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All puppy breeders have an obligation to ensure healthy and often-permanent developmental qualities brought out within the first several weeks of a puppy's life, and putting that responsibility into practice is exactly what sets a reputable Goldendoodle breeder apart. At ABCs Puppy Zs, our commitment to the lifelong wellness of your Goldendoodle begins just after birth, spans until Go-Home, and involves a nurturing and attentive regimen founded in Puppy Culture. Our combination of evidence-based techniques, puppy science and unwavering diligence speaks for itself — as you watch your Goldendoodle puppy grow into a healthy, sociable and loving dog! There's no shortage of love and affection at our family-raised Goldendoodle puppy household, where puppy moms are always comfortable, fed with healthy and nutritious foods , and treated like members of the family — which they are! Our Goldendoodle puppy moms always have access to privacy in a quiet and relaxing place and are monitored very closely at all stages of their pregnancies for any concerns or complications. Our close relationships with first-rate local veterinarians, access to medical technologies and a deep understanding of the dog pregnancy and birthing process ensures that every pup arrives safe and healthy — and ready to take on the world! Early Neurological Stimulation ENS Early Neurological Stimulation is a proven technique designed to improve a puppy's developmental health into adulthood. The window of opportunity for performing ENS is limited to within the first several weeks of a puppy's life, making it the breeder's responsibility to perform ENS regularly. ENS has been shown to improve a puppy's physical and emotional health, performance and demeanor with often lifelong benefits. These include cardiovascular benefits, adrenal benefits, stress tolerance and even stronger immune systems. ENS is safe and simple, and involves little more than holding the puppy in certain positions — and tickling their little toes! Introducing Solid Food Transitional Goldendoodle puppies at ABCs Puppy Zs go through a scheduled solid-food transition using a combination of goat milk and raw weaning for optimal nutritional and developmental benefits. Puppies are closely monitored as they gradually transition from lapping goat milk to eating a mixed gruel of organic muscle meats and other nutritional foods such as banana and canned pumpkin over a period of several weeks until they are able to chew on large bones by 8 to 10 weeks. Puppy Socialization Socialization is one of the most important steps in Puppy Culture and offers tremendous lifelong benefits to any dog breed. The first 12 weeks of a puppy's life are considered a sensitive developmental period and are a wonderful opportunity to foster socialization — as they will spend most of their time surrounded by people and other pups! Puppy socialization typically begins at around three weeks when they begin to react to sounds and ends around weeks when they have become generally accustomed to the world around them. With proper puppy socialization, pups can experience developmental benefits of emotional wellness, communication, habituation, bonding, enrichment, performance and overall health. Three to Four Weeks Old This is a time of excitement and exploration for puppies, who are beginning to notice new objects and environments around them along with the social benefits of being in a person's loving arms. By four weeks old, puppies under our care are taking part in adorable problem-solving activities, being introduced to new objects every day, meeting new people regularly, and playing fun training games. Distributed Learning Puppies under 12 weeks old can greatly benefit from distributed learning activities that involve crate training, potty training, chew training and other puppy training exercises designed to teach good traits and behavior. Our distributed learning sessions are timed in regard to the puppy's mood, energy levels — and always involve plenty of breaks, treats and massages! Five Weeks Old Around five weeks of age, puppies typically begin to experience fear imprinting as their fear response instincts come into play. This is a sensitive period for puppies and is best handled professionally with the intent of triggering their fear response in a gentle way, which helps puppies adapt to this new emotion and grow into confident dogs. Fear imprinting exercises are brief and never designed to do more than give puppies a gentle apprehension or surprise to changes in their surroundings, such as having tarp over their play pen, hearing noisy crinkly bags, and being startled by shiny surfaces. Every exercise is immediately followed by a recovery period and always in line with the puppy's comfort levels to prevent emotional distress. Any Goldendoodle puppies that show an intense disposition to fear are worked with individually and at their own speed until their fear imprinting is safely achieved. Six Weeks By six weeks old, puppies are beginning to overcome their fear response — which is turning into curiosity! This is a great time for puppies to meet some new faces friendly people and animals only! We go to great lengths to create positive experiences that leave puppies socially inclined and ready to make new friends, such as having puppy parties with lots of play, some fun rotation games, and plenty of company so pups can become accustomed to new faces and smells. Health Testing We perform regular breed-specific health checkups on our pups as well as their parent dogs through AKC parent clubs to monitor for any susceptible health risks, complications or diseases and ensure a long and healthy life. Potty Training The puppy potty training process should not begin until after 12 weeks of age, but puppies can still benefit from some attentive and professional care surrounding potty time well before training. Puppies typically show signs of an incoming potty break and can begin to associate potty time with being outdoors early in life thanks to the attention and quick action of professional breeders. Our puppies are moved to a larger weaning pen around six weeks of age and we typically know when puppies will need to potty, such as 10 minutes into a play session, 15 minutes after eating, when they wake up, if they suddenly stop what they're doing and start sniffing around, and other signs to take the opportunity of an outdoor break in a safe environment where puppies can develop a psychological association with going potty and being outdoors. Puppy Biting At ABCs Puppy Zs, we use gentle and proven techniques to nip puppy biting in the bud and help them outgrow it as quickly as possible while in the care of their new family. Chewing is very healthy for a puppy and essential to the development of strong teeth and jaws, but left unchecked, a puppy can carry bad habits such as nipping hands into adolescence. Puppy biting correction is one of our many puppy training routines and involves plenty of chew toys, positive reinforcement and calm interactions designed to help puppies outgrow biting quickly and naturally. Resource Guarding Even puppies under 12 weeks old can show signs of resource guarding, such as guarding their food, toys, a bone, or even their owner's lap. We perform resource guarding training activities that typically involve yummy treats and positive reinforcement to condition puppies out of being overly stingy — and show them that sharing is caring! Body Handling Puppies familiarized with body handling from an early age will be much more comfortable with belly rubs as they grow up! We perform gentle body handing from birth such as touching their little ears, tails and toes every day as a socialization technique that can make future touches from adults and children much more unsurprising and welcome. Puppy Evaluation We love to see how our pups are coming along around the 7-week mark with a puppy temperament test which verifies that our best intentions are working. Puppy evaluations are always performed in between milestones such as before fear imprinting for a clear representation of the puppy's temperament and best results. This test typically involves the puppy being placed in the company of a stranger in an unfamiliar setting to gauge their reaction for fear, aggression or shyness. Around 7 weeks, a well-nurtured and socialized puppy should react to a new person and surrounding in a happy and comfortable manner. Eight to Ten Weeks Old By 8 to 10 weeks, puppies may experience a renewed sense of fear which may be strong, brief or unnoticeable. We keep close observation of our puppies during this time and take notice of and remove any fear triggers while keeping them in a safe and friendly environment to reduce fear. By 10 weeks, the renewed fear imprint should subside and puppies can resume supervised socialization. Puppies at this age are busy preparing for placement in their new forever homes. Our puppies are normally ready for their new family between 10 and 12 weeks of age, by which time they've produced an immune response to their vaccines and have been nurtured and socialized through their most sensitive developmental period. It's important to note that between weeks, puppies are still in their critical socialization period and that their new family members should focus on creating happy and healthy social experiences for their pups. Our Puppy Training You'll be pleased to find that our Goldendoodle puppies have already received some basic puppy training by the time they're ready to snuggle up with their new family. This includes puppy recall training, puppy crate training and puppy advanced auto-sit training. Of course, your puppy is still growing — so it's important to follow through on our training progress until your puppy is a good dog! We've got some very useful puppy training resources here on our website to help get you on your way to having a well-behaved, loyal and loving companion. Puppy Leash Walking We can't make any promises at 8 to 12 weeks old, but your puppy will have at least have worn a leash by that age! All our Goldendoodle pups go through some short, fun and basic leash walking attempts in the comforts of our family-raised puppy residence. From time to time, we even have those natural talents who take right to the leash and are easily manageable. We'll be sure to let you know if that's your pup! Running with the Big Dogs Under close supervision and in a safe environment, puppies can benefit from playful interaction with friendly and well-mannered adult dogs. By the time your Goldendoodle puppy is ready to come home from ABCs Puppy Zs, they've already had extensive playtime with our trusted adult dogs and those of our close friends and relatives. We always make sure our pups feel safe around bigger dogs and only encourage these types of social interactions when they don't show fear and at specific time periods of beneficial development. Puppy Vaccination At ABCs Puppy Zs, we do everything possible to ensure a long and healthy lifespan for every pup including the administration of certain Vaccines and Dewormers in accordance with Our Veterinarian, which includes a NeoPar vaccination at 4 weeks, Dewormer at 5 and 7 weeks, and then Nobivac 5-Way administered at 7 and 9 weeks with further scheduled vaccinations beginning at or around 12 weeks by which time most of our puppies are placed with their new families. It is essential for puppies to be vaccinated prior to outdoor socialization and playtime due to the possibility of diseases and illnesses being transmitted among dogs and their environments. Vaccination requirements and laws may vary by region so it's important to get in touch with your local veterinarian to find out which additional vaccines will be necessary for your Goldendoodle puppy. They will also be able to inform you when it's safe to take your puppy outside and interact with other dogs in an outdoor environment. To be on the safe side, you should never expose your puppy to other dogs without first knowing of the dog's health and vaccination status and until after your puppy is fully vaccinated as per your local veterinarian guidelines. Instilling Good Puppy Behavior Puppies learn best through conditioning and positive reinforcements, not punishment or negative reactions. We follow strict guidelines for gentle puppy training and we encourage all future Goldendoodle puppy owners to do the same. This allows your animal to build trust and loyalty as well as a good-natured and well-mannered personality. Puppy training can take a lot of time, patience and treats — but we promise that the journey is worth it and your dog will benefit from all your efforts in the long run! You can do puppy training yourself or enroll your puppy in a puppy training class if you are very busy and in order to ensure the attention they need for this important part of the developmental process. With ABCs Puppy Zs, you can begin a wonderful experience with your very own Goldendoodle while knowing that every health precaution has been taken and that your pup was raised in a loving family environment. Could you ask for more? You bet:. To view the rest of our CVI data, click here. The pet store owners know it, the employees might know it- but the customer is completely in the dark. This is why we are here. Bailing Out Benji is a small nonprofit that started in Ames, Iowa and now has volunteer teams all over the country who are dedicated to raising awareness about the puppy mill industry. Volunteers from Bailing Out Benji devote their free time to researching puppy mills to create puppy mill maps for the worst states, as well as raise awareness about notorious pet stores and breeding operations with huge violations. To learn more about the puppy mills in your location, you can also go to our interactive website and search engine. To make this easier, we will be breaking our research down alphabetically by each pet store and connecting them to the various facilities they use. All of the breeders listed as associated with the pet stores sold puppies or kittens to them in the years and .For any questions regarding the information presented below, please visit us on Facebook or contact us through the form below. We also do not receive documents about the North Carolina breeders these stores source from, since CVIs are not needed unless animals cross state lines. Because of that, many stores will not be reflected below because they are buying from in-state facilities. If you bought a puppy from a pet store and want to know more about its origins, please fill out the form below. We are a small nonprofit organization that makes big changes with very few resources. Our research is used by the leading animal welfare organizations across the country, because what we do is so unique and important. To make a one time donation or to sign up to be a sustaining supporter to allow us to continue our various programs that expose the puppy mill industry, click the donate button below. To make a donation or learn about other ways to support our efforts, click the image above ———————————————— Doctor M. Neosho, Missouri- one of the largest puppy brokers in the country with 72 puppies on their premises at the time of last inspection. Neosho, Missouri- This company transports puppies to Florida under many different names and they were recently named one of the worst puppy mills in the country due to their transport practices. This transporter was named one of the worst puppy mills in the nation. To view the entire report, click here. Louisburg, Missouri- 74 adult breeding dogs and 47 puppies. This breeder has both a breeder and broker license. Brashear, Missouri- 41 adult breeding dogs and 40 puppies. Becky Busboom. Dannebrog, Nebraska- Busboom is a dog broker, who sources puppies from various facilities and resells them to pet stores. To view which facilities Busboom buys from, click here. Green Castle, Missouri- 78 adult breeding dogs and 34 puppies. Anton and Stacie Noordeloos. Macomb, Missouri- 36 adult breeding cats and 21 kittens. Alisa Breedlove, Breedloves Unique Kennel. Waynesville, Missouri- adult breeding dogs and 17 puppies. Clark, Missouri- 75 adult breeding dogs and 48 puppies. Bunny Trembler. Niangua, Missouri- 30 adult breeding cats and 45 kittens. Candy Fields. Green City, Missouri- 45 adult breeding dogs and 17 puppies. Carroll Bailey. Goodman, Missouri- 27 adult breeding dogs and 46 puppies. Charles Feldmann. Sheldon, Missouri- adult breeding dogs and 92 puppies. Frankford, Missouri- Large puppy broker with 94 puppies at the time of last inspection. Clark, Missouri- 53 adult breeding dogs and 15 puppies. David Borntrager. Clark, Missouri- 65 adult breeding dogs and 40 puppies. Lebanon, Missouri- adult breeding dogs and 58 puppies. Dorace Burton, Grace Kennel. Lebanon, Missouri- 37 adult breeding dogs and 34 puppies. Farmington, Iowa- 90 adult breeding dogs, 22 puppies. Formerly owned by Becky and Guy Franks. Bluejacket, Oklahoma- 33 puppies and was named one of the worst puppy mills in the country. Clark, Missouri- 29 adult breeding dogs and 11 puppies. Madison, Missouri- 45 adult breeding dogs and 40 puppies. Carl Junction, Missouri- A transport company with puppies at the time of last inspection. They were also in violation of putting too many puppies and kittens in to cages within the transport van and not providing adequate space. Joseph D Troyer. Samuel and Mahlone Beachy, Clark Missouri- 84 adult breeding dogs and 54 puppies. Sherri Gillum, Lakeview Kennels. Unionville, Missouri- 66 adult breeding dogs and 51 puppies Stacey Fox. Tom Petersen and Cindy Jensen. Buffalo, Missouri- 85 adult breeding dogs and 53 puppies. Culbertson, Nebraska- Large scale dog broker out of Nebraska. To view the puppy mills they buy from, click here. Fayetteville, Arkansas- 22 adult breeding dogs. West Plains, Missouri- 39 adult breeding dogs and 29 puppies. This breeder was also named one of the worst puppy mills in the entire country. Bob Bateman. West Point, Iowa- 84 adult breeding dogs, puppies. Brody Bateman. Calvin Cantrell, Calico Puppy Ranch. Anderson, Missouri- 79 adult breeding dogs and 27 puppies. Chad Pyle. Honey Brook, Pennsylvania- this facility is not licensed by the USDA or the state, although they formerly were and cancelled their license. At the time of licensure, they had 41 adult breeding dogs and 23 puppies. Christie and Tom Nass. Pineville, Missouri- 24 adult breeding dogs and 19 puppies. Denise Lindeman. Devin Bateman. Don Wengerd. Donnie, Irene and Diane Wagler. Montgomery, Indiana- 31 adult breeding dogs and 1 1 puppies. Chariton, Iowa- 74 adult breeding dogs and 67 puppies. Ervin and Ester Gingerich. Harwood, Missouri- 43 adult breeding dogs. Arthur, Illinois- 24 adult breeding dogs and 32 puppies. Houston, Kayla and Georgia Henderson. Howard Schrock. Salem, Iowa- adult breeding dogs and puppies. Jerry Davis. Johnathan Borntrager. You can read that information here. JAKS was also named one of the worst puppy mills in the country. JAKS was investigated and sued by the Iowa Attorney General for charity fraud and was ordered to stop their sham rescue in .John and Marcee Bryant, Puppy Junction. Seneca, Missouri- 93 adult breeding dogs and 30 puppies. Jonathan Wagler. West Union, Ohio- 86 adult breeding dogs and 49 puppies. Josh Garber. Bradford, Ohio- 84 adult breeding dogs and 29 puppies. Karen Hoover. Hurdland, Missouri- 13 adult breeding dogs and 3 puppies. Langley, Oklahoma- 28 adult breeding dogs, 22 puppies. Kelly Essary, Dry Hollow Kennel. Cape Fair, Missouri- 12 adult breeding dogs. Kelly Hulahan, Puppy Smart. Ken, Abby, Ty and Sydney Anderson. Goodman, Missouri- adult breeding dogs, puppies. The dog had not been seen by a veterinarian. In order to hide this violation, they changed license numbers and names. Kevin Wittmer, Loogootee Indiana- 19 adult breeding dogs, with a history of violations including: Three dogs had protruding hip bones and ribs showing; others had injuries to the face and leg. Wittmer was also named one of the worst puppy mills in the country. Layne Laurence. Leah and Melvin Graber. Linda Leach, Twinkle Toes Kennel. Anderson, Missouri- 35 adult breeding dogs. Marlene and Wayne Zimmerman. Wheeling, Missouri- 10 adult breeding dogs. Mary Friend. Mary Spicer- Fenty. Willow Springs, Missouri- 26 adult breeding cats and 22 kittens. Mike and Sharon West, Hillside Kennels. Unionville, Iowa- 61 adult breeding dogs, with a history of violations including: filthy kennels and excessive feces buildup in and around the kennels. Neosho, Missouri- 42 adult breeding dogs, 26 puppies. Has changed their USDA license number several times. Nelson Diener, Fair Banks Kennel. Arthur, Illinois- 42 adult breeding dogs. Phil Coffman. Phil Hoover, Show Me Puppies. Memphis, Missouri- adult breeding dogs and puppies. Philip Schlabach. Richard and Barb Knepp. Webb City, Missouri- Transport company with puppies on their premises at the time of last inspection. Rodney Goss. Rudy Ferrari. Liberal, Missouri- 26 adult breeding dogs. Sheila Hughes. Steven Jess. Harriet, Arkansas- 55 adult breeding dogs and 26 puppies. Frankford, Missouri — Broker with 41 puppies on their property at the time of last inspection. Violations include keeping puppies in kennels that are too small. This broker was also named one of the worst puppy mills in the country. Tina Mottl. Trent Leroy Yoder. Montgomery, Indiana- 22 adult breeding dogs. Tyler Endicott. Verlin Miller. Goshen, Indiana- 48 adult breeding dogs and 26 puppies. Newport, Nebraska- 98 adult breeding dogs and 68 puppies. This facility was named one of the worst puppy mills in the nation in due to their severe violations. Aurora, Missouri- Puppy Broker and transporter with 54 puppies on the premises at the time of last inspection. West Point, Iowa- 73 puppies. Also owns Choice Puppies another broker out of Goodman, Missouri. Long Lane, Missouri- 83 adult breeding dogs and 48 puppies. Debra and Rex Hopkins. Poplar Bluff, Missouri- 47 adult breeding dogs and 20 puppies. Browning, Missouri- dogs and 82 puppies. Odon, Indiana- adult breeding dogs and 72 puppies. Larry Hochstetler, Shady View Puppies. Arthur, Illinois- 10 adult breeding dogs. Arthur, Illinois- adult breeding dogs and 71 puppies. Lydia Brashear, Lonesome Pine Kennel. West Plains, Missouri- 45 adult breeding dogs and 17 puppies. Rudy Schwartz. Stephen Herschberger. Pomona, Missouri- 33 adult breeding dogs and 41 puppies. Below you will find the list of facilities that Dog Academy sourced from in and per Government health records. Bob Hughes, Southwest Auction Service. Wheaton, Missouri- this is a company that auctions off puppy mill adult dogs and puppies almost every weekend in Missouri. On at least 10 different occasions in and the owner of the Dog Academy purchased puppies through this auction service. Chester Beachy. Clark, Missouri- 63 adult breeding dogs and 42 puppies. John Gingerich. Sturgeon, Missouri- 63 adult breeding dogs and 16 puppies. This facility was named one of the worst puppy mills in the country in .Keytesville, Missouri- 64 adult breeding dogs and 7 puppies. This breeder has a history of violations and was named one of the worst puppy mills in the country in .West Point, Iowa- adult breeding dogs and puppies. Tera Barks. William Miller. Keytesville, Missouri- 28 adult breeding dogs and 27 puppies. If you bought a puppy from a pet store or breeder and want to know more about its origins, please fill out the form below. For more information, please visit our main page Bailing Out Benji. We also have educational materials that you can print to hang up in your own area. Have you purchased a puppy from a North Carolina Pet Store? From any pet store or online website? Fill out the form below and we will help you track down where your puppy was born! During the several months I spent with them there in the devotion of this couple to each and every dogs and puppy was inspiring and bought such joy to my heart! At other times the sight of them running with free abandon through the manicured fields had me running for my camera to catch the beauty of the moment. A genuine Rutland Manor chat page will be provided shortly where Rutland Manor families can gather again with transparency for fun times in a place where people are not ex communicated for posting a negative comment. I will also not be held liable for any advice or other content displayed on Twyla Pyles chat page. I will also not be held liable for any health warranty claims or other claims or disputes arising between Twyla and Mike Pyles and anyone who purchases puppies bred from my dogs deceitfully obtained. Beverley Manners Sound familiar to any of you? How many times has this happened over the years. Your money will go directly to the pockets of the puppy farmers and will enable them to keep the cycle of cruelty going. Do your research, ask questions, and if a breeder supports Rutland Manor stay away. Look at the pictures, if you were a dog where would you rather be?
This toy is not only indestructible, but it can keep your puppy busy for hours. You can stuff yummy treats, soft food, beef jerky, peanut butter or Kong stuffing into the Kong toy and freeze it. You can fill the Kong toy every evening, and give the frozen toy to your puppy before you leave for work. Because the stuffing is frozen, it makes the yummy treats more difficult to get out and in turn keeps your puppy interested for much longer. There is also the extra benefit of soothing their itchy gums while going through the teething phase. The Kong toy is also a lot of fun to play fetch with, as it bounces into unpredictable directions. Balls — Fetching and Treat releasing You could also buy your Labrador balls of different variations. Tennis balls are an old favorite. However, some Labradors show more interest in balls that make noises. For instance, a ball that has a few bells in it or one that squeaks can be far more exciting for your dog, as they tend to get bored quickly. Because Labradors are natural retrievers, a ball or something to chase down will always be a good choice. There are also treat balls available, which you can fill with small training treats and your puppy can roll the ball around to release the treats inside. Automatic Ball Throwers Not there to throw a ball all day? No problem. You can invest in an automatic tennis ball launcher which works wonders to keep your puppy entertained and out of trouble. The introduction to an automatic ball thrower should be done in the most positive way possible. Get your puppy super excited about the machine and reward it for retrieving the ball. Rope Toys Rope toys are also a favorite for most Labradors because they usually love playing tug. My Labrador is sadly the only dog in my household that loves this game, which means he never gets any of the other dogs to participate in tugging, and I keep drawing the short straw there. Stuffed or Soft Toys Some Labradors adore their stuffed toys! Stuffed toys can be anything from a teddy bear to a soft bone with a squeaky whistle in them. If your Labrador is a heavy chewer, make sure to watch that it does not destroy the soft toy. They usually enjoy ripping open the toy and taking out all the stuffing, leaving quite a mess behind. Chews Another great helper to curb destructive chewing is the old faithful cow hoof. Rawhide chews are also a popular choice to keep your puppy happily chewing, however, make sure that your vet is in agreement with this, as some vets advise against using these chews. Keeping Toys Interesting During my dog training studies, I have also learned that rotating toys are very important. I always made sure to leave at least 3 toys of different variations at a time, for instance, a soft toy, a rope, and a ball. You can keep toys interesting by using scents on them. Although Labradors are not as scent orientated as some of the scent hounds would be, they still have fantastic noses and appreciate scented toys. These scents can range from Lavender, Lemongrass or Citrus to blood scents and deer urine. The scent can make an otherwise unwanted toy seem like the best thing on earth to your dog. Many of these scents have shown to be therapeutic in reducing stress or giving comfort to your dog. Before you think that giving your Labrador so many variations of toys are spoiling them, we can assure you that it is not so much spoiling than it is preventative measures to keep your sprinkler system, plants, furniture and car bumper yes, that happens in tact. Every dog has a preference for toys, so make sure you buy the toys your dog enjoys playing with. For a Labrador puppy, most toys are exciting and fun, so you cannot go wrong with any of the toys mentioned above. Your 8 to 12 week old puppy is still growing rapidly and needs lots of rest. But she is also going to be understandably anxious at her sudden change in living situation. The best interactive toy puppy options for this stage are going to be simple toys to keep your puppy busy without letting her get close enough to you or other family members to sink in a good sharp puppy bite! For obvious reasons, rawhide chews, strong rope toys, fetch toys , leash training toys and other puppy toys that keep those small but sharp puppy canines away from your hands and face are also ideal at this stage. She is also growing bigger and stronger physically. And she wants to play all the time, which for a puppy typically means rough housing, growling and oh yay biting. Also, during this period your little pup will be teething mightily as her baby teeth fall out and her adult teeth start to push their way up through the gums to grow in. So she will not only want but will need to bite just about anything that looks bite-able to alleviate the soreness and pain she feels in her teeth and gums. You will also want to identify the best puppy toys for teething and get a few — pronto! The best puppy toys for teething will be responsive enough so that your puppy can experience some relief from her growing mouth tenderness. But also durable enough not to come apart in her mouth, where there is a risk she would swallow them and have intestinal blockages or worse. They will also, ideally, be freezer-friendly, since the cold can provide its own form of soothing pain relief. She will have survived a change of household, loss of her baby teeth, emergence of her adult teeth and much more. This is a great time period to introduce more complex interactive puppy toys for boredom, treat finding, slow feeding, and puzzle solving. As she grows, her playtime and toy needs may change again, and you may even discover she falls in love with a puppy toy you never thought she would like. Happily, there are plenty of great puppy toys to choose from. This Kong classic for adult dogs now comes in a size perfect for your puppy as well. The rubber is safe for dogs and especially designed for the teething needs of large breed puppies. You can fill the interior with a variety of soft and tasty treats. Kong Wubba Kong Puppy Wubba. The Wubba has two balls and four long tails for self-play and interactive play. The Kong Company also recommends plush Kong toys for young puppies due to the high comfort factor. These must be used under supervision, but many puppies enjoy cuddling and snuggling with their plush Kongs. As your puppy grows up, he will become more eager to play and run and romp. This puppy flyer toy will encourage his natural retrieving instincts during interactive play while keeping your hands and his sharp puppy teeth far apart. This wonderful Kong toy is especially designed to ease the mouth aches that your little dog will be feeling during some months in this period of his life. These toys also make fabulous freezable puppy teething toys. Kong designed this toy to help your puppy through his teething months and emerge with the healthiest possible gums and teeth. These tennis balls are perfect for games of fetch and make a wonderfully motivating squeaking sound when they are retrieved. Kong Wubba Kong Wubba for Dogs. The Kong Wubba for adult dogs is more durable and also larger than the same toy made for puppies. Also, there is a great deal of variety in this toy line, including wet and dry Wubbas and different configurations for different types of interactive play. This toy is also made especially to promote good oral hygiene and healthy teeth and gums. You can fill it with soft treats or kibble. Puppy Teething Toys Just for a moment, think back to the last time you had a dental checkup. You probably had your teeth cleaned, right? And the well-meaning but extra-thorough hygienist likely used that horrid little metal hook to clean out all the plaque along your gum line. What did your teeth and gums feel like later? Were they super-sore and very uncomfortable? This is an approximation of the discomfort your puppy might be feeling during his teething months. Teething is just not going to show you the best side of your little dog. Part of what he needs from you is compassion and understanding. But mostly, he needs the right puppy toys for teething that can help to ease his discomfort until the teething process ends. Many puppy teething toys include freezer-friendly options to provide extra pain relief, just like a icy cold pack can temporarily ease and numb sore areas for you. The Nylabone Company specializes in making toys for chewing and teething. You can opt for their traditional teething rings or make a more ferocious choice, like the Nylabone T-Rex chew toy. These toys are suitable in size for a puppy and come highly praised by dog owners. There are three different toy sets you can choose from. The material is very durable percent cotton and there are no small parts that your dog could tear off and swallow. You can also pop these in the freezer for extra teething relief. This bone-shaped teething toy is a great shape for your still-growing lab puppy to grip it in his jaws and chew with gusto — especially if you freeze the bone for him first! The toy is made of durable, safe canvas to withstand vigorous teething-related chewing. So long as your dog remains 70 lbs. This toy comes in a set of a ball and a bone together. This adorable rope giraffe is so cute you might not want to let your dog chew it! Luckily, the rope is really durable and features knots to help massage away teething pain and tooth plaque all in one. This toy is also offered in other styles, including a horse, a lion and several more standard-looking rope-like configurations. One of the main benefits this toy offers is durability. These rope toys come in a set of four different styles. They are best for your puppy when he is younger under six months due to size, not durability. They come with a carry bag as well. This cheery and colorful toy takes a different approach to chewing, especially for teething-related chewing. The whole toy is encased in a freezable outer layer that actually crunches as your dog chews on it. The Nylabone Company has another hit toy on their hands with this wishbone chew toy. In a fun twist, the bristles in this nylon toy remain hidden until your dog starts a chew session. Then they raise up to help clean his teeth and massage his gums. If there is one toy that simply seems tailor-made for Labrador retrievers, it is this hide-a-squirrel squeaking toy. Your lab will likely display a ready instinct for retrieval the moment he can keep all four legs steady beneath him. This toy introduces him to the joys of hunting and retrieving in a safe, soft, squeakable toy treasure. You can also get the hedgehog, bird, or bee versions or all four! As your puppy grows, he will be making new neural connections on a daily basis. So the more chances you can give him to exercise his developing brain as well as his growing body, the smarter and more healthy and resilient he will become as an adult dog. All these factors make this mind games puzzle toy a perfect choice. It is treat-based and has strong suction cups to hold it in place while your dog figures out how it works. This creative and unique interactive toy from Ethical Pet Company is designed to eliminate boredom. It provides mental stimulation from solving the puzzle along with physical stimulation from trying to get the treats out. Another hit toy from Ethical Pets, this amazing ball offers several levels of interactive sensory stimulation and play all in one simple ball-shaped toy. The toy itself emits a mouth-watering beef flavor and has three different sensory textures on the layers that surround the ball. You can enjoy hours of fun together and your dog can also find comfort in this toy during naps and alone time. Many times puppies will get used to being fed frequently in small portions. Then they will struggle digestively at first when transitioning to an adult dog feeding schedule. One of the biggest challenges your puppy is likely to face during this transitional stage is simply portion size. Instead of being fed in small frequent portions, a growing puppy will now be offered less frequent but larger portions. Here, a treat ball or slow feeder puzzle toy is of particular benefit. These toys are also great because they are interactive and fun! Hol-ee Roller J. This popular toy offers a two-fer for your puppy during playtime. If he is teething, the ball has a special open design to provide chewing relief. You can also insert kibble or soft treats inside the toy for emotional relief. This toy is great for both solo play and interactive play. This wildly popular treat ball holds a little less than a cup of kibble or soft treat foods. This super-cool interactive puzzle toy will likely get your dog hooked on puzzle toys. This bright orange colored treat ball is made of durable yet pliable vinyl and dotted with holes where small treats like kibble can fall out during play. It is easy to fill and clean and your puppy will get the hang of it in no time. We have gone through the best selling dog toys on Amazon, and selected a few very popular choices that your dog will love. And will even give their teeth a bit of a clean in the process! It is designed with powerful chewers in mind, so should keep even the most determined dog occupied. The varying textures help to keep your dog interested, and promote dental health too. It is great for playing fetch, and has a fun internal squeaker for your dog to chew on. This means that if your dog does manage to destroy it, you will get a replacement for free although usually after you have shelled out for postage or a refund. Are They Truly Indestructible? Despite the guarantees, some dogs are made of tougher stuff than the toys. Especially if your dog is crossed with another breed known for their powerful jaws, like Pitbulls for example. Dog Chew Toys for Labradors Most dogs will use anything they can get their teeth on as dog chew toys. Regardless of whether or not this was why you brought them into your home! So it can be very helpful to find a few sturdy and entertaining items to keep them occupied in a less destructive way. Kong toys are popular tough dog toys who are keen chewers. And they come in a range of different materials to cater to the varying levels of biting your dog might exhibit. In the traditional Kong shape we have all come to love, but made from a tougher and more durable material. The top contender for the best dog toy manufacturer is Kong. The idea behind it is to have something you can fill up with treats in a paste, kibble or frozen form. Your dog can then stay happy for hours munching down on it. They are great for keeping them occupied whilst you are busy or if you have to pop out and leave them at home. Our bouncy chocolate Lab, Rachael, has other ideas for her Kong too. It is her favourite fetching toy. She loves to chase after it and bounce it around the yard. Staying interested in the game long after everyone else has tired and wandered back indoors. I have chosen the Extreme version for this list because a lot of Labs are tough biters too and this is their sturdiest version. Although I have known of a few Labradors that managed to take this tough item apart, they are for all but the most dedicated of destroyers a really good choice. This large blue bone is designed to stand up to long and intense chewing sessions. It is carefully manufactured to be safe for your dog and comes as guaranteed by the maker. So if your crunching canine does manage to take it apart it can be replaced or refunded. This bone shaped chew toy comes in a range of sizes. Goughtnuts are more than just a catchy name. If your dog manages to chew through the green outer layer to access the red inner one, they will replace the toy for you. However, once they have found how hard it is to break through, they should spend many a happy hour chewing it. It even comes in three weights depending upon the size and strength of your dog. Choose the heavyweight for your keen chewing dog. This toy is specifically designed for enthusiastic chewers. It is durable, with the added bonus of helping to keep their teeth in a good condition with the raised bumps on the surface. The Best Dog Toys For Tugging Dogs love carrying things in their mouths, and many of them extend this to games of tug. If your dog wants nothing more than to pull on the other end of your tea towel when you pick it up, then he will probably enjoy playing with a specially designed tugging toy instead. Get the right design and they will last for ages, and be fun for you and your dog. Some designs can even be used by two dogs together, giving them all the entertainment factor without you having to lift a finger! A popular dog toy is always a rope. Our Labs and Spaniels all love and have loved ropes, especially those with knots that make them easy to pick up and carry around. For very big and strong dogs you might even consider the extra large version. It is not just a fun tugging and carrying rope toy for your dog to play with. It is made of a solid resilient rubber, and is designed to be thrown and retrieved. As well as held onto and pulled by human hands or a doggy mouth. It is a guaranteed tough tug of war toy. The guarantee means that if your dog does manage to damage it they will replace or refund the toy. However, you are unlikely to need to use this guarantee as it can stand up against some fairly intensive biting during games. It also flexes and stretches as you play, which keeps the structure from tearing. Buy yours in the larger size to suit a Labrador. The Goughnuts Tug Toy Once again the popular Goughnuts brand is one of our main contenders for the best toys for Labradors. Brilliant for playing tug with your dog, or for two dogs to tug together. Soft Toys for Dogs Buying soft toys for dogs can be tricky. However, it can be pretty frustrating to buy them a lovely new soft toy only to find it in pieces mere minutes later. Fortunately, there are some options depending upon how ferociously your dog likes to play with his cuddles. From unstuffed cuddly toys for dogs who like to pull out the padding, to noisy soft toys and those just for hugging. The Matz toy alligator includes over 30 squeakers in his body, so he has a high entertainment factor for dogs that love to shake and squeeze. His long jointed body is great fun for the dog to flap around with. It is also soft and cuddly, so when they are done playing your dog can happily curl up next to it in bed. Great for minor to moderate chewers. The Unstuffed Skinneeez Raccoon A good option for the dog who is a keen stuffing extractor is to buy them some unstuffed toys. There are quite a lot of these available nowadays, and a nice new option we found is the Ethical Mini Skinneeez Raccoon. It contains no padding to tear out, and a fun squeezer to chomp down on. However, if your puppy is a very intense chewer it is possible to pop the squeakers, so I would recommend this for supervised play to be on the safe side. He is specially designed to be durable and withstand a moderate amount of chewing. His body is tough, and also helps your dog to polish his teeth and remove plaque whilst he gnaws on it. The downside of this toy is the head is soft and padded, so it is not ideal for the most exuberant stuffing destroyers, but the body should stand up to a good chewing session. Interactive dog toys like treat toys, dog puzzle toys, and dog mazes all require the dog to learn how to access his reward. In our experience not all dogs are happy with these games. But our lively younger girl Rachael delights in all of them. We have had a look at some of the best interactive dog toys, so that you can pick the ones your Labrador will love. It has proved very entertaining for us as well as her. We love watching her figure out how to move the pieces of kibble from the centre of the maze to the exit points. She uses a combination of her tongue and paws to get the kibble through the maze. And in fact you could see her learn and develop her technique as she progressed. A big bonus for a boisterous Labrador. I highly recommend this toy for lively dogs who need a bit of additional entertainment, or even for occasional use as a slow feeder for the dog who is wolfing down their dinner too quickly. It is not as complicated to use as the maze, but for the dog who is less inclined to work for their treats this is a great option and more quick to reward them. The only word of caution I would give with this is that it is not chew proof. It is designed to be played with by pushing with their noses, tongues and feet. If your dog puts the whole thing in his mouth and starts gnawing down you might need to remove it from him temporarily. However, for supervised play it is a very popular little dog toy. Make sure you buy the larger version for your Lab, as the small is more appropriate for toy breeds. The Stuff-a-Ball is great for fun dogs who love treat dog toys. This is ideal for bouncy pups who love treat dog toys and playing, bouncing and pushing them around. You will find that if you limit the time they get to play with it each day too, it will keep its novelty for longer. You can even up the skill level as your dog learns to master it. It is one of the pricier options on the market at the moment, but should provide your dog with many hours of entertainment. It is also dishwasher proof, so you can keep it in a nice condition despite the inevitable drool which follows its use. Whether your dog likes to fetch them, gnaw them, bounce them, paw them or chase them around the back yard. The best balls are ones that are fairly large, fairly durable and often with a bit of bounce. At around 3 inches in diameter is large enough to avoid choking but small enough that your large dog should be able to pick it up and carry it. It is also bouncy, but puncture resistant. Designed with medium to large breeds of dog in mind, this ball from a trusted brand has been very well received. With numerous excellent reviews from owners of intense chewing dogs who are delighted with it. Designed to be chew proof, however enthusiastically your dog tries to get his treats out. This ball should stand up well to the pressure. It can even be popped into the dishwasher when your dog has finished playing, to prevent it from getting unpleasant. It contains not only a squeaker but a tennis ball inside. The handles make it easy for you to pick up and shake, whilst not interfering with your dog using the ball as intended. I recommend choosing the larger size option for most big breeds. Not ideal for persistent chewers, but great for those that love to play ball and like a noisy toy. It comes in a large size, and it glows in the dark. So no more groping around in the dim light looking for the ball in the back yard. It stays bright and keeps its glow even after dark. It is also compatible with the Chuckit ball launchers. So if you want to give your arm a rest you can use it here too. Retrieving Toys for Labradors Labradors are all born and bred retrievers. A great way to keep them entertained with their toys is to use them in games of fetch. Not all of us are blessed with an excellent ball throwing arm. In fact, when I lob a tennis ball it is just as likely to end up 3 feet behind me as it is to soar gracefully down the field. The Chuckit! Classic Ball Launcher My personal favourite retrieving aid is the Chuckit! Classic 26m launcher. Rachael the chocolate Labrador has an endless enthusiasm for fetching things. And I was having a hard time challenging her with my erratic throwing capabilities. The Chuckit is fairly intuitive to use, it will only take you a couple of goes to work out the best release point. Stick a ball in the socket and firmly gripping the handle throw your arm, aiming for the ball to be released high. It will sore for a long way, and give your Lab a great exercise session — without you straining your shoulder or needing to run back and forth yourself! This is definitely a recommended purchase from our Labrador family. With the added benefit that it can also be used as a tug toy. This ball and rope combo is tough and durable, designed originally for use by police dog handlers as a reward toy for training. It has the benefit is being light and easy to carry around. The ball is also tough and durable, giving you and your dog hours of play time. The Zisc Frisbee Our last retrieving toy option for lively Labradors has to be a frisbee. It is a tough flying disc toy, that can withstand frequent use by a large dog. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. Best for Treat Dispensing Bob-a-Lot Starmark has been the world leader in pet education for over a decade, with award-winning training and behaviour tools developed by experts. We bought and tested their Starmark Bob-A-Lot interactive dog puzzle toy to see what all the fuss was about. The Bob-A-Lot was surprisingly heavy and sturdy. Adjust the two openings to alter the difficulty to release the food and you're all set. We loved that Bob-a-Lot offers you some flexibility in dispensing rate do you can make it more difficult for your dog. After some trial and error we were able to open the slots just enough to keep Freddie interested but still keeping it challenging. Great for 'chewers', it's a substantial toy and super durable. Our one reservation is that it doesn't come apart for cleaning so we would recommend using hard, crunchy style treats that won't leave crumbs inside the toy. It's worth noting that it's a great option for greedy guzzlers as it works as a slow feeder by increasing the time it takes your dog to consume their food. Just be aware that it would only work with a kibble diet. It's easy-to-fill and available in two sizes to suit puppies to large breed dogs. If you're looking for some healthy training treats to use with these puzzle toys, take a look at our Best Dog Treats article. Best for Fighting Boredom Kong Let's be honest, no article discussing the best dog toys would be complete without a nod to probably the best known dog toy - the Kong. The classic Kong, launched way back in , is recommended by veterinarians and dog trainers worldwide. Made from natural rubber, it has an unpredictable bounce which is enticing for your dog. If you're looking to extend their play, it can be filled with a whole range of dog treats to keep your dog entertained and works particularly well with soft treats such as yoghurt or dog - friendly peanut butter. The ultimate boredom buster, the Kong is available in a wide selection of sizes and materials for chewers, puppies and extreme chewers. Our one reservation about the Kong, is cleaning. It may be us, but we've found that if you stuff the Kong with wet treats like peanut butter, it's incredibly difficult to clean effectively. So ultimately our dog loves it, but we're not so keen. Reasons to Buy.
At mills, dogs are bred with little regard for their health or safety. Summer Litters Due Now! Contact to Place Reservations Now! Sadee of Chelstarr and Hanky had five puppies on December 5, .Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. Learn more 1, puppies available 1, certified breeders Transportation Location Color. Puppies are 5 days old. We are dog breeders committed to the excellence of the German Shepherd. We occasionally offer solid black, bi-color, white, black and tan, black and red, black sable, silver sable and even blue, Liver, and Isabella German Shepherd puppies and all coat lengths. Akc German shepherds. German Shepherd Puppies for Sale. Delivery of puppies to my San Diego location available! Trained Puppies Available Now! The main purpose of their work is to produce healthy puppies that will make for wonderful family companions. We are conveniently located near you within minutes of the , the 60 and the 10 fwys on our seven acre ranch in the beautiful San Jacinto Valley, Riverside County, Southern California. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Rescue 9. Silver Sable Puppies! There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for German Shepherd Dog puppies in San Diego, Texas. Also be sure to visit our Dogs For Sale page to see retired females and males we currently have available to the right homes. Rehoming German Shepherd Dog puppy - 1 year old. Super Silver Sable Litter. Enter your NuVet Vitamins today for the health of your. Please explore our site to learn about our available puppies and dogs as well as information about our breeding program. All shots,Good with kids,loyal protection. Here are a few organizations closest to you:. Welcome to my site! I have been a well respected and very successful German Shepherd breeder for more than 40 years. Their brains, size, and loyalty make them ideal police and service dogs, but they also make great friends. Also the occasional rare wolf masked German Shepherds. They are properly socialized and active in the sport of Schutzhund and titled. Enter discount number .You may call them with your inquiry at: .Our dogs spend their day playing in our fenced ranch and they sleep inside at night. There are two males and three females. Von Overen German Shepherds No detail is left without attention in our breeding program. We offer AKC White German Shepherd puppies for adoption in California only two or three times per year to ensure the health and well being of our dogs. We strive for excellence in pedigree, health, working line conformation and working titles. It is our promise to preserve the integrity of the German Shepherd Dogs. Im the cutest little boy whos ready for pre adoption! Rest assured when purchasing a dog from us that years of breeding and training experience have gone into the development and selection of. She loves to play and gets along with. Providing wonderful German Shepherds to many families in Texas and across the nation. Chanel Vom Fernbrook: Available. All of the puppies can be registered with the American Kennel Club. Box , San Diego, CA info coastalk9gsr. All our dogs are AKC registered. Because all breeding programs are different, you may find. Browse these German Shepherd Dog rescues and shelters below. Welcome To Weberhaus German Shepherds! We work with top bloodlines from Czech, and DDR working lines. San Diego Dogs for Sale and Adoption. Very healthy, active and lovely. About German Shepherds. You can find German Shepherds in most parts of Virginia — so keep looking. German shepherd Husky puppies. Mills give you sickly puppies for sale in San Marcos, CA that often bring new owners heartbreak as their dogs grow up to suffer from costly and even life-threatening health issues. Loyal, obedient, friendly, smart and hardworking, these dogs seem to have it all when you're searching for a new best friend. German Shepherd audio. German Shepherds are one of the most popular dogs in the. Exclusive German shepherd dogs for the knowledgeable owner. Search for a German Shepherd Dog puppy or dog. One boy currently available, born March .Feel free to contact us to schedule a visit or discuss any of our fine dogs. German Shepherd Dogs and Puppies for sale. Puppies for sale from dog breeders near San Diego, California. These incredibly protective dogs are loyal, intelligent, determined and easy to train. Their impeccable training allows them to be not only a superb guard or protection dog but also the perfect addition to any family. Wolfgang Haus German Shepherds in Texas. You are welcome to visit us and our beautiful German Shepherd dogs and puppies with an. Pups are fully vaccinated, treated for internal and external parasites, micro-chipped and checked by vet multiple times. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. We are a small sized breeder with only 3 breeding dogs. German Shepherd Dogs are the perfect dog to own. The litter of five is AKC Registered. All this is registered in an international vaccination book. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County. They spend their day playing in our fenced ranch and they sleep inside at night. Taylor Made Working Dogs is a family owned and operated working dog kennel dedicated to provide the highest quality training for all breeds. She has different colored eyes. They got Harley, a German Shepherd from an ad on Craigslist. German Shepherd puppies for sale. Puppies are 9 weeks and ready for their forever home. Jan 2. We sell our dogs nationwide! Learn More! No Emails. Black and tan. Ready to go to their new forever home. German Shepherd Boxer Mix Puppy blg .Historically, they were used in Scotland to herd, protect and drive floSF bay area pets "german shepherd" - craigslist. We strive to select the perfect families and Puppies For Sale. They have not had their shots yet. They have different markings, they are energetic, loving, playful. He is Pure breed German Shepherd. All of the puppies are healthy. They're 10 weeks old and born on Halloween. We had 8 total. David 00NINE3. German Shepherd 4 month german Shepherd. All Rights Reserved. Puppy foods vary based on composition and most brands provide a recommended amount basedThe Scotch Shepherd is also known as the Scotch Collie. Help us find these girls a loving home. We have already two other dogs, going to be too challenging. At 1 month of age, the average German Shepherd male weighs just under 10 pounds, while a female weighs about 7. He is not for breeding!! Must agree to have neutered. Only have 3 available. Dec .German Shepherd Puppies gsp pic .Find the best German Shepherd Puppy for sale in Pakistan. Gentle pets and strong watch dogs, 62 results German shepherds, on Trade Me, New Zealand's leading shopping website. AKC registered German Shepherd puppied. Best quality and healthy puppies with excellent temperament. There will be a rehoming fee. Puppies German Shepherd and Boxer mixed. They were born on Sunday, November 13, .German Shepherd puppies , ash .Pets Available "german shepherd puppies" in Atlanta, GA - craigslist CL atlanta atlanta albany, GA asheville athens, GA auburn augusta birmingham, AL boone charlotte chattanooga columbia columbus, GA cookeville dothan, AL gadsden greenville hickory huntsville knoxville macon montgomery nashville northwest GA savannah statesboro tallahassee the Kids German shepherd puppies. Public meet ups only! German Shepherd Puppy Dog. If you are interested,or have any questions feel free to message me. First time dog owner, we were looking for a family pet after moving to 12 acres. Dewormed, micro chipped,1st shots, ready to take home today. German Shepherd puppies for sale! One male and two females available. I have males and females of both. German Shepherds are dogkind's finest herding and guardian dogs. I have 2 boys left they are 9 weeks and need a good home. I have all black puppies and also some with black and tan. These pups are dewormed, no shots, 10 weeks old. The mother is a full blooded German Shepherd and we are not sure if the dad is the full blooded German Shepherd that we have on the property. Kids German shepherd puppies. Nadelhaus breeds and sells German Shepherd puppies in Northern California. If you are serious please reach out to me at show contact info. All content of BuckeyePuppies. We have several exciting litters planned!!! Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Mix. German shepherd puppies flo .By 2 months of age, a male puppy weighs 20Dogtime. German Shepherd Puppies. Pets near Philip, SD - craigslist. Beware of using South Dakota Craigslist to find a new pup for your family. Or Sioux Falls Craigslist. Female, has pink and green floral collar. San Diego Humane Society has a variety of adoptable pets available including cats, dogs and small animals like rats, rabbits, hamsters, birds, reptiles and more. They are very good dogs and get along with cats. Pets near Sioux Falls, SD. Urgent Need for Pet Adoption. Checklist for New Adopters Help make the transition, as smooth as possible. Pets near Mitchell, SD - craigslist. Tenant pays all utilities except water and lawn care. Alternatively, you may enter a specific animal name or animal identification number. San Diego Hello I'm posting these dogs in hopes of finding them loving homes. Pet Classifieds Rapid City. Pets near Tea, SD - craigslist. Here are some from nearby sorted by distance — change search area. Pets near Martin, SD - craigslist. SD Craigslist and other places offering cheap puppies for sale might be getting them from a puppy mill. Special Needs Pets When an animal in our care is suffering from a chronic illness, challenging behavior or even a terminal disease, we still do everything we can to find a rescue group, family or person willing to take on their special needs. Dogs that make good family pets for people with children include. Do you sell puppies in South Dakota? Pets near Sioux Falls, SD - craigslist. They are about a year, The black one is female and the brown with white one is male. Or Great Falls Craigslist. There currently are no featured animals to display. They are both fixed and vaccinated. Please send me a email if you are interested:. If you are interested in adopting one of our dogs, please email us for an adoption application. Confident with computer retail POS system. San Diego Pets for Sale and Adoption. Alternatively, you may enter a specific animal name or animal identification number. A certificate for a free veterinary exam. San Diego Humane Society has a variety of adoptable pets available including cats, dogs and small animals like rats, rabbits, hamsters, birds, reptiles and more. Beautiful Pomeranian puppies 2 girls 2 boys ready for there forever home. We are moving, haven't had cats in a long time but have like new cat tree houses and a litter box igloo that you can have if you'll pick them up today or tomorrow. Excellent Customer Service skills - must enjoy helping people. Clean title Extremely low miles 26k Interior clean Never had pets inside Only used a couple of times since I owned it Smog pass just a few weeks back Registration good until May Tires in great. I have to rehome my two parakeets. San Marcos Due to unfortunate circumstances. I can't let these poor babies suffer. Project Clean Water Launches Campaign. Pets for Sale in San Diego. With a little work they could become much more personable. FREE Cat houses and litter box igloo. Puppies and dogs in San Diego, California. All our adopted dogs come spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated, microchipped and go home with a collar, leash and tag. They have first shots and dewormed small rehoming. They know how to step up but prefer to stay in their cage. A certificate for a free veterinary. Basic stocking and inventory of running a Pet Market. Permanent microchip identification. You can find your new best friend at our shelter, N. Are you looking for a winter getaway in sunny Arizona? Green Valley is the perfect destination for snowbirds looking to escape the cold and enjoy the warm desert climate. Rehoming my 2 male dogs. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. All puppies found here are from AKC-Registered parents. Silverbell Rd, Tucson, AZ .Here are some tips on how to c. One year old German Shepherd male house. Please dog owners never came. For starters, they are typically mu. Tucson, Arizona is a great place to visit for a weekend getaway or an extended stay. Renting a casita provides many advantages over staying at a traditional hotel or resort. Pets near Casa Grande, AZ .Pets near Bullhead City, AZ. Adopt Po a Black American Staffordshire. This beautiful desert oasis offers a variety of activities and attractions for snowbirds to enjoy. Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 12pm-7pm. Pets near Cottonwood, AZ .FREE Beautiful male half lab half husky puppy. Yuma is home to some of the most beautiful outdoor scenery in A. When you choose to adopt from the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, you get much more than just a pet. Minimum of 4 dogs earning titles Breeders of Merit are denoted by level in ascending order of: Standard, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. You get a new best friend, unconditional love, and peace of mind knowing you saved a life. Our friendly and knowledgeable adoption counselors are here to help you find the perfect pet for your home. Are you looking for a winter escape from the cold? A snowbird rental in Green Valley AZ could be the perfect solution. Are you looking for a winter getaway that will provide you with the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure? If so, a snowbird rental in Yuma, AZ is just what you need. With its close proximity to Tucson, Green Valley offers plenty of act. Arizona Republic Classifieds. Are you looking for the perfect winter getaway? This small town in Arizona offers a variety of activities and attractions that make it an ideal destination for snowbirds. Tucson, Arizona is a great place to get away and explore the beauty of the desert. The small town of Green Valley, Arizona is a popular destination for snowbirds from across the country. Tucson, Arizona is a beautiful and vibrant city with plenty of exciting attractions to explore. Are you looking for a winter getaway in Green Valley, Arizona? Are you looking for a unique and exciting vacation rental in Tucson, Arizona? Look no further than a casita rental. As our community's only open-admission shelter, we have the largest selection of adoptable dogs, cats, puppies and kittens waiting to meet you. When it comes to size, the bridge has a length of about meters and it connects Piasak Village and Tayan City. I thought my dog was fixed when I got her but I guess not. German Shepherd needs new home. Craigslist helps you find the goods and services you need in your community For Sale "german shepherd puppies" in Atlanta, GA - craigslist. We have 3 beautiful german shepherd puppies. German Shepherd puppies. Puppies are 7 weeks old. Born pups have been vaccinated and dewormed. Comes with full akc registration papers , free 30 day insurance , vaccinated , dewormed , health certificate and guarantee , puppy packs with birth certificate and scent rugs. White German Shepherd Puppies. Pets for Sale Madhya Pradesh. Call or text anytime for more information. German Shepherd for Stud. Puppies German shepherd!! Akc American working line shepherd puppies. Female German Shepherd Puppy Black. AKC German Shepherd puppies. German Shepherd Puppies for Sale!! Male German Shepherd Puppy. Purebred German shepherd puppies available for adoption. SF bay area for sale "german shepherd puppies" - craigslist SF bay area for sale "german shepherd puppies" - craigslist loading reading writing saving searching refresh the page. German shepherd Pit mix puppies wanting a new home! There is 1 solid black female and 1 sable female and 1 dark sable male. For Sale "german shepherd puppies" in Atlanta, GA. However, sometimes, it becomes peaceful and suitable for relaxation. German Shepherd mix. If you are interested in add one of these awesome companions to your family message me for details and. If you are interested in add one of these awesome companions to your family message me for details and availability. Puppies are socialized with toddlers and born in our home. German Shepherd Puppy needs a good home! Have 1 month old German shepherd puppies. The city is mostly populated by ethnic Chinese, Dayaks and Malays, as well as significant numbers of minorities such as Bugis and Javanese. SF bay area for sale "german shepherd puppies". German shepherd puppies working dog quality. Learn more puppies available 1, certified breeders Transportation Location Color. German shepherd puppies for sale in Indore MP gsd dog. Both parents are AKC registered. Rehome female Alaskan German shepherd puppy. SF bay area for sale "german shepherd puppies" - craigslist SF bay area for sale "german shepherd puppies" - craigslist loading reading writing saving searching. Both parents are Akc registered. They have all been wormed and 1st set of shots. Call for more information. SF bay area for sale "german shepherd puppies" - craigslist SF bay area for sale "german shepherd puppies" - craigslist. Thus, tourists must think about the traffic before dropping by. Find for sale for sale in Atlanta, GA. West Kalimantan is one of the 34 Provinces in Indonesia. Rehoming German Shepherd Puppies. The puppies were born March 31 .These beautiful puppies are ready for their forever home. German Shepherd Puppie. Long Coat German Shepherd Puppies. Find German Shepherd puppies for sale. Call or text show contact info. German Shepherd Puppies Longhaired. This is the price you can expect to budget for a German Shepherd with papers but without breeding rights nor show quality. Their brains, size, and loyalty make them ideal police and service dogs, but they also make great friends. CKC registration paperwork provided. Comes with full akc registration papers , free 30 day insurance , vaccinated , dewormed , German Shepard Caucasian Shepard puppies for sale. We do give discount to anyone who subscribe to our youtube channel by clicking the red botton bellow the right sight of the video. The puppies will come with de worming Shots also. Super good with kids pretty much potty trained each together would love to keep them together. German Shepard puppies. Purebred German shepherd puppies almost 7 weeks old I have 3 males and 1 female left these sweet babies are looking for their furever homes do NOT contact me with unsolicited services or offers post id: .In terms of nuance, Tayan Bridge is crowded by passing vehicles. Before searching "German Shepherd puppies for sale near me", review their average cost below. Gemerman shepherd puppies. You must enable JavaScript to use craigslist. Find German Shepherd puppies for sale Near Wisconsin German Shepherds are renowned for their incredible trainability, work ethic, and physical grace. Expect to pay less for a German Shepherd puppy for sale. There is 1 solid black female and 1 sable female and 1 dark. We've detected that JavaScript is not enabled in your browser. German Shepard puppy. At Lazudi, we offer more than 5 properties for sale, which include Condos, Houses, Townhouses, Commercial real estate and even Land for sale in West Kalimantan. German Shepherd Puppies for Sale. German shepherd puppies for Sale. My female German shepherd named Sable has 10 beautiful puppies that need to be Re home. There are 5 females and 5 males available. SF bay area pets "german shepherd". Pontianak is the capital of the Indonesian province of West Kalimantan, on the island of Borneo, and bisected by the Equator. Male German shepherd puppies 6 weeks old. Pets Available "german shepherd" in Atlanta, GA. Dog bowls a gallon water bucket and the food storage container. CKC German shepherd puppies. The puppies will be ready for pickup on May .Purebred German Shepherd Puppies. Hi my name is Lori. 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Whether they have fur, feathers, fins or scales, it seems easy for humans to bond with other species. Rehoming Purebred German Shepherd. German Shepherd, 7 Female spayed free to good home. Oct 30 Husky and german shepherd Pacoima pic. Ph: 0 Off , .The certified rewards. German Shepherd Puppies 9 weeks male belgian malinoi german shepherd mix Sacramento pic Oct .Jurupa Valley Pure bred German Shepherd puppies. Please like, share and invite your FB family and friends to the page. The Sponsor a Pet program is handled by The Petfinder Foundation, a c 3 nonprofit organization, to ensure that shelters and rescue groups receive. Oct 9 german - shepherd border collie mix puppies!! Has his 1st set of shots and has been dewormed. Beautiful dog. Dad is East German lines and mom is Czech lines. Oct 20 3 German Shepherd Puppies Austin pic. The take pride and joy in raising high-quality German Shepherd dogs in Pune. Oct 22 rehoming german - 2 grams per pound each day. She had shut down at the busy animal shelter but has come out of her shell at her foster home. Homestead pic hide this posting restore restore this posting. Tempe pic restore this posting. Similar to the health insurance you have for yourself and your family, pet insurance Oct 4 German Shepherd Puppy Burleson pic Oct 20 White german chepherd suizo dallas pic Oct 3 German shepherd dallas pic Oct 3 German Shepherd for adopation Irving pic Oct 3 German shepherd Puppies long haired Azle pic Oct 18 11mo shepherd need gone asap. Oct 25 8 weeks puppy san fernando valley pic. Adoption fees help cover expenses for all the dogs while in the rescue program including the vet check, microchip, vaccines, heartworm testing, fecal. For Aaron Vincent and his wife, it's been a nightmare. Oct 16 puppy one female and male left 12 month old both Auburn WA pic. Would make great family pets or home protection dogs. Sparrow is a velcro pup with her foster mom, but handles. We don't have a fence and it has gotten too 13 German shepherd puppies 10 weeks Lake Dallas .German Shepherd Puppies 9 weeks old. German Shepherd puppy. Akc registered longhaired German shepherd puppies. SWEET german - shepherd puppies!! German Shepherd Puppies White as Snow! Apr 14, - White Shepherd puppy. Browse our available pets below! Adoptions are completed in person on a first-come, first-served basis. Pets Being Rehomed Pardon our dust! Please read this important update so you know what to expect when visiting us: Adoptable animals at our San Diego Campus are currently housed at and Gaines St. All other San Diego Campus services including admissions, licensing, lost and found, and Community Pet Pantry will remain available at their usual locations. To adopt a pet: If you already know which pet s you'd like to meet or adopt, please check in at Gaines St. An Adoption Counselor will then meet with you on a first-come, first-served basis, introduce you to the pet s you're interested in and help complete your adoption. In the meantime, please feel free to browse our adoptable pets! You can also see all adoptable animals on our website prior to your visit. Visit our other campuses! Our El Cajon, Escondido and Oceanside campuses are not affected by this renovation project. Thank you for your patience and we hope to see you soon! Your adventure in pet ownership starts here! San Diego Humane Society has a variety of adoptable pets available including cats, dogs and small animals like rats, rabbits, hamsters, birds, reptiles and more. Alternatively, you may enter a specific animal name or animal identification number. For more about our adoption process, featured pets, discounts and rescue partners, please.
With that being said, Frenchtons are often found in the following colors… Common Frenchton Colors Seal — a dark color that is similar to black but has a slight reddish tint. Blue — a grayish-blue color that can range from light to dark. Fawn— a light tan or beige color that can range from pale to dark. Black— a solid black color that can range from shiny to matte. White— a pure white color that can have some black or colored markings. Brindle— a pattern where the base coat color is streaked or flecked with another color, usually black. Chocolate brown — a deep brown color that can range from light to dark. Common Frenchton Patterns Brindle— Brindle is a coat pattern where the base coat color is streaked or flecked with another color. The striping can be very subtle or very prominent, depending on the dog. Brindle is a common pattern in Frenchtons, and it can come in a range of shades, from dark to light. Tuxedo— A tuxedo pattern is typically black with white markings on the chest and feet, and it is named after the formal attire that it resembles. Frenchtons with a tuxedo pattern often have a solid black coat with a white spot on the chest that looks like a bowtie, as well as white markings on their paws that resemble socks. Bicolor— A bicolor Frenchton has two distinct colors on its coat. The most common bicolor pattern seen in Frenchtons is black and white, although other combinations can occur. Bicolor Frenchtons can have a variety of different markings, including white on the chest, face, and paws. Tricolor— A tricolor Frenchton has three distinct colors on its coat. The most common tricolor pattern seen in Frenchtons is black, white, and brown, although other combinations can occur. Tricolor Frenchtons can have a variety of different markings, including a white blaze on the face, white on the chest, and brown or black patches on the body. In addition to the wide variety of colors that Frenchtons can have, they also have a bunch of patterns that they can be seen with as seen above. Other names for a Frenchton Froston. Other Common Names The following list covers some, if not all, of the most common alternative names that the Boston Terrier French Bulldog Mix is often referred to by. On average, the full grown Boston Terrier Bulldog stands at anywhere between 13 to 16 inches in height and anywhere between 13 to 25 pounds in weight. Coat Color Some of the most common coat colors that they are known to come in are white, cream, white and black, brindle, tan, golden. However, and this is usually the exception to the rule, the Frenchton dog may sometimes inherit a bit of stubbornness from its French Bulldog parent, which may ultimately lead to some training difficulties along the way. Generally speaking,these dogs will be happy if given anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes of exercise a day outside the house. Young Children At Home Because of the fact that the French Bulldog Boston Terrier Mix is a pure companion dog and is so small in size, it greatly enjoys the company of young children you may have at home and has a ton of fun playing around with them. However, before this happens you must make sure that your Frenchton has been properly trained and socialized beforehand and that any young children that come into contact with this cross breed have also been taught how to properly interact and play with it to avoid any unwanted harmful accidents. The older, more aware and mature your children are, the better and safer it would be to have them come in contact with the Boston Frenchie. Other Pets At Home At first, your French Boston Terrier may prove to be a little bit difficult to properly integrate and get along with other pets you may have at home, but with some socialization, patience and time things should all work out and they should sooner rather than later get along with your other household pets. Weather Conditions Given the fairly small size of this cross breed and the fact that it has a short coat, they are best suited for climates that are ideally moderate in temperature, with areas that tend to get a little bit hot at times also being sometimes fine as well. If you do live in colder weather, check out this video to learn ways to keep your dog safe! What is the Life Span of a Frenchton? On average, the French Terrier cross breed will go on to live a lifespan that lasts anywhere between 11 to 14 years. The good thing about the Frenchton is that compared to other cross breeds that sometimes tend to have high risk of suffering from health complications down the line, this cross breed is the opposite. This is because one of the main reasons this dog was originally bred was in order to greatly decrease health risks from the purebred French Bulldogs. Care Grooming Much thanks to its short coat, the Frenchton gives their owner the privilege of being able to follow a somewhat relaxed and laid back approach when it comes to brushing schedules. While other cross breeds out there with longer coats that tend to get tangled up real fast need brushing up to 2 times a day, the French Boston Terrier only requires you to give its coat a good brush around 2 to 3 times a week. Resources 1. What is the difference between a companion pet and a service animal? Bulldog or Boston Frenchie. The French Bulldog Boston Terrier mix has an amicable and affectionate disposition, immensely craving for human attention, also loving to be cuddled by its owner. These playful dogs enjoy the company of children, with the older ones being more suitable for these canine pets as they would not handle them in a rough way. Though they do not have much hassle in mingling with other pets, they might show aggression towards dogs. Care Exercise Though playful, these dogs have a laid back attitude too, and are well suited for an apartment life. Similar to their parents, a moderate amount of exercise like a daily walk or little bit of jogging in the doggie park would be sufficient to keep them physically and mentally sound. Keeping their amusing nature in mind, you can also engage them in a lot of interesting indoor games. However, they might not be well suited to extreme temperature conditions like their parents, so make sure you do not take them out in the scorching heat or chilling cold. Grooming Because of their short hair, they do not need much grooming. Brushing twice a week would be sufficient enough. Bathe when your dog gets dirty and try wiping him on a routine basis using a damp cloth to ensure cleanliness. Clean its ears with a damp, warm cloth, clip its nails at least in every two weeks and brush its teeth to lessen possibilities of tooth decay. Health Problems Though the Boston Terrier French Bulldog mixes may not have severe health hazards as their parent breeds, however, certain common concerns faced by their parents like respiratory disorders, eye ailments, digestive concerns, sensitivity to extremes of temperatures might be observed in them. Training Though intelligent, it might be stubborn and demanding like its French Bulldog parent, that might make training a challenge. However, a firm and tactful trainer may handle them well. Now try extending your hand out and say paw, your dog will put out its paw in your hand. Keep a treat ready to encourage your pet. To deal with its stubborn nature begin obedience training by teaching him to follow commands. In order to get your pet acquainted with the sit command, hold its favorite treat very close to its nose, move your hand upwards in such a tactful manner that his head follows the treat and its bottom lowers, coming to a sitting posture. Repeat this exercise many times a day until he has mastered it. Feeding Feed it with good quality dry dog food and make sure you fix a nutritious diet for your pet. Has anyone had any experience with 2 puppies at one time? My daughter wants me to give one puppy back because the puppies just end up playing with each other and ignoring her. Not sure what to do as I wanted this to be a great experience for her with the puppies. I thought it would be a good thing for them to have eachothers company and be able to play together, but now I am regretting it a little. Any advice? Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Check their ears for debris, pests, and signs of infection daily. A pungent aroma is a good indicator that an infection may be looming. Clean ears as recommended by your vet. Inserting liquid into the ear canal is not recommended. A warm damp cloth is a good way to clean them externally. If you hear them clicking, it may be time for a trim. This can become incredibly painful on your pooch down the line if neglected. A major concern for Frenchtons is maintaining their oral health. You should brush their teeth a few times a week to prevent tartar buildup. Frenchtons are alert and active yet also laid back. One walk per day through a park should be enough to keep your pooch content with some minor activities mixed in. This can be done by a groomer or vet. Nothing too drastic—just wipe excess eye crust when you see it building up. This can also be done with your finger tips. Frenchton Feeding An ideal Frenchton diet should be formulated for a small breed with moderate energy. The main colors of Frenchtons are brown, black, white, and cream. They are usually a combination of two of these colors and occasionally in brindle. One or two brushes per week should suffice. Bathing is fine as necessary with a diluted or mild shampoo. Frenchtons are not suited for extreme weather. Their short fur means they would likely need a doggy coat in the winter and dog sunscreen applied during the summer on their nose and other sensitive areas of less fur coverage. Their size is perfect, too. Although it is important for kids and dogs to be socialized with one another early on so neither one causes injury to the other. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and supervise any interactions. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Another dog or even a cat will help meet their companionship needs. Frenchton Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Frenchtons because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try French Bulldog or Boston Terrier breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. To avoid any confusion, the Frenchton is a designer dog bred intentionally by humans using a Boston Terrier and French Bulldog. The Frenchton and French Bulldog are not the same breeds; however, they can be close in genetic makeup. What we can draw from this is the Frenchton will carry more traits and characteristics from the Frenchie. Just know these two breeds have nothing to do with each other. There are no English Bulldog genes in the Frenchton. Check out the size difference between a Boston Terrier and a Frenchton puppy. The Frenchton Is The Ultimate Companion This designer dog was first developed in the s to be a healthier version of its parent breeds. Amongst these organizations, this breed goes by many names. Faux Frenchbo Bulldog Frenchbo Boston Frenchie Health improvements aside, the Frenchton was bred to be a great companion dog who will sit with you on the couch for hours. People grow so attached to this mix that they buy clothes for it and dress it up in cute accessories. The most common health issue for Frenchton is respiratory. Their short snouts make it harder to breathe after exercise or in the heat. Frenchtons also cannot handle extreme temperatures, hot or cold. Less active Bulldogs are also prone to obesity. Frenchtons need weekly brushing because their coat is thick and dense. They rarely need proper shampoo. The French Bulldog Boston Terrier Mix requires high-quality dry food to be accurately measured each time to avoid overfeeding and underfeeding. About two cups a day is perfect. The weight of this mix is vital to its health. If taken care of properly, Frenchton typically lives between 12 — 15 years as pointed out above. This mix is extremely friendly, energetic, loyal, and intelligent. However, their smarts do not make them easy to train. The stubbornness of the French Bulldog could make training difficult and more time-consuming. However, the Boston Terrier is more eager to please. It craves cuddles and tummy rubs from children, adults, and strangers. Ergo, not the best guard dog. The ideal owner for a Frenchton is someone who is home often and keep it company throughout the day. One of an area of caution around this breed is with other dogs. Sometimes, the Boston Terrier French Bulldog Mix can get snippy and aggressive around other smaller dogs, but cats are just fine. This trait is common with French Bulldogs and could be passed down to the Frenchton. This dog is quite the chunky meatball! Its thick and muscular body takes after the French Bulldog more so than the Boston Terrier. As mentioned above a full-grown Frenchton reaches between 11 — 14 inches 28 — 35 cm and 15 — 25 pounds 7 — 11 kg. The coat colors range from brindle, black and white, fawn, cream, and brown. Arguably their most distinctive feature is that adorable and goofy underbite. Like a bat. Hopefully, that answers this question, you possibly also had. Taking A Boston Terrier French Bulldog Mix Home When looking for a Frenchton, keep in mind that designer dogs, in general, are harder to find at adoption centers, rescue websites, and human societies. But hey, we advocate adopting is better than shopping! Breeder websites like Lancaster Puppies in Pennsylvania, Puppy Love Kennels in Tennessee, and Canada-based Kijiji are a popular choice because you know exactly where your dog is coming from and who the parents are. Not a cheap breed. The Frenchton can have brief moments of hyperactive activity, where it runs in circles and scratches its back against the floor. For the most part, this breed only needs 30 minutes of activity each day. But whatever you do, do not take your Frenchton swimming. They can paddle for a brief period on their own, but once tired, they could drown. So, does the Frenchton suit your lifestyle? Comment below and let us know! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. I also have a Boston Terrier and they get along fabulous. Highly recommend! This designer cross is an adorable small breed that makes for the perfect family pet. These pups are loyal and loving, wanting to give you cuddles and affection. Due to their small size, these dogs are great for those who live in cities or small apartments and can be great for busy households as well as individual homes with the elderly. In particular, they were bred to remove the respiratory issues in the French Bulldog. This designer dog is actually a little difficult to breed, mainly because of the Frenchie parents small hips. French Bulldogs are often artificially inseminated and natural birthing is difficult, with a lot of puppies being born via caesarian section. The Boston Terrier came into existence in the late s in Boston, Massachusetts. The breed was recognized by the AKC in .The Boston Terrier was one of the first non- sporting dogs bred in the US and was the first of the 10 made-in-America breeds that are currently recognized by the AKC. The French Bulldog originated in England and was created to be a toy-size version of the Bulldog. Later, they emigrated to France along with their owners which is how they got their name. It is thought that the Frenchton originated in The United States in the s. They were then recognized by the International Designer Canine Association in .However, we can make a general assumption based on past litters. This heavy price tag is due to the difficulty many breeders have when breeding because of the Frenchie parent. The litter sizes are also normally small, so this pushes the price up. Regardless, you should always make sure you are buying from a reputable breeder. They have lost the bulging eyes from the Boston Terrier, which fortunately means they do not have as many eye problems. They have a round head and flat face with a snub nose which gives them an adorable look! This means that they are a great dog for those who have allergies or those who do not want dog hair all over their house! This also means they do not have high grooming needs, although we will go into more detail about that later on. Color The Frenchton can come in a range of colors. The most common colors are black, brindle, black and white, brown, cream and golden. Temperament The Frenchton is an extremely loyal dog that loves people! They bond very quickly to their owners and remain affectionate and loving towards them for life. This is something to think about before buying one of these pups. They can experience bursts of energy and will be happy running around and playing games. However, they will also be happy curling up next to you on the couch and having a snooze. This is perfect for those with neighbors in close proximity. However, they do snore — so be careful! Lifespan The Frenchton has an average life expectancy of between 8 and 15 years. Known Health Issues Although they were bred to eliminate health problems that their parent breeds are predisposed to, the Frenchton can still be susceptible to some issues. We have laid out the main health concerns below. Brachycephalic airway syndrome — this is a condition that is normally seen in dogs who have a short and flattened head and face. It can lead to breathing issues and loss of breath if they are overexerted. Obesity — the Frenchton can gain weight very easily. You must monitor their diet and ensure they get their daily exercise. Temperature regulation — due to their short coat, the Frenchton can find it difficult to regulate their own body temperature. This is something to be careful of if you live in very hot or cold climates. Regular vet checkups and keeping an eye on your dog will ensure you keep your pup in the best condition. Daily Life Now that we know all about the traits and characteristics of the Frenchton, we can take a look at what daily life with one of these pups is actually like. We will cover their food and diet, their exercise requirements and their grooming needs. They require around 20 calories per pound of body weight a day. Of course, you should always double check the back of the food packet to see the exact amount of a certain food you should be feeding your dog based on their weight. Ensure that the food you feed your Frenchton is high quality and nutritious. It should have the right amount of protein and fat to keep them healthy and energetic. Remember, these dogs are prone to obesity, so monitoring how much they eat is very important. You should never allow them to free feed and do not give them too many treats. If they become overweight, this can cause other health issues and put their life in danger. The Life Protection formula is suitable for adult dogs that need a little extra help. It comes in a pound bag to cover multiple feedings and uses a chicken and brown rice recipe. Thanks to the real chicken used in the formula, your dog gets the protein that it needs to build and maintain healthy muscles. The formula also uses fruits and garden vegetables along with whole grains. Unlike other dog food that uses lots of grains and fillers with a small amount of protein, Blue Buffalo gives your dog a nice dose of protein with just the right amount of grains and no fillers. This food is also suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs and other problems as it is free from soy and wheat along with preservatives and corn. While they have a lot of energy, they will also love to relax when you get home! We have touched on this above, but remember that the Frenchton struggles to regulate their own body temperature. It is important for you to keep them cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather, especially when you are out and about. An excitable dog, it is a good idea to keep the Frenchton on the leash when you are out in public. They are inquisitive and may go and investigate other people and dogs if you are not careful. Family Compatibility The Boston Terrier Mix makes an excellent family dog due to their love of people. They are also a great dog for individuals, couples and the elderly who want a fun little personality in their life who also makes a good cuddle companion. Because of their small size, the Frenchton can live anywhere, even in apartments. If you are going to be out for hours at time regularly, then this dog might not be for you. You also may need employ a dog walker or sitter to look after your pup while you are out. The Frenchton gets on very well with children and will be the perfect playmate. Their intelligence means that the kids can get in on helping to train your new dog, too. With other animals in the home, the Frenchton will need socialization from the minute they are brought home. Training The Frenchton is an intelligent breed and therefore training is not difficult. Like all dogs, they respond best to positive reinforcement and reward based training. This includes verbal praise as well as treats. Sometimes, the Frenchton can inherit a stubborn streak from their Frenchie parent. You will need to persevere with them, but they will understand eventually! You should never get angry or frustrated with your dog when training. They may not understand what is happening and this will cause them to not want to learn. You should ignore negative behavior and praise positive behavior so they learn which is more desirable. They should especially be socialized with other animals that live at the house from a young age, so they learn there is nothing to be afraid of. Introduce them to new sights, sounds, places, smells, people and animals in a safe and controlled way and they will grow up to be a well-rounded pup! Grooming Due to their short and smooth coats, the French Bulldog Boston Terrier Mix does not actually require much grooming. You will need to brush them once or twice a week with a grooming mitt to remove dead hair and can be bathed when needed. Even though the Frenchton does not have bulging eyes like their Boston Terrier parent, they can still suffer from tear staining and may need to be washed with a gentle eye cleaner. Their ears need to be kept clean too — use an anti-bacterial ear wash solution at least weekly with cotton pads. Try to clip their nails as and when is needed and keep on top of teeth cleaning. Regular teeth brushing will help prevent dental decay and disease. Because of their small size, they can be difficult to breed and the litter sizes can also be small. This is the reason for their heavy price tag. If this price tag is too far out of your range, then you can always check your local shelter. You may find a Frenchton who is looking for their forever home! Is a purebred dog better than a crossbreed dog? There has been a rise in crossbreeding in recent years. This is because there is a desire to breed dogs with certain characteristics and to get rid of unwanted characteristics within dog breeds. With crossbreeding you can get designer breeds, although some worry that they are more susceptible to health problems. In fact, in a recent study, there was no indication that mixed dogs were more prone to health issues that purebred dogs. The most important thing to look for in your dog is the breeder. They should be a reputable breeder and both the breed parents should be healthy. Summary The Frenchton is an adorable little dog that absolutely loves humans and makes an excellent family dog. These pups do not have high exercise needs but have a lot of energy, loving spending time with you outside on walks and playing games. They were especially common in the city of Nottingham, which was well-known for its lace trade. Sadly during the Industrial Revolution, these jobs as lace makers became increasingly threatened by new technology. Many decided to relocate to France and bought their toy Bulldogs with them. The Boston Terrier traces its lineage back to the unfortunate time in England when bloodsport was still incredibly popular. Dog fighting was an especially popular pastime, and breeders of the time were fixated in crossbreeding Bulldogs and Terriers. They created a breed that could excel in both pit-fighting and ratting competitions. From these breeding attempts, a dog named Judge was born who is widely believed to be the very first of the Boston Terriers. He was purchased by an American and was brought back to their hometown of Boston, hence the origin of their name. Frenchton Size The Boston Terrier is the taller of the two breeds at inches. However, they are also the lighter of the two breeds, commonly weighing around pounds. French Bulldogs are slightly smaller at inches but can weight up to 28 pounds. As for the full grown Frenchton adult, they could potentially range in height from inches and weigh around pounds, depending on which parent they take after. If they take after the Frenchie, they may end up significantly more heavyset for their size. They have a very short tail which is commonly referred to as a nub. They have large, erect ears that are rather akin to a bat and bulging, prominent eyes. It is imperative when owning a breed with Achondroplasia to try and prevent any unnecessary wear and tear to their joints and back. Disallowing them to run up or down stairs, and preventing them from jumping on and off furniture can help with this. As for the French Bulldog, they are a bit lower to the ground than the Boston Terrier and are even more stocky and muscular. They have a short, fine and sleek coat that can come in white, fawn, or cream. Their coat can be patterned or a single color. They have similar ears to the Boston Terrier and the same prominent eyes. However, their face is a lot more wrinkled, and the Frenchie holds a lot more loose skin. They have a short tail, which may be straight or screwed. Typical Traits As the parent breeds share some characteristics it is very likely these will show within Frenchton puppies. The short and sleek coat, bat-like ears, flat face, and prominent eyes will most likely all be present within dogs of this cross. If the puppy takes after the Frenchie parent, they may end up with more loose skin, leading to a more wrinkly face and body. They require a standard weekly brush to remove any dead hair and keep them looking at their best. The Boston Terrier does shed a little more than the Frenchie, but both do not shed a lot in general. Both parent breeds have relatively low grooming requirements, and therefore the Frenchton dog will likely have low requirements too. However, it is recommended to regularly clean the wrinkles and skin folds. These areas are prone to infection and irritation. Temperament of the Boston Terrier French Bulldog Mix Despite their history as a fighting dog, the Boston Terrier is a friendly and bright dog with a gentlemanly air about them. Provided that they have been trained and socialized well. They can be quite the entertainer! As for the French Bulldog, they are smart and loving like the Boston Terrier but can be a bit warier around strangers. Therefore, early socialization is critical to curbing any potential negative behaviors. They tend to have a bit of a stubborn side and have a reputation as independent free-thinkers. But like the Boston Terrier, they love to entertain. Frenchton Health This cross does nothing to fix the severe health issues that come with being a Brachycephalic breed. This is due to a deformity bred into the dog that shortens the skull, leaving them with little to no muzzle. This is known as Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. This is due to the amount of extra effort these dogs need to go through to breathe. The compromised breathing of these dogs is exacerbated further by hot weather and exercise. Therefore, if you own a Brachycephalic breed they must never be taken outside on a hot day. Exercise should always be kept light to moderate. Their difficulty breathing could eventually lead to a severe condition known as Laryngeal Collapse. Unfortunately, difficulty breathing is only one issue brought about by being a Brachycephalic breed. Issues with Eyes, Skin and Achondroplasia Due to the shortened skull, the eyes of Brachycephalic breeds bulge, and are poorly protected. They are much more prone to irritation, infection, and injury. Back problems can also be more common in these breeds, especially those with a screwed tail. These issues can potentially be debilitating and may require complex and expensive surgery to correct. Skin problems are also rampant within Brachycephalic breeds with a lot of loose skin. It can be easy for irritation and infection to occur with the skin folds of these breeds, like the French Bulldog. Many Brachycephalic dogs are unable to give birth naturally, due to the large heads of their puppies. Caesareans are usually necessary. Poor health is almost inevitable As both parent breeds are Brachycephalic, it is certain that puppies of this cross will be too. They will require a lot of care and could potentially be suffering from debilitating issues their entire lives. Despite the good intentions of this cross, it could potentially introduce a second structural health issue into Frenchton puppies. French Bulldogs have short, stout front legs. This is another deformity known as Achondroplasia that has been bred into them over time. This is another issue that may lead to joint problems such as Patellar Luxation or Hip Dysplasia. Or in more severe cases, back problems such as Intervertebral Disc Disease. Are Designer Dogs Healthier? Designer dogs have come under a lot of fire in recent years. With many concerns being raised about the health and welfare of these new breeds. There have also been accusations that breeders of designer dogs are just capitalizing on a fad for monetary gain. One study found that purebred dogs were at higher risk of genetic disorders in comparison to mutts. Another study in found that mixed breed dogs tended to live 1. This is suspected to be due to a concept known as Hybrid Vigor. Where increased genetic diversity promotes better health within a dog. Unfortunately, the fact that these breeds both suffer from the same health issues means that many of the potential benefits of mixing are not seen here. A short to medium length walk is usually enough for these two breeds. As both parents have similar energy levels, a daily walk will most likely be good enough for dogs of the Boston Terrier French Bulldog Mix. The Boston Terrier can be a breeze to train due to their love of pleasing their owners. As always, the best method is to provide positive, reward-based training. Depending on which parent the Frenchton takes after, they may end up easier or harder to train. If you are struggling to train your puppy, always enroll in puppy classes and let a professional do it. Potential breeders can be browsed online or found through more traditional avenues, such as newspaper advertisements. Positive feedback from previous customers and recognition from established breeding societies can be signs of a good breeder. Once you have found a puppy you may like, it is important to check over them. Finding a trustworthy breeder who can prove the genetic health of the parent dogs can help reduce the risk certain health issues. However, due to both parent breeds being Brachycephalic, this is a characteristic that will present itself in Frenchtons. Along with all the health issues it brings. As it is a structural issue that is a part of the conformation of both parent breeds, there is nothing you can do to avoid this. It is very important you consider this before purchasing any puppies. The Frenchton has a high risk of suffering from Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. So you must consider the fact that puppies of this cross may not have the best quality of life and may require special care and expensive vet visits. What to check in a Frenchton puppy Are they breathing loudly, snorting and sniffling? And are their nostrils open and free-flowing, or are they pinched tight? Signs of compromised breathing can be a warning sign this puppy may have severe Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. It is also worth considering avoiding any Frenchton puppies who have inherited the short stout legs of the French Bulldog, as this may lead to further health issues in the future. Ask the breeder for proof Ask the breeder to see proof of the following health evaluations being passed for both parent dogs. For the Boston Terrier these are: Patellar Evaluation.
Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. How much exercise does an 8 month old German Shepherd need? You may ask whether an 8 month old German Shepherd is still a puppy. Yes, it is, despite its size and more adult look. These dogs become complete grown-ups when they are two-year-olds. If you are an owner of this breed or want to adopt a puppy, you need to know what it looks like and feels and how it behaves at the age of 8 months. To learn all these details, continue reading this article. Size and Appearance Your smart and cute little friend does not look like a fluffy cub anymore. It has sufficiently grown within the previous month and looks almost like an adult dog. It continues growing, so you need to measure your pet regularly to see whether it develops appropriately. The height of an 8 month old German Shepherd differs between males and females. Male Shepherds are inches cm tall, and females grow around 18—20 inches cm. These dogs continue growing until they are 2 years old and completely mature. GSDs can differ individually — much depends on their inherited features. Males can weigh lbs 28 kg , while females are smaller — lbs kg. The weight can also be hereditary. In addition, food habits can influence it a lot. Your German Shepherd may have floppy ears at this age, though most dogs of this breed have upright ears already. This can also be caused by genetics. However, it can be a result of poor nutrition or trauma in some cases. That is why you need to provide your pup with appropriate food and chewing toys to strengthen its muscles and help the ear tap upright. If you suspect your doggy could have been accidentally injured, go to your vet instantly. In general, your German Shepherd looks fully grown, but its bones will be hardening for the next 6—12 months, so you need to be very careful about its nutrition and exercise. It also has all the adult teeth, so it needs more chewing toys for this reason too. The coat has two layers already but continues to thicken. It will gradually become more lustrous. Your doggy starts acting like an adult Shepherd, so it becomes more independent and reacts to other animals and people, showing signs of aggression. It is also more active and curious, so it may become bored easily if not controlled. It will try to test boundaries and challenge you for alpha status. Another problem is excessive chewing. It will chew everything it sees, and your clothes, shoes, and furniture may be seriously damaged. Some other issues include digging potholes and barking loudly. Remember that your doggy is a predator, so barking, showing aggression, chewing, and even biting is part of its natural behavior. You need to control these destructive habits and socialize with your pet by walking in the dog park or outside the house. Walking on a leash is an essential skill to teach it. Buy chew toys, and never leave your pup alone for a long time. Provide your doggy with new opportunities for exercise and training, but never punish it for doing something wrong. If your pet plays roughly, chases, bounces, barks, growls, and bites, stop it immediately. There is no exact standard of sleeping time, but the overall daily sleep needs to take 15—20 hours, while an adult dog sleeps 12—14 hours. Ideally, the pup needs 2—3 hours of sleep during the daytime and all the other sleeping hours — at night. It may no longer wake you up for a potty break if it is healthy and properly trained. Provide it with a comfortable place to sleep and avoid too noisy games before bedtime. Since your pet is immensely energetic at this age, it needs a lot of exercises to develop its muscles and remain active and alert. The exercise should be regular. As for walking, add 5 minutes to every month of its age, so the average exercise time now should be 40 minutes. Walking is the most beneficial kind of exercise. It will help your doggy explore the surroundings and socialize. Your puppy generally needs at least 90 minutes per day to play and explore things. Divide the exercise into two or three shorter sessions for running, walking, swimming, playing fetch, and training. Mental stimulation is also very important. Interactive games, obedience training, and playing with puzzle toys will also do much good during these sessions. Remember not to overload your pup with exercise because it may be harmful to its development and health. However, you need to keep an eye on any inconsistencies in its appearance and behavior to prevent or stop undesirable conditions. Many German Shepherds are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. This condition can start developing when the joints are not formed healthily. Bloat is a serious life-threatening issue that displays by restlessness, vomiting, and drooling. It happens when you feed a dog just once a day, and it gulps its food very quickly. Then, the stomach may twist and trap gases inside. If you notice the slightest signs of this condition, go to see your veterinarian immediately. Your doggy may also be prone to allergies, so excessive scratching can be the first sign that you need to think about visiting a vet. Your dog has already been immunized against all severe infections by this age, so the next vaccination will be at one year. Groom your pet properly. Its coat needs regular brushing. Do it twice per week, or you may need to brush it every day if it is a shedding season. Your pup needs appropriate toys, so buy them for it. They are rubber chew toys, interactive toys to avoid boredom, and rope toys to play tug-of-war or fetches. Consider the size, material, and durability of the toy you are buying. Feeding At this age, your puppy continues gaining weight. However, you need to be careful not to overfeed your doggy because obesity can cause many health problems in the future. There is a rule to feed a German Shepherd puppy three times per day at the age of 3—6 months and two times per day at the age of 6—12 months. The food has to be balanced and regular. Feed your pup at approximately the same time of the day, in the mornings and in the evenings. The amount of food matters a lot. Your puppy needs around 12 oz g per meal, so it should be at least 36 oz approximately 1 kg every day. You may choose between two-times and three-times feeding and equally spread the food between these portions. Young German Shepherds need the right combination of good fat, carbohydrates, and protein in their diet. Whole grains, vegetables, and lean meat will be the best choice if you want to feed your doggy with products. The kibble should be of the best quality if you prefer to feed your puppy with it. Look at the labels on the pack to see how many cups to feed to your pet. Never give your pet too much food at once because its stomach is too delicate to cope with large meals. That is why dividing all the food into smaller meals is strongly recommended. They will create a special feeding plan for your pup that can help it stay at a healthy weight. Training Training is the most important part of your care and establishing closer bonds with your pet. Training an 8 month old German Shepherd involves improving its behavior and getting to know more about its surroundings. It will be easier to control your dog in the future if it is properly trained. If a German Shepherd is not trained properly, you may face aggressive behavior after a while. So, your doggy has to be properly potty-trained and socialized. While potty training is completed at an earlier age, socializing is essential at any time. Training your pup can be fun and enjoyable if you know how to do it properly. The first thing you need to consider is establishing rules and limits. Your energetic and curious pup needs more structure and discipline not to get in trouble or become unruly. Teach your doggy patience and self-control by setting a rule of sitting in front of you for a while before you give it food. Then, you need to think about how good your pup is at obeying basic commands. German Shepherds at this age are very intelligent and eager to please their owners, so teaching commands now is quite rewarding because your pet will learn everything very quickly. Be consistent. If you give a command once but never repeat it in the same situation, your doggy will understand that this command is not mandatory to obey. Use positive reinforcement and never shout at or punish your pup for disobedience. Positive reinforcement means you need to reward your pet with treats, praise, or petting every time it has done something correctly. Never overtrain your doggy. German Shepherds have a rather short attention span at this age, so try to make your training sessions short and encouraging, or your pup will get bored or tired. If you see a problem with paying attention, break up your sessions into even shorter parts throughout the day. You should always be positive while training your dog. If you are not, it is probably better to consult a dog trainer or trust the entire training job with a specialist. You can also teach your doggy to do little tricks like playing dead. Pay attention to recall training because your dog needs to come back to you when you call it, even if there are some distractions. This skill is lifesaving because your pup may sometimes get loose from the leash and be injured. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are unique dogs. They are very intelligent, curious, and energetic at any age, so they need a lot of exercise and have some specific care needs. Your 8 month old GSD will also need a lot of training related to socialization. You also have to provide it with proper nutrition and a balanced diet. Be aware of possible behavioral problems. Your pet may sometimes be If you provide your pet with appropriate shelter, food, exercise, playtime, and training, you will get the best and most loyal friend ever. The height can be different for males and females. Your boy may get inches cm of height, while girls usually grow smaller — around 18—20 inches cm. Is the age of 8 months too old to train a German Shepherd? It is never too late to learn something new for your doggy. At this age, German Shepherds are especially intelligent, curious, and ready to learn new things and please their masters. However, potty training has to be completed much earlier. Your energetic pup needs a lot of exercise at this age. It is about 2 hours or even more. However, if we talk about walking, your pup needs 40 minutes of walking time. Other exercises may include games, playing with toys, jumping, or swimming. If you notice that your pup is tired, think about splitting the whole time into two or three sessions. 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. Males typically weigh between 62 to 66 lbs. For males, this can range from 22 to 26 inches, while a female German shepherd typically grows to be between 20 to 24 inches tall. During this time, their growth rate will start to slow down, but they will continue to gain muscle mass and develop their adult coat. Teething Many German Shepherds at this age will be teething, which can cause them discomfort as well as lead them to chew on objects around the house. Providing appropriate chewing toys can help alleviate this issue and prevent your dog from damaging your belongings. Ears While most German Shepherds may have fully erect ears by 8 months old, others may still have floppy ears that will eventually stand up as they grow older. They require regular exercise to prevent destructive behavior, such as chewing on furniture or digging holes in the yard. In addition to physical activity, mental stimulation is also crucial at this age. Interactive toys and training exercises can help keep your German Shepherd mentally engaged and prevent boredom. This means they become anxious or distressed when left alone for extended periods. Separation anxiety can lead to destructive behavior, such as chewing on furniture or barking excessively. Start by leaving them alone for just a few minutes at a time and gradually increase the amount of time they spend alone. Providing them with a comfortable space, such as a crate or designated area in the house, can also help ease their anxiety. If your dog is seriously struggling with separation anxiety, make sure you check out this article that guides GSD owners on how to help their dogs deal with being alone in the house. Stubbornness German Shepherds are known for their intelligence but can be stubborn at times. At 8 months old, they may exhibit stubbornness when it comes to obedience training. Consistent training and positive reinforcement can help establish good behavior and prevent stubbornness. This will help them understand their place in the family hierarchy and make training easier. Territorial Behavior German Shepherds are known for their protective nature, and at 8 months old, they may start displaying territorial behavior. This means they may become aggressive towards other animals or people who enter their perceived territory. Training exercises that involve positive reinforcement can also help establish good behavior around strangers or unfamiliar animals. Related article: 9 Month Old German Shepherd: Everything You Need To Know Intelligent and Independent German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, and at eight months old, they are already showing signs of being highly trainable. However, they can also be independent thinkers and may exhibit stubbornness when it comes to following commands. Consistent training is necessary to establish boundaries and reinforce positive behavior. Loyal and Protective One of the most endearing qualities of German Shepherds is their loyalty towards their owners. At eight months old, they are starting to develop a strong bond with their family members and will often follow them around the house. They also have a natural protective instinct that makes them excellent watchdogs. However, this can sometimes lead to territorial behavior if not properly socialized. This is a natural part of their sexual development and is caused by an increase in testosterone levels. Mounting behavior can be directed towards other dogs, objects, or even people. It is important to understand that this behavior is not necessarily a sign of aggression but rather a normal aspect of canine sexuality. First Heat Cycle in a Female German Shepherd A Female German Shepherd typically experiences their first heat cycle between the ages of 6 and 12 months, with the average age being around 8 months old. During this time, you may notice behavioral changes such as restlessness, increased vocalization, and heightened interest from male dogs. It is essential to keep female dogs away from male dogs during their heat cycle as they are highly receptive to mating at this time. If you do not plan on breeding your pup, spaying her before her first heat cycle can help prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce the risk of certain health issues such as mammary tumors and uterine infections. Instead of giving them one or two large meals per day, divide their meals into three to four smaller portions throughout the day. This method aids in digestion and prevents overeating, which can lead to obesity and other health issues. Choose The Right Dog Food Choosing the right puppy food for your 8-month-old German Shepherd is important for their growth and development. Look for high-quality puppy food that is specifically formulated for large breeds, as German Shepherds are prone to joint issues. Avoid foods with artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, as well as those that contain fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. These ingredients can be difficult for puppies to digest and may contribute to food allergies or digestive issues. Dry kibble is a convenient option as it is easy to store, does not require refrigeration, and can be left out in a bowl for longer periods without spoiling. Kibble can also help promote healthy teeth and gums by reducing tartar buildup. However, it may be more difficult for some puppies to digest, and they may need to drink more water to avoid dehydration. Wet food, on the other hand, can be more palatable and easier for some puppies to digest. It also contains a higher moisture content, which can be beneficial for puppies who do not drink enough water. However, wet food can spoil quickly and needs to be refrigerated or discarded after a certain amount of time. How much food your pup needs will depend on their weight, activity level, and overall health. Avoid Feeding Your Doggy Table Scraps In addition to regular meals, it is important to provide your puppy with plenty of fresh, clean water throughout the day. Avoid giving your doggy table scraps or human food, as this can disrupt their digestive system and lead to health problems. Exercise Needs of Your Dog Physical Exercises German Shepherds are known for their high energy levels and require plenty of exercise to keep them healthy and happy. At 8 months old, they should have at least 2 hours of exercise daily. Physical exercise is essential for keeping their muscles strong, maintaining a healthy weight, and preventing destructive behavior. Running is an excellent form of physical exercise for dogs. It allows them to burn off excess energy while building endurance. This will help prevent injury or exhaustion. Hiking is another great way to provide your doggy with physical exercise. It not only provides cardiovascular benefits but also exposes them to new sights and smells that can stimulate their senses. When hiking with your doggy, make sure to bring plenty of water and take breaks as needed. Not only does it provide cardiovascular benefits, but it also helps improve their coordination skills. Make sure to use a ball or toy that is appropriate for their size and breed. Mental Stimulation In addition to physical exercise, mental stimulation is equally important for German Shepherds at 8 months old. Without proper mental stimulation, they can become bored and engage in destructive behavior such as chewing on furniture or digging holes in the yard. Puzzle toys are another great way to provide mental stimulation for your doggy. These toys challenge dogs mentally by requiring them to figure out how to get a treat or toy out of the puzzle. They come in various levels of difficulty, so make sure to start with an easier one and gradually increase the difficulty over time. Scent work is another great way to provide mental stimulation for your dog. German Shepherds have an excellent sense of smell and enjoy using it to track scents. You can hide treats around the house or yard and encourage your doggy to find them using their nose. Start with shorter walks or runs and gradually increase the distance over time. When providing mental stimulation through obedience training, start with basic commands such as sit and stay before moving on to more advanced ones like roll over or play dead. With puzzle toys, start with an easier one that they can solve quickly before moving on to more difficult ones. Training for 8 Month Old German Shepherd Obedience Training Obedience training is an excellent way to provide mental stimulation while also teaching your dog valuable commands. It helps to establish a strong and positive relationship between you and your dog, while also ensuring their safety and well-being. These commands are important for keeping your dog safe in public spaces, as well as at home. Recall Training Recall training for your pup is important for safety reasons. It teaches your dog to come back to you when called, even in distracting environments. Start by practicing recall in a quiet area with few distractions. Gradually increase the level of distraction during recall training sessions until your dog can reliably come back to you even in busy environments. Positive Reinforcement Techniques Positive reinforcement techniques are effective in encouraging desired behaviors during training sessions. Use treats and praise to reinforce good behavior immediately after it occurs. Regular vet check-ups are essential to ensure that your dog is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. During these check-ups, the vet will examine your dog from head to tail, checking for any signs of illness or injury. They may also recommend certain tests or procedures to keep your dog healthy. For example, they may recommend a dental cleaning or blood work to check for any underlying health issues. Proper Nutrition Feeding your 8 month old pup a balanced diet is crucial for their growth and development. High-quality protein and essential nutrients are key components of a healthy diet for dogs. You can feed your dog commercial dog food or prepare homemade meals using high-quality ingredients. Regular Exercise Exercise is necessary to keep your puppy physically and mentally healthy. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, such as walking, running, playing fetch, or swimming. Grooming Grooming is an important part of caring for your 8 month old German Shepherd. Regular grooming helps prevent skin infections, matting, and other health issues. Brush their coat regularly to remove loose hair and dirt while promoting healthy skin and coat. Trim their nails as needed to prevent them from becoming too long and causing discomfort or injury. Use a gentle ear cleaning solution and cotton balls to clean the outer ear canal, being careful not to insert anything into the ear canal itself. Home Safety Keeping your home safe for your 8 month old German Shepherd is important for their health and well-being. Keep hazardous items out of reach, such as cleaning supplies, medications, and toxic foods like chocolate or grapes. Provide a comfortable living space for your German Shepherd puppy with a cozy bed and plenty of toys to keep them entertained. Supervise your dog when necessary, especially if they are still learning what is appropriate behavior in the home. Common Health Issues It is essential to keep your doggy healthy and happy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues that you should be aware of. Here are some common health problems that may trouble your german shepherd puppy: Hip Dysplasia One of the most common health issues in German Shepherds is hip dysplasia. Bloat Another common problem is bloat or gastric torsion. It happens when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, causing severe pain and even death if not treated promptly. Skin Allergies Dermatitis is also prevalent in German Shepherds due to their thick coat. They are prone to skin allergies, which can lead to itching, scratching, and hair loss. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological condition that affects the spinal cord, causing weakness and loss of coordination in the hind legs. It is more common in older German Shepherds, but can occur in younger dogs as well. It usually resolves on its own as the dog grows, but can be managed with pain medication. Ear Infections German Shepherds have floppy ears, which can trap moisture and create a breeding ground for bacteria. This can lead to ear infections if not properly cleaned and maintained. Schedule routine check-ups with your veterinarian for early detection of any underlying conditions. Sleep Requirements Just like human babies, your puppy also requires a lot of sleep to support their growth and development. It is important to make sure your doggy gets enough sleep to stay healthy and happy. On average, an 8 month old German Shepherd puppy needs around hours of sleep per day. This sleep can be broken up into several naps throughout the day and night, as well as a longer period of uninterrupted sleep at night. It is important to establish a consistent sleep routine for your geran shepherd puppy to help them get the rest they need. Provide a comfortable and quiet sleeping area for your puppy to rest, and make sure they have access to fresh water and a bathroom break before bedtime. Conclusion An 8 month old German Shepherd requires a lot of care and attention. From feeding and grooming to training and exercise, there are many aspects of raising a healthy and happy German Shepherd. Remember to provide your puppy with a nutritious diet, plenty of exercise, and regular veterinary check-ups. Be patient and consistent with training, and consider enrolling your puppy in obedience or scent work classes to help them develop their skills. Additionally, be aware of common health issues that can affect German Shepherds, and monitor your puppy for any signs of illness or discomfort. With proper care and attention, you can help ensure your German shepherd puppy grows into a healthy and well-behaved adult dog. At 8 months old, a German Shepherd will likely be around inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between pounds. They will have a sleek and muscular build, with a thick, double coat. Their ears may be fully erect or still be in the process of standing up straight, and they will have a lively and alert expression. How much should a 8 month old German Shepherd eat? At this age, your pet typically needs around cups of high-quality dog food per day, split into two meals. However, the exact amount can vary based on factors such as activity level, metabolism, and overall health. It is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine how much food is appropriate for your puppy. Why is my 8 month old German Shepherd not eating? There are several reasons why an 8 month old German Shepherd may not be eating, including illness, dental issues, stress, or a change in routine or diet. If your puppy is not eating or has a decreased appetite for more than a day or two, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues and determine the best course of action. What to expect from an 8 month old German Shepherd? At this age, a German Shepherd is still a puppy but is approaching adolescence. They may be more independent and confident than when they were younger, but still require plenty of guidance and proper training. They will have a lot of energy and require regular exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They may also be teething, so it is important to provide them with appropriate chewing toys and treats to satisfy their urge to chew. Post navigation. However, there is some variation within the breed, and some German Shepherds may be larger or smaller than average. Generally speaking, a male German Shepherd is larger than a female German Shepherd. An 8-month-old male German Shepherd grows approximately 20 to 22 inches tall, 62 to 66 pounds, while a female German Shepherd grows about 18 to 20 inches tall, 53 to 57 pounds. German Shepherds can keep growing until they are two years of age or older. Depending on their parentage and individual German Shepherd growth rates, some may be larger or smaller. Nutrition for an 8-Month-Old German Shepherd German Shepherd puppies need a diet with the right mix of protein, carbohydrates, and good fat. Some of the good foods for your GSD are whole grains, lean meats, and vegetables. You can divide their puppy food into more frequent, smaller meals throughout the day. Always be mindful of how much food your dog is eating. Too much food can result in weight gain and obesity. They can help you create a feeding plan that will ensure your dog stays at a healthy weight. Physical and Behavioral Changes By eight months, your puppies will start to look and act like adult German Shepherds. He will be more independent and will want to explore his surroundings. Your German Shepherd will also be more aware of other dogs and people and may start to show signs of aggression. Moreover, your German Shepherd puppy will become more active and playful at eight months. He may become more independent and assertive and even challenge you for alpha status. He may also start to test boundaries, challenge rules, and have some behavior issues. The most challenging part of raising 8-month-old German Shepherds includes dealing with their excessive chewing on everything like shoes, clothes, and furniture. Your German Shepherd will also dig huge potholes, bark excessively, and have aggressive tendencies around other people. Try to control this destructive behavior by walking him to the dog park or outside the house whenever possible. Instead, provide your GSD pup plenty of opportunities to exercise and train so he can learn good behaviors. Physically, your German Shepherd puppy will be almost fully grown, although his bones will continue to harden for another 6 to 12 months. His coat will also continue to thicken and become more lustrous. There are a few things to keep in mind when teaching your dog, and here are some of them. Establish Rules and Limits An 8-month-old German Shepherd will likely be full of energy and curiosity. Provide him with structure and discipline, or else he may become unruly. Establishing rules and limits does not have to be complicated. For example, you may want to set a rule that your German Shepherd must sit before you give him his food. It will help him learn patience and self-control. It is especially true for German Shepherd puppies, who are intelligent, eager to please, and quick to learn. However, keep in mind that an 8-month-old German Shepherd is still working on mastering basic commands. Provide Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement means rewarding your dog for good behavior with treats, praise, or petting. Remember, puppies have short attention spans, so keep the sessions short and sweet. If your pup is having trouble paying attention, try breaking up the session into smaller intervals throughout the day. With patience and positive reinforcement, you can teach your basic dog commands such as sit, stay, come, down, and off. You can also begin teaching your dog tricks like rolling over or playing dead. Do Recall Training Recall training is an essential skill that every dog should know. Recall training teaches your dog to come when called, even when there are distractions. It can be a lifesaving skill if your dog ever gets loose from their leash or yard. Here are some of our top picks for toys for 8-month-old German Shepherds. Rubber Chew Toy To find the perfect rubber chew toy for your 8-month-old German Shepherd, look for one made of durable rubber and sized appropriately for your dog. A rubber chew toy will not tear easily and is less likely to be ingested. Additionally, chewing can help reduce anxiety and provide a sense of calm for your pup. Avoid toys with small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Instead, opt for a solid toy that your dog can enjoy for months. Interactive Toy Your German Shepherd puppy needs interactive play to avoid boredom. Good engaging toys keep your dog occupied, interested, and happy for long hours. Rope Toy A rope toy is perfect for playing tug-of-war or fetch with your German Shepherd. Fetch is a classic game that dogs of all ages enjoy. When selecting a rope toy for your German Shepherd, you must consider the following: Size — Make sure the rope toy is large enough for your dog to carry in his mouth comfortably. Material — Ropes made of natural fibers like cotton or wool are usually best for puppies, as synthetic materials can be harsh on their tender gums. Durability — Because German Shepherds are known for their powerful jaws, the rope toy must be durable enough to stand up to heavy chewing. Look for toys made of multiple strands of rope, as these are typically more difficult for dogs to destroy. It can cause a lot of pain later in life and make it hard for your dog to get around. German Shepherd dogs are also known for having sensitive stomachs, so watch what you feed them and how often. Some may do well on one food, while others might need a more sensitive option. Moreover, German Shepherds are prone to something called bloat. Signs of bloat include restlessness, drooling, and trying to vomit with no results. It happens when the stomach twists and traps gas inside, which can be very dangerous. Finally, German Shepherds are also prone to allergies , so if you notice your dog scratching too much, it might be time to visit the vet. By familiarizing yourself with these common health concerns, you can help ensure that your German Shepherd puppy stays happy and healthy for years to come. At eight months old, German Shepherd puppies started to grow into their adult size! A good rule of thumb is to provide at least one hour of exercise per day, divided into two or three shorter sessions. It can include walking, running, playing fetch, or any other activity that gets them moving. German Shepherds are also intelligent and energetic, so mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity. Try giving them simple obedience training, playing interactive games, or providing puzzle toys to keep their minds challenged. It means they should ideally get around two to three hours of sleep during the day and the rest at night. German Shepherds are usually pretty good at sleeping through the night, but young puppies may need to wake up for a potty break once or twice. If you have an 8-month-old German Shepherd, ensure that he gets enough rest by providing a comfortable place to sleep and avoiding too much excitement before bedtime. Also read:. However, the maturity of a German Shepherd puppy should be a lot higher as the puppy begins to behave more and more like a fully mature German Shepherd adult. But it is still possible to notice slight adolescent or teenage behavior in the puppy. They still remain curious, but they should be less prone to accidents from playing or any movement in general. Speaking of playful energy, the 8-month General still retains the same amount of energy as the 7 month German Shepherd puppy. It can also become a lot more dominant especially with its owners as you would often find your lovely puppy companion challenging you for alpha status in and around the home. You can achieve control with proper training practices. The high intelligence of the German Shepherd in general should make training sessions a lot easier for you as they tend to learn faster than some other dog breeds. However, you have to ensure the training sessions are handled properly using the right training methods while exercising the needed patience during your training sessions. Your puppy does have a high tendency to become destructive if left alone for too long without the proper channels to exercise. Some of these behaviors that might develop in your puppy include chewing almost everything they can find in the house including shoes and clothes, excessive barking mostly at strangers and he may also begin to test boundaries with both you and other familiar faces. As your puppy begins to reach its peak in physical growth and development, the bones become a lot denser and more difficult to break. They can also begin to show more aggression toward other dogs in the vicinity. This is their attempt at being more protective of what they love. This is because the German Shepherd puppy should be a lot more comfortable being independent or alone. They can stay in their cages at night and not result in howling to get your attention. It is still recommended that you regularly visit your vet for frequent evaluations of your German Shepherd puppy. With that being said, your German Shepherd should be 2 months closer to its next round of DHPP vaccination shots and deworming. This should be administered to the puppy at 12 months or 1 year, put that in your schedule. Asides from regular checks at the vet, your puppy needs to be properly groomed at 8 months. They have a high propensity to shed a lot of their fur at this stage of their life. Regular brushing of fur is required to prevent coat matting. Also, dental care is highly required as your puppy should have grown its full adult teeth by now. Spaying and neutering of your puppy could be considered at this stage due to the high sexual energy that should be building up in your German Shepherd at 8 months of age. If left to roam freely, your German Shepherd might end up mating with most dogs of the opposite sex it can find, so always keep them on a tight leash when leaving the home on walks to gardens or places where other dogs might be in. To deal with the excesses of aggression, dominance, and compulsive behaviors that your 8 month German Shepherd puppy might exhibit, proper training should be considered for the German Shepherd as it is highly crucial. Luckily, training your German Shepherd can be easily achieved due to their high intelligence trait. As stated earlier the growth rate for the German Shepherd at 8 months is heavily reduced or slow. Instead of a much notable increase in overall height and size, what is more, apparent is that the German Shepherd bones should be a lot harder now as bone density should be high. What this means is that your puppy should be a lot more resilient. For the male German Shepherd puppy at 8 months old, expect the size range to be between 62 lbs and 65 lbs. Female German Shepherd puppies are a little smaller in size than male German Shepherd puppies but they still count as large dogs. The height range for the female German Shepherd should be between 18 inches to 20 inches. Your German Shepherd still has a lot growing up to do as they keep improving in growth for the next year and a half. The exact height of a German Shepherd puppy can be influenced by some factors like diet or nutrition and even the breeding line of the German Shepherd does have a slight influence on the growth of each individual dog. Aside from an increase in the size of the German Shepherd, there are other notable physical changes that could happen to an 8-month-old. One would be the further thickening of its coat as the coat should become a lot more lustrous. Their ears should have stopped growing but should stand upright or perky. This means their appetite should be quite high as their calorie intake should also be quite high. However, it is highly essential that you develop a proper feeding schedule for your beloved puppy. The schedule should help you reduce the possibility of overfeeding your German Shepherd puppies by properly rationing each food serving to spread across the day. This way, you can avoid causing them stomach pains from eating too much and even reduce the possibility of obesity for your puppy as they are quite prone to this. Their food should contain lots of carbohydrates, proteins, and even fats. Proteins should be the most dominant nutrient in their kibble mix followed by carbs and then finally fats. Invest in whole grains, lean meats like chicken, turkey, and fish, and vegetables alongside fruits like bananas and apples for your puppies. One meal in the morning, noon, and in evening. Try to create enough time intervals for the meals to be fully digested before another meal. Always provide good drinking water for your puppies too. Also, ensure your puppy eats early before they fall asleep. Sleep at night should be better for both you and your puppy at 8 months of age. Still, they are rapidly growing creatures and they do need all the sleep they can get to be fully active and strong throughout the day. It is thereby recommended that you provide them with a minimum of 14 to 17 hours of full sleep each day for them to be energetic and playful. Ensure they go to bed early so they can quickly get most of their sleep hours at night leaving room for short bursts of naps during regular activities. Try to force them to sleep early at night by engaging them in some light exercise and training after each last meal of the day. Take them on walks or play some games with them. You however must ensure they go to sleep early. The easiest and most basic way to exercise your German Shepherd puppy can be through regular walks. Due to their high bone density, your puppy can be able to handle an hour of intense exercising by 8 months of age. You can split this into two minute walks or three 20 minutes walks each day. To achieve the best results go at a slow pace, do not force your puppies to run until they are adults as it can affect their bones and joints causing defects like EIC. Asides from that, your puppy can also partake in other activities like tag and fetch. Engage them in mental exercises like puppy puzzles with the promise of a reward at the end to keep them stimulated and interested. Exercising is quite crucial for the German Shepherd. If left without properly being exercised, they can become pretty destructive, especially around the house or the yard. Training is also quite crucial for the German Shepherd puppy as well as for you as it helps establish a stronger bond between you and your puppy. One thing about proper training of your German Shepherd puppy to consider is the method of training that is being employed. For you, the best method to be employed is positive reinforcement training which deals with rewards for good behavior and a less harsh but firm punishment for bad behavior. Try establishing some limits and rules for your dogs. One could be that your dog sits properly before each meal. When using basic commands, try to be consistent with them. Recall training is highly important for your dog at this stage. With that being said, there are some health issues to look out for. German Shepherds have sensitive stomachs, and they are prone to allergies, as well to hips and elbow dysplasia. They can also suffer from a terrible illness called bloat. You have to be watchful of your puppy, look out for any of the following signs in your dog. Frequent urination.
Aggression is a serious issue and should not be taken lightly. A professional will be able to assess the situation and help you come up with a plan to address the aggression. Other Considerations To Keep In Mind With proper training and socialization, your Goldendoodle will learn to control their biting behavior and will be a well-mannered companion for years to come. However, the key is to start early and be consistent with your training. If you allow your dog to mouth and nip sometimes but not others, they will be confused about what is acceptable behavior. In addition to that, dogs are much more likely to pick up on good habits if you teach them from a young age. Finally, be patient! Like all dogs, Goldendoodles need time to learn what is expected of them. With a little time and effort, you can help your Goldendoodle learn to keep their teeth to themselves. Of course, it also includes lots of tutorials and resources on how to tackle excessive Goldendoodle puppy biting. Do not scream or hit your dog, as this will only make them more likely to bite again in the future. This will help your dog understand that biting is not an acceptable behavior. If your Goldendoodle continues to bite, you may need to seek professional help. When Do Goldendoodles Stop Biting? So, when do Goldendoodles stop biting? This is a common question among Doodle owners, and unfortunately, there is no single answer. One of the most common questions new Goldendoodle owners ask is when their puppy will outgrow the biting phase. Typically, Goldendoodles grow out of their biting phase once they get all of their adult teeth. Until your pup has grown into all of its adult teeth, there are a few things you can do to help discourage your pup from nipping. For starters, never play rough games with your Goldendoodle that involve hitting or wrestling. These games only encourage them to bite. You can also provide them with plenty of chew toys to help satisfy their need to gnaw. Early socialization is also vital, as this will teach your puppy how to appropriately interact with you, other people, and other pets. With a little time and effort, your Goldendoodle will learn to control their biting impulses and become a well-mannered companion. If your Goldendoodle is older than a year old and still biting, there may be an underlying issue, such as anxiety or boredom. The good news is that you can easily fix the boredom issue by giving your pup plenty of attention, playtime, and exercise. With the help of a professional, you can develop a training plan that will help your Goldendoodle learn to curb their biting impulses. Goldendoodle Biting: Final Thoughts Goldendoodles are wonderful, loving companions. However, like all dogs, they need to be properly trained and socialized in order to become well-mannered members of the family. While Goldendoodles are generally friendly dogs, they can sometimes bite due to excitement, boredom, stress, or fear. If your Goldendoodle is biting, there are a few things you can do to discourage this behavior, including providing chew toys, increasing mental and physical stimulation, and desensitizing them to their triggers. If the problem persists, seek professional help from a certified trainer or behaviorist. With some patience and training, you should be able to stop your Goldendoodle from biting for good. Frozen veggies and fruit Exploring Their Surroundings Dogs have an acute sense of smell. Their heightened scent receptors drive them to explore things around them, including household items and even your fingers. Moyen Goldendoodles are smaller than Standard Goldendoodles, and larger than Miniatures. Curiosity is a healthy habit for Goldendoodles, but biting should not be part of the process. However, if your new best friend is doing damage while exploring its surroundings, you must puppy-proof your home until they learn proper manners. Playing Dogs will instinctively bite and nip when they play with littermates as puppies. If this behavior is left unaddressed, mature dogs will continue to bite during playtime. Playful biting is not always harmful, but it can be if it gets out of control as your Goldendoodle matures. A Goldendoodle getting a belly rub from his owner. The Resolution When Goldendoodles bite during playtime, you must correct the behavior immediately. Give your pet a stern no command, and offer them an alternative to biting and chewing. Some dogs respond well when owners stop playing with them after biting and leave the room. This breed is intelligent and will quickly learn that biting is not welcome. Boredom Goldendoodles are smart dogs requiring adequate mental stimulation and physical exercise. If your pet is not receiving enough engagement throughout the day, it will become bored and chew or bite. Some animals may even bite at your hands and feet to get your attention when bored. Goldendoodle with fresh haircut on a white background. Although boredom can be prevalent in the first couple years of your Goldendoodles life, it can still be a concern for some mature dogs. In addition, try offering your pet toys to help stimulate their mind, like treat puzzles and snuffle mats. These products will provide the mental exercise they need and keep them from being bored at home. We'll do everything we can to make sure you and your dog are happy We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Unfortunately, some dog breeds, like the Goldendoodle, are prone to separation anxiety. Goldendoodle puppy is not feeling well. This hybrid dog enjoys the company of its humans and can show anxious traits if you leave them home alone all day. The Resolution If your Goldendoodle is biting you before you leave or when you return, they may have anxiety issues. Proper kennel training and routine exercise with mental stimulation can help calm your pet down when you need to leave them alone for an extended time. Lack of Training Goldendoodle puppies are adorable, and many dog owners will let some typical puppy behaviors, like biting, slide. A boy trains a Goldendoodle at the park. This hybrid dog breed is extremely energetic and needs proper training to follow your commands. The Resolution For Goldendoodle biting that happens due to a lack of training, you can still turn it around, even with adult dogs. This crossbreed is extremely intelligent and loves to please its owners. Always remember to use a stern no command when they bite, offer alternatives, and reward them when they act appropriately. Soon, your Goldendoodle will have the proper training and better manners you want in a pet. Scared or Fearful Some Goldendoodles bite when they are scared or fearful of something. For example, if your pet is afraid of loud noises or certain people, they may lash out by biting. Behaved Goldendoodle carried by her owner. This fearful behavior can get out of control and inflict harm to people or animals without proper coaching as your dog matures. The Resolution Dogs who feel safe are less likely to bite when a frightening situation occurs. Owners of Goldendoodles that bite can use various methods to help eliminate this behavior, depending on the reason for their fright. Some ways to help your pet are: Scared of thunderstorms — use a thunder jacket. Frightened about meeting new people or animals — use slow, short introductions. Afraid of loud noises — offer a crate as a safe space with treats and positive attention. If you are not satisfied for any reason, simply return within the Amazon return window for a refund of your purchase price We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Therefore, a dog who suddenly bites its owner may have underlying health issues. Animals will do this to scare people away from handling them where it hurts the most. If your Goldendoodle bites when you try to pet it or handle it, it could be dealing with pain from an illness or significant injury. The Resolution If you have ruled out other causes for your Goldendoodle biting behaviors, the next step is heading to your local veterinarian. You want to ensure your pet does not have a health condition that is causing them pain. Your vet may conduct x-rays or other diagnostic tests to rule out physical fractures or serious illnesses that may produce pain for your dog. Final Thoughts Of course, everyone loves a well-behaved Goldendoodle, but sometimes your pet needs a little extra training and support to learn good manners. Once you can pinpoint the reason for the behavior, you can use these successful methods to keep it from happening. You may need professional help from a trainer or veterinarian, but once your Goldendoodle knows how to behave, you will have a terrific and loyal friend. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Goldendoodle puppy teeth can be painful, and puppies tend to explore the world by putting things in their mouths. Goldendoodle puppies usually stop biting when they are months old when their adult teeth have grown. Goldendoodles are bred to retrieve things, and their mouthy tendencies need bite inhibition training. Bite inhibition training should involve the same method that puppies learn with their littermates. It involves a loud squeal, stopping the play, and ignoring the puppy for up to a minute. Play dates with other puppies can also help teach bite inhibition. Giving puppies frozen fruits, teething toys, bully sticks, and engaging them with chew toys can help deter biting related to teething. Having new teeth pushing through your gums is uncomfortable, and chewing on things can help reduce that discomfort. Tasting things is also another way that puppies explore the world. Without hands or opposable thumbs, their mouth is the best way to determine the texture and firmness of an object. Additionally, Goldendoodles are the product of two breeds that were bred to retrieve things from the water. Golden Retrievers and Poodles were both bred to collect birds that hunters had shot. That means a tendency to hold items in their mouth was actually bred into them. Goldendoodles tend to be inherently mouthy, so you will have to teach your puppy to have better bite inhibition reducing how much force they bite down with during play. The younger your puppy was when you brought them home, the more difficulty your Goldendoodle may have with bite inhibition. Teaching Bite Inhibition When left with their littermates long enough, puppies learn that biting a playmate too hard causes the fun to stop. To teach your puppy bite inhibition, you have to do what their littermates would have done. Anything else — yelling, bopping the puppy on the nose, continuing to play — reinforces the biting behavior. So next time your Goldendoodle puppy bites you, think like a puppy yourself. Squeal, stop, and ignore. Play Dates Playing with other puppies is also an excellent way for your Goldendoodle puppy to learn bite inhibition. When they bite another puppy too hard, that puppy will let them know. Make sure all puppies are up to date on their age-appropriate vaccinations before letting them play together. More Ways to Stop Biting Not all biting is related to a lack of bite inhibition. Teething is a significant factor that causes puppies to want to bite and chew on anything possible. Provide plenty of chew toys in different textures and shapes. Teething oil or gel can help soothe sore gums. Play tug of war with your puppy gently. Fill a Puppy Kong with peanut butter, then throw it in the freezer. The cold will soothe their gums while they chew on the rubber, and working on getting out the peanut butter keeps their brain engaged. Give your Goldendoodle bully sticks to chew on while you are around to supervise. Bully sticks are a healthy alternative to dangerous rawhide, but puppies may swallow large pieces if left unsupervised. You need to use different techniques to manage this type of biting compared to teething or play biting. Continue doing whatever it was you were doing before the puppy started to bite you. Continue brushing your puppy while they struggle. Try to get the puppy to bite the brush rather than your hands, but still try to keep brushing. Once your puppy stops fighting and biting, reward them with praise and a treat. If you stop brushing your puppy every time they bite you, your Goldendoodle learns that biting makes bad things stop. Play provides crucial bonding between a Goldendoodle and their people. The goal is to teach them to play nicely, not to discourage playing with you at all. These things are likely to encourage your puppy to bite your hands and feet. Hitting a puppy for playful mouthing can make them bite harder. It can trigger your puppy to play even more aggressively. It can also make your puppy fear you or create real aggression. Avoid all punishments that might hurt or scare your puppy. That encourages your puppy to jump after the hand or foot and resembles play. If your puppy likes to bite your feet when you walk, you can try spraying your feet with a bite-deterrent spray like this one. Eventually, they should learn to turn that urge to bite toward their toys instead of your skin or clothing. Encourage non-contact forms of play like fetch and tug of war. Rough play with your hands tends to entice your puppy to bite. Luckily, though, there are many things you can do to discourage various types of puppy biting. With a little bit of time and consistent training, puppy bites should be a thing of the past by the time your Goldendoodle is 7 to 8 months old. Do Goldendoodles Chew Furniture? Often though, this joyful time is marred by painful nips and bandaged hands. A biting phase is all too common in puppies, but it should not be what defines your relationship. How do I get my Goldendoodle puppy to stop biting? Provide the puppy with a variety of teething aids to help soothe sore gums. Consistent bite inhibition training will teach your puppy that biting people is unacceptable, as will refusing to interact with or give attention to an actively biting puppy. Most of all, remember to be patient as your puppy gets through this frustrating and painful time. When they bite, divert their attention with a chew toy. If biting continues, walk away and ignore. Everything you need to get started and help your dog reach his full potential. Temperament, sizes, generations, and coat types. Necessary supplies and feeding guidelines. Reward-based training. Exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization. Common behavioral issues and possible health concerns. Grooming and total body care. And much, much more! Eliminate the guesswork and pick up your copy today! Unfortunately, gnawing on fingers and toes is completely normal puppy behavior. All puppies, not just Goldendoodles, go through a biting stage, but thankfully, it does not last very long. So, what causes the urge to bite and chew on everything in sight, including your poor fingers and toes? While there is likely no pain when the puppy teeth are lost, there is probably a lot of discomfort as the adult teeth push through the surface of the gums. Puppies often seek relief by chewing on anything and everything within reach, including you. Exploring Puppies explore much of the world around them with their mouths. They learn about different tastes, textures, and sizes by putting items in their mouth. They discover which items are fun to chew on slippers — delightful! Puppies naturally learn bite inhibition controlling the intensity of their bites from their littermates and their mother. This is one reason why a puppy should stay with the breeder as long as possible. When a puppy bites too hard while playing with a sibling, the other pup will yelp and stop playing. The puppy quickly learns that the fun ceases when he bites too hard. If he makes the same mistake with his mother, the puppy will receive a firm correction from her, and he will likely not do it again. Seeking Attention Puppies love all types of attention. Some quickly learn that biting leads to attention, even though it is often negative and in the form of discipline. This is called unintentional negative reinforcement. Genetic Makeup Both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, used to create the beloved Goldendoodle, were bred to be outstanding water dogs, skilled at retrieving waterfowl. You can learn more about the beautiful Golden Retriever here. The desire to have things in their mouths was intentionally bred into them. This trait is also commonly seen in Goldendoodles, particularly puppies. As is the case with most retrieving breeds, the intense need to chew and carry things in their mouth sometimes equates to excessive mouthiness in young puppies who are still learning what is acceptable and what is not. Providing your Goldendoodle with sufficient daily exercise is a key component in eliminating unwanted behaviors, like biting. How much is recommended? Check out this article. For most puppies, the biting begins to taper off as teething come to an end, usually around 7 — 8 months of age. By this age, almost all of the permanent teeth have erupted, and the chewing, biting, and nipping urges greatly diminish. By the time your puppy has finished teething, more maturity should be evident as he nears adulthood. When do Goldendoodles typically stop growing and transition to adulthood? Find the answer here. Many puppy behaviors, such as whining, submissive urination, and biting begin to disappear by this age. Get Your Copy Today! Try offering frozen pieces of carrot, banana, or strawberry to soothe sore gums. Frozen blueberries are great too. Many puppy teething oils see on Amazon are available to numb tender mouths. Provide a wide variety of puppy chew toys multipack on Amazon of different shapes and textures. A puppy Kong can be packed with a treat like peanut butter and frozen. The natural rubber satisfies the chewing urge, the cold numbs the gums, and working to access the treats inside provides mental stimulation.
Top 5 Labradoodle Haircuts Be sure to check out our 2-part series on types of Doodle haircuts, with tons more pictures that cover overall body styles and variations of styles. Different groomers may have different ideas of what the following types of cuts are. If any of these pictures represent what you want your Labradoodle to look like, be sure to bookmark this page for easy access when dropping them off at the groomer! With the hair slightly rounder and longer around the face and legs, the Labradoodle teddy bear cut gives your pup the most adorable puppy-like look. As the name hints, the goal is to give your Labradoodle a puppy-like look with shorter hair on the body, and longer on the head. This look is not for the faint-hearted, but a dog as cute as a Labradoodle will surely pull this off. Labradoodle Long Clip Almost the same as the Labradoodle short clip, but not quite. The Labradoodle long clip is great for emphasizing those beautiful waves and an effortless, shaggy look. However, longer hair can also trap in more dirt, so make sure to set aside enough time for daily brushing. Here you can check out the best brushes for Labradoodles. A comb is also great for brushing hard-to-reach areas like the paws, face, and ears. Dog Clippers — When it comes to grooming, you are going to need a set of clippers to get the job done. Which ones should you choose? These are our favorite grooming scissors for Doodles. Dog Shears — Are you ready to take your grooming to the next level? Detangler Sprays — One of the best hacks for hassle-free brushing is having a detangler spray at hand. Use it before each brushing or just before bathtime, a good detangler spray cuts the time spent on tangles in half. Shampoo — A proper grooming routine includes an occasional bathtime. Whether your Labradoodle struggles with skin sensitivities or tends to shed a lot, there are tons of different options available on the market. Here are the top 6 dog shampoos that Labradoodle owners swear by. Ear Cleaning Products — With those cute floppy ears, Labradoodles are prone to ear infections due to the restricted airflow. Take a look at some of the highest rated dog ear cleaner products that help prevent and treat minor ear infections. Grooming Tables — Every Labradoodle owner knows how difficult it can be to groom a Doodle with one hand, while trying to keep them still with the other. A grooming table will take care of all that you still need to do the grooming though… and save you from back pain. Check out the best dog grooming tables or create a DIY grooming table. Be sure to check out our guide on dealing with matted hair , and another about the line brushing method. Bathing: Before a haircut or after a muddy playtime, your Labradoodle will need a thorough wash. Typically, once a week should be perfectly enough. However, some pups might need a couple of times a week. Once in a while, you might want to use a special dog ear cleaner to prevent any infections. Here you can check our guide on Doodle ear infection symptoms, treatments, and prevention. Eye gunk: Gently remove any eye gunk you notice, as this will prevent discoloration around the eyes and bad smell. If you can do it daily, great! Here is our step-by-step video tutorial guide that includes the entire Doodle grooming process from head to paw. For example, the best Labradoodle haircuts for summer would be short so your pup has an easier time cooling down. The Labradoodle puppy cut is the most popular Labradoodle haircut. However, we recommend you choose high-quality tools, as they will last you a longer time. As a Labradoodle puppy starts to develop an adult coat, you should start with regular grooming. The sooner you introduce your puppy to the whole process of grooming, the easier it will be for them to get used to it. See Also: Click the image To conclude, we hope that you learned some useful Labradoodle grooming tips, and that we managed to inspire you with the Labradoodle haircuts that you can try on your Doodle for your next grooming session. Let us know in the comments! The information on this page is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional groomer advice. Always seek the advice of your groomer, veterinarian, or other qualified animal health provider with any questions you may have. You Might Also Like. The first grooming appointment can be frightening for your puppy. The following tips can help your puppy have a positive experience at the groomer. Handling and socializing your Labradoodle puppy Before scheduling your first appointment, make sure your puppy is comfortable with being touched and handled. Be sure to praise and reward your puppy for calm behavior. Continue socializing your puppy by introducing him or her to new people and animals. Introducing the grooming tools Once your puppy is comfortable with being touched, you can introduce common grooming tools. Let your puppy inspect and sniff the brush, comb, scissors, hair dryer, and clippers. Turn on the hair dryer and clippers while feeding your puppy treats to create a positive association. Grooming your puppy at home Keep your initial grooming sessions short and reward your puppy for good behavior. You can build up the duration over time, as your puppy gets more comfortable. The first session should be short and positive. In fact, just visiting for a quick introduction and nail clipping is a good start. The most important thing is to give your Labradoodle puppy a positive experience with professional grooming. After drop-off, always wait to be notified that your puppy is ready for pickup. Never come back to the grooming salon early. If your puppy sees you or hears your voice, it will be very difficult for the groomer to finish the job. Maintaining health with regular grooming For best results, your Labradoodle puppy should be professionally groomed every 4 to 6 weeks. You will also need to brush your puppy at home. While many Labradoodles do not shed, their undercoats can mat and become difficult to manage. If you have questions about how we groom our Labradoodles, feel free to contact us any time. Keeping a well-groomed dog is essential to maintaining their health, happiness, quality of life. This guide will instruct you on grooming as young as 8 weeks into adulthood. In order for this to be the best experience for you and your Doodle, the most important thing to remember is: Be patient! If it is frustrating for you at any time throughout the grooming process, take a break and come back later. We always want our Doodles to relate grooming with positivity! Well, short answer, I groom my dogs every 8 — 10 weeks. There are so many variables to the grooming question that I hate to boil it down to one sentence. First, we should ask ourselves a few questions: 1. How much time does he spend outdoors with the potential to get dirty? What sort of coat does your dog have? Different Coat Types Require Different Labradoodle Grooming Schedules I have dogs with different coat types, and they have different grooming schedules. My two older dogs both have a wool type coat. It is very curly, a little wiry, and not the easiest to brush. It is most like a poodle coat. These two get the most regular grooming appointments, and I keep them pretty short. With this type of cut and frequency I do not need to brush them out at all between grooms. I usually wait more time between grooms on this coat. I love the fluffy look when it grows out. Often the ears and collar area need regular brushing to prevent matting. If your doodle does not go out and get dirty, then cleaning is not an issue, and you could keep a longer coat with or without regular visits to the groomer. If a mat develops next to their skin it is painful for the dog, and you will need to have your Labradoodle shaved down to eliminate. Artistic Grooming Techniques And of course, there are all sorts of artistic grooming techniques. I often see the ears and tail left longer than the rest of the body. And the Teddy Bear- is always cute! Clearing the ear hair will help prevent ear infections as well as ear odor. If your groomer does not pluck ear hair, consider this task on your own or stop by your vet a few times a year to have them take care of the problem. Occasionally, a nice bath helps in between grooms too! While the adult coat is establishing, you will need to brush multiple times a week, and I find this the best time to give your pet his first trim. It will be difficult to keep up with the matting in the longer coat, but with a trim, it is very manageable, and the beauty of the adult coat is better realized. Once your dog gets to 12 to 14 months, the adult coat will be fully established, and this is the coat you can expect to work with for your dog's adult life. I find that the picture to the right will help to clarify the instructions you will need to convey for your dog's face. It is best to print this picture and take it with you to the groomer. A three-fourths inch blade don't go shorter than one-half inch will keep your dog's coat nice and full but give a smooth consistent length all over. If you like your dogs coat longer, your groomer should have a guard they can use to achieve this. The legs are typically just a little longer than the rest of the coat if you trim the coat to three-fourths inch. FEET: The feet will need a "slipper" cut to achieve the floppy, full leg look. The leg will look like a column. TAIL: The tail needs to be de-matted and trimmed. It is also important to have the hair removed, either trimmed or pulled, inside the dog's ears. Click the grooming picture for an enlarged, printable version and take it with you to your groomer! This does mean however, that your dog requires regular clipping to keep the coat trimmed and free of knots and matting. This is important for the dog also, as their coats can get very heavy and hot and matted coats make them very uncomfortable. It will really depend on the length you want to keep your Labradoodles coat as to how much grooming you will have to do. What do I need? Hold the skin taught to protect from any discomfort, especially where you come across a knot, or matts. Like in human hair, work knots out gently, or cut through them with scissors or a matt breaker. Knots are quite common around the ears, jaw, and collar as well as behind the tops of their legs. If they wear a harness regularly, you may find matting from this too. Trim around their eyes and across the bridge of their nose between their eyes regularly — you can do this with blunt scissors, or use a little tool like the Wahl Pocket Pro, which is a little battery operated trimmer. Over bathing can reduce the oils and damage the coat. I usually bathe my dogs every weeks. It is important to use a good quality pet shampoo — dogs have a different PH in their skin to humans, so regular shampoos is not suitable for use on your pets. Fido products are expensive, but I find them very good and this is what I use on the puppies, and my own dogs. Some vets will advocate regular plucking, others may suggest trimming the hair, but regardless, keeping the hair minimal, and the ears clean, with the use of an ear cleanser or a drying agent will reduce the risk of problems. You pop the solution into each ear and massage it for seconds and then wipe it out with a tissue — never use ear buds! Check with your vet for tips on hair removal and which solution to use. Your dogs nails should be done each time they get their coat trimmed and this is a service most dog groomers usually do as part of their clip. If you choose to do this, be sure to get your groomer, or your vet to show you how to trim the nails correctly. Grooming How frequently you choose to get your dog clipped will depend on lifestyle, how long you want their coat to be and, your regular maintenance regimes. Besides you want to enjoy that adorable puppy shagginess for a little while! The Puppy Trim Trim between their eyes so they can see Fringe should be cut so there is an inverted"V"above the nose. If the fringe is thick, it can be neatened with thinning scissors. Trim the ear length back to about 1 cm following the shape of the ear leather. Neaten the face, especially if the beard is long. The Full Clip Ears Trim the ears, following the edge of the ear leather. To gauge the length — pull forward to the nose. The length of the ear should be just short of the nose. Taper the tip of the ear. Hair on the outside of the ear should be layered on the to about 3cm, and the tip of the ear tapered. Trim back any thickness behind the ear. The underside of the ear should be shaved or cut very short underneath to allow good air flow. Trim hair inside the ear canal. Top of the head The top of the head should be natural, and cut long enough that it parts naturally by itself. To trim, pull the hair forward and up and trim to around cm. You want to be able to see the dogs eyes easily. Leave the eyelashes long — it helps to keep hair out of their eyes. Eyes Below the eye at the muzzle, trim the top of the muzzle short at an angle just under the eyes so they can see easily. This makes it easier to clean around the eyes also. Muzzle The beard and moustache should be layered and trimmed into a circular shape, rather than blunt - aim for around cm in length. Body the body can be trimmed to whatever length suits the lifestyle. Tail should be evened up. If the body is left long, the tummy can be trimmed shorter, or even shaved in summer to keep the dog cool. Trim the hair between the pads, so the pads touch the ground. Trim the nails. Taper the hind quarters to the tail gradually. Brush and trim the tail to a natural length, and trim underneath. Private Parts Shave or trim close the dogs private area to keep clean and free from matting and any dags. Establish a routine that you will follow through with or you will end up with a puppy with nails that may rip or cause problems walking properly, ears that have infections, and coats that are severely matted to the skin and cause severe discomfort for your dog. These are the areas that are most prone to matting. Part the hair and brush from the base of the coat in small sections. Many people only brush the surface of the coat and do not realize the dog is matting very badly next to the skin. Remember, if you cannot maintain basic brushing and grooming on your own, then you will need to budget for using a professional groomer. You should still try to clip nails and clean ears weekly at home, and give your dog a brushing at least once a week. BATHING When you groom your puppy or dog, you will want them to have a clean coat so your scissors and clipper blades work efficiently and do not wear down more quickly. Here are some general, simple tips for basic labradoodle grooming when doing your doodle at home. Eyes: Your Labradoodle should always be able to see well and not have hair hanging and restricting vision or growing up and into the eyes from the bridge of the nose! Using blunt tipped scissors, trim the hair over the bridge of nose and in between eyes so vision is not obstructed. Hair that hangs over the eyes should be trimmed neatly across the brow blending down into the sides of the face. If your dog gets eye gunk, use eye wipes every few days to keep them clean. A Labradoodle with long ear hair does NOT look like the standard for the Labradoodle, it looks more like a Cocker spaniel. Shape the ears and blend hair neatly into the top of the head. This will help prevent infections. You can use a clipper with 10 blade for a good length in this area. If the canal has a lot of hair inside, you will need to pluck it out in very small amounts to prevent irritation. Clean ear canal with solution and then use ear powder to eliminate moisture. Paws: Trim paws in a nicely rounded shape so that hair does not hang over the paw and cannot be walked on. Completely clip hair from in between pads on bottom of feet. This is most easily done with an electric clipper and a 30 blade. Keeping the paws shaped nicely will aid in less debris attaching to feet when outside and being drug into your home. Long muzzle hair results in beards that drip with water every time your dog gets a drink. The hair on the sides of the muzzle should be even with the bottom of the lower jaw. This is an area of the body we frequently see with matting. Hair is left to grow and grow and GROW and you not realize it is severely matting close to the tail. This helps prevent matting and urine or feces from building up on the coat when your dog uses the bathroom. Body: If you like a longer coat, more brushing and maintenance will be required. Here are a couple examples of shorter cuts that most find easy to maintain. Share this: Click to share on Pinterest Opens in new window Newsletter Subscribe to Spring Creek's monthly newsletter for training tips, recipes, dog health care, seasonal tips, grooming advice, behavioral help, and more! Just enter your email address and sit back and enjoy our monthly news! Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human: Spring Creek Labradoodles is an Oregon Labradoodle breeder, and one of the first in the U.
Gold Cream. Pugapoos are good house pets, and they tend to be easy to handle. This dog is a good family dog and handles children well, as they are playful. They are affectionate and loyal to their owners. The Pugapoo is a gentle, social, and intelligent dog with hints of whimsy in its character. This makes them a lot of fun but difficult to train. They are friendly to strangers and can get along well with other dogs, cats, and pets. They have some degree of separation anxiety as they enjoy being around people and other animals. Otherwise, they are relatively quiet. Seeing as they are playful and energetic, they can be difficult to train at first. The owner must exercise positive reinforcement when training to yield the best results. They are also easily potty trained. The Pugapoo has unique traits that are formed from being a hybrid of two different breeds. Give them some exercise, proper grooming, and a healthy diet, and you are good to go. They are also able to live in any type of environment. Just be careful of increased heat or cold temperatures and look out for panting, which is typically an indication of overheating. Exercising your Pugapoo The little bodies of the Pugapoo can store a lot of energy, which means the dog can be lively and active. Exercise is a good way to get some of that excess energy out of their bodies. A lengthy walk once a day would be an ideal amount of exercise. Playtime with their owners is also a great activity. Grooming: Are Pugapoos hypoallergenic? The difference in coats means that some Pugadoos can be quite hypoallergenic if they have a bit more fur like the poodle coat. However, Pugapoos with short fur are not known to be hypoallergenic. The various kinds of coats from Pugappoos mean that their grooming needs also vary. The Pugapoos might have to visit the parlor every six weeks at most, depending on their coat type. But they do require their teeth to be brushed at least once a day to prevent gum recession and wobbly teeth. Feeding a Pugapoo: What is their food consumption? Make sure that the food you are giving your Pugapoo is high-quality and that it is meant for dogs of the same size and level of energy. You can feed them twice a day with controlled portions as not to overfeed the dog. Instead, Pugapoo puppies should be eating food made for their growing bodies, which requires a lot of nutrients. What health problems does the Pug and Poodle Mix have? All dog breeds are susceptible to different health issues. Still, mix-breeds like a Pugapoo or a Goldendoodle are less likely to develop congenital conditions because of the larger gene pool than purebred dogs. Pugapoos do, however, still have the potential to develop some health conditions. Some signs that your Pugadoo has Legg-Calve-Perthes disease are a worsening limp, stiffness in one or both rear limbs, licking or chewing at the hip area, muscle atrophy, and restlessness and aggression. Other health conditions Pugapoos are susceptible to are: Eye problems — mostly inherited. They were very spoiled, as they were the dogs of emperors. They were even guarded by soldiers! Some believe they are related to the Tibetan Mastiff ancestor of the Mastidoodle , but this has not been confirmed. During the s and early s, China began trading with European countries, and therefore Pugs were introduced to Europeans. They instantly became a big hit. They were common in royal households. William, Prince of Orange, even claims his beloved Pug saved his life by barking to signal the approach of the Spaniards. Pugs peaked in Europe during the Victorian era. After the Civil War, they were introduced to America. This breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in .Additionally, the Pug Dog Club of American was founded in .Poodle Breed History: While commonly associated with the French, the Poodle actually originated as a duck hunter in Germany over years ago. Eventually, Poodles made their way from the lake to the life of luxury as they were the breed of choice by French nobles, and eventually royalty across all of Europe. To this day, the Poodle is still the national dog of France. The Toy Poodle started in the United States in the early 20th century to be a city-dwelling companion dog. However, in the United States between the s and the s, there was a significant increase in breeding Poodles with other dogs. Pugapoos are not large dogs. On average, males are between inches in height and females are between inches in height. Males weigh between pounds and females weigh slightly less, between pounds. If the coat is more similar to the Pug, it will be lower maintenance and require less frequent brushing. The type of coat also dictates how often they should be bathed. If the Pugapoo has the longer, curly, Poodle-like coat, they should be bathed every three to six weeks. Are Pugapoos Hypoallergenic? Do Pugapoos Shed? Pugs are pretty heavy shedders, although Poodles are hypoallergenic and generally non-shedding. When mixed together, the shedding may be better controlled. However, when a mixed breed has only one hypoallergenic parent, it is impossible to guarantee that the offspring will be hypoallergenic. The only way to guarantee a hypoallergenic offspring is if both of the parents are hypoallergenic. The Pug Poodle mix averages about a year lifespan. Pugapoo Dog Breed Common Health Concerns: Although mixing breeds often minimizes health problems, there is still the potential for health problems to arise. Pugapoos have some potential health problems that you should be aware of. Some other potential concerns that warrant your attention include allergies, epilepsy, and brachycephalic syndrome. Due to the cost of treating these common health concerns, we highly encourage all dog owners invest in pet insurance. We recommend getting a free online quote from Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. These dogs are considered highly intelligent, and adequate amounts of mental stimulation are important for them. This keeps them entertained and decreases the chances of them participating in destructive behavior. This dog may be slightly wary of new visitors, and will you give a bark or two to alert you to their presence. This friendly dog is usually great with children, although older children are preferable. Pugapoo Dog Breed Activity Requirements: Pugs are not considered very active dogs requiring much activity. Poodles, on the other hand, do require a significant amount of exercise due to their working past. Estimate dedicating around 45 minutes of your day to giving a Pug Poodle Mix a proper amount of exercise. This can be in the form of walks and trips to the dog park where they can romp with other dogs. As a puppy, a Pugpoo may require more exercise than just 45 minutes. Something to be cautious about with this breed is their bradycephalic condition. Their flat snout contributes to this and can have adverse effects on ability of the Poodle Pug mix to breathe properly, especially after physically exerting themselves. Additionally, be careful that the Pugapoo does not become overheated. Keep water nearby and always encourage frequent breaks. Photo courtesy of maya. Alternative Breeds to the Pug Poodle Mix. In general, it is a dog that is pretty affectionate, loyal and devoted, and makes a good apartment dog. They are gentle and sociable though, but have a hint of willfulness and whims in their character, making them relatively slow in responding to training. Hence, careful training is required since they would be willing to please their masters. Pugapoos generally bark less, but can turn up to be barkers if they take too much after their poodle parents. They are naturally playful and get along well with kids and other pets, but will never forget alarming their family members if they hear a strange noise or see a stranger around. The breed does not do well if kept alone for long periods of time. Care Exercise Being a high-energy breed, with quite a good amount of activity, the pugapoo will obtain its exercise it needs on its own. Since it is an indoor breed, it does not need a significant amount of space to stay active. For all these reasons, the little canine does not require lots of exercises. Take it out for a short daily walk, or even a jogging session. The playful pugapoo would enjoy playing flyball, rally and obedience games with you. This should also keep them healthy and sound both physically and mentally. Grooming Grooming your pugapoo completely depends on its coat type. Brushing them once a month should be enough to keep it clean. They need occasional trimming. But you must also remember that the curly version of the pugapoo sheds relatively lesser than the short, straight version. Clip the hair to avoid tousles. If you know how to clip it, you can use your skills else, you can well take your dog to the professional. Do not bathe your dog frequently or unnecessarily. Give it a shower only when its coat is really dirty. Health Problems As most dog lovers would know, the gene pool of the crossbreed dogs is much larger than the purebred ones, and hence, the former breed of dogs are not as susceptible to developing congenital problems as the latter. However, this does not necessarily mean that your dog is completely protective of all health hazards and issues. Keep an eye for general dog issues like hip dysplasia, eye, breathing and dental problems, allergies, neurological problems like Pug Dog Encephalitis, thyroid, hormonal disorders, etc. Training Begin training your puppies before they are 16 weeks old because it is this time when new faces are more acceptable to the pups. Teach them tricks and train them to socialize well, but do use positive reinforcement techniques like food rewards and praises. Pugapoo pups are sensible young ones, always eager to see you impressed, and they would learn to pick up training in no time. All you need is patience, and you will be rewarded with a beautiful companion. Its regular meals should comprise of regular high-quality foods that are meant for dogs of its size and the same level of energy. Interesting Facts Pugapoos enjoy being in the house, never outdoors. This breed does best in homes with older children who will treat them tenderly. Pugapoos that take much after their pug parents might be prone to snorting and snoring. Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. Lifespan Sociability One big draw of the Pugapoo is their relatively low cost compared to either parent. Both the Pug and the Poodle are fully pedigreed breeds, accepted by the major canine organizations. This means that their puppies can get very expensive. Pugapoos, however, are a designer breed. As an alternative, you can check around at local shelters and see if there are any Pugapoo puppies available for adoption. Some Pugapoos Are Hypoallergenic One of the multitude of desirable traits displayed by the Poodle is their hypoallergenic fur. Allergies are a major deterrent that prevents many people from experiencing the joy and companionship of a lovely canine companion. Not all Pugapoos are hypoallergenic because offspring only inherit some traits from each parent. Their genetics may heavily favor one parent or the other, or they could possibly get nearly equal traits from both. They can be almost any color, usually a mixture of several. Moreover, they can range drastically in size, weight, and even temperament. You can have a litter of Pugapoos where each pup looks completely unique. This is actually quite common, with each puppy taking apparently random genetic cues from each parent. You could take two siblings from a litter that look like entirely different breeds of dog! They Prefer to Stay Indoors Some dogs are perfectly happy spending the majority of their time outside. In fact, some dogs are happier this way! But not the Pugapoo. This is an indoor dog through and through. Your dog will be very unhappy and will openly display its displeasure to let you know. Pugapoo pups tend to follow suit, generally displaying above-average levels of intelligence. These are also very playful and affectionate dogs. They want to be close to their person, playing together or cuddling up all the time. Are These Dogs Good for Families? A Pugapoo that has been around kids and other pets since it was young is going to be a very social dog that gets along well with just about everyone. Pugpoo Description The Pugapoo is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Pug and the Poodle. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. She has a wonderful personality, was easy to train and is very loveable. She likes to sleep under the blankets like a human. She definitely does not have the Poodle fur at all. Jasmine's fur can been seen on the couch, carpet and on our shirts when we hold her, but it's fine, small hairs that we see, not big clumps like some dogs would leave behind. Notice how some of the puppies have Poodle-type coats which will not shed and some have Pug-type coats which may or may not shed. The pups with the Poodle coats you will have to take to the groomer to get clipped. The pups with the Pug coats may stay short and you may not have to get them clipped. However, this will not be certain until the pups grow up. Update: This is a picture of Rosco, one of the Pug-looking pups shown above, all grown up at about a year old. His owners say, "He is very unique. He doesn't have to be groomed, but when he is, his hair is vastly different. It is softer, lighter and doesn't shed. This is the top recommended dog food for different types of small dog breeds. It contains 28 percent of protein, 16 percent of fat, 4 percent of fiber, and Omega-3 and Omega.It consists of small and bite-sized kibbles specifically for pugs, and it is made up of chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, and corn. The shape of the kibbles is designed to aid the pugs with picking up the food since this dog has a short muzzle, making it difficult to eat. Orijen Adult Dog Food. This dog food is free of grain. It is made up of chicken, fish, turkey, and avocado, or approximately 80 percent of meat and 20 percent of vegetables and fruits. Avoderm Small Breed. This dog food is formulated for dogs that are 20 pounds and below only. It has percent of crude protein and 16 percent of crude fat, beef, and avocado. Small dogs that are obese should consider eating this dog food. It has no byproducts, no corn, wheat, and soy, and contains chicken meal. Whichever brand you settle on, you want to be sure it makes only the best dry dog food. Those formulas are not ridden with additives, by-products, preservatives, and artificial colorings that are typical of the worst dry dog food. Puppies have special nutritional requirements, so if you have one at home, make sure you only get them the best puppy food brands. Old dogs are also not excluded from special treatment. Give your loyal, elderly pup the best kind of chow for their age by following our best senior dry dog food guide. Feeding your Pug Poodle mix should have a balanced diet just like any other dog. You should consult with your veterinarian about these dog foods and devise a holistic dietary plan. Too much protein is too much calorie for the dog and may result in too much weight. It may not be the most energetic dog, but it can adapt to the lifestyle of the family. You should make at least 30 minutes to 45 minutes of playtime and mental stimulation for the dog. Below are some activities for the dog: Walking or Jogging. This activity is encouraged since it would quickly burn down the energy level of your dog. Playing fetch. This is another alternative to walking or jogging outside. It also encourages mental stimulation since it would eventually learn new commands and react to it. This is an effective method of molding the attitude of your dog into a pet-friendly animal. Not only does it learn how to socialize with other dogs, but also learn how to play with children. Trick training. There are various exercises that incorporate both physical and mental stimulation that is applied when teaching your dog to climb over an obstacle or jump over a fence. Pug Poodle Crossbreed Training Pug Poodle mixes are easily trainable once you get past its quite stubborn personality. If the dog is left untrained, it would have the tendency to jump up to people while being excited. Other times, the dog may become noisy and difficult to handle around strangers or guests at home. Here are some approaches to addressing these issues: Socialization. The Pug Poodle mix is a dog with a small pinch of attitude. The dog will eventually learn new social skills and make the necessary behavioral adjustments to please its owner. Positive Reinforcement. Rewarding your dog while teaching it commands can come a long way to its relationship with you. You give your dog a reward such as a treat or a toy whenever it successfully responds to your command but gives it nothing until it learns how to react correctly to your call. Puppy Training. The most important part of training the dog as a puppy is giving it your time and company. This should teach your dog the value of your bond with it and will soon acknowledge you as its alpha. Let it play with toys that you give so that it learns that being with you is a rewarding experience. Poodle Pugs and Families Pug Poodle mixes make one of the best family dogs out there. This is an adorable dog that loves nothing more than being at the center of attention. It needs constant attention and engagement with members of the family because it is eager to please. The Pug Poodle mix is very intelligent. Like its Poodle parent dog side, the dog can be taught several dog tricks and follow new commands with ease. Children would enjoy learning how to train the Pug Poodle puppy and appreciate its presence at home. This dog is also an ideal companion for people living in smaller spaces such as dorms and apartments. And because the dog should have constant companionship, it makes for ideal dogs for senior citizens or retirees who spend most of their days at home. Additionally, the Pug Poodle mix could adapt to different climates or temperatures. The Pug Poodle mix loves to fool around and play in its own way with its owner, so expect it to be noisy when it plays with you. The dog does well with other dogs and animals because of its social disposition. A Pug Poodle mix has a loving personality that makes it more than qualify as a special member of the family. This might be a cute mix, but is this pup the right pet for you? A designer mix has parents that are two different purebreds. Purebreds are dogs that have a known ancestry, or pedigree. Designer mixed breeds are different from traditional mutts. Because most mutts have two or more breeds with unknown ancestry in their background. The idea of designer crossbreeds is to combine the best qualities of two different breeds in the offspring. Many people also think that mixed breed dogs are healthier than purebred dogs. It is true that purebred dogs can suffer from health conditions caused by a lack of diversity in their genetic lines. Outcrossing can lead to more robust health in the mixed breed offspring—a concept called hybrid vigor. The Poodle breed originated with the Standard, which was then bred down to the Miniature. Toy Poodles came into being in the early 20th century, when it was created as a companion animal for sophisticated city dwellers! They are smart and confident little dogs. The cute little Pug is also classified as a Toy breed. The Pug is an ancient companion dog breed of the Far East. The first Pugs came to the West in the s, and quickly became popular pets. The Pug is known for its playful, loving, and happy personality, traits that have made it a favorite family pet for years. What are the origins of the Pug Poodle mix? Designer mixed breeds are a relatively recent development in the history of dogs. Most came into fashion just a few decades ago. What does a Pugapoo look like? As a mixed breed dog, the size and coat type can vary quite a bit. They are generally between 10 and 12 inches tall at the shoulder. The Pug has a short, smooth coat. Coat color is fawn or black. Fawn Pugs have distinctive dark masks. The coat does shed, but overall grooming requirements are minimal. Once a week brushing is usually fine for Pugs. The Toy Poodle has a more elegant appearance than the Pug. Toy Poodles weigh between 6 and 9 pounds. They stand 10 inches or less at the shoulder. The coat is dense and curly. Poodle coats can come in a wide range of solid colors. Popular colors include black, white, silver, apricot, and cream. Many owners take their Poodles to professional groomers. However, they are low shedders and can be a good choice for people with allergies. Generally, the Pug cross Toy Poodle is a small dog, ranging between 10 to 20 pounds in weight and 8 to 12 inches in height. Is the Pug Poodle mix hypoallergenic? The Pugapoo coat can favor one parent breed over the other. Their coat can be straight, curly, or somewhere in between. Coat length can be short, medium, or long. The Poodle comes in a wider range of coat colors than the Pug. Your Pugapoo can be black, white, or any shade in between. Some Pugapoos have the dark muzzle of a Pug, while others have a solid coat. Pugapoos generally have a lower-maintenance coat that a purebred Poodle, but they can require more grooming than the Pug. Shedding can also vary from minimal to normal. Pugapoo Personality The Pug was bred as a lap dog. Poodles were working dogs, which in the smaller varieties have been bred to become pets over the years. They both have traits that make the Pugapoo an appealing family pet. The Poodle is known for its intelligence, energy, and loyalty to its family. The Pug is famously cheerful, charming, and mischievous. While mixed breed dogs can inherit the temperament traits of either parent breed in any combination, the Pugapoo is generally a loving and social dog. They require a moderate amount of exercise and are very trainable. Be sure to start socializing your puppy from an early age and use only positive reinforcement training techniques. Pug health Pugs are not healthy dogs. The Pug is a brachycephalic flat-muzzled breed. These health problems include difficulty breathing. Due to blocked airways, collapsed larynx, gastrointestinal issues, heart failure, and difficulty regulating body temperature in hot weather. The Pug can also suffer from multiple eye problems because the flattened face causes the eyes to protrude. This is called brachycephalic ocular syndrome. Another health problem related to the inherent structure of the Pug is hemivertebrae , which is a painful spinal deformity seen in breeds with screw tails. Poodles can suffer from joint problems such as hip dysplasia, luxating patella, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, which causes disintegration of the hip joint. Because both parent breeds are prone to some serious health conditions, your Pugapoo can inherit these health problems as well. Pug Poodle Mix Puppies Responsible Pugapoo breeders will health test their Pug and Poodle breeding stock for inherited health conditions. Genetic tests are available for many of the inherited health problems of the parent breeds. Your breeder can also have their veterinarian test for certain joint and eye conditions and have the results certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Reputable breeders will share all relevant test results with potential buyers. Remember that brachycephalic breeds like the Pug can suffer from serious health issues. In addition to reviewing test results and the facial structure of the Pug parent, be sure to visit your breeder in person. Observe the living conditions of the home or kennel area. Choose a puppy that is lively and not overly shy. Is a Pugapoo the Right Dog for You? The Pugapoo mixes the healthy Poodle with the unhealthy Pug. The risks of their taking after the Pug parent facially are too high. However there are some other great Poodle mixes you might like to consider. References and Further Reading Beuchat, C. The Institute of Canine Biology, .American Kennel Club. They are fun and loving and make great pets! In this guide, we will discuss the characteristics of Pugapoos, their temperament, price in Australia, dietary needs, and everything else you need to know about this cute little designer dog. What is a Pugapoo? Two adorable and smart dog breeds, namely the Pug and a Poodle, give us the sweet and loving Pugapoo. These heavily wrinkled dogs were bred to be lapdogs for royalty and are one of the ancient dog breeds from China. Pugs are toy dogs but despite their small size, they are quite strong. Poodle Poodles are hypoallergenic dogs popular for their low-shedding, water-resistant coats and high intelligence. They were the most popular dogs from .They are also consistently second on the list of the smartest dog breeds in the world. Their country of origin is Germany where they were bred for duck hunting. Origin of the Pugapoo Pugapoos and other hybrid or crossbreed dogs have always existed since the dawn of time. However, breeders started studying the science of crossbreeding only in the s since more and more potential dog parents were looking for a compact, smart, low-shedding, and highly trainable dog. Around this time, the popularity of Doodle breeds crossbred dogs having one Poodle parent also escalated. Poodles were ideal for crossing with other popular dog breeds thanks to their high intelligence and low-shedding coats. The Pugapoo is a small, compact dog that combines the fun-loving attitude of both parent breeds. Pugapoos are not purebred dogs so there is no standardisation as far as their height and weight are concerned. Also, some breeders use Miniature Poodles in their breeding program while others use Toy Poodles. In general, most Pugapoos weigh between lb. The coat and appearance of a Pugapoo are also dependent on complex canine genetics. Some Pugapoos inherit the wrinkled short coat and characteristic black face mask of a Pug while others might inherit the tight, curly coat of the Poodle. If the Pug genes are dominant in your Pugapoo, then it might shed heavily and that could trigger allergies in people that are sensitive to dog dander. The common coat colours seen in Pugapoos are black, white, cream, tan, merle, apricot, fawn, blue, silver, etc. Pugapoos are hybrid dogs with dual personalities: your pet will be content to lie on the sofa by your side all day but it will also be active, playful, and cheerful from time to time. The Pugapoo is a charming dog that will win friends and influence people with its smartness, pleasant disposition, and cute looks. Being compact in size, Pugapoos are excellent pets for apartment dwellers. They also do well in the city and countryside and thanks to these advantages, we are sure the popularity of this rare designer dog breed will rise in the years to come. Your Pugapoo puppy will be completely focused on you. As a pet owner, you can take advantage of this fact and begin training your dog early on. This not only includes potty training but also obedience training. The sooner you teach your Pugapoo basic manners and simple commands such as Sit, Stay, Heel, Come, etc. Your Pugapoo will follow you from room to room and stick close to you like a shadow. Their strong people-pleasing skills combined with a stable temperament make Pugapoos excellent companions for adults and mature kids alike. Your pup will even be willing to wear clothes and march in just-for-dog show events if that pleases you! Just like in any breed, there can be a range of temperaments in the Pugapoo. Some could be shy, introverted, and even aggressive. However, these traits can be reduced through proper training and early socialisation. However, when you buy your dog from a reputable breeder, you can insist on meeting the dam and sire. Ensure they are of friendly, calm and loving disposition so your chances of getting a friendly Pugapoo puppy will be higher. Fortunately, it is very rare to find a snappy Pugapoo. They are generally sweet-natured and affectionate dogs. On rare occasions your Pugapoo bites will be out of self-defense, therefore, you must make sure your children respect your Pugapoo. A well-trained Pugapoo will gladly accompany you to work, shopping malls, and even restaurants, and movie theatres. They are easy to travel with and their compact size and love for people make them excellent therapy dogs and service dogs. Training a Pugapoo is fairly easy given its smartness and people-pleasing nature. You can always keep your puppy motivated using tasty treats but do note that these small dogs tend to gain weight fast. So make sure to only use low-calorie, natural treats for training. Pugapoos make excellent pets for most people — individuals and families. However, they do have certain needs that you must fulfil. Pugapoos are fairly easy to groom but if your pet has wrinkled skin and a squashed-in face like a Pug, then it will need special care. The wrinkles tend to accumulate oil, debris, and moisture which can result in skin infections. You need to clean these skin folds daily. Also, Pugapoos are prone to brachycephalic airway syndrome like their Pug parent. This causes overheating or difficulty in breathing as well as issues like stenotic nares. You must take care not to over-exert your pet, particularly on hot Summer days. In Australia, some dogs also need surgical correction to reduce breathing difficulties. Like all dogs, the Pugapoo needs daily exercise. Thankfully, these dogs do not need as much as some of the larger and more energetic poodle mix breeds. A short walk or two a couple of times a day should be adequate for your Pug-Doodle. How Much Does a Pugapoo Cost? Some breeders might charge more if the parent dogs are championship, agility or obedience winners. Certain coat colours also cost more. In addition to the initial cost, you must also consider the monthly and annual costs of keeping a Pugoodle. You will spend on food, vet bills, training, grooming, pet insurance, etc. Pugapoo Barking The Pugapoo will usually only bark when there is something strange in their environment. Being a small poodle mix breed, a common behaviour problem can be barking and this can be problematic when it occurs at night or when the Pugadoodle is left alone Separation Anxiety. To help prevent your Pugapoo from barking, crate training should be undertaken when they are brought home. Crate training teaches your dog to be comfortable being independent of you and represents a safe place where they can have uninterrupted rest. Similarly, Pugapoos are smart dogs that require mental stimulation. A bored Pugapoo can be a loud barker and the way to stop the barking is to provide interactive toys like Stuffed Kongs, food puzzles, snuffle mats, licky mats and long-lasting chew treats. Is a Pugapoo Hypoallergenic? First-generation Pugapoos are the result of crossing a Pug with a Toy Poodle. The resultant Pugapoo puppies usually have a wire coat, that sheds less than their pug parent. F1b generation Pugapoos have a Pugapoo and a Poodle parent. Ethical Poodle mix breeders DNA test their breeding dogs for coat traits like furnishings and shedding genes. Such breeders have a greater insight into whether their Pug cross puppies will grow to be Hypoallergenic when fully grown. What to Feed a Pugapoo? Small dogs like Pugapoos need more calories per pound than large breed dogs, because of their high metabolisms. In addition to higher metabolic rates, they also have low body fat reserves. Due to this, they could suffer from hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include lethargy, muscle tremors, etc. Therefore, you must feed calorie-dense meals to your Pugapoo puppy times a day while adult Pugapoos can be fed times a day or as advised by your vet. Like all small dogs, Pugapoos are susceptible to dental issues since they have small mouths with crowded teeth. Bacteria tend to remain trapped in their teeth, especially at the back of the mouth. Remember that Pugapoos love food and will gladly eat whatever you set in front of them. Health Issues in Pugapoos Due to the overall unhealthy structure of a Pug, many Pug mixes including Pugapoos tend to suffer from similar health issues seen in the parent breed. Of importance is the Brachycephalic Syndrome mentioned earlier. Their flattened facial structures could result in breathing issues. What is the Life Expectancy for a Pugapoo? The average lifespan of healthy Pugapoos is around 13 years. Subscribe for poodle mixed dog breeds information and exclusive offers on the best products for your pup! Leave this field empty if you're human: Share this.
We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. You have a new Labrador retriever puppy. There are various theories regarding when—and if—he should be neutered. Most have been fixed, but many have not. Labs are such friendly, intelligent, energetic dogs. The technical term is gonadectomy, which is the surgical removal of the testes in males or ovaries in females. Neutering is considered to be a simpler, less-invasive surgery than spaying. But both are safe if performed by an experienced, licensed veterinarian. Traditionally, people have had their puppies fixed for various reasons, some of which are behavioral or medical. Some physical problems have been found in larger numbers in neutered and spayed Labrador retrievers than in intact Labs. And numerous behavioral problems have been found to increase in the neutered and spayed population as compared to their intact counterparts. Researchers have discovered that even amongst similar breeds and sizes of dogs, there are very different medical outcomes for some breeds when they are spayed or neutered. Researchers Benjamin and Lynette Hart of the University of California, Davis, examined 35 dog breeds and found that vulnerability to certain diseases varies greatly depending upon breed. Their study was set forth in the Journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science. They learned that there is no one-size-fits-all decision regarding the medical effects of spaying and neutering on various breeds. And their data showed very specific findings with regard to the 35 breeds studied, including Labrador retrievers. In their study of Labrador retrievers, there were intact males, neutered males, intact females, and spayed females. This equals 1, Labs in total. Joint Disorders in Labrador Retrievers A significant increase was found regarding joint disorders in fixed dogs than occurred in intact ones. One or more joint disorders were reported in six percent of intact male and female Labrador retrievers. However, the risk of joint disorders increased by about percent in desexed Labs. In male Labs neutered before six months old, 13 percent were found to suffer from joint disorders. In female Labradors spayed before six months old and between six and 12 months old, the risk of joint disorders was found to be between 11 and 12 percent. Cancers in Labrador Retrievers As far as cancers were concerned, there was a six percent risk for intact males and an eight percent risk for intact females. Neutering was not associated with any evident increased risk of cancer at any age studied. However, Mast Cell tumors were found in one percent of intact females and two percent of females who were spayed between two and eight years of age. Other Physical Concerns in Labrador Retrievers Two percent of intact female Labs were found to have pyometra as compared to none in their spayed counterparts. Urinary incontinence was reported in two to three percent of females who were spayed through one year old. Conclusions Regarding Age To Spay or Neuter for Medical Reasons The Harts concluded that the guidelines suggested that males should be neutered if at all after they are six months old because of the much higher rate of problems suffered by male Labrador retrievers fixed before that age. They found that the guidelines suggest spaying female Labs if at all after one year old because of the increase of joint disorders when spayed prior to 11 months old. Current Behavioral Theories on Neutering and Spaying Dogs There have been long-held beliefs that spaying and neutering help prevent or end certain undesirable behaviors such as those in the bulleted list above. But many of those anecdotal thoughts have been disproven by current scientific studies. This standardized behavioral evaluation test was developed and validated by Yuying and James Serpell in at the University of Pennsylvania. Since , the public has been able to access the study and fill in numerical scores for 14 different categories of dog behavior. The current database contains detailed behavioral evaluations for about 50, pet dogs consisting of more than different breeds and cross breeds. With regard to many of the behavioral studies, generally the earlier that a dog was fixed, the more negative effects were seen regarding behavior. In the studies, female dogs who were spayed later in life were less likely to show an increase in aggression than females spayed at a young age. And neutered male dogs were found to be more likely to be aggressive toward intact males than other intact males were. So how are all behaviors affected by neutering or spaying? Preventing a Male Dog from Roaming and Seeking out a Female Dog in Heat Current studies confirm that neutered males are less likely than their intact counterparts to roam and seek female dogs in heat. Having a calmer puppy Modern studies show that fixed dogs are about eight percent more excitable than intact ones. A significant increase in fear and anxiety was seen in neutered dogs regardless of the age of neutering. Stopping or Preventing Urine Marking The studies showed that neutered dogs are less likely to leave urine marks indoors. Stopping or Preventing Excessive Barking More anxious and fearful behaviors as well as more excitability were seen in desexed male and female dogs. And excessive barking when alarmed or excited was seen more often in neutered dogs. However, neutered dogs were found to be less likely to howl when left alone. Stopping or Preventing Aggression This was one of the most surprising results in the studies. Contrary to popular belief, more aggressive behaviors were seen in fixed dogs than in intact ones. Specifically, neutered dogs were more likely show an increase in certain aggressive behaviors when: Delivery workers approached the home Strangers walked past their home Joggers, cyclists, and rollerbladers passed by They were approached directly by an unfamiliar female dog An unfamiliar person approached the owner or another family member or even just visited the home Small animals such as cats or squirrels entered the yard The significantly higher aggression score seen in neutered males as compared to intact dogs was seen regardless of the age that the dogs were neutered. In spayed females, there was a significant increase in aggression scores when they were spayed at 12 months old or earlier as compared with their intact counterparts. Fear-Related Behaviors Neutered dogs demonstrated more fear-related behaviors than their intact counterparts. The younger the dog was neutered, the more severe the fear-related effects were. In fact, a 31 percent increase in fearfulness was seen in spayed females and neutered males. These included : Responses to loud noises When they are first exposed to unfamiliar situations When approached directly by an unfamiliar child When barked at or growled at by an unfamiliar dog When approached by an unfamiliar dog who is of similar size or larger When encountering strange or unfamiliar objects on or near the sidewalk When encountering windblown objects When being examined by a veterinarian When having nails clipped 7. The Trainability of the Puppy Whereas it has been believed that a desexed puppy is more trainable, current research has demonstrated that this is not the case. In fact, the evidence showed that spayed and neutered dogs are less trainable and less responsive to cues overall. The only positive behavior noted with regard to obedience was that desexed dogs were more likely to return to their owners when off-leash and more likely to reliably retrieve tossed items. Separation and Attention-Seeking Behavior Neutered and spayed dogs were found to have more separation-related behaviors. And they also had more attachment and attention-seeking behavior than their intact counterparts. Touch Sensitivity A 33 percent increase in touch sensitivity was seen in spayed and neutered dogs. This can potentially affect how receptive a dog is to grooming. Other Behavioral Problems Seen in Neutered Dogs Additional unwanted behaviors were also seen more often in neutered dogs than in intact ones. Or to deal with a female dog in heat. Or to find homes for a litter of puppies. In the s, the animal overpopulation problem led to the regular spaying and neutering of puppies, often around six months of age. Over time, many shelters and rescue groups performed surgeries to fix dogs at an even earlier age, such as eight weeks old. Female dogs go into heat approximately every six months for about 18 days each time. Personally, all of my dogs have been spayed or neutered. The rescues came to me fixed, and I chose to desex the others. One of my dogs was a Belgian tervuren named Jenny who I purchased from a breeder. It was many years ago, and I wanted to show a dog in conformation competition. The theory is that the best representatives of each breed should continue to reproduce to protect its heritage. Even though my male dogs were fixed, they all were attracted to her when she was in heat. So I had to carefully monitor all of them and manage the situation so that there were no disputes. And she wore a doggy panty with a disposable pad when she was in heat. After she obtained her Championship, I had her spayed. I chose not to breed her because there were too many dogs in the world without homes. Life was much calmer and easier after Jenny was spayed. Of course, this can also help reduce the risk of having unwanted puppies. And it helps keep your male Lab puppy safe because a dog who escapes can become lost or injured. This led to the organization supporting early-age sterilization in order to prevent the accidental breeding of young cats and dogs. There are too many puppies and dogs who need homes. And not enough loving homes. However, this long-held belief has been disproven. Spaying and Neutering for Reduced Overall Costs Although neutering or spaying your beloved Labrador retriever has initial costs, the amount is miniscule in comparison to properly raising a litter of puppies. Vet care for a litter of puppies and for the pregnant mother is very expensive. And feeding and caring for them is costly too! Many shelters and rescue groups have low-cost or free spay and neuter clinics. First of all, the breeding parents should have many different health clearances. Breeding without the required tests is irresponsible. And potentially dangerous to both the breeding female and to the offspring. Keep in mind too that the tests, vet care, food, puppy raising, and other necessities cost money and take a lot of time. Spaying and Neutering To Be Socially Conscious In addition to helping prevent the overpopulation problem, spaying or neutering your Labrador retriever puppy will often be better for your community. Dogs from unwanted litters are often abandoned, thereafter suffering from illness and untimely death. They can also pose a danger to other dogs by spreading diseases. And, because they may not be properly trained and socialized, they may become aggressive to people and dogs. Abandoned dogs may also pose risks of accidents and destruction to property. Instead, you can teach your child through books or videos about childbirth. FAQs Are spayed or neutered dogs more likely to become overweight than unfixed dogs? Dogs who are overfed and under-exercised gain weight. Does spaying or neutering prevent or stop a dog from becoming aggressive? Scientific data actually shows that spaying or neutering may increase aggression towards people and other dogs. Should I spay or neuter my Labrador retriever puppy? There are certain benefits to fixing your dog such as not dealing with a female dog in heat or a male dog who tends to roam seeking female dogs in heat. Summary of Information Behavioral data shows an increase in many unwanted behaviors in neutered and spayed dogs, including aggression, fearfulness, less trainability, excitability, excessive barking, separation-related issues, and touch sensitivity. And male Labs neutered prior to six months old and female Labs spayed before a year old tended to have more joint disorders. Of course, these are just two factors of many to consider when deciding whether—and, if so, when—to fix your Labrador retriever. Neutering does help prevent male dogs from roaming and from urine marking. Final Thoughts So, should you spay or neuter your Labrador retriever puppy and, if so, when? Health, behavior, and other considerations need to be analyzed. Have you spayed or neutered your Labrador retriever puppy? At what age? What determined your decision? Please tell us about it in the comments. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. Keep in touch. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Neutering your Labrador can help behavioral issues but is not a replacement for training. Neutered dogs can live a healthy life up to 1. Consult your veterinarian before going through with this major procedure. Neutering offers benefits like avoiding certain cancers and improving behavioral issues. Neutering is a common procedure for male dogs that involves removing the testicles. It is a safe procedure for the health of your dog when done by a professional. It is typically performed by a veterinarian using general anesthesia. There may be up to several days of recovery required afterward. What is the Difference Between Neuter and Spay? When you see the word neuter used when talking about pets like Labradors, it refers to male dogs. The word for female dogs is spay. Neutering a Labrador puppy can be beneficial for curbing some behaviors related to sexual maturity, such as aggression and territorial marking. But it is important to note that neutering alone can not eliminate all undesirable behaviors. Other forms of training and discipline are vital components in helping your Labrador grow into the best version of themselves. Never forget that each dog is as unique as each human and may respond differently to being neutered. Before moving forward, discuss any concerns about your Labrador's unwanted behavior with a veterinarian or professional dog trainer before you make your decision about neutering. They can help assess your individual dog and their temperament and needs to provide guidance on the most suitable course of action. Neutering is not a magic pill, even though it is often the right thing to do for your dog. Do Neutered Labradors Live Longer? There is some evidence to suggest that spaying or neutering your Labrador may have a positive impact on their lifespan. On average, neutered males and spayed female dogs can live up to a year and a half longer than intact dogs. Neutering may be a beneficial choice for your dog, as studies have found it can help reduce the risk of aggressive behavior and certain types of cancers associated with the reproductive system. By choosing to neuter or spay your dog, you are taking steps towards helping them live their best life with you and your family. We recommend managing your expectations as pet owners. Neutering a dog can influence their lifespan, but the impact depends on several other factors, too, like genetics, diet, lifestyle, and overall health problems. Spaying is a safe, effective way to ensure your female Labrador lives a good life according to your plans. Also called an ovariohysterectomy, this procedure is performed by a qualified vet while under general anesthesia, just like the male dog version of neutering. Spay can be thought of as the female dog version of neuter. Being responsible dog owners can have great rewards for you and your female Labrador. Spaying offers numerous health benefits. Health-wise, it offers protection against scary, life-threatening illnesses, including uterine infections and breast tumors. For you guys, the pet owners, spaying can help you evade the high cost and responsibility of caring for an unexpected litter of unwanted puppies, as well as the potential legal and financial issues that frequently come with unplanned dog breeding. When choosing to spay or neuter your young Labrador Retriever, their intended role is an important factor. As always, have an open and honest conversation with a trusted, licensed veterinarian before making any decisions. Veterinarians and the best available data recommend spaying or neutering your Labradors between 9 and 15 months of age. Since Labrador Retrievers are a larger breed than others, they take a bit longer to reach sexual maturity. In rare cases, earlier neutering may be recommended, only by a vet, if the dog is already presenting unwanted behaviors like marking territory or humping. The short answer is no. Neutering is a great choice for many dogs, regardless of age. The health risks and benefits change and should be taken into account when considering neutering older dogs. With proper care from you and your vet, your Labrador can enjoy the rewards at any stage of life. Neutering may even be considered a treatment for conditions like testicular cancer. Essentially, if your older dog is healthy enough to undergo surgery of any kind, they are still able to be spayed or neutered. On average, it costs less to neuter a male dog than it costs to spay a female dog. Spaying is a more complicated and invasive procedure. Some vets will take the opportunity to perform other procedures like teeth extraction while your dog is under general anesthesia. Post-surgical care can increase the cost as well. By Tom Massey Dec 09, When you become the owner of a puppy, there are several things you should do to encourage its overall wellness, like making sure it gets plenty of exercise, feeding it high-quality food, attending frequent vet checkups, and scheduling a spay or neuter appointment at the appropriate age. Spaying or neutering your lab—or having a gonadectomy performed—is one of the best ways that you can ensure a happy and healthy life with your puppy. This procedure has proven to help reduce major health risks like cancer, eliminate unwanted pregnancy, and even assist with undesired behaviors in males. Spaying, or ovariohysterectomy, is a procedure specific to females that refers to removing her reproductive organs, including her ovaries and uterus. Neutering, or orchiectomy, is the procedure specific to males that refers to removing both testicles so that he is unable to reproduce anymore. Neutering helps control reproductive urges and suppress unwanted behaviors like aggression. Some veterinarians believe that six months old is a good time to spay or neuter, but one study found that doing so this early could increase the likeliness of joint disorders and certain cancers in adulthood. This is typically when he or she is more than 45 pounds and between 9 to 15 months old. Before you set the appointment, be sure to speak with your vet about the right time for your puppy based on its health, gender, and size. Benefits to Spaying or Neutering There are several health benefits to spaying or neutering your Labrador puppy. But even if you plan on keeping a litter or two, females can have up to 12 puppies per litter—so it can get hectic and expensive keeping up with all of their behaviors, attention needs, and health requirements. This is to help prevent overpopulation, unsafe breeding practices, and unwanted puppies in the future. Benefit 2: Reduces Health Risks Did you know that getting your Labrador spayed or neutered increases its longevity? Pyometra is one of the most prevalent, potentially life-threatening uterine infections that are specific to labs. The good news is that spaying or neutering ultimately reduces the risk of contracting this infection! Males will also have a decreased risk for testicular cancer, and females are less likely to get mammary, uterine, ovarian, or cervical tumors. Benefit 3: Assists with Behavior Issues When a male lab enters adulthood, he might begin exhibiting some unwanted behaviors that come with puberty, such as: Mounting Urine marking Aggression towards other dogs and human family members Neutering is the most effective way to reduce these habits. Additionally, females will stop going into heat throughout the year, which will eliminate howling and bleeding during her reproductive seasons. Conclusion Spaying or neutering is one of the most common pet surgeries in the world. Not only does it help reduce unwanted pregnancies, but it also has been proven to aid with behavioral issues and lesson significant health risks well into adulthood. The best time to spay or neuter your lab would be once it hits puberty, which is usually between 9 and 15 months old. At Snowy Pines, all puppies are treated like family—so that they are ready to join yours the day you take them home. Contact Snowy Pines today! Share on. When should I neuter my dog? This traditionally involved an operation to remove the testicles in a male dog or the uterus and ovaries in a female dog. Spaying in the traditional manner is a major surgical procedure. Nowadays there are more options available to us than in years gone by. Female dogs can be spayed using a laproscopic procedure which enables the uterus to be left intact and which is a less invasive method than the traditional. Attitudes towards neutering are changing in the light of recent research and opinions vary widely from one country to another. Neutering in different countries In some countries most dogs are neutered at a very early age and you are considered totally irresponsible if you fail to neuter your dog. Neutering is routinely practised in some parts of the world, Australia for example, and the USA where a widespread spay and neuter campaign has been in operation for some decades In some regions, neutering your pets is obligatory. In Los Angeles County for example, most dogs and cats are required to be sterilised before they are four months old! At the other end of the scale in some countries, neutering is considered offensive. In Norway for example, it is considered unacceptable to neuter a dog without valid medical reasons, and birth control is not one of them. Over in the UK neutering is not universally practised. And though many Labradors are neutered, many are also left entire. In our modern digital world where it is easy to talk to people from all over the world, these differences can cause confusion and even argument. Neutering vs leaving entire There are now groups on Facebook set up to oppose the routine neutering of dogs, and strong feelings about neutering from both sides of the argument. In fact there is no need for argument. This should really be a fact based issue. And facts are what you will find on this page and in the resources I link to. Why Neuter Your Dog? There are lots of reasons why people neuter their dogs, and those reasons are based on beliefs that people hold about the outcome of neutering and how it will affect their dog. In general, apart from birth control, people tend to neuter male dogs for behavioral reasons, and to neuter female dogs for reasons of convenience Birth control Some people think that it is their duty to neuter their dog in order to prevent more puppies being brought into the world. In practical terms, there are other simple ways to ensure that dogs do not reproduce during their lifetimes for those that choose not to neuter. But there is no doubt that neutering is a complete and permanent way to avoid your dog producing any offspring. Does Neutering Change Behavior? Many people for example think that neutering will calm their male Labrador down. Some think it will stop him humping things. This is not necessarily the case. Others think that male dogs will become aggressive if not neutered. Many top pet websites still promote this idea. But along with some other assumptions about neutering, it is now known to be incorrect. In fact recent studies found more behavioral problems in neutered dogs than in entire ones. The truth is, that behavioural effects vary and are not what we once believed. But in short, the evidence now point to behavioral problems being more common in neutered dogs, not the other way around. For these reasons, many people will choose to neuter a female dog so that she never comes into season again Neutering for health Neutering female dogs confers a couple of important health benefits. Including protection from mammary cancer if carried out early, and protection from pyometra. Unfortunately, we now know that neutering also comes packaged with some serious health risks. In male dogs, these health risks to neutering almost certainly outweigh any health benefits. In females, balancing these up is not easy. Getting at the facts — an objective view The truth is, that there are both benefits and disadvantages to neutering, and we look at each of these in more detail in our articles on male and female dogs. Recent research has highlighted some serious long term health risks to neutering including increased risks of cancer, dementia, and some common joint problems. And you need to know about these. Some of the reasons people neuter their dogs, are based on beliefs that are not supported by evidence. And some of the reasons that people neuter their dogs, could be better achieved by other means. Most information about neutering seems to be presented from one angle or the other. What we have tried to do here, is to present the information about neutering in a factual and objective way, so that you can decide for yourself what is best for your family and your dog. Different methods of neutering In the past, neutering was always a surgical procedure. Nowadays there are a few more options available to us than there used to be Castrating male dogs Traditionally, male dogs were neutered by a small and simple surgical procedure during which the testicles are removed through a small incision in the scrotum. This is still a common procedure. Recovery time is quite rapid and the dog becomes infertile within a couple of months as no more sperm are produced. Apart from infertility, the effects of surgical castration can be variable depending on the dog, that too is covered in the link above Chemical castration Chemical castration is an option now available to pet owners in some regions. Chemical castration does not have exactly the same effects as surgical castration, there is some testosterone remaining for example, but it gives you some idea of how permanent castration might affect your dog. Some people might find it helpful to have a trial run of castrating their dog using the chemical option before going for a permanent solution Like surgical castration the affects can be variable. There are also some possible side effects to chemical castration which you will need to discuss with your vet. These may vary from dog to dog and are most likely to occur during the first few days after the injection. Spaying a female dog Traditional methods of spaying female dogs involve major abdominal surgery. Recovery time is at least two week. There is however, now an alternative Laparoscopic spay With a laparoscopic spay, two tiny incisions are made and only the ovaries are removed. The laparoscopic spay is a much simpler procedure. The effects of neutering in dogs Apart from rendering your dog infertile, neutering or de-sexing, has other effects. Differences in physical appearance between neutered and un-neutered dogs will depend on the age at which the dog was neutered Neutered dogs look different A neutered male will have no testicles, which can be very apparent in shortcoated dogs. These are known as neuticles! A male dog neutered before he reaches sexual maturity will look less masculine than an entire adult dog. Dogs of both sexes will usually grow a little taller than they would have done if they had not been neutered. And female dogs neutered later in life may develop a rather coarse, scruffy coat. However, most of the changes that result from neutering are less obvious. They involve the behavior and long term health of your dog. Behavioral changes after neutering Changes in behavior after neutering are not always predictable. What people think will happen to their dog, is not always what happens at all. Especially where dogs are neutered later in life. The behavioral changes of neutering neutering a male dog are limited. Although roaming behavior can be. The Risks Some people are surprised to discover that there are risks to neutering a dog. Risks that go beyond the basic risk of surgery and anesthesia. In several breeds of dog these risks have been shown to include an increased rate of certain cancers. And an increased susceptibility to some serious joint problems. Life is more complicated than that. This leaves owners in something of a dilemma. Especially if their veterinary professional is not up to date with the latest research or has formed different conclusions as to its implications. Therefore you will need to weigh up the pros and cons carefully and consider the evidence available. Deciding whether or not to neuter your dog For many people, there is no doubt that a neutered pet is simply more convenient. If you need to go out to work and your dog needs a place in doggy day care, he may need to be neutered. Many day care centres simply will not accept an entire dog. Caring for some females in season can be a somewhat messy business. And not being able to take your dog out for several weeks can be annoying. And these exist for both male and female dogs. There are also some health benefits to neutering a female dog. These are clearly explained in the articles linked to in this article. The important thing is to make an active choice based on information. My personal view is that neutering a dog for convenience is the right decision for some families. But I do think it is important that you are aware that this is what you are doing. I increasingly meet dog owners that have had their pets neutered purely for health reasons. Or to prevent their male dog becoming aggressive. Only to find out that this was not only unnecessary, but may actually have disadvantaged their dog. This is very upsetting to discover after irreversible surgery has taken place When to Neuter a Labrador If you decide to have your pet neutered, you will also need to decide what is the right age to have the procedure carried out. In the USA there is a tendency to carry out pediatric neutering neutering before sexual maturity. In the UK, vets normally recommend that female dogs are allowed to have one season before being spayed to allow her to mature physically. The advantages of pediatric neutering are from a birth control standpoint. There are no advantages to the individual dog to be neutered at less than six months old. And there is some evidence that the health risks of neutering will be exacerbated by neutering your Labrador at a very early age. Remember, unless you are required by law to neuter your pet by the time he is a few months old, it is your decision to make. If you decide to delay neutering, or even put it off altogether, you will need to take responsibility. Ensuring that no unwanted puppies are brought into the world. Do talk to your veterinarian about any concerns you may have. A good vet will not simply state that all dogs should be neutered but should be aware of the latest research. They will also prepared to discuss this with you and help you come to best decision for your family. Just drop your address into the box below. These varying opinions are a result of the many different reasons you should fix a male dog and a female dog. Some reasons can be to best care for the health of your dog while other reasons for fixing could be to eliminate risk of having an accidental mating resulting in unwanted puppies who may end up in shelters or homes where they are not cared for properly. There are different reasons to spay and neuter a Labrador if you are considering health first. However, fixing your dog at the wrong time could increase the risk of many health issues for your Labrador that could otherwise be avoided. First off you will want to keep your Lab away from other dogs who you do not know if they are fixed or not. Female dogs emit a strong scent that males can smell from miles away. So if your female is not yet fixed be sure to keep her inside or on a leash and supervised while outside. All it takes is thirty seconds of her not being watched and suddenly you could have an intact male jump your fence or dig under resulting in a lock between the two. So having your dog neutered early and spayed early is important to do your part to keep the unwanted pet population down. However, it is important that the females are spayed earlier than the males for health reasons. It is generally accepted practice to spay the female Lab early, and by early I mean before their first heat. It is also accepted that male Labs be neutered a little bit later once they are fully grown. The recommendation is to spay before their first heat which helps eliminates unwanted dogs in shelters AND eliminates some big cancer and other medical risks for her. However, spaying your female this early could contribute to joint issues such as hip dysplasia because their hormones are being altered before they are fully grown. One problem that arises if she is not spayed prior to her first heat is the risk of Pyometra. In intact females the effect of sex hormones can result in over stimulation of cells in the uterus which eventually may result in a severe E coli infection and a pus infection in the uterus. Signs of Pyometra can include lethargy, increased thirst, increased urination, not eating, a foul odor coming from their behind, draining of Pus from the vulva, excess licking of the vulva, collapse or fever related to signs of shock. If you observe any of these symptoms in your Lab after her heat cycle take her to the Vet right away as Pyometra could result in death for her if her uterus ruptures and causes a severe infection bacterial infection in the blood stream and abdomen. Other issues that present themselves if you leave your female Labrador to have a heat while in tact are cancer related. On average a female Lab will have her first heat around six months of age so spaying her in advance of this will help avoid most issues related to cancer such as mammary tumors. The statistic available at the time of writing this is that Labradors who are spayed prior to their first heat only have a 0. Risks for other cancers such as uterine also decrease when they are spayed prior to their first heat. It is important to point out that not all mammary tumors are cancerous and actually most of them are not cancerous, but there is no reason to encourage these tumors simply because they are not cancerous. The down side to spaying before your girl is fully grown is that her hormonal balance will be altered. In order for her to grow naturally she needs the hormones available to her naturally. Altering this natural balance could result in development problems with her joints and result in hip dysplasia or other joint issues or tendon ruptures. The same study goes on to identify that hemangiosarcoma cases in late-spayed females was 4 times more than females spayed early. One final point to mention is that spayed females may also develop a weakened bladder known as spay incontinence or urinary incontinence. So, to sum this all up for female Labradors, at present it appears that fixing them early can greatly reduce the risk of certain types of cancer while increasing the risk of joint-related problems. So how do you decide? We recommend becoming as informed as possible, consulting with your Veterinarian, and then prioritizing your reasons for spaying. On the male Labrador side, if you neuter your pet you can still have a happy pet and often more healthy! Generally you neuter a male after they are fully grown because they require their hormones to thicken up and develop as a male dog would normally. Fully grown is at different times for different breeds of dogs. Generally the larger your dog is the longer it takes them to mature. Large breeds could take up to two years to fully grow and medium breeds are closer to one year. Neutering your Lab will also pretty much eliminate the risk of prostate disease including cysts, abscesses and prostate enlargement. Perineal hernias can also be mostly avoided as they are primarily seen in intact males. A Perineal hernia is when organs from the belly slip through the weakened muscles of the pelvis resulting in a bulge on one or both sides of the anus. As well, neutering your Labrador removes the risk of testicular cancer which is mostly seen in intact male dogs. There are some behavioral issues related to neutering that are worth mentioning. There are however some behavioral issues that are related to male hormones. These can be things such as roaming, mounting other dogs, attraction to female dogs, urine marking and even aggression. Good Labrador Retriever breeders would do this in their breeding programs, however, I have never seen an aggressive Labrador who has been trained and cared for properly. Normally an aggressive dog will be neglected or abused which ends up training them to act that way. Neutering may help to dampen or eliminate any behaviors that are related to the hormones. So there are many points that require your consideration, advice from your breeder and advice from your Veterinarian. In the world we live in today we are all trying to do the absolute best we can for our pets. We cannot, however play God. So once you have enough information sit with your family and have a brief discussion. Weigh the pros and cons of spaying and neutering and then make your decision. Then, forget about it. Once your decision has been made return to enjoying your Lab puppy for the time you have with them. Mast cell tumour Shorter life expectancy Research now shows that desexing before 12 months old in larger breed dogs signficantly increases the risk of joint disorders, in particular cruciate ligament tears and dysplasia. Some research suggests this risk increases by as much as three times if the dog is spayed at a young age. Until a dog reaches sexual maturity, their bones and joints are still developing and ossifying forming and hardening. Joint plates do not close until sexual maturity. Visit our Exercise, Growth and Joints page. Removing the ovaries or testes disrupts the production of hormones that play an important role in body processes such as bone development and when to signal growth plate closure. Veterinarians are now applying the research which shows that early sterilisation increases the risk of dysplasia, impacts bone and joint development, and increases joint disease in their practice and recommend to delay sterilisation in larger breeds such as labradors, golden retrievers, and german shepherds until they reach sexual maturity, to decrease their risk of dysplasia and joint disease. Most breeders who understand the risks to growth and development have been making this recommendation for many years, and finally the scientific studies to evidence this are being published. A heat cycle lasts about 3 weeks and happens about every 6 months. During her heat, she will bleed on and off for this period of time. It is important that females be allowed to have one or two seasons before sterilisation, to ensure they have reached sexual maturity, since disruption of sex hormones affects growth and development especially of bones and joints. It is critical that she does not come into contact with any male dogs, as she is fertile during her heat. Females on heat should not be exercised in public and cannot enter dog training grounds. Ensure she is kept in your own fully secure yard, preventing her getting out and any males getting in. Males can detect a female on heat from a long distance and will climb, jump, dig, or whatever it takes to get to her. Male dogs will track and follow a female on heat for a long distance, several kilometres, so make sure she is safely secure. Managing a female dog on heat is otherwise not that difficult. She will usually become more cuddly and clingy to her humans. It is important to give her the extra affection she is seeking. Lots of hugs and reassurance. As for bleeding, they usually do not bleed too much and are pretty good at cleaning up after themselves by licking. Although being outdoors in the yard is going to be more convenient, cuddles and affection must not be neglected. When she comes inside the house, you can use doggie diapers to contain the bleeding. Just cut out a hole with some scissors for the tail! Only use a pad for a short time hours otherwise she can get an infection yes, they can get toxic shock syndrome. As for bedding, we dont worry if it gets a few spots, we just wash it with disinfectant. As your labrador will be desexed between months old, she will probably only have cycles before she is spayed and then you will not have to worry about this in the future. Remember, what it is a temporary inconvenience to us humans, has life-long benefits for her in terms of her health. Castrating Male Dogs Traditionally, male dogs are neutered by a small and simple surgical procedure during which the testicles are removed. Recovery time is quite rapid and the dog becomes infertile within a couple of months as no more sperm are produced. Remember that they can still have stored sperm up until months after being castrated. So, do not allow contact with any fertile females immediately after spaying, as he is not infertile until months later. In male dogs, the health risks of neutering too young almost certainly outweigh any health benefits. Similar to the opposite gender, is important that males be allowed to reach sexual maturity — said to be around 12 months old. At this age, they are nowhere near finished growing and maturing yet. Removal of sex hormones at a young age affects the growth and development especially of bones and joints. A male dog neutered before he reaches sexual maturity will look less masculine and have a more feminine head. Muscle tone and bone density can also be affected. Male labradors are not known for as many undesirable behaviours compared to other breeds. Boisterous adolescence is normal. Labradors tend to become calmer as they mature. Behaviours that might change or be reduced after castration include leg cocking and roaming. Roaming is a behaviour easily prevented by secure fencing and increased mental stimulation and exercise. Labradors are not naturally known for aggressive traits. In the unlikely event that your male labrador is showing dominant or aggressive behaviour, please chat to us. Studies have shown that aggression is unlikely to lessen by castration. Help from a dog behaviourist is more likely to benefit.
pug chihuahua puppy - Things to Avoid Suggestions on how to choose a breed Visit several dogs shows locally and meet the dogs and their owners. Ask questions! Most people are willing to talk for hours about their precious pooches, after they've finished in the ring. You can find out what's involved in keeping a Bearded Collie in show coat hours and hours , whether you can keep a Samoyed white in our red mud, or whether a Silky Terrier would be a good dog with toddlers. After deciding on a breed or breeds that you are interested in, visit and talk to as many breeders as you can. Investigate health and temperament problems in the breed of choice. The library will also have information. Almost every AKC recognized breed club sponsors a rescue program. Generally the dogs available through rescue programs are housebroken, neutered or spayed adults, vet and temperament checked. Finding the right Breeder Once you have decided which breed is for you, now comes the hard part--finding the right breeder and the right puppy! Chances are, the Golden Retriever puppies offered in the local newspaper bear no resemblance to the Golden Retriever you fell in love with when watching the Westminster Kennel Club show on television. The Huntsville Kennel Club offers the following advice: Talk to and visit as many breeders as possible. Are the premises clean? Are the puppies clean and well cared for? Ask to see the parents. They should be well groomed, friendly and should resemble the dog you saw on television at Westminster or at the dog show. Generally, responsible, ethical breeders: Offer health and temperament guarantees on every puppy they sell. Carefully plan each litter to improve the breed. Test and screen all breeding stock for genetic problems. Require pet quality puppies to be spayed or neutered. Will be available to answer questions and help with problems throughout the puppy's life. Will give you the "third degree". A concerned, responsible breeder has put in a lot of time, effort and money to produce good quality dogs and wants to ensure the puppies well being. Are members of their nationally regional breed club. If not, why not? Why did you breed this litter? Why did you choose to breed this particular sire to this particular dam? Have the sire and dam been tested for all genetic problems in this breed? Can you explain the pedigree to me? What do all these letters mean? What are the terms of your sales contract? What health and temperament guarantees are in your contract? Are you keeping a puppy from this litter? May I have names and numbers of persons who have purchased puppies from you in the past? All Rights Reserved. View all adoptable dogs Our Mission Our mission is to find safe, loving, lifelong homes for Golden Retrievers. No Golden Retriever will ever be turned away, regardless of medical needs or age. Every furry friend goes through a wellness check with our experienced veterinarians. We make sure every dog is up-to-date with current vaccinations, are spayed and neutered if necessary, receive heartworm treatment and are treated for any other medical issues that are needed. We have a c 3 classification with the IRS, making your donation tax deductible. We also meet the requirements for corporate matching, employee giving, and volunteer grant programs. Help us out today! Volunteer We are always in need of kind-hearted volunteers to join our team. Check out a few of the great volunteer roles available and then fill out an application form. Our Volunteer Director will get in touch and match your time and talent to our needs. Volunteer today! Community Events These community events are vital to new volunteer recruitment as well as finding homes for our dogs. Most events are held on the weekends throughout the year. Volunteers are always needed to help set up, man our table, and help tear down. Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Huntsville location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered. Puppies are capable of learning basic commands. Smart Golden Retriever puppies do great with early training. Complete Golden Retriever puppy training typically takes a few months. Dog Training Elite Huntsville offers specialized in-home training. Working with a Golden Retriever puppy and the owner directly in the home prevents puppies from being distracted and allows dog trainers to create personalized training plans for individual puppies, as well as address any unique needs or issues. Once a puppy has completed in-home training, Dog Training Elite Huntsville offers puppy group classes for further training. Beginning Golden Retriever training in the home also helps owners bond with their pup so when the dog trainer leaves, no progress is lost. Training can be great mental stimulation, so a great exercise for Golden Retrievers as they get older is progressing their training. Once your puppy has mastered sitting, for example, train them to maintain the position until released. Once your puppy is a bit older, explore other sports and activities. 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. True to their name, Golden Retrievers love retrieving things! Golden Retriever Specific Tips Weight Management Golden Retrievers can easily become overweight so owners will need to help manage their food intake. Golden Retriever Specific Tips Make it a Family Affair If you have adopted a Golden Retriever puppy to become part of a family, make sure all kids and adults are on the same page with training and all practice basic tricks with the family dog. Dog Training Elite Huntsville 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. Read on to learn more about the Dog Training Elite Huntsville training method. Golden Retriever training can help you establish routines and learn how to be consistent about enforcing them. All Sizes. All Ages. The Dog Training Elite Difference Dog Training Elite Huntsville uses modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding between dog and dog owner. Dog Training Elite Huntsville 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 Huntsville 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 Golden Retriever puppy into a loyal and loving companion? Find a 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! JB has been amazing. Our puppy has learned so much and now both of us feel confident with each other. Thanks so much JB for training us. There are several packages and training by options to fit multiple needs. The trainers are all great! We worked mostly with JB working on obedience and some behavior issues we were having. Highly recommend!!
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pug chihuahua puppy - But at 10 weeks old a good routine and schedule is really going to help you crack the sleep and nap time routine. A feeding , playing, and, toilet training schedule will also help you get into the groove of what your puppy needs, at what time and will generally save you a lot of stress. Knowledge is power, right? Get into the groove with Zigzag! Some puppies will have been in their new homes a couple of weeks by this point, some of you may have only just picked your puppy up from their breeder. Many breeders now give puppies their first vaccinations before they go to their new homes. Read our full guide to puppy vaccinations for more on that. Now onto teething. Lack of sleep means overtiredness and angsty pups, who are more likely to be bitey and generally just a bit manic. Crates and playpens can help with this as they give your puppy a chill out zone that they can fully relax in. Photo by Shane Guymon on Unsplash What you should start doing at weeks Puppies are always learning, so at 10 weeks old you can train your puppy all kinds of basic cues and commands. The fancy trick training can come later! Get yourself and your week-old puppy into a routine Puppies thrive on routines. Knowing what comes next and life being dependable helps build confidence in your puppy. For a week-old puppy schedule, there will generally be a cycle of sleep, wake up and toilet, eat, toilet, play, toilet, sleep, toilet, bit more toilet. .Your week-old puppy will need to go to the toilet frequently so implementing a toilet training schedule of when to take them out and setting reminders in your phone will help you not forget. Toilet training takes time, and puppies learn through repetition that going to the toilet in the right place will mean rewards, but there can be a few accidents before you get to that point. Create a socialisation schedule At 10 weeks old, your pup will be in their socialisation window. This is a period of time where pups are more receptive to new things, and they learn a lot about the world. Read our full article on socialisation for more information. Find training puzzling? Download Zigzag! Have lots of chew toys available for your puppy Teething means sore gums and also a desire to chew chew chew. If you have plenty of toys around for your puppy to chew on, it will save your skirting boards. You can do this by deciding the rules in your house, writing it out and popping it on the fridge. Finding the right one can be tricky, ideally, you want one that will take you at weeks. Choose a member from one of the organisations in the UK Dog Charter so you can be sure they use positive reinforcement based methods. They are basically like a toddler, and have little control of their emotions at this age, they get tired very quickly and will be dribbling a lot. Puppies lose their baby teeth because the adult ones are pushing through, this can cause a lot of pain, and an increase in saliva. Read our full guide to when does my puppy lose their teeth to learn more. Playfulness Puppies practise hunting behaviour through playing, and will enjoy you being their play partner as they chase and pounce on toys. Play is great for building a relationship and life long bond with your pup, try some of our training games to sneak in some training at the same time. They need time and a bit of help to calm down at this age. A week-old puppy needs a sleep schedule…and plenty of it! They are growing at a rate of knots, emotionally, mentally and physically and they need those down time hours in the daytime to recharge, reset and rest. What exercise will my week-old puppy need? Mental exercise via training and enrichment is also a great bet at this age to keep them stimulated and relieve boredom. What should I be feeding my week-old puppy? Your week-old puppy may still be on 4 meals a day — this is fine! Some people may have already dropped to 3 meals, but for many week-old pups 4 meals help to keep them full and deliver enough food throughout the day. Puppies have a fast growth rate so getting the right ratios of fats, proteins, carbs and essential minerals will be important for their development. Photo by David Clarke on Unsplash How to continue training past the week puppy schedule? Training never stops with dogs, and especially not with puppies, they are very willing pupils. Your puppy is at the very beginning of their training journey and will be learning about the world through socialisation experiences. Finding a puppy socialisation class will be the next logical step here. Do your research, watch a few, and join one that uses positive reinforcement training. Members belonging to organisations signed up to the UK Dog Charter all use these methods, so you can be sure the training will be kind and effective. Enjoying Zigzag? Try our app! Your puppy schedule at 10 weeks of age will mainly focus on socialisation, toilet training, sleep training, plenty of play and controlling their chewing. You can also carry on your puppy training journey with the Zigzag app. We know that sometimes having someone to talk to is a bit of a life saver as a new puppy parent. It will be fun they said. We go the extra mile for you. If you want a stress free puppy experience, get this downloaded! Worth every single penny! This app is very helpful. It helps you to understand and gives you a path to follow. The coaching support is excellent and super speedy. Download the app now. Check Price on Amazon 6. Make Commands Only Once When it comes to training, what you give is what you get. This is known as command nagging. Teach your pup to heed a command at its first mention. If an order is not executed the first time, show your Lab what you want them to do and make the command again. Repeat that until they learn to obey the first time the command is made. Discipline at the Precise Moment of the Unwanted Behavior Timing is crucial when disciplining your 8-week-old Labrador pup. Dogs will typically forget an experience in 2 minutes. However, they can recall your training commands through associative memory. Once your pup has corrected his unwanted behavior with the desired behavior, reward him with a tasty treat and lots of praise. To learn more about how to discipline your dog, check out my top article, How to Discipline a Labrador: What Not to Do! It can also cause aggression in dogs , as found in this year-long study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania. Using physical punishment such as hitting, kicking, or grabbing the jowls and shaking, is simply animal abuse. Other unacceptable methods are physically forcing the dog down onto its side or back, growling at your dog, withdrawing food, using a shock collar, or tying it for hours. Wean Your Puppy off Training Treats Your Labrador needs to learn that skills and commands are not learned or obeyed for the sole motive of a treat. For this reason, it is important to wean your puppy off treats when he has repeatedly performed the behavior and completely mastered it in different locations and with various distractions. Nonetheless, your Labrador puppy is still a dog in training, and you still need to tell him that he has done the right thing. The rule of thumb is that they are trained young when it comes to dog training. You should train Labrador puppies as soon as you bring them home, typically around 8 weeks of age. The American Kennel Club AKC indicates that the first key milestone when training a Lab pup is 8 weeks, as soon as they have left their mother. It is a crucial time to lay the foundation for your Labrador puppy to integrate into the family. When you bring your Labrador Retriever puppy home at two months, it has most likely interacted with a few situations and is eager enough to learn and follow the rules of a new home. A recent study scientifically proved that 8-week-old puppies are quite capable of learning at this young age as they quickly learned to open a puzzle box baited with food and remembered the skill an hour later. Interestingly, these puppies learned the skill better from a human rather than their mother. Other studies have also proven that it is effective for future behavior to teach puppies socialization and other skills rather than adults. In this study, puppies who attended a command and socialization training class for one hour a day for six months responded better to strangers than adult dogs who attended the same classes. Are Lab Puppies Easy to Train? Lab puppies are easy to train. They are a working breed that enjoys physical and mental stimulation and have many positive traits. They are intelligent, devoted, friendly, highly social, and love to please. They are often used as guide dogs, therapy dogs, or search and rescue due to their easy trainability. Apart from the age factor, other breed-specific reasons make training a Labrador puppy easy. Here are three examples: Labradors are among the most intelligent dog breeds. In his book, The Intelligence of Dogs, canine psychologist Stanley Coren lists Labradors in the top tier of the smartest dogs. So, even at just two months, your puppy has it in his blood to learn and carry out commands. To perform their original working job of retrieving fish that came off the trawl, Labradors had to be watchful and enthusiastic. These are essential learning characteristics. As game and waterfowl retrievers for hunters, Labradors have to be obedient. Another core training requirement makes your Lab puppy easy to train. With these ten principles on exactly how to train an 8-week-old Labrador, you can now apply them to the key areas your young puppy needs to be trained in. Labrador Puppy Training: Key Areas There are five critical areas in which you must appropriately train your 8-week-old Lab puppy. In the next section, I will tell you what the training entails. How to Socialize a Labrador They say humans are social beings, but that is also true about dogs. Socialization begins with the breeder and continues with you. To socialize a Labrador, expose him to many different places and situations. Include sounds, smells, other adults, children, animals, cars, objects, etc. Dogs who are well socialized in the first 12 weeks will be set up for life. Socializing and training your puppy young plays a significant role in the development of adult dogs, as evidenced in this important study. Here are two key findings: Dogs that are well socialized as pups will behave more positively with humans and are less likely to display unwanted behavioral problems such as fear and aggression. Socialized dogs are more likely to engage in positive social behaviors with humans. They also learn better how to play games with humans, helping them establish a true bond with their owners. As a puppy, you can teach your Labrador social skills and confidence through intentional training moments in the family. Once he has completed his vaccinations, take him to public places such as parks or puppy socialization classes. Put him outside hourly and learn to anticipate when he needs to go. Reward and praise him when he does go outside. Usually, puppies will need to relieve themselves early in the morning and after meals. Use their natural rhythm for daily pee or poop walks. Dogs hate messing in the area they sleep in and usually hold it. Nonetheless, very young puppies might be unable to do so. Walk your Labrador after his morning meal and hang around for 15 minutes or so to allow him to do his thing. Repeat the same in the evening. Puppies will need to be allowed to relieve themselves every hour, and for vaccinated dogs, a short walk every hours is an ideal routine to prevent them from peeing around the house. If you crate your puppy because you need to go out, get someone to help you stick to the routine. Repeating this routine for the first few days will give your new furry friend a good idea of his expectations. Check out my guide to Labrador potty training here. To crate train an 8-week-old Labrador puppy, start as soon as you bring him home. Slowly introduce him to the crate by throwing a treat inside and let him explore the crate voluntarily. When you first leave him with the door closed, make sure he is tired as he will sleep and not be afraid. Check out my Best Dog Crates for Labradors and Playpens recommendations, including soft crates, travel crates, and furniture styles. Here are six key things you should practice when crate-training your Labrador: Keep your puppy in the crate at night. Initiate crate training from the very first day you bring your puppy home. It will be harder to succeed in crate training if your puppy gets used to other sleeping arrangements. My puppy cried during the first night, but she was just fine after that. Lab puppies can be left alone in a crate for 1 hour for each month of age for up to 4 hours. Keep your dog in the crate when you are out of the house. This is also for his safety, such as when you are cooking. Do not let your Lab out of the cage when barking or giving you those puppy eyes. Instead, reward good behavior in the crate, i. He will quickly learn that being quiet leads to nice things. He will quickly learn that this special place is just for him. Various toys and bedding will offer some comfort for your Labrador. When purchasing a crate for your puppy, the best ones will give your Lab enough room to stand, sit, turn, and lie down comfortably on his side with paws outstretched. Instead, buy a crate with an adjustable divider that allows him to grow into and choose a standard metal model with either a single or double door. Travel kennels like this Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel , also from Amazon, are also hardy when you are on the move with your dog. This one is even airline adaptable and meets most airline cargo specifications. Older dogs may refrain from biting because they have been trained not to hurt as they have learned their bite inhibition. This simply means that the dog has learned to control the strength of his bite. This sends the message that the bite hurts. Persist by leaving your hand in his mouth until he lets go, then use lots of praise. All puppies need to master this technique that they initially learned from their mother and littermates. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Training your Lab puppy to soft bite must be done in puppyhood as an adolescent dog will not know how to adjust the force of his jaws when he has adult teeth and adult jaw muscles. This can be devastating for you both, should your Labrador go on to bite someone! Have realistic expectations — as it can take your puppy weeks to learn his soft bite. How to Train a Labrador Puppy to Walk on a Leash Walking on a leash is not a natural skill in dogs — they need to learn it! Teach a leash cue, then introduce the pup to very short walks. If the dog pulls, stand fast and wait for him to return to you before continuing. Do this by letting him wear them for short periods inside the house and yard. I find the best no-pull harness to be those that are not rear-attached, such as the Walk Your Dog With Love harness. They give you more control and are ideal for medium-large breeds. Give a treat when the command is obeyed. Introduce your Lab to short walks outside on a leash. When it appears he is about to lunge toward another dog or object, quickly distract him with a treat. Timing is crucial. Reward him every time commands are obeyed and gradually reduce the rewards as the art of leash walking is perfected. You can start steps 1 and 2 when the puppy is young, but you can only commence step 3 once the dog has been vaccinated. Final Thoughts Eight weeks old is the perfect time to train a Labrador puppy in key areas such as socialization, crate training, potty training, not biting, and leash training. To successfully train your Lab puppy in these areas, you must follow good training principles such as using reward-based training, being consistent in your commands, and disciplining at the precise moment of poor behavior. Begin with basic commands before introducing more complex or trick commands. Related Posts You May Like:. Training through play 10 week old puppies have a lot of things in common with each other. Your 10 week old puppy schedule This is our usual 10 week old puppy schedule, which should make a nice basis for your own. And these can feel like a really big deal in the early days. When puppy blues sets in… No matter how much you prepare for the arrival of a new puppy, the reality can come as something of a shock. Potty training accidents happen despite our best efforts. Night times are interrupted, and apparently over for good by 6am. Over-excited puppies launch themselves relentlessly at clothes and skin with razor sharp teeth. And all the nice things you used to be able to do outside the home suddenly seem far, far out of reach. Every puppy is different, some are simply harder than others. What if it was all a massive mistake? The good news is these feelings of puppy blues are completely normal. How To Cope Many puppy owners go through exactly the same emotions when they bring home a new puppy, and survive to reassure others about it from the other side. Or, visit our forum where you can read dozens of stories from happy dog owners who also experienced that period of overwhelming doubt. And importantly for you and your pup, make sure you look for safe ways to get out of the house together. Socializing a 10 week old puppy At 10 weeks old, your puppy is right in the middle of the all-important socialization window. The socialization window is an important period of puppy development. It opens at three or four weeks old. It again closes between 12 and 20 weeks old, but on average by about 16 weeks old. Quality Over Quantity Ten week old puppies still get tired quickly, especially after taking in lots of new sensory information. And to be honest, a 10 week old Lab is already getting a bit heavy to carry for long periods. So these socialization outings are only going to be short and sweet. The trick is to make sure your puppy has a wonderful time seeing something new. Leave on a high! Then feed them their meal, one piece at time while they sit on your lap or by your side in the trunk of the car and watch the world go by. This builds up positive associations for your puppy. And also lays the groundwork of looking to you for cues about what to do next. Socializing your 10 week old puppy to accept these experiences confidently is something you can work on in the safety of your own home. Start by putting the nail clippers in a work surface in sight of him and feed a small handful of treats. The next day, hold the clippers in one hand whilst treating from the other. Day two done! On day three, have someone else dispense the treats while you hold the clippers in one hand and gently lift one paw with the other. Research shows that puppies socialized to different places and physical examinations during puppyhood are less likely to be given up by their owners. Most of the things you can do take less than half an hour. Sometimes it needs to be about spending time by themselves too. Spending time alone! This could be a playpen , or a whole room, with a comfy bed in it. Now is the time to make sure this space is always a happy and comforting place to be. You should find that by 9 to 10 weeks old they regularly take themselves back there to rest and nap. The good news is that most puppies settle comfortably into a routine of being left for short periods from this age. And in the absence of anyone to play with, they usually just take the opportunity to have a nap! And their appetite for fun and games is insatiable! Playing with your puppy is a wonderful way to start forging a bond which places you at the center of their world. And playing with them the right way means you can already start teaching good manners, without them even realising it was a lesson! This article about how to play with your puppy will set you off on the right foot. Potty training problems Potty training starts from the moment you arrive home with your puppy. But finishing it can take several weeks! They might be going a little longer between toilet trips too. When accidents do happen, clean them up thoroughly with a little dilute biological detergent, or a specialized enzyme cleaner. In the next couple of weeks, your puppy will be ready to go for walks outdoors. Just hang in there, share your progress, and ask any questions you have over on our forum. Pinterest Email The age of 10 weeks is a magical time for most puppies. While pups are old enough to leave their mothers and siblings by 8 weeks, many breeders and rescues prefer to wait until a pup is 10 weeks old before sending him to live with a new human family. A week-old puppy has more time to develop canine social skills with his birth family. When my Pit Bull-mix Mookie came to live with us, he was 9 weeks old. Within a week, his little personality was more than obvious. He was affectionate but mouthy, and full of energy. He was at the perfect age to learn how to act around our cats, as the 9- to week period is an important time for puppy socialization. Our wonderful kitties seemed to understand he was a baby, and they agreed to play with him. If he got too rough, they let him know, and he quickly got the message. Not surprising, considering that a week-old puppy is ripe for learning. Puppy with toy. A week-old puppy is going through a critical fear period Many puppies go through a fear period between the age of 8 to 10 weeks. Your week-old puppy may suddenly act overly afraid of new people, animals or objects, or new situations. Instead, show your puppy there is nothing to fear by acting upbeat and happy. Resist the urge to scoop him up and soothe him; this will only serve to reward his fearful response. The best way to get him through this period is to set a good example with your own confident behavior. Bite inhibition If your puppy spent time with his siblings until at least 8 weeks of age, he should have learned how to inhibit his bite. Brother and sister puppies are great at teaching each other how much bite pressure is too much. That said, a week-old puppy is constantly putting things in his mouth. When your puppy gets mouthy, give him a toy to chomp on. He will eventually learn that only toys are for biting — not people. What to Know About Puppy Teething and Dog Teeth Curiosity about his surroundings A week-old-puppy is learning as much as he can about his surroundings. They are eager to discover the world and will want to explore with their senses of sight, hearing, smelling and tasting. Provide a safe environment for your puppy to discover. Puppy-proof your house and yard by removing objects and situations that can get him into trouble: anything he can chew on, swallow, fall in or get stuck in. Expose him to the outside world in a safe way by keeping him away from strange dogs and areas they frequent until he has received his last set of vaccines. In the meantime, provide him with plenty of companionship in the form of humans both adults and children and safe animals, like the other puppies he will meet at a puppy kindergarten class. Remember that at this age, your puppy needs socialization. The key is to give it to him in a way that gives him positive experiences that are both enjoyable and safe. Doggy Toy. Puppies are super playful at this age and need lots of safe toys they can chew on and chase. A week-old puppy is also at the perfect age for puzzle toys designed to stimulate his little brain. Puzzle toys work by rewarding the puppy with a treat when he figures out a simple puzzle. As your pup gets better at a basic puzzle, you can introduce him to more complicated puzzles until he becomes a real whiz at solving them. Your puppy will be active, curious and quick to learn at this stage in his life. He will also be incredibly cute at 10 weeks and will grow quickly, so be sure to take plenty of pictures! Top photograph: AndreaObzerova Getty Images. Print Raising a retriever puppy like the pros Your Labrador puppy can seem small and fragile during those first few weeks home from the breeder. Labrador puppies will learn quickly about acceptable and unacceptable behavior those first few weeks, if you, the owner, are willing to set and enforce boundaries. Here is the training you should be working on with your week-old Labrador puppy. About this series of posts This is post three of a step-by-step training and socialization program for Labrador puppies. If you read our first post , you know that this series follows our training of Bubba, a female chocolate lab puppy. Bubba is already sold as one of our Custom Trained Retrievers, so it is our responsibility to raise and train her until she has progressed to the level of training the owner has requested. In this case, Bubba will be with us for almost a year and a half. Training and socialization for week-old Labrador puppy — week three home Your week-old puppy has been with your family for approximately 3 weeks now. This week you should start noticing some bigger changes with your puppy. Here are some of the changes I notice with Bubba. First, she is growing fast! Bubba is almost ready for a new collar already. I have loosened her current collar twice, and there is no more room to expand it. She is also learning a lot. Bubba is also becoming more personable. She likes and has more interest in people now and wants to be petted and scratched more often. Training equipment for Lab puppy We added a couple new training tools this week. But a thicker check cord will also work. We use this check cord for longer outside marks and assistant-marks which I will discuss more in a bit. Puppy sized canvas or light-weight plastic bumpers In week two, we introduced formal retrieving in a hallway in the house. In week three, we move outside with retrieving and introduce assistant throws, so it is helpful to have a few more bumpers. Puppy training that will continue Much of the training I have been working on for the past two weeks with Bubba will continue into this week and beyond. Dog training is not something that has a definitive end-date. For instance, you teach your puppy to SIT and then you must work and practice that command daily or weekly, often for months before the response to the command is solid. But even once the response is solid, you cannot completely stop training. If you stop training, even an older dog, the dog can lose the previous training. So, realize that you are never done working with your dog, especially on obedience training. Some areas that we will continue training Bubba on are: Crate training Bubba is doing great at crate training. She rarely makes any noise while in her crate and settles down quickly after being put into her crate. In the upcoming weeks, we will work towards getting Bubba to enter her crate on command. Looking for more information on crate training? Housebreaking Housebreaking Bubba is going well. We have caught her in a few accidents, but she already seems to understand that she is not supposed to go potty inside. This does not mean that she is done housebreaking. We still expect accidents and will for a few months, so we watch her carefully while she is running around in the house. We also praise her for behaviors like going to the door and tapping the door or whining at the door. These behaviors are rewarded with us taking her outside to go potty. When she goes potty outside, we praise her and then take her right back in. We want her to start understanding that these cue behaviors will get her out to go potty and that is all. Looking for more information on housebreaking? But we will also add a few new ones. We will use this while teaching our puppy the SIT command. It also will be used going forward, anytime we are done working on structured obedience work. We will release the dog from formal work with the OKAY command. But we also use it to mean go to a certain place, such as on a mat or stand. Or, when we want her to go into her crate or kennel. This is an associative command, meaning the puppy will learn the command through our repetition of the word as we tie it to a behavior. But over time, she will make the association and will perform it on her own. This is very important especially if you ever plan on doing more advanced training with your retriever. You will use whatever your dogs name is. A few commands that we will continue to work on this week We will continue to work on obedience commands this week and in the weeks to come. Each week we will expect a little more and better compliance and performance to the command. She is sitting when I put the leash and chain collar on her and when I am taking it off. This week we also added SIT before eating. We only make her SIT for a few seconds; we are working on control. She does not SIT on her own yet, but she will be doing that within a week or so I would guess. Right now, I grab her collar and say SIT. In week three, I have a slightly higher expectation. On walks, I make her walk right beside me for a minute or two using the HEEL command before releasing her and letting her run back and forth a bit. This tells me that she understands the command. Then release her. If every time your puppy comes to you, you put her away or take something away from her, soon your puppy will not want to come to you. You must work hard to make coming to you a good experience for your puppy. So, call her, praise her when she comes and release. Remember: Never use a HERE command if you are not in the position of being able to enforce the command. Make every effort to socialize your puppy You should continue to take steps to socialize your week-old puppy. Anything you can think of. The more things and situations you expose your puppy to, the better your puppy will be equipped to adjust and learn in the future. Learn more about socialization. Hand throws with a puppy bumper you are throwing out a bumper done outside will carry a lot more distraction than retrieves in a hallway. Just pick up the bumper and try again tomorrow. When retrieving outside, make sure you have a long foot rope attached to your puppy. Never try to do retrieves outside without a rope. You will have problems and encourage bad behaviors. You must have a way to get the puppy to come back to you, otherwise you should not be doing retrieves outside. Once your puppy is doing well retrieving outside, you are ready to introduce assistant marks. Introduction to assistant marks The most important thing we worked on with Bubba this week is assistant marks. Assistant marks are retrieves where someone else is throwing the bumper, not you. This teaches your puppy to watch out in the field for a mark. It is very rare that a duck will come from behind you, fly over your head and you shoot it. The ducks and pheasants will be falling in front of you, so the dog must learn to look out and watch for the mark. We start assistant marks on very short grass with white plugs so that the puppy can clearly see the item on the ground. We hold the puppy in a SIT position facing a thrower who is about 20 feet from you. When your puppy picks up the bumper, immediately start calling her back to you. Remember, you should have the foot check cord on her so you can pull the puppy in if needed. Then, take the bumper from her, throw it behind you, make your puppy sit facing the thrower again and repeat. Only do retrieves and then call it a day. Soon your puppy will learn this game and love it. They will start facing the thrower on their own and sitting and waiting for a mark. Final thoughts on training for your week-old Labrador puppy week-old puppies are so eager to learn, so be sure and take advantage of this enthusiasm to teach new concepts and enforce previous ones. Continue to teach your puppy to handle more and more pressure and correction while maintaining a good attitude. Lastly, assistant marks are a big deal. Once a dog learns this part of the game, you can work to increase the distance and complexity of the marks. If you are struggling or need additional help with your new puppy, you can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time, happy retrieving. But at 10 weeks old a good routine and schedule is really going to help you crack the sleep and nap time routine. A feeding , playing, and, toilet training schedule will also help you get into the groove of what your puppy needs, at what time and will generally save you a lot of stress. Knowledge is power, right? Get into the groove with Zigzag! Some puppies will have been in their new homes a couple of weeks by this point, some of you may have only just picked your puppy up from their breeder. Many breeders now give puppies their first vaccinations before they go to their new homes. Read our full guide to puppy vaccinations for more on that. Now onto teething. Lack of sleep means overtiredness and angsty pups, who are more likely to be bitey and generally just a bit manic. Crates and playpens can help with this as they give your puppy a chill out zone that they can fully relax in. Photo by Shane Guymon on Unsplash What you should start doing at weeks Puppies are always learning, so at 10 weeks old you can train your puppy all kinds of basic cues and commands. The fancy trick training can come later! Get yourself and your week-old puppy into a routine Puppies thrive on routines. Knowing what comes next and life being dependable helps build confidence in your puppy. For a week-old puppy schedule, there will generally be a cycle of sleep, wake up and toilet, eat, toilet, play, toilet, sleep, toilet, bit more toilet. .Your week-old puppy will need to go to the toilet frequently so implementing a toilet training schedule of when to take them out and setting reminders in your phone will help you not forget. Toilet training takes time, and puppies learn through repetition that going to the toilet in the right place will mean rewards, but there can be a few accidents before you get to that point. Create a socialization schedule At 10 weeks old, your pup will be in their socialization window. This is a period of time where pups are more receptive to new things, and they learn a lot about the world. Read our full article on socialization for more information. Find training puzzling? Download Zigzag! Have lots of chew toys available for your puppy Teething means sore gums and also a desire to chew chew chew. If you have plenty of toys around for your puppy to chew on, it will save your skirting boards. You can do this by deciding the rules in your house, writing it out and popping it on the fridge. Finding the right one can be tricky, ideally, you want one that will take you at weeks. Choose a member from one of the organizations in the UK Dog Charter so you can be sure they use positive reinforcement based methods. They are basically like a toddler, and have little control of their emotions at this age, they get tired very quickly and will be dribbling a lot. Puppies lose their baby teeth because the adult ones are pushing through, this can cause a lot of pain, and an increase in saliva. Read our full guide to when does my puppy lose their teeth to learn more. Playfulness Puppies practise hunting behavior through playing, and will enjoy you being their play partner as they chase and pounce on toys. Play is great for building a relationship and life long bond with your pup, try some of our training games to sneak in some training at the same time. They need time and a bit of help to calm down at this age. A week-old puppy needs a sleep schedule…and plenty of it! They are growing at a rate of knots, emotionally, mentally and physically and they need those down time hours in the daytime to recharge, reset and rest. What exercise will my week-old puppy need? Mental exercise via training and enrichment is also a great bet at this age to keep them stimulated and relieve boredom. What should I be feeding my week-old puppy? Your week-old puppy may still be on 4 meals a day — this is fine! Some people may have already dropped to 3 meals, but for many week-old pups 4 meals help to keep them full and deliver enough food throughout the day. Puppies have a fast growth rate so getting the right ratios of fats, proteins, carbs and essential minerals will be important for their development. Photo by David Clarke on Unsplash How to continue training past the week puppy schedule? Training never stops with dogs, and especially not with puppies, they are very willing pupils. Your puppy is at the very beginning of their training journey and will be learning about the world through socialization experiences. Finding a puppy socialization class will be the next logical step here. Do your research, watch a few, and join one that uses positive reinforcement training. Members belonging to organizations signed up to the UK Dog Charter all use these methods, so you can be sure the training will be kind and effective. Enjoying Zigzag? Try our app! Your puppy schedule at 10 weeks of age will mainly focus on socialization, toilet training, sleep training, plenty of play and controlling their chewing. You can also carry on your puppy training journey with the Zigzag app. We know that sometimes having someone to talk to is a bit of a life saver as a new puppy parent. It will be fun they said. We go the extra mile for you. If you want a stress free puppy experience, get this downloaded! Worth every single penny! This app is very helpful. It helps you to understand and gives you a path to follow. The coaching support is excellent and super speedy. Download the app now. But those first weeks of puppy development are very similar whatever the breed, and these landmarks are good general rules for any dog. Puppy development week by week, changes quickly. Newborn Puppies Newborn puppies are born at the end of nine weeks of pregnancy, with their eyes and ears tightly closed. They already have a fur coat but they cannot yet control their own body temperature. They are dependent on their mother or another heat source to keep them warm. Newborn puppies may cry if cold. But they do not have the strength to cry for long. Newborn Labrador puppies snuggle together to keep warm when their mother is away How Helpless are Newborn Pups? Although they rely on mom for a lot at this stage, newborn puppies are not completely helpless. They can use their front feet to drag themselves towards a heat source or their milk supply. This means their mom, not milk alternatives like cow or goat milk. Newborn pups have no teeth yet. But they can move their heads about to search for a nipple, and they can latch on and suck strongly. Their mother leaves them only to eat, drink and for bathroom purposes. While she is away, the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat, as you can see in the photo above. They may also crawl under a heat lamp source to keep warm. In every other respect newborn puppies are completely dependent on the care of their mother. Newborn pups have little control over the rear end of their bodies. The mother dog washes them and licks their bottoms to encourage elimination, licking up and swallowing anything they produce to keep her babies and their nest scrupulously clean. In fact, he may even double his birth weight! One week later and the puppies have doubled their birth weight. Changes are taking place under his eyelids to prepare them for opening. And usually begins during the second week of life. Ears open at this point too, so your puppy will begin to hear. The Labrador puppies in this picture are two weeks olds. Two weeks old and the puppies eyes are now open! You can see that their eyes are now open and the puppies are beginning to look a little more dog-like. The breeder will be handling the puppies more now. And most puppies are wormed for the first time at two weeks old. Most 3 week old puppies can stand and sit, and are beginning to totter about. They are also starting to develop their individuality. No longer are they just a row of identical little fat furry sausages! This little three week old puppy :- Can easily be distinguished from his brother: Teething and Further Development At 3 weeks old, this is also the point at which puppies start teething — cutting their first deciduous baby teeth. Obviously the teeth are appearing for a reason! Some breeders will start to offer the first tastes of solid food at this point. Especially if the litter is a large one and putting a strain on the mother dog. It is lovely to watch a litter of 3 week old puppies beginning to interact with their brothers and sisters. They are running, playing enthusiastically, and have started to wag their little tails. The puppies will start to show bowel control as they move away from the other puppies to defecate. And solid food is becoming a major part of their diet. These little pups are tucking into some puppy food. Four week old puppies having their dinner in the fresh air If the weather is warm enough, puppies will be spending some time outdoors now. Mealtimes are a messy process, so feeding puppies out in the yard can be a good idea. Breeder Involvement Some mother dogs will lose interest in cleaning up after their pups at this point or soon afterwards. And many puppies will be wormed again this week. Vocalizations are becoming stronger at this puppy development stage. The litter will greet their mother noisily when she returns to them, and try hard to follow her out of the whelping box whenever she leaves. The puppies themselves are now eating solid food several times a day and gradually being weaned of their dependency on her milk. Puppies will still suckle ravenously when their mother returns and she will now often feed them standing up and only for a short time. She will also be teaching the puppies not to bite too hard. So, they should be increasingly spending time with humans and learning to be familiar with the sounds and sights of a human family environment. Puppies being raised in kennels must be brought into a home environment regularly from now on to ensure they develop into confident, friendly dogs. Six weeks old and full of mischief Puppies Still Have a Lot to Learn at 6 Weeks In some countries, puppies are taken to their new homes at this age. But this is not a good idea, and can result in a puppy that has poor bite inhibition and is challenging to manage. The puppies are learning not to bite too hard from the reactions of their mother and siblings. Growth is not quite so fast now. But the puppies will still grow strongly for the next few months. Many puppies will be wormed again this week. All that remains is for plenty of great socialization experiences to be packed into this week, with final checks on health. Many breeders will arrange for each seven week old puppy to have a vet check this week. And though some vets advise against it, some puppies are also given their first vaccinations before they leave for their new homes. Some breeders will now have the puppies trained to pee and poop on puppy pads or newspaper. And some will have been whistling to the puppies at meal times to get them used to coming to a human signal. Potty training is now underway and puppy socialization plans are being made. At this point, many of you will be thinking about training your puppy too. The next four weeks are vital in puppy development stages. Your main job is socializing your puppy. This means taking him to lots of new places and exposing him to lots of new experiences. So, life will be starting to get back to normal. Most puppies in the U. In the U. So, not all puppies will get their vaccinations at the exact same age. Socializing your puppy is still the most important job for you at this age. But, you cannot put your puppy on the ground outside until they have received their final vaccination. So, make sure you know exactly when their final jab is. And carry on introducing them to as many new people, things, and experiences as possible throughout this puppy development stage. Some people can suffer from the puppy blues at this stage too, as your life has completely changed! But, that does not mean socialization can stop. Puppies who are isolated at this point will soon lose that friendly fearlessness. You have an important job now, building on what has been achieved so far, and introducing your puppy to the world at ground level. This part of his education can begin once his vaccination cover is complete. He should be fully immunised at around this point. But check with your vet for confirmation of the actual date. Three months also marks the point at which many puppies will drop down from four daily meals, to three. This can cause problems for some puppies because the portions are larger If your puppy gets an upset tummy when you make this change, just go back up to four meals again for a few days, and give smaller portions for a few days when you try again. But, many will need another month before they can cope without frequent bathroom breaks and the occasional accident. Your puppy will begin to lose his baby teeth. This can also be a time at which biting can be most challenging. And try not to worry, this stage will soon be over! A few will need another month or two to complete the process. Remember, no two puppies are the same. That puppy fluffiness will have gone. For many puppies, five months is an awkward, gangly time. A five month old puppy may have shed the last of his soft puppy lines and be looking quite skinny. By the end of this month most puppies will have finished teething but an urge to chew may continue for another few months in some breeds, Labradors included. Some female dogs will have their first season during this month. But, for many, it will be another three or four months before this happens. This is a major milestone for your puppy. He is now looking very much like an adult Labrador. Still a Puppy Because he looks quite grown up, people expect a lot of their 6 month old puppy. But inside, he is still very much a puppy. The beginnings of adolescence and with it an increasing independence of spirit can bring its challenges, but also a whole lot of fun.