss as they mature. This happens naturally among littermates, as all packs have a pecking order. This reinforces to them that you are backing down and that they are the leader in the relationship. Always remain calm and assertive with your puppy, but end the game as soon as they begin vying for leadership instead of playing. Remember, the alternative to not training your dog is a large animal putting his mouth on people. Be patient with your puppy. Remember, mouthing and biting are normal parts of canine culture. If you stay patiently positive, train consistently, and redirect and reward good behavior, you will soon see a puppy that learns to bring you a tug toy instead of shredding your trousers. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative to seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. 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. Teach an alternative behavior like "lick" or "kisses" Alright, let's dive into each tip below. Exercising a puppy is one of the best ways to help alleviate problem behaviors like biting. Again, how much exercise your puppy needs will be largely dependent on their breed and age. A general rule of thumb is that a puppy can have 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day. So a 4-month-old puppy can exercise for 20 minutes twice a day. The more energy your pup uses, the better! Exercise can also take the form of , just be careful not to overrun your pup. Excessive exercise can cause joint problems in the long run. There are a host of options to help you overcome this issue so you can still effectively get rid of their energy. Consider getting a flirt pole. Flirt poles are a fantastic option because they allow you to play very energetic and fun games of chase, without worrying about getting your hands nipped at. You can get one here. Another option is to teach your pup a structured game of fetch. Fetch is great because it exercises dogs both physically and mentally. Zak George lays out how to teach your dog to fetch in our free online training class, 30 Day Perfect Pup. You can sign up here. Remember, many dogs can have been bred for hundreds of years to have high levels of energy. Be sure to give your pup an outlet with exercise to help stop that puppy biting! Don't miss out! That is the perfect time to engage them mentally with a quick training session! Not only does it deter them from biting, but it gives you an opportunity to reward them for positive behavior. In its simplest form, the leave it behavior is all about restraint. A dog that can restrain from lunging and grabbing a treat on the ground, is much more likely to be able to leave your hand alone when you ask. Step 2: Show your pup a treat and then close your hand so your pup cannot access it. Your pup will likely try to get to the treat by licking, biting hopefully not , or pawing at your hand where the treat is. Step 3: Practice that behavior multiple times until your pup starts to generalize the concept. The next step after that would be to try putting a treat on the ground and telling your pup to leave it. Step 5: Practice, practice, and then keep practicing. If your pup starts biting into your skin, give the leave it command, and reward when they stop. Practice makes perfect! For example, as you teach your pup the sit behavior you can help them understand yes and no. Over time trust me, it takes time , your pup will better start to understand the difference between yes and no. My wife and I raised two Yellow Labs that are about 7 months apart. And they were the first puppies we had raised as adults. So please, trust me when I tell you that getting frustrated will only make things worse. When you are frustrated, your pup likely is as well. And when puppies are frustrated, they won't learn! So, if you find a certain puppy behavior like biting or situation starting to overwhelm you… take a timeout. Let your pup cool down in their crate or sleep area and give yourself a few minutes to regroup. Guess what. So, do what you need to do for a personal break, and then recommit and get back at it! They have a keen sense of noticing our emotions. When frustration creeps in, learning stops for both human and dog. Redirecting to a game of tug of war can help teach your pup what is okay and not okay to chew on. As we mentioned before, puppies explore the world with their mouth, that is totally normal! Many pup parents have found it best to approach your pup with the toy in hand so you can be ready if the hand chomping starts happening. Teaching your dog tug can be a great way to stop puppy biting. Just remember, these behaviors can take significant practice and time to overcome. The question is, are you rewarding those positive behaviors and moments as you should be? If you are going through the process of overcoming puppy biting, you need to remember to praise the successful moments. When your pup comes up to you and lets you pet them without getting nippy, praise and reward them! Maybe you will see your puppy chewing a toy instead of your slippers or hand, reward them! If your puppy licks your hand instead of biting it, reward them! A huge part, and often underlooked, of training a puppy is to praise their successes. Treat each victory as a party and break out the fun, , and praise. Your job as a pup parent is to teach your dog what you want them to do. PS- If you're looking for a high-value reward treat for your pup, we've got your back! Check out our. Of course, you praise the positive moments but at times, you have to take away what your pup is desiring. In the instance of biting, pups are looking for playtime and engagement with us humans. Leave the room, put them in another room, or put them into a playpen for minutes. Implementing this method consistently will help your pup come to understand that when biting starts, playtime stops. A note on this, in most cases it is best to not use the crate as a negative reinforcer like a timeout. For example, when your pup starts nibbling, do your best to not jerk your hand away quickly. Most dogs love things that are moving! So if you jerk your hand or foot away, your pup may think you are trying to be playful. If your pup starts biting, let your hand go limp. Another way to make your skin a little less enticing is to keep them covered when possible. Being a successful pup parent oftentimes comes down to how well you can set your pup up for success. So if you know your pup is going through an extreme biting phase, consider keeping that skin covered when at home. It can be wearing socks, long sleeves and pants, and other things like that! When the puppy biting phase is at its worst, every little bit of help is important! Dogs are obviously very skilled at helping each other learn what is okay for play, and what is too aggressive. One quick note on socializing your puppy is that you should always be there to monitor them! Be active and aware and be ready to intervene if the play gets out of hand or aggressive. Some dogs have lower levels of patience with puppy biting, so be aware of how the other dogs are responding. Many pup parents find that the more they can correctly socialize their puppy, the milder the puppy biting will become. If you can effectively teach them a behavior that they can only do without biting then you'll be much closer to no biting! While there are plenty of alternative biting behaviors you can teach, here are some favorites:. By Chris Lab puppies are the definition of cuteness. But they are not always the angels they seem! What can you do when your Labrador puppy develops a biting habit? How to stop a Lab puppy from biting? These adorable little guys possess some not-so-good behaviors, especially during the first few months of their lives, a major one being biting. At first, it may seem cute, but it can be irksome, especially when your pup starts destroying things around your house or even begins biting you. Read on to learn some valuable tips on how to train your Labrador puppy to stop biting. What Causes Puppy Biting? Teething in puppies often starts when they are approximately three weeks old. By the time they are six weeks old, these little guys will have all 28 deciduous teeth. When your pup is around 12 weeks old, it will start shedding these teeth, paving the way for the permanent teeth to grow. You may notice these teeth around your home, but most likely, your furry little friend will swallow these teeth while eating. Your puppy tends to chew on everything because the teething process is quite uncomfortable and painful. That is why it will bite and nip on anything to try and relieve that pain. You may also notice your pet drooling excessively and not eating much during this phase. Even strong swimmers like Labs need a break every now and then Your Puppy Is Exploring Its Surrounding During the socialization stage which is from 4 to 12 weeks of age , puppies tend to bite and nip as a way of exploring their environment. At this stage, your pup will chew anything out of curiosity and to test its social boundaries. Separation Anxiety Puppies and older dogs who suffer from separation anxiety mostly exhibit destructive behaviors such as excessive biting. Separation anxiety is basically when your puppy becomes agitated, anxious, or depressed when you prepare to leave, or you have already left. Typically, puppies require between 16 to 18 hours of sleep every day. When they do not get enough sleep, they may begin exhibiting destructive behaviors such as excessive biting. Puppies who have the zoomies tend to show behaviors such as barking and biting excessively, running and spinning around, and so on. A lack of exercise is the leading cause of dog zoomies. These destructive behaviors are a way for your puppy to release that pent-up energy it has held in for quite some time. Here are a few ways on how to train your puppy to stop biting. Labradors are huge fans of babies as they age. Active families love a Lab! Try Bite Inhibition Bite inhibition is one of the most common methods puppy owners use to train their pups to stop biting. This is simply training it on how to control the force of its bites. Of course, you cannot entirely train a puppy to stop biting because it is part of how they socialize. Usually, puppies nip at each other while playing with their littermates or mothers. When your pup bites another puppy too hard, it will yelp, scaring your puppy enough to let go. You can take advantage of this behavior and teach your dog how much biting is acceptable. When it releases you, try ignoring it for approximately 10 to 20 minutes, then continue petting and playing with it. Another way to train your puppy to stop biting is by using positive punishment. Apart from yelping when it bites, you can also use a calm but firm voice to make it stop that behavior. Unlike humans, yelling at your puppy makes it more hyperactive and excited, making the habit even worse. When your puppy is biting excessively, you can gently place it in its cage for a couple of minutes until it calms down. However, it is essential to use this method sparingly to prevent your dog from developing negative responses. This may lead to your pup acting up when it sees someone walking towards it, which can be dangerous. It is also essential to reward your puppy when it calms down and stops biting, as it will help reinforce that positive behavior. If your pup tries biting your finger or hand, you can pull it away quickly before it does and provide a chewy toy for it to nip on instead. Do Labs like water? However, there are many things to consider when shopping for the ideal chew toy for your puppy. If you notice that your puppy shreds or destroys something it bites on within minutes, you should get a chew toy made of rubber or hard plastic. When choosing a chew toy for your furry little pal, make sure it is a good size for your puppy. Go for a toy that is not too big for your pup to carry and not too small that it can swallow and get lodged in its throat. It is also recommendable to get a treat-toy for your puppy. These toys allow you to stash some treats in them to elicit more interest. Such toys will help keep your puppy engaged enough to stop chewing on things around your home. Allow Your Puppy to Socialize With Other Puppies Arranging a playdate with other puppies is also a great way to train your puppy to stop biting. Like we mentioned earlier, puppies bite and nip at each other when playing. When one pup bites the other one too hard, it yelps, making the puppy stop nipping. This response helps your dog learn how much force of a bite is unacceptable. Is your dog a Prince or Princess? A Hero or a Pauper? Jasmine or Aladdin type? Would you give your puppy a Disney dog name? Conclusion While puppy biting is normal, it can become dangerous and uncomfortable as they grow older. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. This awful biting time with puppies seems like it will go on for ever, but actually it only lasts a few weeks - mostly by the time the new teeth have come through, at about four to five months, the biting stops, and soon you will find you have a dog with a gentle mouth. You may not realize it, but your puppy is already being careful to some extent - if you have ever fed a puppy a raw chicken wing, for instance, you will know that he would be completely capable of biting right through your fingers, if he really wanted to. He is already pulling his punches, and now just needs your help to learn that human skin is more delicate than the thick fur of his mother and siblings. Your puppy sounds like he gets wound up and overtired the mad running around the house. This is the time a crate or quiet area can work wonders. Stay calm, keep giving him toys and chews to chomp on instead of your hands, refuse to interact with him when he bites you - even a second or two of no attention will help him to realize you really don't like it. Grabbing his cheeks and pulling him obviously doesn't work, he probably thinks it's some kind of game, and the attention you are inadvertently bestowing on him in that way seems to be making the situation worse.It will help if you teach him what you DO want, which is calm, gentle behaviour. Don't forget to praise him quietly and calmly when he is being good and quiet. I found holding one end of a chew such as a bully stick , so that we were interacting without him actually hurting me, helped. I also found that working out a routine was very helpful, so that we would go outside to play, then he would have his food, go out again to pee, then I would put him in his bed in the crate or behind a gate for a rest. Don't panic, this is very normal puppy behaviour, and I guarantee it will pass. You will get there. In a couple of months you'll be telling us what a delight he is.Print How to stop your puppy from biting your hands and feet — fast! Have you ever watched a litter of retriever puppies play with each other? They are all mouths and feet as they growl, bite and paw at each other. Over time, if left to it, each pup will naturally figure out their place in the pack. However, when you bring your Lab puppy home there are no longer littermates with whom to tussle. And the result is often that your Lab puppy will start biting and growling at you! The problem is that puppy teeth are sharp. Very sharp! And when your puppy bites you, even if they are playing, it hurts. So, what can you do to stop this behavior before it gets out of hand and you find yourself or someone in your family injured by your puppy? Before I go any further, I want to be clear about what we are talking about. You should seek professional help and evaluation. Why puppies bite and growl Puppy play is a kind of training for a dog as they grow and mature. It is also a way that dogs determine rank within a group. Remember, dogs are pack animals. In a pack there is only one Alpha lead dog. Every other dog is under the authority and control of that dog. No two dogs share the same rank. So, while biting and growling starts as play, it does not stay that way. All dogs, whether in a group of dogs or a human family, want to understand their place in the family. They need to know their place. It helps they be more mentally balanced and will help solve a multitude of behavioral problems. Once a puppy or dog understands where they rank in the pack, they often assume that place, at least for a while. Remember, they are dogs. They are not robots so occasionally they may challenge their position, but if the boundary remains clear, the challenge is short lived. Biting, nipping and playful growling at a human can become a challenge of dominance. If your puppy is young, you can quickly and easily end this behavior by establishing boundaries and consistently enforcing these boundaries each and every time your puppy shows this type of behavior. If you have let this behavior go on for a while, you may be in for quite a fight to take back your authority. Biting is not the same as chewing A puppy biting your hand or feet is not the same as a puppy chewing on a shoe, toy or other item. All puppies have a need to chew. As their puppy teeth grow and their adult teeth come in, it is common for dogs to chew on things to relieve the pain and help the new teeth to come in. This should not be discouraged, but rather encouraged on an appropriate item like a chew toy, nylabone or rawhide. And if this works, this is an appropriate solution. Instead, it is likely an issue of dominance. How to stop puppy from biting you Biting is just one puppy dominance behavior. There are many others such as jumping on you, putting a paw on your feet, and lifting and placing paws on your arms or legs. The behaviors I have listed are often gateway behaviors that escalate into more aggressive or troublesome behaviors like stealing food off your plate or the counter, pushing you out of the way when going through doors and pulling you around on a lead. Start by establishing firm boundaries The first step to stopping your puppy from biting or mouthing you is to set up firm boundaries for your puppy. You can set these up for not only biting but for all dominance behaviors. So, what is a boundary? Well, here are some examples. Some people we have worked with are okay with their puppy mouthing their hand as long as there is no tooth pressure. If you feel the same way, then make that a boundary. But if there is any tooth pressure, a swift and consistent correction will follow. This boundary is stronger and does not give the dog any room for confusion. In fact, they often will understand what your boundaries are but will test that standard against everyone else in the family. Each person needs to set and enforce boundaries. React with firm consistent corrections After you establish the boundary, you now need to react every time your puppy or dog crosses that boundary. Each and every time! There can be no room for confusion. Your corrections must be swift and consistent. Not all dogs react to the same level of pressure. For some dogs, this squeeze and strong words will be all it takes to stop the behavior. Especially if you are consistent in your correction. But some dogs have a stronger or more challenging personality. This will give your puppy a taste of his own medicine since his puppy teeth are sharp and will pinch into his lips or flews. You must be consistent. How long will it take to stop my puppy from biting me? If you are firm and consistent, the behavior should stop for the most part in a day or two. Some dogs require more pressure, some less. Your puppy should feel some discomfort. That is okay. The point is to show your puppy that biting hurts and that it is not an acceptable behavior. When nothing seems to work If you puppy is a bit older and has been getting away with biting and mouthing you for a while, you may struggle to end this behavior. Often the problem is a strong dominance issue that needs to be addressed. If your puppy continues to snap or bite at you even after a correction, you likely need to exert some dominance over your puppy. This is similar to what a mommy dog does to a puppy that is not behaving. Humans can do the same thing to show dominance over a rebellious puppy. I know, it sound a bit ridiculous but it really does work. Instead, remain calm and patient. Stay in control. Reacting with emotion can lead to strong reactions or punishment that you will later regret. The point is to show your dog that you are the Alpha in the relationship, and you can and will determine what behavior is acceptable. Biting is not love As a professional dog trainer, I am always surprised at what some of clients consider appropriate behavior. Some owners feel that setting boundaries and enforcing those boundaries means that you do not love your dog. That you need to accept all dog behaviors otherwise you do not love your dog. This is a false and faulty mindset. We have seen clients who have been injured by their dog multiple times and they still refuse to take steps to end the behavior. That is not love. What if the next person that dog bites is a child? Would you be able to live with that? A dog that is allowed to continue harming humans is only one bite away from having to be put down. It may sound harsh, but it is the sad truth. Some people may argue that the dog is unable to understand what they are doing is wrong. This is not based on reality. Dogs are very smart. They can learn to do amazing things and become incredible hunting partners and family companions. But they rarely achieve this potential without an owner who cares enough to set boundaries and enforce them. Final thoughts on how to stop my puppy biting me all the time You can stop your puppy from biting you and others if you are willing to take the steps necessary to make your dog understand that biting is not an acceptable behavior. A firm consistent correction each and every time your puppy bites will quickly teach your puppy to stop biting. These corrections will not harm your relationship with your puppy, but will, in fact, enhance it. Your puppy will quickly learn where the boundaries are and how to operate within those boundaries. We see it time and again, once a puppy is taught that there are boundaries, they quickly adjust and become wonderful loving and obedient family members. Help, my Lab puppy keeps biting me! Calm puppy behavior. Conflicting advice on how to stop your pup biting Many articles will tell you to ignore a puppy when he bites and to offer him a toy instead. Some people will tell you to punish your biting puppy. Others will tell you that you must not stop your puppy biting too suddenly, or punish him for biting, for fear of drastic consequences later. So who is right, and who is wrong? Does ignoring stop your puppy biting? Many new puppy owners try to ignore the biting puppy initially. This failure tends to be for one or more of the following reasons. Does noise stop puppy biting? There is no doubt that a sufficiently loud squeal, followed by immediate withdrawal of attention, will cause many Labrador puppies to break off from biting. Sometimes long enough for a skilled owner to then redirect the puppy into a more appropriate activity. There is also no doubt that for some puppies, this has the reverse effect, and causes them to bite harder and more fiercely. A puppy that has spent sufficient time with his Mum, may be more likely to take heed of this verbal warning, as he will expect it to be followed by a sharp click of her teeth and a fiercer rebuke if he ignores her. But there are no guarantees here. And the fact is, squealing simply does not work as an effective anti-biting strategy, for some puppies. Punishing the puppy to stop biting I have heard, even quite experienced, breeders tell new puppy owners to punish their puppy if he bites. Either by intimidating the puppy with an angry growling voice, or even with physical punishment such as a scruff shake or slap. But there are problems with this approach. This process is called bite inhibition. And the use of punishment may curtail all biting rather than just the hardest, most painful, bites. Nowadays many people like to train dogs without punishment. And there are strong reasons for joining them — check out this article — the downside of punishing dogs. Teaching puppy to stop biting Why would we want to teach dogs to bite humans gently? Why is it not best to teach them not to bite at all, right from the start? The idea of reducing biting gradually was popularised by Ian Dunbar. The theory is that a dog which learns to inhibit his bite i. You can read more about bite inhibition here: Labrador Puppies Biting. The concept is a sound one, and most canine behaviorists agree that teaching gradual bite inhibition is a good thing. The problem for many new puppy owners, is stopping those painful bites in the first place! The first step is not a technique at all, but an adjustment in the expectations that we have of a small puppy How much do Lab puppies bite? New puppy owners tend to have false expectations of puppies. They also anticipate that stopping a puppy from biting will be a fairly quick and simple matter. None of these expectations is true. Most puppies bite hard, frequently and growl fiercely whilst they are doing it. This noise is not a sign of aggression see Help my puppy is aggressive. Stopping a puppy from biting is a process, a journey. And it can be temporarily an uncomfortable one! It is important to accept that there is no guaranteed way of stopping biting immediately. Indeed, as we have seen, bite prevention rather than inhibition may be a bad thing in any case. Supervise your puppy around children Once you have got your head around the fact that this process will take some time, that it will be a gradual thing, you need to think about how you are going to protect any children that might come into contact with the puppy. This is important because small children can, both hurt and, be hurt by small biting puppies. Calm your puppy to stop him biting The next priority is to keep your puppy calm. Overexcited puppies bite harder and more frequently than less excited puppies. This will merely start the biting up all over again. There are lots of ways to interact with puppies without physically playing with them. Check out our article on playing safely with your dog. What to do when a puppy bites When your puppy bites you really hard, take immediate action. Stand up, move away from him and completely withdraw your attention. You can try the squeal thing if you want to. This works well with some puppies. Be ready for it, and repeat your actions. If the puppy chases after you, biting at your legs and feet, step over a baby gate, or pop him in his crate for a few minutes. You can read up on this process in more detail in this article: How to cope with biting. Remember, puppies enjoy chewing , and teething puppies need to chew on something. Whilst you and your clothing are not suitable chew toys, you need to provide your puppy with alternatives, like Kong toys. How to stop your puppy biting Biting is normal Biting should be inhibited in stages Training takes time The key points to take away from this are that biting is normal, and that training a puppy not to bite takes time. Stop the painful bites first, then work on putting a stop to mouthing. If what you are doing is not working, you probably just need to be more patient and persistent. If your children are suffering, you need to separate and supervise. Work hard on keeping your puppy calm — it makes the biggest difference.

Pointerdor owners say these sturdy dogs are softies at heart and love to please their people. Bred from Labrador Retrievers and German Shorthaired Pointers, these puppies are one of the most sought-after breed mixes. Their history goes back long before the term designer dog was coined. Lab Pointer mix origins — why breed a hybrid? Using two dog breeds from the same group, in this case the sporting group, does however increase the chances that the resulting puppies will be similar, because the parents have similarities too. It is interesting to note that Lab Pointer mix origins, go back much further than the desire for designer puppies. Basically the Labrador Pointer crossbreed is nothing new and has been around as a capable hunting companion and all round family pet for many years. Part of the sporting dog group, and many serve dual roles as hunting companions and family pets. They are modern, multi-purpose, gun dogs capable of hunting up game, pointing at it, and retrieving it. These breeds are both athletic working dogs that need plenty of exercise, are very playful, and get bored quite easily. For this reason a German Shorthaired Pointer and Lab mix can be a good choice for an active household that can make plenty of time for play and who are willing to devote time each day to training their dog. These are loyal, intelligent dogs who can be independently-minded, but are very amenable to training. They form strong bonds with their owners. They do best in a stimulating environment — one that challenges them both mentally and physically. Their offspring typically weigh anywhere between 50 and 85lbs, with males being larger than females. And cross-bred puppies are likely to grow to a height of around 23 inches at the shoulder a little less for females Shedding When it comes to coat length and texture things are a bit more predictable with a GSP cross as both Labs and German Shorthaired Pointers have short fur. Labradors can be heavy shedders due to their double coat. The GSP coat is very short and easy to care for. Mix pups do not shed like a lab and their coats are often sleek and shiny. Exercise Coming from two working breeds, Lab Pointers have a lot of energy. They love being outdoors and are ready for anything — running, swimming or hiking. These pups should also have an enclosed yard where they can run around and stretch their legs on a daily basis. They can become destructive, burning off their excess energy by chewing. Exercise is also an important way to keep these high-spirited dogs healthy, and stop them from becoming overweight which could lead to health problems down the road. Health Any puppy has the potential to inherit health problems carried by its parents. Different breeds are often prone to different diseases, and this means that some cross bred puppies have an advantage in terms of health. One of the advantages of buying a cross breed puppy is that the known reduced health risks are reflected in lower pet insurance premiums. Most popular and common variety today More manageable Versatile What does a Lab Pointer mix look like? A Lab Pointer mix will typically be a medium-sized dog with a long muscular body with a slight slope at the shoulders. These dogs carry themselves proudly with a powerful stance, especially in the chest and long legs which are built for strength and speed. The muzzle is of medium length with a stubby end, while the ears of the Pointador are wide and hang down to the upper jaw, sitting on a broadhead. The Lab Pointer mix will typically have almond-shaped eyes which can vary in color, some Pointadors even have very light eyes. The Lab Pointer mix is typically a medium to large size dog with the males being larger than females. This crossbreed pooch will stand around 22 to 28 inches 55 to 71 cm tall and weigh in at between 35 and 80 pounds 16 to 36 kg. As a large athletic breed, the Pointer Lab mix will require a fair amount of space and thus is better suited to rural areas and a house with a large outdoor space than apartment-style living. Color of your Labrador Pointer mix Pointers are found in a variety of colors, ranging from yellow and brown to black. Most Pointers will also have distinctive markings in white on their face and chest. Labradors, on the other hand, are typically found in three colors, namely chocolate, black and yellow. The Lab Pointer mix dog therefore can have a mix of all of the above colors with one litter of Pointadors often having a variety of different colored puppies. The most common colors for a Pointer Lab mix puppy are white, brown, or black. As both Labradors and Pointers have short to medium-length fur, the Lab Pointer mix pup will also have short fur which is normally quite thick and straight. These loyal dogs will form strong bonds with their family members and will want to be around you and take part in all of your activities. They may be a sturdy, energetic breed but the Pointador is a big softy at heart that is easy to please and gets along well with everybody, including children. Due to their desire to be included in all goings-on, they can suffer separation anxiety if left alone for too long. While they are very loyal, their gentle and loving nature means that the Lab Pointer mix does not make a good guard dog. As they are smart and easy to train they are well suited for new or inexperienced dog owners. However, due to their history as hunting dogs, the Pointador can have a strong prey drive so start socialization early. This breed does well in a range of environments and climates however if you live in a particularly frosty area you may want to invest in a doggie jersey for those chilly days. Exercising the Pointer Lab mix Exercise and mental stimulation are necessary to keep your Lab Pointer mix happy and healthy. This retriever crossbreed may also love to go for a swim! In addition to a half an hour or hour walk every day, your Pointer Lab mix will also love interactive toys that keep their prey drive and intelligent nature satisfied. Just be sure to provide your pooch with a shady area and plenty of fresh water when exercising, particularly in hotter months. The Pointer Labrador mix is a moderate shedder, however, during hotter times of the year this dog will tend to shed more. Typically a quick brush two or three times a week will be sufficient while the use of a de-shedding tool can help to thin the coat. Pointer Lab mix food The Labrador Pointer mix will need to be fed between one and a half and two and a half cups of kibble every day. This food should be top-quality and specifically formulated for medium-sized breeds with high energy. Look for food that has meat as the first or main ingredient as the glucosamine in this type of diet is good for protecting the joints of this breed. The Labrador parent can cause your mix-breed pup to be prone to obesity and overeating and so free-feeding is discouraged. Also, be wary of unnecessary fillers like grains and carbohydrates. As a medium to large breed, the Lab Pointer mix is susceptible to bloat so be sure not to exercise your dog straight after mealtimes. How long do Lab Pointers live? Lab Pointer mix dogs tend to live longer than their pedigree parents, typically living between 10 and 15 years. This crossbreed is considered to be a generally healthy breed. In addition, both Pointers and Labradors can suffer from eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy and so these degenerative eye disorders could also affect your Lab Pointer mix. You can try and search for a puppy at hunting dog sites or organizations. Here are some places to start your search for a Lab Pointer mix: Hybrid Retrievers Roland Ranch Lab Pointer mix for adoption You may be lucky to find a Lab Pointer mix in a shelter or you can try Labrador or Pointer adoption centers as many breed-specific rescues also care for crossbreeds. Here are a few to set you off: PointerRescue. Org, Inc. Lab Pointer Puppies Video History Though not much is known about its origination, this new breed has obtained recognition by the American Canine Hybrid Club as well as a few other clubs that recognize designer breeds. Temperament These energetic, sweet-tempered dogs have a pleasant and courteous disposition. Being fond of playing, they can get highly possessive as far as their toys are concerned. Though gentle and loving, they have an independent nature, not requiring too much attention, unlike other breeds. Moreover, separation from their owners for some time will not have a great impact on them. Having a loyal nature, they are extremely devoted to their masters, trying all means to please them. The Lab-Pointer behaves calmly with other canine breeds, also being friendly with children provided they are not rough with it. Another interesting trait this breed has inherited from the Pointer is its brilliant sense of smell that makes it alert on sniffing something unusual or encountering any unfamiliar face. Care Exercise It is essential to make them exercise regularly to maintain a good physical and mental health. To channelize its high energy levels in a positive way, owners should take their pets out on a walk two times in a day or make them run daily. Lab-Pointer puppies are more active compared to the older dogs as the latter tend to calm down with age, preferring to be indoors. Grooming Requiring less grooming, their short or medium-length coat should be brushed once or twice a week to keep off dead hairs. Bathe the dog when dirty to prevent them from getting too smelly. Cleaning their ears will minimize chances of infection. Health Problems This hardy breed has no known health problems as such. However, it might be prone to certain common ailments suffered by its parents like hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cataract, cherry eyes and allergies of Pointer as well as dysplasia, luxating patella, hereditary myopathy and deafness of Labrador. It may even suffer from some of the common dog diseases. Training The English pointer-lab mix is convenient to train though it sometimes becomes a mammoth task to obtain their attention. Therefore, they need a firm and tactful trainer who will handle them in a patient, thoughtful and gentle way, tempting them to follow his commands through rewards and incentives. Socialization and obedience training are also to be imparted to help them come out of their timid nature and mingle well with strangers, children as well as other pets. If kept as only pets and not for hunting then owners should make a conscious effort to keep their chasing instinct under control. Feeding Give your dog between 1. Moreover, they should also be provided a nutritious diet to meet their protein and mineral requirement. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Created by crossing the Labrador and pointer breeds, the Lab pointer mix is one of the latest designer dog breeds. Smart, devoted, and full of energy, these doggos inherited some of the best traits of their parent breeds. Pointerdors are very athletic and energetic dogs that need a lot of space to stay active and explore. As a result, these dogs make poor apartment and urban dwellers and are more suited to suburban or country living. Other than that, they are easy to train, relatively low-maintenance dogs, which makes them a good option for newbie dog parents. Pointerdors also love children and make ideal playmates to youngsters and are great pets to families with children of all ages. If you believe a Pointerdor will make a perfect addition to your family, keep on reading! Pointerdor Overview: Size: 22 to 28 inches tall, weighs between 35 to 80 pounds Coat: Short double coat, color varies Shedding: Moderate to heavy shedding Lifespan: 10 to 15 years Temperament: Athletic, intelligent, affectionate, and friendly Trainable: Highly trainable, responds well to positive reinforcement training Activity: Highly energetic needs up to two hours of exercise every day Best For: Active families and singles, first-time dog owners, homes with fenced backyards What Is A Lab Pointer? As the name hints, the pointer Lab mix is a mixed-breed dog developed by crossing a purebred Labrador retriever and a purebred pointer. However, they are recognized by the following organizations: American Canine Hybrid Club Dog Registry of America, Inc Lab Pointer Mix Appearance While there is no way of predicting the exact appearance of any mixed breed, the typical Pointerdor will inherit certain traits from both its parent breeds. Having said that, Lab pointers are typically medium-sized dogs with long and muscular bodies. This mix has a deep chest, a powerful stance, and long, strong legs made for running. They have broad heads, medium-length muzzles, and wide, floppy ears that hang down to the upper jaw. Their almond-shaped eyes are usually brown, but they can also come in a lighter color. Size Since the Lab pointer is a new designer breed, there are no set standards when it comes to size. As a cross between a pointer and a Labrador retriever, you can expect this mix to be a medium-sized dog. Pointerdors are usually from 22 to 28 inches tall at the withers and can weigh anywhere from 35 to 80 pounds. Coat Color This mix can inherit the coat color from either of its parent breeds or sport a mix of colors. Since both pointers and Labs come in a variety of different colors, there are many color possibilities for their mixed-breed offspring. In most cases, though, the average Lab pointer mix is either white, brown, or black in color. Coat Texture The Lab pointer has a short, dense, and waterproof double coat that is relatively easy to maintain. As a double-coated breed, these dogs tend to shed moderately all year round and go through a heavier shed during spring and fall. If you or any of your family members are allergic to dogs, research the so-called hypoallergenic breeds and low-shedding dogs like the labradoodle , as they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in allergy sufferers. Luckily, in this case, both the pointer and the Lab are members of the sporting dog group and share certain character traits. There are two sides to every pointer Lab — a devoted family companion and an athletic gundog. The loving and friendly Pointerdor forms strong bonds with its family and likes to be involved in all family activities. They are best suited for large and bustling families that will include their dog in all indoor and outdoor activities. As an offspring of two sporting breeds, the pointer Labrador retriever mix is a highly athletic and energetic dog that needs plenty of space to roam around and explore. If not allowed adequate space to run and play, this mix will quickly become bored, frustrated, and destructively chew everything in sight, beginning with your shoes and progressing to furniture and other belongings. These friendly and sweet-tempered dogs get along with everyone, including children of all ages. Not only are these pooches gentle and patient with kids, but they also love to play and will quickly become best friends with any child capable of matching their energy levels. Activity Level As an offspring of two sporting dog breeds, the Lab pointer mix is a very athletic and energetic dog that needs a lot of activity, more specifically at least 1 to 2 hours each day. When not provided with the intense exercise it needs, this mix will soon become restless and destructive. Caring For A Pointerdor Like any other dog, a pointer Labrador mix will thrive and stay happy when properly taken care of from a young age. To keep your dog happy and healthy, be sure to come up with a consistent care routine as soon as you bring them home and stick to it for the rest of their life. Exercise As mentioned before, Lab pointers are very athletic and energetic dogs that need a lot of exercise to stay physically and mentally stimulated. Ideally, this mix needs up to two hours of intense activity every day to release all their pent-up energy and stay in excellent shape. Activities such as running, jogging, swimming, agility exercises, and games like fetch are all good ways to keep your dog exercised. Intellectual Stimulation Lab pointers are intelligent dogs that can easily become bored and frustrated if not exercised or mentally stimulated every single day. Like their Labrador parents, these dogs tend to be mouthy and will chew everything they can sink their teeth in when bored and under-stimulated. To avoid getting your belongings chewed, invest in tough and durable chew toys , and keep your mix stimulated with interactive and puzzle toys. Companionship Loving and loyal, Lab pointers form strong bonds with their owners and make affectionate family companions. They like to spend time interacting with their people and are the happiest when they are involved in all family activities. Grooming Despite being moderate-to-heavy shedders, Pointerdors are fairly easy to groom. Their short double coats have to be brushed two or three times a week to remove loose hair and dirt. Bathe your mix once every two to three months or every time they return dirty from an outdoor adventure. Check their ears for waxy buildup and dirt once a week, and clean them as necessary to prevent painful ear infections. Diet An ideal diet for a pointer Lab mix should be formulated for a medium-sized dog with high energy. Their food needs to have high levels of protein, fat, and carbs, combined with all the essential vitamins and minerals your dog needs to stay healthy. To prevent obesity and all health problems associated with it, avoid free-feeding your dog and stick to a regular and consistent meal schedule. Known Health Problems Pointer Lab mixes are generally healthy, but they can be affected by the same health problems that are often seen in their parent breeds. The most common health issues they experience are: Hip and elbow dysplasia. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. They are not purebreds like their Labrador Retriever or Pointer parents. The most common colors of coat for a Lab Pointer are creamy white, brown, and black. Exercise and outdoor time is vital to the Lab Pointer. Lab Pointers can have a higher than usual prey drive, so make sure not to leave them unsupervised. Lab Pointer dogs and children get on great together. They will form strong bonds and become playmates, but early training and socialization is very important. Lab Pointer History The Lab Pointer is one of the newest mixed dog breeds around, with most estimates saying it came on the scene some time in the last decade. These days, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the United States. The Pointer hails from England, where they were bred for tracking and pointing purposes. The Lab Pointer has become known as a designer dog breed, but many of them unfortunately end up in shelters. Although, as is always the case with newer mixed dog breeds, exact size standards might vary. Most weigh in at 35 to 80 pounds and range in height from 22 to 28 inches. The mixed breed likes to be around humans and will want to take part in most of your daily activities. To that end, the dog does not do well left alone for long periods of time. So if you have a large and busy family, the Lab Pointer will fit in well with your schedule. Although, be warned. In general, Lab Pointers are loyal but not especially suited to being guard dogs. If you have kids, all the better. Lab Pointer Health Lab Pointers are generally considered to be healthy dogs; although, the breed can be predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Labrador Retriever and Pointer face. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. The Lab Pointer needs a very high amount of exercise. If you come across water on your hike, the breed will love to go swimming. Weekly teeth brushing sessions should be implemented with a Lab Pointer. Your vet can help advise you about which brand of toothpaste is appropriate for your dog. Bathing your Lab Pointer only needs to be done if it comes back in a dirty state after an outdoor adventure. They should not be clicking loudly against the floor. Make sure to check their ears for debris and pests, especially after spending time outdoors, and clean their ears regularly. Your vet can give you advice on how to do this at home. Lab Pointer Feeding An ideal Lab Pointer diet should be formulated for a medium-sized breed with high energy. In general, the Lab Pointer is an adaptable dog when it comes to climate. Just make sure to provide a suitable dog coat if the weather gets too frosty and your canine seems cold. Also, during hotter months, make sure shade and fresh water are always available during the outdoor sessions the mixed breed loves so much. Luckily, the Lab Pointer is a mixed breed that is relatively easy to train. Even with a well-trained dog, you should always supervise play time between kids and dogs so that neither party accidentally harms the other. Make sure to properly introduce your Lab Pointer to any other pets and set boundaries right from the start. Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this mixed breed. Make sure to reward your Lab Pointer for good behavior and adhere to a proper training regimen when you bring them home to your family. Lab Pointer Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Lab Pointers because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Labrador Retriever or Pointer breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Lab Pointer mix puppies Thanks to their spirited nature, Lab Pointer mix dogs need a lot of exercise, and space. A big back yard is best — somewhere fenced in where they can run and explore. Alert and intelligent, the gun dog breeds and breed mixes are usually a joy to train. Part of the sporting dog group, and many serve dual roles as working companions and family pets. Often with a second dog backing the first in an identical position. Setters and Pointers perform the same function and were very popular before breech loading guns were invented. They gave the hunter a chance to load their weapon and get close enough to the game to take a shot, before the bird was flushed. These dogs were bred to gallop over huge areas of moorland and open countryside, searching for tiny traces of scent in areas where game birds are few and far between. This required a big powerful deep chested dog capable of quartering large areas independently, with a hunter following — on foot or on horseback These are the true Pointers — sometimes called English Pointers. However, what many people mean when they talk about Pointers is a very different dog. They are modern, multi-purpose, gun dogs capable of hunting up game, pointing at it, and retrieving it. And for the most part, that is a good thing! These breeds are both are athletic working dogs that need plenty of exercise, are very playful, and get bored quite easily For this reason a German Shorthaired Pointer and Lab mix can be a good choice for an active household that can make plenty of time for play. And who are willing to devote time each day to training their dog. Lab Pointer mix origins — why create a hybrid? To understand the origins of a Lab x Pointer mix, we can begin by going back a few decades. The early crosses were often promoted as having the best attributes of both parents. Claims were made that Labradoodles for example would all be hypoallergenic or at least low shedding like their poodle parent. When we cross two very different dog breeds, which attributes each puppy will get from each parent is to some extent a lottery. The puppy could get the best attributes of both parents, or the worst. Using two dog breeds from the same group, in this case the sporting group, does however increase the chances that the resulting puppies will be similar, because the parents have similarities too. It is interesting to note that Lab Pointer mix origins, go back much further than the desire for designer puppies. HPRs have probably long been included in the occasional Labrador breeding programme, albeit illicitly, in order to incorporate the pointing instinct into certain lines of retrievers. Basically the Labrador Pointer crossbreed is nothing new. And has been around as a capable hunting companion and all round family pet for many years Lab Pointer mix size Both Labs and German Shorthaired Pointers are among the larger of the medium-sized dogs. Their offspring typically weigh anywhere between 50 and 85lbs, with males being larger than females. And cross-bred puppies are likely to grow to a height of around 23 inches at the shoulder a little less for females A Lab crossed with a true Pointer however, is likely to be a taller dog altogether. The true Pointer reaches up to 28 inches in height, and some of his cross-bred puppies may well do the same. Labrador Pointer mix colors There are just three coat colors for Labrador Retrievers — black, yellow and chocolate. Pointers, on the other hand, can be found in 8 different colors. Including liver, lemon, black or orange. And in combinations of these colors with white. They often have distinctive and beautiful markings with usually a white muzzle with dark ears and eyes. German Pointers come in all kinds of pretty variations of the color liver a rich dark brown either solid or mixed with white spots or ticking. In the UK, the GSP is also found in all those variations but with a black base color rather than liver. Within any hybrid litter, you can expect a lot of variation. A German Shorthaired Pointer black Lab mix might not necessarily be black. If it favors its Pointer parent, it could be a mix of colors. Even experienced breeders sometimes have a hard time predicting what their new Pointer Labrador pups will look like! Labrador Pointer cross shedding When it comes to coat length and texture things are a bit more predicable with a GSP or Pointer cross as both Labs, Pointers, and German Shorthaired Pointers have short fur. Labradors can be heavy shedders due to their double coat, The GSP and Pointer coat is very short and easy to care for. Mix pups may take after either. The German Wirehaired Pointer has a broken or rough coat which is low maintenance A quick once over with a body brush two or three times a week, and the use of a de-shedding tool when necessary should be sufficient to cover the grooming needs of your Lab Pointer Mix pup. Lab Pointer mix temperament There are two sides to a Labrador x Pointer mix. The sweet-natured family pet, versus the energetic working gun dog. These are loyal, intelligent dogs who can be independently-minded, but are very amenable to training. They form strong bonds with their owners, so can be prone to separation anxiety. And they do best in a stimulating environment — one that challenges them both mentally and physically. While it might seem like this headstrong mutt needs a lot of exercise and attention, just like either of their parent breeds, they will repay you over and over with their affectionate, loving nature. It is worth noting that the pointing breeds, which traditionally had to work much more independently and over greater distances than the retriever breeds, tend to be more independent in nature. Labrador versus Pointer temperament The Labrador Retriever is one of the most co-operative dog breeds on the planet. That is why they are so widely used as service and therapy dogs. When you mix a Labrador with a German Short Haired Pointer, you are likely to lose some of this intense desire to co-operate with people, that is the hallmark of the Lab. You may gain some pointing skills, and you may have a dog with better genetic health. But that pure Lab temperament is hard to beat from a training point of view. When you mix a Labrador with a true Pointer, the resulting puppies can be very different indeed in temperament from a Retriever puppy The Pointer is a more independent and less biddable dog that the Labrador. So its important to take this into account Labrador Pointer exercise Coming from two working breeds, Lab Pointer mixes have a lot of energy. They love being outdoors and are ready for anything — running, swimming or hiking. A Labrador or GSP needs at least an hour and a half walking each day. A true Pointer needs far more and many are ideally suited to being exercised on horseback. These pups should also have an enclosed yard where they can run around and stretch their legs on a daily basis. They can become destructive, burning off their excess energy by chewing. Exercise is also an important way to keep these high-spirited mutts healthy, and stop them from becoming overweight which could lead to health problems down the road. Lab and Pointer mix health Any puppy has the potential to inherit health problems carried by its parents. Different breeds are often prone to different diseases, and this means that some cross bred puppies have an advantage in terms of health. When it comes to Lab Pointers, the ones to watch out for are elbow and hip dysplasia, epilepsy and progressive retinal atrophy PRA. It can affect both Labs and Pointers. Labs and Pointers are also prone to the degenerative eye disorder, PRA. However, this disease, like many others can be screened for and eliminated from the gene pool. They should screen for diseases such as PRA as standard. They can also carry a genetic form of hemophilia known as von Willebrands Disease which prevents blood from clotting. Again, these are diseases that your breeder should screen for with every litter. What next? Sadly the growing popularity of hybrid dogs has led a lot of unscrupulous dog breeders to enter the market. A good breeder will be happy to answer all your questions, and let you look around their kennel to meet some Pointer Lab puppies. It can be very rewarding to open your home, and your heart, to a rescue dog. Breed rescues can be found in most regions and often have cross bred dogs and puppies looking for new homes. They will offer a supportive and knowledgeable adoption service. We have provided a list of dog rescues in North America and the UK. And from registering your puppies should you decide you want to breed from your dog Potential owners should be aware that adopting an unknown dog always carries some risk. Lifespan Sociability When looking for a Lab Pointer puppy, you should keep in mind that there are three different types of Pointer dogs. All three have been crossed with Labrador Retrievers in the past, and you should check with your breeder what type of Pointer they are using for breeding. For this article, we are considering and looking at only the English Pointer, which is the most common Pointer that is crossed by breeders to produce Lab Pointers. Any reputable breeder will likely want to meet you too. You should also ask to see the health certificates of the parent dogs. This will help you to ensure they are not at high risk of suffering from any adverse health conditions. The Pointerdor makes an almost perfect hunting dog. People have been breeding both the Labrador Retriever and English Pointer as hunting dogs for many years. With both breeds having a slightly different purpose. The job of a retriever is to flush out the game birds and retrieve them once the bird has been shot. Often this involves swimming into a lake or pond and taking hold of the game with their soft grip jaws and then swimming it back to the hunter. Pointers, on the other hand, are particularly good at locating the game and pointing the hunter towards it. The Lab Pointer, being a hybrid of the two breeds, is a dog that has the ability to both point and retrieve. Thus, making them an almost perfect hunting dog. Pointerdors can become destructive. A board Lab Pointer will quickly start using their pent-up energy to dig holes in your garden and chew up everything in sight. They can also develop quite an annoying barking habit. For more information on how best to prevent this, see the section below on exercise. The personality of each Pointerdor can be a bit hit and miss. Labrador Retrievers are well known for their eagerness to please. They are very obedient dogs and will generally respond well to instructions. The English Pointer, however, can have a bit of a stubborn streak. Unfortunately, neither personality trait is consistently dominant in Lab Pointers. And as such, it is impossible to tell which parent breed a Lab Pointer puppy is going to take after. As mentioned above, they can be a little headstrong if they take after their English Pointer parent. However, as a rule, the mix of the two breeds produces a friendly gentle and hard-working dog. Lab Pointers need their human companions to take an active role in their lives, and they are not the type of dog that likes spending long periods by themselves. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are incredibly gentle with children and will have boundless energy to run around and play. You will still need to watch them around young children. As Lab Pointers can become overly excited and may easily knock over a young child. Lab Pointers usually form strong bonds with all their family members and will always be keen to come inside with them each night. They are also quite protective dogs, and although their bark is considered worse than their bite, a Lab Pointer will do an excellent job of sounding the alarm if you have any unwanted intruders. Provided they are socialized while they are young, they will quite likely accept another dog coming into the family, and if raised with a cat will also consider your cat to be part of the family. Socializing your Lab Pointer is essential if you intend to allow your dog to play off-leash in dog parks and open spaces. It should be conducted when they are young and continue throughout the life of your dog. Black, orange, liver, lemon, yellow, chocolate Suitable for: Active families, homes with room for play Temperament: Loyal, loving, intelligent, easy to train, friendly, gets along with other pets when socialized These animals are gentle, loving, and extremely loyal to their owners and families. If you are considering bringing one of these amazing dogs into your home, prepare for a lifetime of love and commitment. Read on below for more information on the Lab Pointer mix so you can make your home and heart ready for this adorable pooch. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. Is the breed energetic? Are they easy to train? Their overall health is good for mixed-breed dogs, as they take on inherent health concerns of their parent breeds. This means they enjoy the stimulation and need attention. Once they are used to their surroundings and family, these dogs will show their gentle, loving, and loyal sides. If your family is searching for the perfect companion dog for both the adults and children in the family, these dogs may be your perfect solution. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Their high energy levels make them the perfect companions for kids who love to run and play. They are also gentle enough to play without hurting smaller children. Yes, the Lab Pointer mix does well with other animals, when socialized properly and from a young age. Due to the fact both parent breeds were bred for hunting, it is important to introduce your new puppy to any small animals or other dogs you have in the home while they are young. Due to their intelligence, this breed can learn easily and can make other animals part of their family. In most cases, 2 to 2. This food can be divided to offer your pup morning and evening feeding. When caring for puppies, remember they often need more food throughout the day to ensure they grow up strong and healthy. Due to their energetic natures, long walks, playtime throughout the day, and other ways of keeping them stimulated should be done quite often. This will help avoid weight issues and boredom. Using treats and positive reinforcement are great tools to implement when going through the training process. Remember, however, that Lab Pointer mixes are known for being stubborn. Their trainer needs to be firm during this process. While this is a part of life when it comes to owning a dog, brushing their coats at least twice a week will help reduce the amount of hair you find around your home. Ear cleaning is very important for this breed of dog. Due to their floppy ears, infections are possible. With routine cleanings, you can help your dog avoid the pain these infections cause. When brushing your dog, take the time to clean their ears and check for any visible issues. Always use pet-friendly toothpaste and a gentle toothbrush during this process to help make the experience less frightening for your dog. Long nails can chip and break causing your dog unnecessary pain. Only clip the tip of the nail and avoid cutting into the quick, which is where the blood vessels are located. This can cause heavy bleeding and discomfort. Minor Conditions.

The breed is gaining wide popularity in Australia and North America due to their sweet, affectionate nature. As with any hybrid breed, their appearance will vary depending on the characteristics of the breeding pair. They have broad, round skulls, long muzzles, and oval-shaped eyes that are most often brown but more rarely can be blue or green. Their bodies are long, muscular, and well-built. Their coats vary widely and can be flat and straight like the Retriever, wavy, or even very curly like the Poodle. As a Poodle mix, they are considered hypoallergenic and could be a good choice for those who suffer from allergies. Goldendoodles are affectionate, attentive, and good with other dogs and children, making them an ideal addition to your family. In fact, they want to be with you at all times. They are happy, active and energetic. They will thrive with families who are committed to being active, walking daily, playing fetch and flyball, and even swimming. Their intelligence makes the courses. Their coats require regular brushing and trimming to prevent mats. Goldendoodles adapt well to both rural and urban environments provided that exercise is prioritized and they have enough room to run and play. Kristina began raising puppies before we were married and loved it so much that she kept doing so after we were married. Now we all help with the puppies and the kids love playing with the pups every day. This makes for friendly puppies who like people and are good with kids. We are now a five-star classified breeder who has served many happy puppy parents. We hope you can become one of them! She will always answer your calls and answer all of your questions so well and patiently. We purchased our gorgeous cavapoo Henry … More Mr. Ian 2 weeks ago and we could not be happier. He is the first puppy that I have ever met who slept in the crate on the very first night without crying. He sleeps through the night for hours and has not had one accident in his crate. He is calm and lovable and extremely social. Clinton and Kristina did an amazing job at socializing him. He is the sweetest little cavapoo boy! His addition to my life has been such an amazing experience. My vet gave him a good bill of health upon arrival. Any questions I had while working together, they were very helpful and patient. Overall, it was a wonderful experience to get Archie to his forever home. I have zero regrets about my decision, and who would have know that a puppy could really help improve my daily life. I would recommend anyone to purchase their pup from hopeful dreams. We brought home our sweet cockapoo puppy last week and are amazed at how well behaved she is. It is clear that the … More Martin family takes great care of their puppies. Already planning on getting a second puppy from them in the future! Check out some of our favorite Mini Goldendoodle Puppies ready and waiting for their new forever home….

On the other hand, we recommend a 42 inch crate for standard and large Goldendoodles. If you want to give your large Goldendoodle a bit more space, a 48 inch dog crate will be okay. As long as you have enough space, it would be fine to give them a little more space. Top Picks: Best Goldendoodle Dog Crates It was a rather difficult task filtering out so many wonderful dog crates that are perfect for Goldendoodle. We recommend this crate not just for Doodles, but for nearly every dog breed. Plus, tens of thousands of happy customers love it! Best Features Midwest Homes does a fantastic job because they focus on dog safety. If you have a pup that likes to chew their crate, this is perfect. In addition, all the corners of the crate are rounded. Goldendoodles are quite energetic, so this is a pretty important feature. One of the best features of the iCrate is the standard divider panel. Especially with the large variation, Goldendoodles grow quickly and a lot. A panel lets you adjust the space of the crate according to the current size of your Doodle. Sometimes, too much space for a little pup can cause even more anxiety. So, this is pretty important if you plan to get the 42 or 48 inch crate. Fortunately, the iCrate is built with a collapsible design. The removable plastic tray allows you to easily slide out the bottom of the crate to clean up — hassle free! Your Goldendoodle is likely to make a mess, so this feature saves a lot of time. Double doors are a great option because it allows multiple access points to your Doodle. For such a large crate, this will definitely be useful. If we had to nitpick, we would like to see thicker wiring on the frame of the crate. Still, she likes the collapsible feature. Dan says the iCrate was super easy to set up and take down. He bought a 42 inch for his 55 pound Doodle. His favorite part is the incredibly sturdy and hard plastic on the bottom removable tray. She loves how easy it is to assemble by herself! As expected from the tech giant, the Amazon Basics Dog Crate is a fantastic crate with all the options we love. Best Features The Amazon Basics dog crate is one of the best crate on the internet, for good reason. Like with the iCrate, the Amazon Basics uses a dual slide bolt lock for secure your Goldendoodle. It also comes with a removable plastic tray, which allows you to quickly clean up the crate. In the event your Goldendoodle has an accident, simply slide out the bottom, wipe it down and slide it back in. One of the best features we like with the Amazon Basics is the divider panel. Having such a big crate, multiple entrances gives you easier access to your dog and whatever you decide to put in the crate. If you want to put away your crate, no need to worry! Whether you want to store away your crate or move it to another location, this feature comes in handy. As a result, they have the same limitations and cons. We would have liked to see thicker frames and wiring on the Amazon Basics. For more information about the Amazon Basics dog crate, check it out at Amazon. What Goldendoodle Owners are Saying Roger bought a 36 inch for his Goldendoodle puppy to begin crate training. At first, he admits he was a little wary because of how cheap this crate costed. He loves how the divider panel can be adjusted as his dog grows bigger. Hinges are smooth and the latches are secure. Roger even mentioned that the metal clamps on the joints seem to be high quality! Rossy bought a 42 inch for her 55 pound Goldendoodle. Her favorite part of the crate is how easy she was able to take our the bottom plastic tray to clean out any accidents. We love this dog crate for a lot of reasons, mainly because of the affordable price. But with a slightly cheaper price, it lacks some important features that we like. Best Features The New World metal dog crate is crafted with high quality metal that makes it ultra lightweight and durable. Like the other options, the New World metal dog crate also comes in a collapsible design. All quality dog crates will come with a removable plastic tray. This feature is essential and fortunately, the New World crate comes with this. The New World metal dog crate comes with dual slide bolt latches. Good luck to your dog trying to escape this one. Double doors is a great option for such a large dog crate. It gives you easier access to your Doodle and whatever you decide to put inside chew toys, bowls, etc. The Cons The biggest downside to the New World dog crate is the lack of a standard divider panel. Goldendoodles can grow fairly quickly within the first year of their existence. Also, we would have liked thicker wiring for the frame of this crate. If you want to learn more about the New World dog crate, you can check it out at Amazon. What Goldendoodle Owners are Saying Kip says that this does the job. His only complaint was that the top latch sticks just a bit. By herself, it only took 2 minutes to set this up — it just folds right up. These dogs love people and are subject to separation anxiety when you leave the house. Fortunately, a crate cover can help. In addition, a crate cover provides extra security and comfort for your Goldendoodle. This reduces anxiety and stress. In fact, crate covers are recommended by veterinarians for dogs that experience some form of anxiety. Best Features This crate cover is compatible with all the recommended dog crates on this list. Using hook and loop tabs, you can secure the flaps to the edges of the crate. When it gets a little too dirty, just toss it in any standard machine washer. It also comes with a one-year warranty! Do you use any of these dog crates for your Goldendoodle? If so, let us know what you think in the comments section below. And if you would recommend another dog crate for a Doodle, leave a link below! Post navigation. Amazon The perfect way to determine the right size crate for your Goldendoodle is to measure it. Measure your pet from the top of the head to the paw, keeping them seated, and add 4 inches to the result to get the appropriate crate height. Then measure the length from the bottom of the tail to the tip of the nose and add four inches. It also lets the doodle lie on any side by stretching out its paws in front of them. Apart from that, determining the right size crate for a Goldendoodle puppy is tougher than for a Goldendoodle adult. Fortunately, there is a standard crate size recommendation for the Goldendoodle puppy, as well as some helpful hints. So the right size crates for Goldendoodles are: For a standard-sized Goldendoodle, you should buy a inch crate. For the mini Goldendoodle, choose a inch crate as this will be sufficient. For the puppy, consider a large-sized crate with a divider. It will let you offer the required space throughout the growth of the puppy. Once the pet turns into an adult, simply remove the divider. What crate size is suitable for a beagle? The right time to crate the Goldendoodle There are plenty of times and situations when you should crate the dog. It also improves their well-being. So if you need to go to an office or maintain the yard, simply crate your Goldendoodle. This way, you can keep them safe and keep the house from destruction. Another appropriate time to crate your doodle is if they get excited. In this situation, crate-ing them will help cool them down. You can also offer them some toys while they are in the crate so they feel comfortable instead of afraid. Traveling is another vital reason to crate the dog. Taking the pet for a long walk in a crate helps keep them safe and allows them to carry it easily as well. Lastly, crating a new puppy is beneficial, especially if you have an older pet. Goldendoodle puppies are energetic and can disturb other pets as well. So, a crate will not only give a break to the older pet but also keep the puppy safe. Wrong Time To Crate The Goldendoodle The most important thing to remember is that you should not crate your Goldendoodles for more than 5 hours per day. Otherwise, it can bring plenty of difficulties. For example, Goldendoodles are a highly social breed, and social interaction makes them happy. Crating them for an extended period of time or on a regular basis can cause depression and increase their risk of behavioral issues. However, if you need to leave the house for an extended period of time, enlist the assistance of a family member, friend, or dog walker to keep the dog company. Chipped claws or broken teeth are also clear signs of keeping the pet away from the crate. Even you should talk to the vet if you notice such behaviors. Overall, getting the right size crate and crate training for the dog is a handy process to offer them a positive experience. Convince the doodle that the crate is a good thing and entice them into the crate using a treat. Teach them to sit and lie in the crate. In the initial stage, leave the doodle in the crate for a few hours. However, you can leave the pet throughout the night in the crate. Crate training and potty training can both take around 6 months or even longer. Final words In the end, you have got all the essential information to decide what size crate for Goldendoodle. Choosing the right size crate for your goldendoodle should be a straightforward task for you. Instead, crate trains your dog and introduces them to their new home in the most stress-free way. These crates are durable and lighter weight than the metal kind so they may offer a middle-of-the-road approach for some people. Although not very pleasant to look at, they are tried and true and are used by animal shelters and provide a safe, secure place for your dog to stay. A crate can take up a lot of space if you intend to purchase one that cannot be folded and put away. A medium wire crate may take up a space of 30 inches in length by 20 inches in width. This is a good solution if you have a large house and plenty of space but if you live in a small apartment or a small home, you may be better off with a more portable solution. The same can be said about a wooden crate. A wooden crate could be left out at all times and double as a toy box or a safe place for your dog to go during a storm or other stressful times. Our Mini Goldendoodle sleeping in her crate Many people use crates in different ways. Our dog only spent a limited amount of time in hers. We used it when she was a puppy for training and our dog also was kept inside it when we were gone during the day. As she grew out of the puppy stage and was house trained, she was pretty much done with her crate. We used a crate as a safe place for our mini Doodle to stay in while she was learning the rules of our household. On the other hand, some people use a crate for the entire life of their dog. Some dogs feel safe in their crate and continue to use them throughout their lives when their owner is gone. Once you know how often you intend to use your crate for your dog, this will help you determine the best crate option for your needs. She got right in it when we brought her home as if she knew she was supposed to. It was clear to us that she already knew what a crate was and at 7 weeks old, she considered it a safe place. She enjoyed it much of her young life and we always tried to make it a happy place for her. We made it comfortable and kept toys in it. We also gave her treats to eat while she was in it so that she would associate getting treats with being in her crate. As she grew older, she no longer wanted to be in her crate and this is understandable. If you want your dog to have a good experience with their crate, the following tips may help. Give your dog treats when they are in their crate. Sometimes she would even play with them inside the crate. Make sure it has a nice thick crate pad and other comfortable items such as blankets, pillows, etc. Use it only for positive reinforcement. Avoid putting your dog into their crate as a form of punishment. This is one sure-fire way to teach your dog to dislike their crate. A crate can be a great place for your dog to spend time. Just make sure that you have chosen a crate that is properly sized and treat it as a happy place. Your dog should grow to feel safe and comfortable with it. Bottom Line The type of crate you purchase for your mini Goldendoodle comes down to personal preference. Any type of crate will do the trick as long as it is properly sized. Our mini Goldendoodle had many years of enjoyment out of her crate. There was a time when she loved to be in it and felt safe and secure. We chose her crate based on the size we thought she would grow into and because of that, still have the same crate and can use it should the need arise. If you are choosing a crate, keep your dog in mind and purchase a crate that you feel will best serve their needs. Dan Collins Not only am I a dog or pet lover, but an animal lover. My Goldendoodle has opened my eyes to how special animals can be and I am proud to be her dad. I write about Doodles and share my knowledge and experience of owning a mini Goldendoodle for 16 years. Recent Content. Nobody goes to the market to buy a baby shoe without first knowing the size. The same applies to crate size for Goldendoodle. You will need a measuring tape to measure your Goldendoodle accurately. This is critical because it will enable you to determine the accurate crate size. To assure its comfort, add four inches to whatever measurement you get. Find out how tall your Goldendoodle is by taking their measurement. If you measure the height, you can ensure it relaxes in the crate without bumping its head. Determine the ideal Goldendoodle crate size. If you need more space, you can always pick up a size, but be aware that a smaller Goldendoodle may be able to squeeze between larger crates. How to Crate Train a Goldendoodle A growing dog can learn a lot from being trained to use a crate. Most people, though, lose hope after a few days. We would like to help you get past this problem. In this area, you will learn how to train a Goldendoodle puppy to use a crate. Remember, it can be a complicated process but with time, everything will go smoothly. Step One: Determine the Crate Size To successfully crate train a Goldendoodle puppy, the first step is to choose the right crate size. You do not want a crate that is too big, or your puppy will pee and poop in it. You also do not want a kennel with small crates because they can be uncomfortable. Entice them with something that they love — chew toys. For the first few days, you should have training goodies on hand, and when you are away, you should have special treats and engaging toys. The ideal items are chew toys like KONG toys or beloved toys that your puppy only gets while you are away. Giving your puppy goodies while teaching them is the objective here and giving them something entertaining to do while you are gone. You will see faster results if you make crate training your Goldendoodle dog enjoyable. Step Three: Understand Your Goldendoodles Getting a Goldendoodle puppy familiar with a crate is the next step in crate training them. Place your dog box in a room with lots of visitors. The living room or another place where your puppy will spend most of his time. In addition to the previous step, you can include a few toys—but not the prized ones—and a couple of throw blankets to make it feel cozy. Keep the crate door open, and if your puppy enters the crate voluntarily, reward them with a treat and compliment them on a job well done. Your dog will quickly realize that getting into the crate is good. You should give in even if they come in and out often to obtain treats. With the help of this positive reinforcement, your Goldendoodle puppy will learn that when he enters, pleasant things will happen to him. Step Four: Use Play Fetch to Keep Your Goldendoodles active A game of fetch may help your puppy enter the crate on his own if he is having trouble doing so. In the same room as the kennel, start by playing a game of fetch with his favorite toy. Throw the toy into the crate after some back and forth. At first, your puppy could seem a little wary, but that is okay. Tell him it is ok and encourage him gently. Give your puppy a treat and praise when it goes in to grab the toy. They will soon overcome their anxiety about the intimidating large metal item and enter independently. Then you can resume rewarding them every time they come in by themselves. Step Five: Feeding Your Goldendoodle Feeding your dog in the crate is another tactic to introduce them to the idea of crate training. Give your puppy the crate command after preparing their supper. After doing this for a few days, you should tell it the proper order so that they enter the crate before receiving food. A constructive technique to show them that the crate is not a frightening or punishing place is to conduct all everyday activities there. Step Six: Do not rush things — Start small It is time to let your puppy out of the crate now that they know it is fun and a way to receive treats. However, you should not just toss them in and call it a day. To begin with, go slowly. Take care of all their requirements first, including eating, drinking, using the restroom, and taking off their collars. Give your puppy a treat and a special toy before putting him in the crate. Walk out the door to give your dog the impression that you are leaving the house. Nevertheless, start with 5 minutes, do not go any longer. Every Goldendoodle should have access to a room where they can rest, feel protected, and find shelter. This is the ideal use for a crate! The crate your puppy is in will serve as their bedroom. It provides them with a private sanctuary where they can unwind. A crate also serves several functions that can benefit both you and your Doodle. Crate training is beneficial because it teaches your Goldendoodle to regulate its urine and bowel movements, which can help with potty training. Dogs will typically try their best not to soil the area where they sleep. They will want to keep their crate as tidy as they can as a result. Puppies will inevitably make mistakes over time. As a result, be careful to check on your puppy frequently while in the crate so you can clean up after them. When dogs get used to their kennel, they frequently enter it to relax or sleep. This is comparable to what dogs do while searching for a dugout or den in the wild. Finally, a crate can help prevent teething in your Doodle. As their teeth erupt, Goldendoodle puppies frequently chew on numerous objects. You can teach them that it is improper to chew on your clothing, shoes, or other personal objects by educating them to only bite on chew toys when they are in the crate. What to Avoid when Crate Training? Having learned how to crate train a Goldendoodle puppy, you need to know certain things to avoid. While it sounds straightforward to train your Goldendoodle, a few things might go wrong during the first several months of training. This might undo all the progress you have achieved for months. Here are some things to avoid at all costs if you want your puppy to pick things up quickly. Invading their Space Invading the place is the first mistake that individuals make. This crate is still a learning tool for your puppy. Additionally, you want it to have a peaceful and conducive atmosphere for your pet. You should let your puppy be if he is sleeping, eating, or exploring things in the crate. Using the crate to punish your Goldendoodle Using the crate as a punishment tool for your pet can also undermine crate training. Do not use a crate as a timeout if your dog destroys your favorite pair of shoes or has an accident in the house. Every time you leave the house, your dog will think he has done something wrong if you use the crate as a punishment tool. Because your puppy is oblivious to his mistakes when you leave, it may even develop separation anxiety in the future. Saying goodbyes and farewell to your doodle Most times, people do not consider how they say goodbyes when crate training a Goldendoodle. Your pet might get anxious once you talk a lot about leaving. Your puppy will learn that your departure is terrible through your tearful farewells. In addition, your puppy experiences anxiety while waiting for you to get home from work. As a result, you will want to remain calm during each situation. Give your dog the crate command and walk away imperturbably, as if you were just brushing your teeth. Also, take care of business first when you get home. They will be pleased, but they will soon need to go pee. You can greet them when you return by playing a nice game. A pet can get uncomfortable and even suffocate in a too small crate, while a too big crate can prevent the creature from feeling snug. Even a wider crate will tempt the dog to rest in the corner and relieve himself on the opposite side. The best way to get a comfortable crate size for Goldendoodle puppy is to measure it. It is the best technique that will also save you cost and space. Then add four inches to the measurement from the base of the tail to the tip of the nose. It is preferable to provide the Goldendoodle with a larger crate so they can stand up and spin around easily without bumping their heads. The Doodle can lie down on any side by putting its paws out in front of them. In addition, finding the proper crate size for a Goldendoodle puppy is more difficult than for an adult Goldendoodle. Fortunately, there is a recommended crate size for standard Goldendoodle puppy. Crates should be the following sizes for Goldendoodles: 42 inches Goldendoodle dog crate size is suitable for a standard Goldendoodle. Choose 36 inches Goldendoodle crate size for the miniature Goldendoodle since it is big enough to accommodate it. Overall, consider a large crate with a divider for your Goldendoodle since it will enable the necessary room for your puppy to grow. Simply take out the partition once it reaches adulthood. Goldendoodle and Appropriate Size of Crate Goldendoodles are a new breed of dog that came about when golden retrievers and poodles were bred together. Nevertheless, the type and size of your Goldendoodle will depend on the size of the parents and the breeds crossed with. Here is a rundown of the Goldendoodle size and their equivalent crate size. Mini Goldendoodle The average adult weight and height of miniature Goldendoodles are 15—35 pounds and 13—17 inches, respectively. You require a crate size for mini Goldendoodle puppy to be at least thirty inches for these mini breeds that are toy-poodle mixes. Medium Goldendoodle Medium Goldendoodles weigh 35 to 50 pounds on average as adults and stand 17 to 21 inches tall. Although the weight and height of medium Goldendoodles can vary slightly the crate size for medium Goldendoodle puppy is at least 36 inches. Standard Goldendoodle Standard Goldendoodles will mature to an adult weight of 50 to 75 pounds and a height of 22 inches or more. There are several times when you should put your Goldendoodle puppy in a crate. It also makes them feel better. However, when is it necessary to use a crate? First, put your pet in the crate when you are not around to watch them. So, if you need to go to work or take care of the yard, just put your Goldendoodle in a crate. Nevertheless, do not forget to feed or give them other things they need. Therefore, you can keep them safe and prevent damage to the house. Another time to get a crate is when you observe your puppy getting extremely excited. In this situation, you need to place them inside the crate pending when they cool down. Nevertheless, you should not use a crate to punish them. To make them feel secure, you can provide chew toys to keep them active. Furthermore, if you are traveling to another city, you can get a crate for your puppy. Putting the pet in a crate for a long walk keeps them safe and makes it easy for you to carry the pet. Lastly, putting a new puppy in a crate can be helpful, especially if you already have an older pet. Goldendoodle puppies are highly active, and their noise can bother other pets. Therefore, a crate will give the older pet a break and protect the puppy. The most important thing to remember is that Goldendoodles should not be crated for more than five hours per day. If not, there may be many complications. For instance, Goldendoodles, who thrive in social situations, are happy dogs. In addition, you should not kennel a Goldendoodle if it has separation anxiety because doing so will worsen the situation. Broken teeth or chipped claws are other significant symptoms that the pet was not kept in the crate. This suggests that the Doodle is unhappy in the crate and is attempting to get out. If you see such actions, you should also consult the veterinarian. Finally, you should not crate the Doodle if the vet advises against it due to health problems like arthritis or inflamed joints. To provide the dog with a blissful experience, buying the correct size cage and crate training are helpful processes. Remember, your pet should not fear the crate. How to Clean Your Goldendoodle Crate? Dogs usually keep their crates clean, which is one of the many fascinating things about them. But after a while, even a clean crate can start to smell bad. Take all the blankets and toys out of the crate. Throw the mats into the washer. Disinfect the toys or throw them in the washer with the blankets if they can handle them. Use a hand-held bath or a microfiber cloth washed in clean water to clean the crate. Put one tablespoon of soft dish soap per gallon of warm water in a bucket. Clean the metal by rinsing the cloth in warm soapy water. Use a brush to get rid of rust or dirt that has built up. Make sure you remove all the soap because dish soap can make dogs sick. Use a disinfectant by sprinkling it on and wiping it off with a sponge. Look up with your pet store about cleaning products that are safe for pets. Spray the metal crate liberally with the acid solution after filling a spray bottle with it. After around 15 minutes, rinse the acid solution with regular water if the vinegar smells repulsive. Use a washcloth to soak up all the water, so the metal does not rust. When the crate is dry, your pet can go back in. We suggest getting a inch dog crate for a Miniature Goldendoodle. On the other hand, for standard and large Goldendoodles, we recommend a inch crate. A inch dog crate will be fine if you want to give your big Goldendoodle a little more room. A inch dog crate is the best size for a Miniature Goldendoodle. You can also use other crate size if it provides the needed space for your doodle. Because standard Goldendoodles are a big breed, you will need a big crate—at least 36 to 42 inches wide for a pound Goldendoodle. Leave the Doodle in the crate for a few hours in the beginning. However, never keep a puppy or adult Goldendoodle in a crate for longer than five hours. In addition, ensure you use the crate size for eight-week-old Goldendoodle rather than choosing a smaller one. Your Goldendoodle puppy should not be in the crate for more than 4 hours. If they wait too long, they will start to feel anxious, angry, and distant, which are all signs of depression. An adult can spend the night in the crate if they go to the bathroom before and after. Conclusion The crate size for Goldendoodle you choose will depend on several factors. However, following the correct Goldendoodle dog crate size chart, you should get the perfect one for your puppy. However, it is important to buy a good crate since your puppy might use it for a long time. Nevertheless, knowing the crate size for your Goldendoodle is not enough as you need to learn how to clean it if you want your pet to stay comfortable and healthy. Related Posts. If you travel, this soft crate is a great temporary home for your Goldendoodle. No assembly is required. Strong steel tubes make up the frame. Puppies and others who still chew things are one questionable group. The MidWest iCrate Kitis a best seller. It features several options such as a single or double door. With your purchase, you receive a free divider panel, dog tray, and carrying handle. Proper ventilation, large door openings with low thresholds, and rounded corner.We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. If you purchase a large kennel, you can move it to different spots in your home without damaging the flooring. Midwest manufacturers a series of crates and sizes for each. Some assembly without tools is required. Assembly takes a few seconds. Look for the Instructions in the box. The kennel folds flat for easy storing and travel. The bottom is not waterproof, so consider placing a rag under the kennel for easy accident cleanup. You receive a durable plastic kennel that protects your Goldendoodle during air travel or a car trip to the vet. The four-way vault door adds a layer of security. Ventilation keeps your pet comfortable. The product includes two Live Animal stickers, clip-on bowls, and ID stickers. Top Handle available on 21 inch and 28 inch sizes Airline Adaptable: The Petmate Sky Kennel meets most airline cargo specifications for easy and safe travel, but pet owners should always check with individual airlines We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. To find what size kennel for a Goldendoodle is best from the plastic category, be sure to measure your Goldendoodle well. Then, pick the best product size according to height and weight. By going up a size, your dog should be able to rest comfortably inside the shell without feeling cramped or anxious with plenty of space for the dog bed. Bridie is a proud Goldendoodle mom! Part-time health worker, life-time dog writer and lover. She loves to help people best care for their puppies. Load More. And, golden he is! This loving, adaptable, and friendly designer dog is the perfect addition to most families. The best of the best of the beloved Golden Retriever and the Poodle comes shining through with this crossbreed. If you are thinking of rushing right down to get a Goldendoodle, be sure to read up on this affectionate guy. Breed Goldendoodles are a designer dog, a product of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. The brainstorm to mix the two popular pure breeds came about in by English author and animal enthusiast, Monica Dickens, who happens to be the great-granddaughter of the famous writer, Charles Dickens. It was in the s when the concept of blending two full-blooded breeds came to be a hot trend. This breed is known as the Groodle in Australia. They had higher aspirations too. This breed also makes an excellent therapy dog. The Poodle, being intelligent and friendly, was one of the most common breeds to mix with another. Goldendoodles have been a favorite breed for years. So, it was that the two were united, in hopes that the optimal traits of the two parents would prevail. Although with mix-breeding, there are no guarantees and anything could happen, overall, the results were amazing. Goldendoodles ace the challenge of bringing the best of both breeds into existence. Generally, the mix is with a Standard Poodle and a Golden Retriever. There are some Goldendoodles that have Miniature or Toy Poodle mix, however. Since no hybrid dogs are recognized with the American Kennel Club or any of the other prominent all-breed purebred registries like the Canadian Kennel Club. The Poodle is one of the oldest breeds on record. He hails from Germany where he was bred to fetch waterfowl that had fallen during a hunt. This curly headed dog is quite intelligent and has become a favorite housedog. He comes in a variety of sizes including Standard, Miniature, and Toy. He is appreciated for his hypoallergenic coat as well as his endearing personality. When he was a hunting dog, he had a tough job to do. Fetching birds that had been shot, especially in bodies of water, could be quite grueling. Just imagine the tenacity it took the Poodle to endure the harsh winter climate that is common in Germany and to go out for hunts, day after day as was customary in those days of old. The water was often freezing cold or rough and choppy from high winds. If you picture the Poodle taking a leisurely swim to fetch a rubber duckie, think again. That took willpower. Poodles can be independent and even stubborn at times. Those things were necessary traits for the job he had to do. You may see a bit of the Poodle traits in your Goldendoodle, both awesome and not so awesome ones. Remembering from whence the characteristics came from is sure to give you a bit more patience. The Golden Retriever is a hunting dog who originated in Scotland as a gundog in the midth century. He is a beauty though a serious worker too. In fact, he loves to work. Initially, retrieving type dogs were reserved for the wealthy because they were mainly used to retrieve game that had been downed on land or in the water. It was important that a dog be able to service both land and water because the area consisted muchly of marshes. For this reason, only the best of the best Retrieving dogs made the cut and were bred. The result was the Golden Retriever we know and love today. As guns became more accurate, the need for more efficient gun dogs came to pass. The Golden was right on target, fetching from land or water with great speed and incredible accuracy. But the Golden Retriever stepped up to the challenge and aced his calling. The Golden Retriever is a hunting dog who originated in Scotland as a gundog. Of medium build with a strong and sturdy body, this dog is a real looker and is quite athletic and strong. It is in his blood to perform tasks just as his ancestors did. In modern days, he has service jobs like being a guide for the blind and is also a beloved family pet. That is why he was a hands-down choice when considering what breed would parent a breed designed to be a loveable family dog with a social, happy, and playful personality. Some Goldendoodles favor the Golden Retriever parent most. The naughty chewing habit may shine through too. Goldendoodles, like Golden Retrievers, are very trainable so the bad behavior can be nipped in the bud. He needs to work or at least to think he is. Goldendoodles are a well-loved hybrid dog. Appearance Goldendoodles, like many designer breeds, come in multiple sizes: small, medium, and large. The Miniature Goldendoodles stand about 13 to 24 inches while the Medium stand inches. The Large Standard Goldendoodle is about inches high. The average weight for the Large is pounds. The Miniature ones weigh in around pounds and Mediums tip the scale at around 40 to 50 pounds. Females run in the lesser weight and height. The Standard size is the most common of this designer group. The look of a Goldendoodle can vary as much as his size does. When a Goldendoodle is bred with a Poodle or any other variance other than a Poodle and Golden Retriever as parents, there is a tendency for the puppy to take on more of the Golden's side as being dominant. They will have curly and wavy coats that lay in loose ringlets and will usually have very expressive, almost mischievous expressions. First generation Goldendoodles are likely to have Poodle eyes which are dark and intelligent looking and a roundish skull if they have Poodle blood running thicker through them where those taking after the Golden Retriever side may have the Retriever will have eyes that are a bit lighter and are friendly and kind looking, more slanted than the round-eye Poodle look. Retriever faces are larger and more elongated than Poodles are. The coat of Goldendoodles can be a number of colors. Cream, gold, red, apricot, brown, chocolate, and gray are among the most popular colors. Nutrition It is vital that you feed your Goldendoodle a healthy diet that is specialized for his specific needs. You should consult with his veterinarian to find out what his nutritional needs are exactly and how often and how much food to give him. Be sure to limit treats and provide great quality food for him. Then, he may taper off and eat once or twice per day. His energy will need to be fueled so keep that in mind when choosing his feed. Also be certain to have lots of fresh water available to him at all times. Those with more Retriever will most likely require the least. Those who have the Poodle coat might need a trip to the groomer every now and then. In general, they do not have a shedding coat, but they do need to be brushed on a regular basis, like once or twice a week, in order to keep dead hair off and to prevent tangles and mats. Use a gentle shampoo and you may want to have his hair that grows over this eyes trimmed up too. Pay close attention to his ears. Keep them clean and dry. Toenails will need to be trimmed. It is a good idea to trim the hair that grows over their eyes. Toenails should be trimmed as in any other dog breed. Exercise Goldendoodles are high energy dogs. They can definitely be calm and love snuggling or laying by the fireplace too but they do require getting their energy out to be a really good, laid back, dog. Goldendoodles have strong working dog roots. He needs a purpose so be sure to give him one. He will need at least two thirty minute walks each day and some active time in between. Fetch is a favorite game for this designer dog. He will eat it up when you play along with him in interactive games, especially when toys are involved. Metal stimulation is imperative. If you have a spot where he can take a dip, let him. He also likes to hike and to run alongside you. You might also consider putting a little doggie backpack on him when you take him for a walk. This will give him the illusion that he is working and serving a purpose which is especially important with the Goldendoodle since he gets the working genes from both parents. If you slip a water bottle or something of significance in his backpack, all the better. More Information Personality The Goldendoodle is packed with personality. His is loveable and friendly. He falls in love with everyone and vice versa. He can help lead a blind individual and attend a party too. He is at home on the range as well. This loving and loyal pup makes a wonderful family dog. He loves to play and is funny to watch in action. He finds it humorous to be a clown or to be on the mischievous side at times. To get a better feel for what a pup might be like if you are ordering one, you can take a look at his parents, not only in physical appearance but find out about their personalities too. Chances are the little mates will have characteristics of both parents in their own unique blends. Goldendoodles are sharp. They get their intelligence from both parents and that was in the plan when the two purebred parents were united. The Goldendoodles may have more of a playful side though so be sure they have plenty of stimulation, both physically and mentally lest they find trouble to get into. They are not exempt from that by any stretch of the imagination. From performing their comical acts to guiding the handicapped, they are eager and willing to do just about anything for their humans. As far as negative traits go, there are only a few and they are quite minor. They tend to love a little too much. Because of their separation anxiety, they tend to get into trouble when left alone. You may return to find the sofa in sheds or your best pair of shoes devoured. If the problem is severe enough, you may consider crating him when no one is home with him. Some Goldendoodles take after their Golden Retriever parent and chew. You may also encounter some Poodle presence. The fact that he is so eager to please and smart will help you breeze right through that obstacle too. He just needs to know what is acceptable and what is not. Training The Goldendoodle puppy is pretty simple to train. He loves to please his people and is smart too so it will probably go very well, even for a first-time pet parent. Potty training is first up. Then, obedience is next. Obedience training is for his safety, in part, and for your sanity as well. If he tries to do his own things, well, blame his Poodle parent. Socialization is important in training. When he is young, expose him to a number of different dogs and humans and even a few cats too. Take him to various surroundings - some which are busy and loud and others that are quiet. Be sure to include children and the elderly in his conditioning. Treats, praise, and positive tones are what motivates this dog in training. Remember that he is such a good student, he is a treasured service dog such as leading the blind. He will most likely be happy to cooperate. Tricks are on the class schedule too. You can teach him to roll over and possibly to play dead as well. This dog is lots of fun to train, especially when you get him on board and eager to learn more. Incorporating things he loves helps too. Health Goldendoodles typically enjoy a life of between years. They were bred in hopes of getting all the healthy genes from both parents and as little as possible of the inherited health issues. That is not always the case with designer dogs though. They are actually at risk for certain hereditary health problems from both sides, but at a lesser intensity than they are if they are purebred. You can ask for a hip and joint checkup and also for other health issues such as eye conditions. The best thing is prevention but if your dog already has a problem, the sooner you get him seen, the more likely it is that he will be alright. Here are some conditions to keep an eye out for: Hip Dysplasia is not uncommon in this hybrid. That is a condition where the hip joint is deformed or else can be attributed to environmental issues. The hip slips out of the socket and can be very painful, inhibiting or preventing him from walking. Vulnerable to have Elbow Dysplasia too which is the same thing but is with the elbow rather than the hip. If your Goldendoodle shows signs of this, please take him to see his veterinarian right away. Patellar Luxation is a condition in which the hind leg can slide in and out of its socket. It can be very painful and debilitating. There is surgical help for severe cases. If you note your Goldendoodle limping, favoring a leg, or seeming to be in pain, have him checked out immediately. This disease can be crippling. It is where the blood does not clot properly. Humans can have this ailment too. Ear infection plague this dog breed. Be sure to keep his ears clean and dry and if he is pulling at them, have him checked. Serious ear infections may require surgery and can lead to deafness. Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a disease that involves the deterioration of the retina and tends to take place gradually. Night blindness comes first usually or he may lose sight on and off and more so as the disease progresses. Allergies are not uncommon in Goldendoodles. He may have a sensitivity to food, the environment, or even to things he inhales. Narrowing down the source of the allergy is helpful and then solutions can be sought. It is serious and can be life-threatening. It is seen mostly in deep-chested dogs who are large in size. If they eat one large meal a day, their chances of getting this condition are increased. What happens is the dog is not able to belch when air is caught and that causes the stomach to twist. His stomach contains the extra air and his blood pressure begins to drop and continues to do so, sometimes sending him into shock. If you think your dog has this condition, call your vet immediately. There is no time to waste as this may be fatal. Hypothyroidism is a thyroid gland disorder. It is found in humans and in dogs too. The Goldendoodle has a tendency to have thyroid issues. It can be so severe it causes epilepsy. If your Goldendoodle seems quite tired and has hair loss, have him checked right away. There could be an underlying condition such as one of those above. Is a Goldendoodle Right for Me? Do you still think a Goldendoodle might be the dog for you, even after finding out more about him? Do you live in an apartment or small space dwelling? He is best in a home with a backyard or some stomping ground. It is imperative that someone be home with this type of dog much of the time or that you be willing to take him with you. Are you willing to exercise him an hour or more each day? Will you challenge him mentally and physically as well? If so, especially if you have an active lifestyle you intend to involve him in, this could very well be your dog. The Goldendoodle is a package of all things good, just waiting to be unwrapped. He s fun and friendly, smart, and is adaptable too. The best of the best of two beloved breeds have been lovingly brought together in order to bring you this fine designer dog. Check Price This one also comes in a variety of sizes, so it can work for your Goldendoodle no matter what size or age they are. The iCrate comes with single-door or double-door options, as well as a divider panel that is excellent for growing puppies. This crate is incredibly secure, as it has slide-bolt latches, rounded corners, and a durable finish. Plus, it easily folds for travel and storage. The iCrate also comes with a removable plastic tray to make for easy clean-up. However, keep in mind that the latch may be simple for your dog to figure out how to unlatch and escape from the crate. The divider panel is also known to be challenging to put in place and remove. Additional Crate Products to Purchase Now that you may have a crate purchased, you may need some additional products to give your Goldendoodle the best possible experience with it. As we mentioned throughout this article, dividers can be incredibly helpful for making your crate the correct size for your puppy as he or she is growing. The perfect divider panels ca n be found here. Check Price Dog Bed To make your dog crate as comfortable as possible for your Goldendoodle, you will want to purchase a high quality dog bed to stay inside of it, especially if you crate your dog overnight or for longer periods. Not just for comfort, this can help with their joints long term, too. While you may be tempted to just use a blanket, dogs are more likely to chew them up. Not only will you be out a blanket, but your dog will have learned a new destructive behavior. Dog beds made from tough fabric will last longer. This dog bed from MidWest Homes, found here, is the perfect option. Check Price It comes in a variety of size options, so you will be able to find the ideal choice for your fur baby. It is also machine-washable, so you will easily be able to clean it if your pup has an accident in the crate! All dogs should have space where they can feel safe, rest, and have shelter. A crate is perfect for this! It gives them somewhere to escape and relax that is entirely their own. Besides, a crate has multiple purposes that can help better serve both you and your Doodle. One way that crate training is beneficial is because it can assist with potty training by teaching your Goldendoodle to control their bladder and bowels. By nature, dogs will generally do their best not to soil the space that they sleep in. Because of this, they will want to keep their crate as clean as possible. Of course, puppies are bound to have an accident here and there. So, make sure that you stay around as often as possible when your puppy is in the crate to clean up after them. This is similar to what dogs do out in the wild, looking for a dugout or den. Goldendoodle puppies tend to chew on various objects as their teeth are growing in. When You Should Crate Now you may be wondering, when is the best time to crate train a dog? One time to keep your dog in their crate is when you are unable to supervise them. For example, if you need to do yard work, you can put your dog in his or her crate while you do so to keep them safe. Another excellent time to put your Goldendoodle in his or her crate is when they need to calm down from being too excited. Keep in mind, though, that you should not act like this is a punishment. You want to teach your dog to enjoy being in their crate — not be afraid of it. Try not to let your anger be a factor at all. Give them a toy to play with for about five minutes to calm them down, and let them out afterward to see if it helps. If not, you can repeat the process until they are calmer. A loose dog in the car can be dangerous, so keeping them in the crate can help keep them — and other passengers — safe and calm. It also will limit distractions. For more information about driving with a dog, check out this article from DogTime. Typically, Goldendoodle puppies will be energetic, and this may be overwhelming for an older dog. Having a crate can give the older dog a break and keep your puppy safe. You can alternate which dog stays in the crate until they are more used to each other. For starters, a general rule of thumb is not to leave your Goldendoodles in their crate for over five hours. The exception to this would be overnight, of course. There are a few reasons for this. Goldendoodles are an incredibly social breed and need social interaction to stay happy. If they are left in their crate for too long or too frequently, then they may begin to develop behavior issues or even depression. I know what you might be thinking at this point — what if I have to work all day? In this case, come home for lunch, if at all possible, to let your dog out for a little bit. This will just worsen their condition and make them more stressed out. They are most likely doing everything that they can to escape. If you see any of this behavior in your Goldendoodle, consult with your vet to find out what your best options are. You should also refrain from crating your Doodle if the vet tells you not to due to medical reasons, such as inflamed joints or arthritis. Overall, do your best to make the crate a positive experience for your Goldendoodle. Here are some additional steps to take before crating your dog to ensure the best possible experience: Take your dog for a walk — this helps get out their energy and release their bladder Spend time with them — Goldendoodles are very social and have a lot of energy Final Thoughts And, there you have it. Although you may have some struggles at first getting your Goldendoodle to adapt to a crate, we can almost guarantee that your Goldendoodle will end up getting accustomed to and maybe even loving! You just have to give it time and lots of patience and maybe a few treats. Best of luck! Plastic crate Crate Weight Each crate has its own pros and cons. A soft-sided crate made from polyester and a plastic crate is lightweight, while a wooden crate is heavy. A wire crate is the most durable one. For a dog owner, who lives in a large house, finding enough space will not be a serious problem. Consider a more portable crate if you live in a small home. How long your Mini Goldendoodle puppy can stay in a crate Dog owners use crates for different purposes. Some owners buy a crate for puppy training and rest, while others keep the dog in a crate all the time. Some Mini Goldendoodles really like to stay in a crate. They feel safe and protected there. You will see if your Mini Goldendoodle likes to spend time in a crate. It will help you determine how much time the dog should stay in a crate. In fact, there are many ways you can do that. You can also give your Mini Goldendoodle some treats when it agrees to stay in a crate. The Mini Goldendoodle is a very nice and friendly dog that can become a great addition to your family. Choose the right crate size to make your puppy feel comfortable and safe.