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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Do you want to know how to fatten up a German Shepherd to make them gain weight in a healthy way? Are you worried that your German Shepherd is thin and underweight and want to know how to bulk up a German Shepherd for safe weight-gain? Is Your German Shepherd Underweight? Your dog should have a trim, athletic appearance. They are large breed dogs with fast metabolisms that are active and energetic in their daily lives. Fit German Shepherds may at first seem slightly underweight. They are lean, athletic dogs with a strong, firm figure and you should avoid learning how to make a German Shepherd fat. Instead, you want to bulk-up your German Shepherd to make them fit. But if you see their ribs protruding or their hip bones raised and easily felt when petting, this is a sign of being underweight. You should first check with your vet for possible medical issues. You want to know if they are gaining weight, losing weight, or remaining the same. This helps you to decide if your weight gain plan is working — or if you need to adjust your plan. If your dog continues losing weight or if you see a lack of progress, take your dog back to your veterinarian. You need to see this as a long term plan and not an overnight fix to get your German Shepherd fat and by fat, I mean bulk-up not obese or overweight. Look for foods that have a higher percentage of fat and protein than your current food. Adults and seniors should eat about 20 to 25 percent of their daily calories from protein and 25 to 50 percent from fats. The rest of the calories should come from carbohydrates. This is anywhere from 8 months to a year or longer. Change to Puppy or High-Performance Food If you have an adult dog, switch them to a puppy or high-performance dog food to help them gain healthy weight. Both puppy and high-performance also known as a working breed food is higher in calories to support complex energy needs and sustained growth. Puppy foods generally have added nutrients to support puppy growth which can help your underweight German Shepherd gain weight and fatten up in a controlled manner — which is what you want. Mixing regular adult and puppy or high-performance food helps your GSD gain weight and fat in a regulated manner. For More Calories Feed Dry Kibble Dry kibble dog food generally has more calories if you want your dog to gain weight. Dry kibble is denser and contains more calories than wet food because the moisture has been removed from dry foods. Therefore, dry food has up to 4 times the number of calories as the same amount of wet food — dry kibble is a weight gaining powerhouse! If your dog is currently eating wet meals, then try mixing in some dry food with their wet food to help stimulate weight gain. Wet foods may taste better to your dog, so mixing in the dry foods with the wet still encourages your dog to eat in order to not lose more weight. Look for dry food with higher protein and fats to encourage weight gain in a healthy manner and go with one of the foods mentioned above for fat gain that is healthy. Begin by feeding your dog a bit more of their current food spread out over one more meal per day. Add a quarter to half a cup of extra food per meal. You can also take their regular feeding and the additional food and increase their feeding schedule to four times per day, splitting the food equally at each feeding. If your German Shepherd is picky about when they eat, then it may help to leave food out for them all the time. This is called free feeding. Dogs who can free feed tend to gain more weight than dogs fed on a schedule. Free feeding allows your dog the chance to eat a little whenever they are hungry or bored. This type of feeding may help them eat more overall. But only use free feeding with dry food, since wet foods spoil when left out for more than a couple hours. They may follow you around rather than eat when you offer their food bowl — this may be especially true of Shepherds since they tend to get fixated on their caretaker. But, just keeping your dog company while they eat may stimulate their appetite. Find a comfortable spot to sit and wait on your dog while they eat. Bring a book or do a quiet activity while they eat close to you. Simply sit with them and enjoy your time together while they eat. Keep the treats handy and offer them to help get extra calories into your dog. Adding these foods into their regular kibble may also entice them to eat more of their dry dog food, which can help an underweight puppy or adult. They also add extra calories which are healthy and nutritious. To get your dog more interested in their food, try sprinkling on a topping to their usual meals. You can even buy healthy toppers that are easy to add. Seniors, adults, and puppies all have various nutritional concerns. Most commercial and pre-made dog foods specify their intended age range on the packaging and state what groups the food is aimed at feeding. Underfeeding a German Shepherd puts your dog at a serious health risk. You need to make sure they get enough food for their age and energy needs. Puppies generally eat almost double the number of calories an adult dog needs, so be sure to check out this post on what amount to feed a German Shepherd puppy to keep them healthy. While a senior GSD may eat significantly fewer calories, if they are losing weight or underweight and a vet has been consulted, they may need extra feedings or food to help them gain the weight back. German Shepherds thrive on consistent physical activity. Walking and swimming are activities that build muscle and are lower impact and less intense on their joints and bones. They can be done every day to keep your dog active and help them to maintain their muscle mass. But these two exercises can be performed at a lower intensity so that even older dogs and puppies can enjoy their benefits make sure your puppy can swim first. Keeping muscle mass is important to prevent wasting and help maintain their health and mobility, as well as their athletic appearance. Try walking up hills to improve muscle growth or a gentle game of tug using a spring pole in which your dog can start and stop on their own. Some of the herbs used to increase human appetite are also safe for use in dogs. Dandelion is available in this for-1 multivitamin , along with other herbal supplements to make your GSD gain weight. B vitamins are natural appetite stimulants and are readily available over the counter and online. Visit Your Vet Regularly Always see your vet regularly. Regular vet appointments are especially important for your underweight German Shepherd. Your vet will use your notes to help make medical adjustments, as necessary, and to give you the right tips and advice. Helping Your German Shepherd Gain Weight Knowing how to fatten up a German Shepherd can help you and your dog achieve their ideal weight and maintain this healthy condition. There are many reasons why your dog or puppy may not be gaining weight. But there are also ways to help your dog at home to become healthier and have more energy. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. It can be a minor issue or flat-out hazardous. So, we applaud you for trying to learn why you have a skinny German Shepherd. Excessive Exercise It could be likely that your skinny male German Shepherd is overly active and getting a lot of exercise. More work means more food, not just any food but those high in calories. Dental Issues We often let dental problems in our dogs go unnoticed. It can be a sore, abscess, ulcer, or even broken teeth and gum infections. It can cause weight loss over time or even spread to other areas in the body if not treated quickly. Health problems that affect their weight can range widely. Parasites and worms are common issues in many dogs, while more severe problems like cancer and heart disease also cause unusual weight loss. Look for other symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and dizziness as they usually accompany weight loss when the dog suffers from a serious health issue. Your dog can get undesirable effects too. Not getting enough attention, training , exercise, or not socializing enough can lead to anxiety in your dog. Other causes include moving to a new home and bringing home a new pet. Think about what might be causing stress in your dog and consider how you can improve its overall living quality. Genetics Sometimes, the reason for a skinny German Shepherd can be as simple as its genetic factor. Most working German Shepherds are lean, so your dog will most probably be skinny because it is from this bloodline. Try to recollect how it looked when it was younger. Aging causes dental problems and appetite loss, which makes them skinny. However, it can also be because of deeper health problems brought about by aging, like cancer. Here are some effective options you can consider: Visit the Vet The foremost thing to do when your German Shepherd is suddenly losing weight is to see a vet. Consider Puppy Food Puppy food contains ingredients that help puppies grow rapidly and healthily. Try feeding puppy food to your older dog to let it gain weight. However, consult with the vet before implementing this step to ensure safety. Try Wet Food German Shepherds with dental problems will benefit tremendously from wet food. It is much easier to consume, making your pet want to eat more. Let Them Eat When They Want German Shepherd parents who cannot make time to give them multiple meals daily should consider leaving the food out for them to eat anytime. Leave dry food instead of wet food, as they will remain fresh for longer. Homemade Treats Might Help Making treats for your dog at home ensures a healthier diet. Cheese and peanut butter are great options. While buying them, make sure to look for those high in calories. Note: Steer clear of grapes and chocolates while preparing homemade treats for your GSD. It can also relieve you to know that your pooch is gaining weight, even if slowly. The Takeaway Whether you have a skinny female German Shepherd or a male one, seeing them lose weight can be disheartening. While some breeds are lean by nature, a variety of underlying health issues might be causing it. Take it to the vet to rule out all possibilities, or treat them ASAP. You can also help your dog gain back weight by following the above measures. 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. Other Causes Senior Dogs Older dogs tend to have smaller appetites and a general lack of interest in eating. This is often caused by underlying health problems, so the best course of action would be to consult with a veterinarian. This usually happens when a dog is used to being fed table scraps or treats and it loses interest in plain dog food. Check For Any Medical Conditions Should you verify that your German Shepherd is indeed unhealthily skinny, your first course of action should be to take the dog to a veterinarian. Again, you would have to feed your German Shepherd at least 1, calories to 2, calories daily depending on its activity level. Do note however, that the calories per cup may vary depending on the brand of dog food, and thus you would have to adjust the calculations based on the actual numbers provided on the packaging. Aside from the amount, be sure to also consider the quality of the food. While feeding your German Shepherd a high amount of low-quality dog food will prevent it from being skinny, it will eventually lead to other issues such as skin disorders and lethargy. Your vet will be able to recommend a diet plan to help get your dog back into healthy shape. To do that, you have to make your dog understand that there are no other food options. Meaning, you only set out food for a limited amount of time, and whether or not the food was eaten, you take it away after the time has passed. What this does is make it clear to your dog that there are no other options. In The Case Of Senior Dogs Opposite to the case of picky eaters, you may want to add more appetizing options for senior dogs. Old dogs tend to lose interest in dry food so your best option would be to add chicken broth or canned food to make meals more appealing. In some cases, you may also have to make your old dog home-cooked meals just so your dog would find mealtimes more enjoyable. If all else fails, you can get your dog medication and appetite stimulants to help it eat. You can do this in a variety of ways such as by providing your German Shepherd with enough physical and mental stimulation, providing a calm and relaxing environment free of loud noises, or by identifying and removing the stressor. To summarize. Your German Shepherd may be skinny due to following reasons: Poor diet and nutrition Stress Age The usual culprit though would be the first two. And so, if your German Shepherd is unnecessarily skinny, your best course of action would be to take it to the vet. Final Thoughts I wish that this article has helped you understand how to handle and help your skinny German Shepherd. I also hope that it serves as a guide to help you get your dog back into healthy shape. That said, if your German Shepherd ever does have issues, be it being underweight or any other medical condition, do consult with a veterinarian. Post navigation. So too will a GSD that is consuming low-quality food in general. Getting the calories right! Moderately active German shepherds need around calories per day, whereas highly active German shepherds need around calories per day. Highly active working GSDs may even need upwards of calories. Either the quality of the food is fine, but the portion sizes are too small too few calories , or the quality of the kibble is lacking. Again, this ties into calorie consumption. If your GSD is super active over 3 hours of exercise a day , she will likely need calories per day. Health issues In most cases, health issues are the cause of sudden weight loss. Health issues that affect weight can range from harmless and treatable all the way to serious, even fatal issues rarer. Common problems like worms and parasites particularly in puppies can cause weight loss. Rarer and more serious things like heart disease and cancer can also cause weight loss. Health problems usually always come with multiple symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, dizziness, or any noticeable change from her normal self. If this is the case, then it would be evident right from puppyhood. If you were lucky enough to see the mum and other puppies in the litter, they would have all been similarly skinny. Some GSDs are just smaller than others. Stress and anxiety Just as stress can have many undesirable effects on us, it can do the same with our furry friends, too, weight loss being one of them. Common reasons include spending too much time alone, not receiving enough exercise, attention, or training. Additionally, it could be down to a change in their environment like moving homes, new neighbors, or even the addition of a household pet. Consider your GSDs overall quality of life, basic needs and think about the possibility of them being stressed. Bad eating habits Fussy eating is something many owners have to deal with at some point. The issue is that this could be the cause of weight loss. Once again, it comes back down to the calories in versus the calories out. I have an entire article dedicated to why your GSD might be refusing their food. Dental issues If your GSD is suffering from any kind of dental complaint, this could cause them to refuse their food and lose out on calories. So I think it deserves its own section. In fact, this was actually what happened with my GSD when she was 7. After refusing her food and simultaneously losing weight, I checked her mouth to find some serious gum irritation thankfully not gum disease. We got that resolved with the help of our veterinarian, and her appetite came back right away. Aside from using the scales, one of the best ways to know if your GSD is underweight or not is to simply feel them and look at their waistline. Ribs Run your hand along their side with light pressure. You should be able to feel their ribs a little this is normal! Waistline Waistline abdominal tuck should be noticeable but not extreme. Check out this chart from Petcarerx source. If the weight loss has happened suddenly for no obvious reason, it is advised to see a vet. Important note: If you suspect your GSD is losing weight for an alternative reason like stress or dental issues, the best solution would be to address those issues instead of adjusting their diet. Always consider the cause first. Add wet dog food My all-time favorite way to stop fussy eating while adding a boost of nutrition and calories is to mix in a small amount of wet dog food to their kibble. This is a known and safe method that veterinarians recommend to help with weight gain. Mix in some wet dog food preferably the same brand , and your GSD will likely benefit from this greatly. Add it once a day or every other day. This will enhance the flavor and beat most cases of fussy eating. Just ensure the meat broth you use is a healthy option without a high salt content or artificial flavorings or additives. Increase portion size Assuming you are already using a high-quality kibble and your GSD is getting on well with it no digestive issues or diarrhea , then it could be a simple matter of increasing the portion size. Be sure to check the back of the bag and work out how many calories you are adding. This is a noticeable difference for a dog, so you should see some changes in weight over weeks. Avoid giving too many treats Although we are trying to add calories and encourage weight gain, treats are not the solution to this. Especially if your GSD is refusing the food anyway. These brands focus on high-quality ingredients that are fresh and close to their natural state. Brands like these also prioritize protein and fat over carbohydrates, which is an instant sign of higher quality. Inferior brands are known to use carbs to bulk out their food while keeping prices cheap. In addition to this, canines, in general, are better adapted to eating a wild diet. Wild diets are high in protein and fat while low on carbs. This results in better digestion and absorption of the food they are eating. Just remember to change foods gradually over the course of days, phasing out the old and incorporating more of the new. This should prevent stomach upset. Additional articles that may help:. Your veterinarian can check for worms with a stool sample. Certain types of worms such as roundworms can be fatal in puppies if left untreated, so it is crucial that you take your puppy for regular checkups. Has your Puppy Been Traveling Regularly? If you feel that your GSD puppy is too skinny, consider if you have been taking it along for car rides on a consistent basis. Many puppies experience motion sickness. This does not necessarily mean that they will vomit or have an upset stomach only. Some puppies will do neither, and instead, decrease their eating to the point of losing weight. If this is the case, limit the amount of time your puppy spends traveling in a car. This will allow your puppy to have you as a reference point and a distraction. Provide a small puppy bed on the seat. Make sure that the temperature in the car is neither too hot or cold. Pay attention to how you drive. Often times we take our driving for granted without considering the comfort of our passengers. Puppies can be especially sensitive during car rides, so be sure to take turns gently, and do not brake or accelerate suddenly. A change in the environment is a common cause of a longer-term loss of appetite and weight loss in puppies. A change in environment for your puppy does not just mean that it has moved from one physical location to another. They learn and function well with routine. This can sometimes result in a long term lack of appetite and weight loss. You may likely find that if one or more of the above changes are addressed, that your puppy will resume a normal eating schedule and quickly bounce back from being underweight. Your GSD puppy needs adequate nutrients in its diet for growth and to maintain a healthy weight. GSDs are considered medium to large-sized dogs, and they need to be fed the appropriate breed-formulated dog food, especially as puppies. If you are not feeding it the right formulation for its breed size, this can result in undernourishment and a skinny puppy.

Exercise Grooming In the past, the English bulldog was used by foreign immigrants who moved to South America and brought their dogs with them. The breed, however, became close to extinction after the second world war. Some breeders, John D. Johnson, and Alan Scott kept infusing several bulldogs together in the bid to breed the American Bulldog while monitoring its health and capabilities. Today, the American bulldog is completely rid of the fear of being extinct and has become one of the most popular dog breeds in the country. The American bulldog is many sizes larger than the English Bulldog; however, they are quite similar when it comes to their temperament. It is basically a huge, cuddly, lap dog that loves children and is very affectionate. It is brave, confident and extremely loyal to its owners. They can be quite reserved when around strangers as they like to mark their territories. When trained from a young age, the American Bulldog will display an impressive level of intelligence. They are not so friendly with other strange dogs and mostly like to keep to themselves. As earlier stated, the American bulldog is a fun-loving, happy dog that thrives in a family setting. The perfect environment for this breed would be a home with a large backyard that is well fenced-in. Since they are very energetic and must be kept active, it is imperative to their growth that they have ample space to run around during the day. This is crucial for their mental and physical well-being. For dog lovers who live in apartments, the American bulldog might not be the best option for them. This is because there is inadequate space for them and being left alone would adversely affect their mental health. They can also become very irritable and destructive if left alone for long periods as they need constant mental and physical stimulation. The American Bulldog needs about two hours of outdoor exercise on a daily basis. It goes without saying that this breed is not suitable for people who work many hours every day. This dog breed requires basic physical and mental stimulation like jogging, walking, chasing balls, playing fetch, farm work, agility, and basic obedience exercises. Due to the temperament of the American Bulldog, it has to get as much exercise preferably in the outdoors. If its exercise requirements are not consistently met, this dog breed will take out its frustration in your home by chewing apart and basically destroying everything it comes in contact with while running around. The American Bulldog has quite a short coat with a minimized length and this feature makes it easy to groom. Brushing their coats weekly is usually enough when it comes to grooming the American Bulldog as they do not shed a lot. They also need thorough baths weekly or as needed as this will keep the shedding in check. Our American Bulldog puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. American Bulldogs love routine and will adapt to an exercise and grooming routine if the owner enforces it perfectly. As loyal dogs, they love to please their owners but will only obey upon frequent reinforcements. Do American Bulldogs shed a lot? Since they do not have a lot of fur, they do not shed a lot and owners will not have a lot of hair to clean up, unlike many other dog breeds. Why do American Bulldogs have webbed feet? This is mainly due to genetics and is not a cause for concern. Should American Bulldogs be spayed? Many vets advise that American Bulldog owners should ensure their pets are neutered or spayed when it is between four and nine months. How often should American Bulldogs be fed? The American bulldog has a very large appetite in its formative years. They must, therefore, be fed very often about four times daily and in double portions when they are puppies right until they turn four. Are American Bulldogs a food fit in families? The American bulldog will fit right into your family. They love kids and tend to gravitate towards them. Do American Bulldogs have common health problems? A lot of the health problems experienced by American bulldogs are mostly genetic and do not affect the entire breed. These ailments could range from the kidney to thyroid disorders and a lot more. What is the American Bulldogs life expectancy? The American bulldog has an average lifespan ranging from ten to fifteen years. What is the American Bulldogs average size? The average American Bulldog can grow to 58kg for males and 41kg for females. However, it is important that their diets are closely monitored to keep them from getting overweight. How tall do American Bulldogs get? The male American bulldog can grow as tall as 71cm while its female counterpart can grow up to 61cm. If you want a loyal, smart and incredibly active dog, then the American Bulldog is the perfect fit for you. Are you interested in purchasing a American Bulldog? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. They are clear of known diseases for the breed and over other genetic diseases and sub-variants. We also apply proper nutritional practices and supplements for joint and muscle health, practice non-impact exercises to decrease possible damage to both bones and joints. Our professional breeders also provide educational information to potential buyers and anyone interested in canine health and genetic testing. We are working with other breeders to proactively address the benefits of genetic testing for health and breed purity. The Importance Of Genetic Testing For American Bulldog Breeding In the past, breeders have relied strongly on phenotype when breeding, which allowed the introduction of other breeds. To reverse this tendency to breed by phenotype only, it is crucial that the American Bulldog community work towards having genetic testing as a fundamental practice in their breeding programs. The coefficient of relationship is a measure of the degree of a biological relationship between two dogs. Our Client Reviews "Awesome farm and knowledgeable breeder! Remy is everything we wanted and more! Words cant describle your devotion to this breed. Great experience with extremely educated breeders! Our Partnership with Experienced Veterinarians Think About It Farms is working with veterinarians from both the genetic and research fields. The veterinarians are assisting us in the proper care, nutritional needs, exercise, determining which hereditary qualities and behaviors are considered beneficial to improving the breed, developing practices of selectively breeding, and raising the dogs to promote these desirable traits. Call us today at to learn more about our American Bulldogs and our efforts to preserve them. We are a nonprofit organization centrally located in the Pensacola, Florida area. We are a foster based rescue so you can't pop by since we don't have a facility. Can YOU Help?? We have a Wish List, please click to help: Please fill out the online adoption application by going to the "Adoption Info" link on the left, or use this direct link to the application online adoption form. Instead, Adopt a Dog and Save a Life! See all the Dogs! Mike the Lab was adopted from our rescue as a young puppy, but has recently been returned due to.This sweet boy was bor.He was born aroun.She rece.She wandered.Despite her young age, she.Luna wasn't.She was adopted but.She has excellent hou.My name is Freckles. We believe Truman was b.His Mom is.Our resc.Our re.Our res.She ma.Believe it.Would yo.Mia and he.Our handsome Martin was briefly adopted but Dad felt Martin was lonely and w.Islander and his siblings were found with their Mom on some.Hoo-mum says I was so cute when I was born with that little white st.We took he.He was found on the st.She was given to one o.Would you believe one of our Friends found an adorable litter of puppies on the.He was found in very sad shape and since his finders were kind enough to Foster Ollie , but only for a limited time. Here is what Ollie's Foster Family had to say about Ollie while he was in their home: He's really good with my daughter. Loves to be pet and cuddle. Will fall asleep on you. Ollie was pretty skinny and in rough shape when we found him. Ollie is currently in a home without other dogs, but on leashed walks he seems interested in other dogs but will ignore the other dog when told to 'leave it' and has done very well at the vet. Ollie is a fan of toys and seems to like to chew. So toys are a must. Ollie has already begun heartworm treatment. If you're not in a position to adopt, sweet Ollie would love to be in a Foster home. We do not have a physical building. If you would like to meet any of our pups, the first step is to fill out our online application so we can contact you. Ollie is neutered, current on shots, rabies vaccine, and a registered microchip. If you would like to adopt this Amazing dog, please fill out our online adoption application at www. You may also send a message to our Amazing Grace Bully Rescue Page on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or send an email directly to amazinggracebullyrescue gmail. Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet. September 12, , pm If you have any questions or would like to adopt Ollie, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.

Share 0 Shares The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, and there is a very good reason why. They have friendly personalities, a calm temperament, and a beautiful golden coat. If you live in Wisconsin state then you are in luck! There are many great reputable Golden Retriever breeders in Wisconsin, and here we have listed 15 of our favorites. Their kennel is set up on a huge acre property in Clear Lake Wisconsin, and they have been members of the American Kennel Club since .They do have an application form and a waiting list before you can take home a puppy, but they also offer lifelong support to their puppies after they get adopted. They have also gotten raving reviews on their Facebook page, earning an amazing five stars. Their past buyers have recommended Rosewood Goldens to anyone who is looking for a healthy Golden Retriever puppy with a good temperament. All puppies are also up to date on vaccinations, deworming, and wellness vet visits before going to their forever homes. Name of Owner. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Wisconsin Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Wisconsin? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Wisconsin? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved.

Adopt a new best friend. By choosing to adopt, you participate in a statewide effort to provide homes for deserving and loyal German Shepherds. We cover all vet expenses and will purchase all needed supplies for your foster dog while they are in your care. Adopt a Dog Help us help future dogs. Donate your time. Campaign for fundraising. Transport dogs to their destinations. Make a difference in the German Shepherd community. Apply to volunteer with us and provide care for German Shepherds that truly need it. Apply to Volunteer We have found homes for hundreds of happy German Shepherds. Below is a list of German Shepherds that have successfully found a new home. German Shepherd adoption has changed our lives, and it can change yours, too. Bodie A friendly German Shepherd with a lovely black coat. Bodie was a lovely, personable German Shepherd that was finally adopted by a loving family after a long battle with homelessness. She also loves engaging in friendly play with cats! Jill Adopted in , Jill became a playful and positive addition to her family. Jill had previously completed behavioral training prior to adoption, making her an asset to any home. Now, she enjoys daily walks to local parks. Mesaba Once abandoned by his previous owner, Mesaba found a loving family in Georgia, who named him Mesaba after their Minnesotan roots. Mesaba now enjoys walks in the park, play time with friends, and a loving family. Giroux After previous domestic issues with cats, Giroux found a home with one of our volunteers. He now enjoys cheering up his new owner, who has previously lost a German Shepherd to age-related difficulties. Abbie After a history of neglect, Abbie was able to recover from her past trauma and find a loving and accepting home in .She now enjoys playing hide-and-find with new toys, playing in the local pond, and being part of her new family. Fletcher After abandonment from his previous owners, Fletcher was finally able to join his new and supportive family. He now enjoys long walks, lots of attention and plenty of space for personal recreation. Matilda Matilda was shy before reaching out shelter - but after some training, she was finally able to come out of her shell! She now spends time with her new family, receiving more love than she could ever imagine! Queen Adopted in , Queen is a playful and positive addition to any family. Queen had previously completed behavioral training prior to adoption, making her an asset to any home. Ike Ike is the life of the party. We are pleased to announced that after years of neglect, Ike was finally able to join a family of his own. Now, Ike enjoys playing with his new owners and enjoying a life of abundant love and affection. She was once abandoned by her previous owners, but with some care and rehabilitation, Lady was able to relocate to a loving family of her own! Schatzi Talk about playful! Schahtzi is a lovely German Shepherd that was able to join a loving family after a past of neglect. Now, she enjoys lots of exercise and good memories with his new family. See More Alumni Give in memoriam. To us, a dog is family. Every pet has a story, how they were rescued and what they meant to us. Tell us your story. To that end, most Stacker stories are freely available to republish under a Creative Commons License, and we encourage you to share our stories with your audience. There are a few guidelines and restrictions, which you can review below. Attribution: Make sure to always cite Stacker as the original source of the story and retain all hyperlinks within the republished text - whether to Stacker, our data sources, or other citations. To avoid publishing duplicate content, we also ask you to point the canonical tag back to the original article noted in the code. 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Story Counter: We include a Javascript snippet in the code so that we can keep track of where our stories are published. We only track the URL and number of page views - no user information is collected at all. Stacker distribution partners receive a license to all Stacker stories, as well as image rights, data visualizations, forward planning tools, and more. If your organization is interested in becoming a Stacker distribution partner, email us at [email protected]. Stacker offers its articles as-is and as-available, and makes no representations or warranties of any kind. Of these households, dogs and cats top the list of most popular pets, with .Without a nationally codified and streamlined process for collecting, organizing, and reporting on shelter data, there has been a grave lack of transparency around the country's shelters. That makes it difficult not only to pinpoint accurate statistics regarding sheltered animals in America but also to understand the true state of animal welfare in the country, which is the first step to improving that welfare. It's important to note that pet adoption is a huge responsibility and requires available savings for emergency and routine veterinary care, a day-to-day routine and game plan for coverage if the pup needs to be left at home during the day i. Be sure to do due diligence on breed research to see what kind of dog will be the best fit for your lifestyle. In exploring the history of animal shelters and rescue organizations in the country, nothing proves as problematic as the lack of a centralized reporting system to collect data on these organizations. If you've been considering bringing home a furry companion, be sure to keep reading. Stacker compiled a list of dogs available for adoption in Jackson, Mississippi on Petfinder, ranging in age, breed composition, temperament, and needs. Without further ado, here are adoptable dogs in your home city. All rights reserved. Back to top. He's small for a male at around 60 pounds, but he makes up for that with his big heart. Roger's age is a mystery. He may be over 7 years old, but he acts like a much younger dog. The vet guesses he's over 7 because of his teeth and some other factors, but living with Roger, we think he acts like a dog half that age. We can't say whether he's really a year-old dog who just had a hard life or he's really 7. His adopter will just have to take the mystery with the dog. He's a very special dog. When you look in his wise, soulful eyes, you can see life hasn't always been good to him, but he is very grateful for all the kindness that comes his way now. He's very eager to bond, and he wants very badly to be someone's beloved friend. He's desperate to please and follow his person around. Whatever you're up for doing, he's game to participate. Riding in a convertible in a harness, with the top down? Going for an early morning run before dawn? Helping keep the kitchen floor clean while you make dinner? Whatever it is, he knows it's going to be great if his person's by his side. He's energetic, loyal, and loving. He gives his whole heart to friendship. He has a zest for life -- he wakes up convinced that this is going to be the Best Day Ever. Roger adores his people. If you sit on the floor, he'll crawl into his lap. He loves to press his head against his person to have it rubbed. He loves going for walks, and he's terrific on a leash. He's a great jogging buddy. He pretty much loves doing anything as long as it's right next to his people. He loves playing with other dogs too, though he can come on a little strong for shy dogs. He thrives with positive training methods. He has a deep desire to please, and he's highly motivated by treats. Roger is house-trained and crate-trained. He's an approved camper at Camp Bow Wow which means he passed their temperament test for hanging out with other dogs there. He still has some unwanted behaviors like jumping and snatching treats that come from being overly enthusiastic, but he's making great progress. Roger's attachment to his people stems from his understanding of how much better his life is now. We don't know much about his past, other than that he was in a house fire and had burns on his ears and tail, which have now healed. He also has a scar on his muzzle that appears to have been from someone binding his muzzle shut with rope or wire sometime in the past. That's all behind him now, and he cherishes each day in his new life as a loved dog in his foster home. He understands that he is a very lucky pup now and he constantly shows gratitude. Roger is not available to be placed in a home with young kids. He recently tested negative for heartworms after successfully completing his heartworm treatment. Sorry, we are not able to respond to requests for information by telephone. It is not possible to meet any dog without first completing an adoption application. A completed adoption application, with vet and personal references, and a home check are required to apply to adopt. How did your organization get started? Our founder, Norma Jewell, was doing volunteer work at her local shelter. She was approached by the animal control officers to foster some hard to place dogs. She trained them in basic obedience, groomed them, and socialized them preparing for adoption. She researched other rescues and got advice from them on how to start an organized effort. She read books on the subject as well but the most help was learning from others who have started a rescue. Advertisement What is your mission? Through education, training , and fundraising, we are dedicated to caring for and finding good homes for all German Shepherd Dogs that need assistance for any reason. How do most of your animals find their way to you? Most of our dogs come from shelters where they are in danger of euthanization due to overcrowding or staff who are not familiar with the breed. What happens to the animals once they are in your care? They are placed into a foster home and evaluated for a minimum of three weeks before being put up for adoption. Potential homes are screened and a home visit is done before placing a dog in a new home. Tell us about a particularly compelling animal or inspiring rescue. The dog pictured in our logo is Bear. He was a high drive dog that would do anything you asked. The problem is, people do not understand the needs of such dogs, and neither did we back then. He was 13 months old when we met, and he had spent most of his life in one shelter or another. Bear, the inspiration for Mississippi Valley German Shepherd Dog Rescue Bear was untrained, and fearless, although his health was seriously compromised, there was something about him you could not put your finger on. The ill treatment he suffered was not going to take his spirit too. We just started doing breed rescue when we saw Bear. That was ten years ago and Bear taught us a lot. He was a Certified Therapy Dog that visited patients in the hospital. He was also a true hero, saving other dogs lives by being a canine blood donor. Sadly, Bear passed away from cancer last fall. He is the one that started us on this ride, and it has been a good one. This rescue effort is dedicated to him. DogTime The team at Dogtime has been keeping tails wagging since

Wildlife by Taylor Ann! We have over 35 years experience breeding, raising, and training work line, show line, and long coats. Here at Von Weiss kennels we strive to bring you the best in work line, show line, and family German Shepherds. We only breed three females once a year. As a result we are able to ensure solid, well secured, puppies and dams. Our Shepherds are part of our family as we hope our puppies will be a part of yours! Melissa came to my home and spent quite a bit of time with us to see how Coco would do in my home and around with my kids since I had a younger child with two older ones. We tried a in-home trial for a week and was very happy with Coco so we adopted her! Melissa has also answered all of my questions and given me tips since I was a bit rusty with having a pet. Melissa loves her dogs and only wants the best. She has a heart of gold! As for Coco, she has a very calm temperament and has fit so well into our family. I'm of course her favorite and she's basically stuck to me like glue. She also loves my girls and is very protective of all of us. I also feel a lot safer in my home with her being there. She's super alert and knows when someone is near my property. I've also been very happy with how well behaved Coco is. Thank you again, Melissa! I did a lot of research before choosing Von Weiss Kennels and I know we made the right choice. After completing the background questionnaire and a home check our family was invited to visit the kennel and meet her wonderful pack of dogs and pups. We were very impressed with how happy and healthy the dogs and pups were and how they were all part of the family. I would definitely recommend anyone looking for a pup or training to contact them to see for yourself. I was quite impressed with her sincerity, commitment, and dedication to her animals and her clients. Melissa made the the whole process from start to finish amazing and being able to come out and visit my puppy weekly has been the best experience!!! Excellent breeder with a commitment to temperament and intelligence. I found Melissa to be an honest breeder. She actually cares for her animals and where they go. Available after the sale to offer advice, tips, and training on your new Pet. She does everything possible to raise her litters the right way. Trooper has a great personality, extremely stable temperament, super solid environmentals, and as such can be taken literally anywhere with no issue at all. On top of being a joy to live with, he is exquisitely trainable. They have brought smiles and joy. They are rambunctious, playful, cuddliers, and love to splash around in the pool then curl up on someone's lap. Thank you Melissa for allowing us the joy of these girls. Highly recommend her! Roland Susan We brought home Khan today. Melissa is the best. Each weekend for a little over a month, I have visited her kennel and her beautiful dogs getting to know Khan. I have a greater understanding of German Shepherds, she is a fountain of information on how to raise and care for Khan. Thank you so very much. You have given me more than you know. Dogs are Beautiful! Ryan Jack Our young stud Zeus graduated his second obedience class last night .He came in first place!!! What a fine animal with the best temperament I could have ever wanted!!! I can not believe how fortunate we are to have this dog in our lives. We are an official c 3 Non-Profit Organization! The Encarta Dictionary defines rescue as; to prevent something from being discarded or rejected. With this definition in mind, the Vegas Shepherd Rescue was founded and is committed to rescuing and caring for abandoned, surrendered and abused dogs. We think of this commitment as a privilege and are passionate about sheltering and comforting our rescued friends. Vegas Shepherd Rescue VSR is not comprised of any one or two individuals but rather an all-volunteer group of dedicated individuals from all walks of life who share a common bond, caring for dogs. We fly under the banner of the German Shepherd breed but it is our goal to lessen the pain and hurt for all neglected dogs. Thanks for caring from all of us at VSR! Adoption Policy Our Adoption Requirements 1. Applicant must be at least 18 years of age. If you do receive the automated message and do NOT receive a personalized response within 48 hours, please forward the automated message to email tammy vegasdogrescue and advise us. Occasionally, we experience technical difficulties with particular email extensions. Our personalized response will outline the entire process and fees. You need to submit only one application — it is NOT dog specific. Additionally, PetFirst Insurance provides 30 days FREE insurance with activation upon adoption and our trainer will provide a one hour, in home consultation upon request. Our goal is to find furever homes for our orphans. However, VSR reserves the right to refuse anyone to adopt.

A puppy can be the perfect addition to a home to give and receive love and build a strong mutual bond of devotion. Welcoming a new puppy into your forever home is an exhilarating time, but it also brings a wealth of responsibilities. At Almond Blossom Doodles, we want this homecoming to be a beautiful and joyous occasion, and we are here to support you every step of the way. We ensure that these adorably perfect family companions receive an abundance of love and affection from the moment they enter this world. Our hands-on approach helps socialize the puppies while also aiding in the development of their loyalty and trust. We put a piece of our hearts into each puppy that we raise and share with you so the transition into their forever home will be seamless. Our sweet and lovable puppies are ready to come home with you eight weeks after birth, and all puppies come with the following services: Two-year health guarantee A Start on crate training-one week before you take them home ENS Early Neurological Stimulation Age-appropriate shots and worming with records included Collar and leash Almond Blossom Doodle Swag Bag. Windsong breeds Goldendoodle puppies that are healthy, happy, and well-socialized. We help each family select the right puppy for their lifestyle while keeping the individual needs of each puppy in mind as well. Love Our babies receive round-the-clock care from birth until they join their new family at 8 weeks. In fact, our babies spend the first weeks in our master bedroom as this makes for easy nighttime checks! They are loved on from their first day of life by children, cats, and most of all me! At 4 weeks they move to my living room where they can observe and interact more closely with our family. Health A high-quality diet, proper supplements, and the necessary genetic testing is our key to raising healthy puppies. We are passionate about health and are proud to offer a 2-year health guarantee on all our puppies. More info Happiness The happiness and well-being of our moms, dads, and puppies are extremely important to us. All of our breeding dogs live in our home or in loving guardian homes with their forever families. We believe there is a right and wrong way to breed. We are not a kennel, all of our dogs are well-cared for and cherished family members. Goldendoodles via ourdoodteddy How To Find A Reputable Goldendoodle Breeder Selecting a breeder is a major decision that everyone who wants to bring a Goldendoodle into their home has to face. You want to choose one carefully as their breeding practices will have an impact on the temperament and health of your Goldendoodle puppy. Start by looking at online sources such as Google reviews, online forums, discussion groups and social media platforms to see what other people are saying about the breeder. Did they have a good experience buying from them? To take your research a bit further, you can ask Goldendoodle organizations and clubs based in your area about their opinion of the breeder you are considering to purchase from. Many Goldendoodle clubs also have their own lists of responsible breeders so they can give you additional recommendations for good Goldendoodle breeders. You may also consider visiting some dog shows and events as they are a good opportunity to meet breeders in person and see their Goldendoodles. You can also ask other dog owners that are showing their Goldendoodles for breeder recommendations. Finally, ask potential breeders for references and consider contacting these people to ask about their experience with the breeder. Reputable breeders always prioritize the well-being of their dogs and strive for positive reviews. You should inquire about temperament and health of the Goldendoodle these people purchased. Use this information to make an informed decision. All reputable Goldendoodle breeders conduct them on their breeding dogs — whether they are breeding from purebred Golden Retrievers for F1 Goldendoodles and Poodles or from Goldendoodles for later generations like F2 Goldendoodles. A stipulates the health testing requirements for Goldendoodles and if the breeder is registered with G. A, you know that the breeding dogs have undergone full health testing. A heart clearance O. Ask to see documentation of these clearances before purchasing from a Goldendoodle breeder. All responsible breeders should be willing to provide any health documentation. They should also be happy to answer any questions you have about their breeding program. However, if you have the opportunity to check out the facilities you should do it. Check that the kennels are clean, that they dogs and puppies have access to fresh water and also that there is not a build up of feces or urine. Comfortable living conditions: The breeder should keep their Goldendoodles, Golden Retrievers and Poodles in comfortable living conditions. They should have large, comfortable kennels or dog beds and also have a decent amount of space to exercise and socialize with other dogs. Healthy breeding dogs and puppies: If you get the opportunity to meet the parents of the Goldendoodle litter you are interested in, make sure they are well-tempered and also healthy. Sometimes the mother will be quite protective of her puppies so she may show signs of aggression. If you are purchasing a puppy online and getting it delivered, ask if the breeder would be happy to video call you or send videos of their Goldendoodle puppies and breeding dogs to you. Ask About Socialization Goldendoodle breeders should begin the socialization process before their puppies are sold. The puppies should be exposed to a wide variety of sounds, experiences, people and places so they can adjust to their new homes and adult life. Nevertheless, they should start exposing them to sounds like household appliances, provide mental stimulation with toys and games and also encourage playtime and interactions with their littermates and family. The most common ones are: Lack of registration: If a Goldendoodle breeder cannot provide registration papers or other relevant documentation, it may be a sign that they are not operating a reputable breeding program. Overbreeding: Think twice about purchasing from a Goldendoodle breeder who always has puppies available or offers an excessive amount of dog breeds. This may suggest that the breeder is overly focused on profit instead of the health and wellbeing of their puppies. Lack of health checks: A reputable Goldendoodle breeder will conduct health clearances on their breeding dogs to ensure they are free of genetic health issues that could be passed on. If a breeder cannot provide documentation of these health checks, it may be a sign that they are not prioritizing health. Further Reading.

As a faithful and even-tempered dog, it does well with all the family members and children. It also mingles freely with other smaller household pets and may guard them when their owner is away. When left alone, it keeps itself engaged in activities, and it does not show any signs of separation anxiety. Known for its attentive and alert disposition, the Dalmador can warn its owner of an impending threat. Care Exercise The Dalmador is a lively dog and would enjoy going out for daily walks. Long brisk walks and running sessions will not only help in keeping it stress-free but also channelize its energy. Encourage your pet to play and run around in a fenced yard or park. Grooming Since it is a frequent shedder, regular brushing is needed to remove the dead hairs. Also, occasional bathing is advisable to keep its coat odor-free and shiny. Health Problems The Lab-Dalmatian mix is a healthy breed with no specific health disorders reported so far. However, it can be vulnerable to some health conditions including hip dysplasia, entropion, allergic infections, urinary stone formation, and deafness that are common in its parent breeds. Training When it comes to training this intelligent breed, the owners need to be more patient and persistent in their approach since results come steadily. Socialization and obedience training will help the puppies learn the basic etiquettes of a family pet. If you are not an expert hand in training a dog, you can seek professional help. Feeding You should offer your Delmador dog a highly nutritious, balanced diet containing enough protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins. Quality commercial dog foods can be given in amounts of cups a day. You can include dry kibble in its diet, but be sure to provide sufficient quantity of water. Interesting Facts The Dalmadors are known for their herding, sighting, racing abilities, and can be used for military works. These dogs are good diggers and are often seen digging holes in the yard. Fortunately, understanding the history of their well-established parent breeds can help inform you of what to expect should you be thinking of bringing one of these cuties into your home. Its exact history is unknown, but many speculate that it goes as far back as ancient Egypt, where engravings depict a spotted dog following an Egyptian chariot. Although the traveling Romanies spread it across Europe, the Dalmatian can first be positively identified in early artworks of Dalmatia, part of historical Croatia. A versatile dog with a varied history, the Dalmatian has served as a guard dog and a dog of war. It gained massive popularity in England during the Regency era as a striking coach dog. With their unique affinity for horses, a fit Dalmatian can still run up to thirty miles a day beside a coach or rider. They are famous for being made popular in the movie Dalmatians and being the preferred mascot for firefighters. Help Dogs In Need Our blog posts aim to provide comprehensive, accurate, and objective information on all types of dogs, helping our readers make informed choices that fit their lifestyle. We don't endorse any specific breeding practices, but advocate for ethical breeding and dog welfare. We encourage exploring adoption first. Countless wonderful dogs, from all breeds, await their forever homes in shelters. Remember, with AdoptDontShop, you can give a deserving rescue a second chance at happiness. The St. They soon became the preferred field dog of the aristocracy. Their soft mouths and superior swimming ability—also found in their cousins, the Newfoundland—made them ideal for retrieving game birds from the water without harming the carcass. Today they are more often seen as companion dogs, but their trainability has also made them common working dogs, being effective sniffers, rescue, seeing-eye, and therapy dogs. They also still retain their hunting instincts and are common as gun and field dogs. This means a puppy could be the spitting image of a Labrador or Dalmatian or anything in between! A Dalmatian Labrador mix is likely to stand between 19 and 24 inches at the shoulders and weigh between 50 and 80 pounds, making it a large dog. It may inherit its coloring from either parent. The AKC accepts yellow, black, and chocolate labs, although a new silver variation is appearing. On the other hand, Dalmatians are white with either liver or black spots. Many Dalmadors are born all black, sometimes with white paws or chests. However, they can also be spotted, or entirely white, yellow, or cream. A Dalmador can be born with a coat taking after either parent. This means lots of exercise and stimulation, or you may have to deal with destructive behaviours. Loving but firm boundaries will go a long way for any Dalmatian offspring. If kept outside, they will need frequent interaction to prevent loneliness and destructive behavior. They should also have housing that protects them from all kinds of weather. Most importantly, this is not an apartment dog. With a proud lineage of runners and hunters, this mixed breed will need a moderately sized yard at the very least to stretch their legs. As a large breed puppy, the young Dalmador will likely need food specially formulated to support their growing hips and joints. They may also need specialized diets if they inherit specific food allergies, affecting their skin or stomach. Labs are particularly prone to obesity, so it may be a good idea to watch the calories with these dogs. Many owners have found feeding the dogs the natural raw food diet has shown fantastic results in terms of shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and less allergy-related problems. It is also important to note that the Dalmatian is unique amongst dogs in its inability to metabolize purines. This means it should never be given purine-yielding proteins such as those found in beef. This does not exclude the Dalmador from the raw diet, but it does mean that any owner should take particular care to avoid feeding both too much protein and meat that may cause urinary and kidney stones. Grooming Luckily, the Dalmador is not a long-haired breed and should not need the trimming, clipping, and other high-maintenance work that is typically involved with the more majestically maned canines. Regardless of whether they inherited their coat from their Labrador or Dalmatian parent, the Dalmador will need at least one brushing a week for which a simple pet grooming glove will work well. .A firm bristle brush will remove most mud and dead hair. In this case, a bath will be needed. Finally, nails should be kept short, and you can ask your vet for recommendations on how to clean ears to prevent infections and teeth to prevent decay. Does the Dalmatian Labrador mix shed? While the Dalmatian is often described as a light shedder, Dalmatian owners will tell you that they shed pretty consistently throughout the year. Likewise, the Labrador never completely stops shedding, and this becomes significantly worse when it loses its undercoat during the molting season. Alternatively, it may be a good idea to keep a lint roller on hand at all times. The Health of a Dalmador Exercise As mentioned above, the Dalmador is likely to be a high-energy pup. This is not an apartment dog or for an owner who is not up for long walks or visits to the dog park in all kinds of weather. Fortunately, there are plenty of fun activities a Dalmatian Labrador mix would be perfect for. Hiking, biking, and even sledding are great options for this dog. Should you be an equestrian, you might be surprised how well a Dalmatian cross might get along with your horse and will be a great companion on outrides. Sports are also fantastic opportunities to bond. A Dalmador could excel as a field dog, in agility or it could even be put to work as a service or therapy dog. Sensitive, sweet, and enthusiastic, they make perfect friends for adventuring and lounging alike. And they are especially beautiful dogs, too. Dalmador puppies are likely to have the famous Dalmatian spots, whether in stark contrast to their base color or just charmingly freckled. The color variations from the Labrador Retriever mixed with those eye-catching spots make for unique and striking coats. A moderately long-lived canine, chances are you will be welcoming a new Dalmador into your life for well over a decade. No one can predict the ups and downs of life, so you should be prepared to care for your dog in times of both health and hardship. While Dalmatians are rather famous in pop culture for inbreeding, many breeders are very careful with their canine lineages. Dalmatians Are a Jack-of-All-Trades Dog The Dalmatian breed has had a vast variety of jobs: sporting dog, trail hound, bird dog, retriever, boar hunter, coach dog, firehouse mascot, guard dog, and even stage performer and circus star! Their intelligence, affinity for working with horses and other animals, and their striking spots make for a versatile and eager dog. He killed the cat of Governor Gifford Pinchot and spent the rest of his 10 years of life behind bars. In his time there, Pep became good friends with the warden and was an unofficial prison mascot of sorts. For example, they have been clocked at reaching speeds of 12 mph in about 3 seconds! These dogs love walks, runs, hikes, swims, fetch, and just about any exercise imaginable — as long as they have a friend to share it with. Dalmadors are sensitive and protective but balanced out by an easygoing and exuberantly friendly nature. Highly energetic, they relish the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities with their family. Whether swimming, running, biking, or hiking, these dogs will want to be included. They love children and can make a great playmate for older kids. Dalmadors are bright as well, which means they can and will get bored if left alone or cooped up for long periods of time. Giving your dog multiple opportunities throughout a day to exercise and play outside is highly recommended. And, if you must leave your dog alone, give them plenty of toys to occupy their teeth. Many Dalmadors enjoy chewing and providing sturdy chew toys will keep you from having to replace your furniture and shoes regularly! Are These Dogs Good for Families? Dalmadors have an easygoing friendliness to them and are known for their gentleness with children of all ages. If you socialize your dogs and kids with each other early, they can easily become best friends. Active children will especially get along with these eager and athletic dogs. Biking, running, exploring — let both child and dog channel their endless energy into outdoor activities and it will be a race to see who can tire the other out first! They are friendly, mellow, and tolerant when dealing with most everyone and make very little distinction between species. But if you socialize them early and give your dog plenty of exercise and playtime, they should all get along swell! Be sure to check in with your vet about appropriate portion sizes and weight gain so that your Dalmador will not have to lug around any unnecessary pounds. And as a juvenile dog, they may need even more! A Dalmador is best kept in a home with a fenced-in yard or larger surrounding property. They need an owner who can keep up with their energy needs or, as a breed that is somewhat prone to obesity, their health may suffer. They are high energy and may be distractible at times, especially in their youth. Though very quick to learn, they will need firm, positive training, and plenty of patience. As with any dog, ingraining a strong, reliable recall and a few basic obedience commands is highly encouraged. Obedience training is essential for Dalmador puppies as their exaggerated friendliness may not always be well-received — especially once they reach full size! Ears need to be cleaned of any built-up wax and dirt to avoid infections. Though the nails may be worn down naturally, some still need the occasional trim to prevent cracking. And a regular teeth cleaning will provide your dog with fresher breath, and a lower chance of gum disease. And, like all hybrid dog breeds, the Dalmador is generally healthier and less likely to inherit genetic disorders than either of its parent breeds. Dalmatians are often cited during discussions of poor health from inbreeding. But in the last 30 years, many breeders have taken steps to ensure the health of new generations. Finding a healthy Dalmador should not pose a problem. All that being said, there are a few health conditions to be aware of for this breed. Minor Conditions. Even though the Dalmatian has lost its aggressiveness, proper training, socialization, and exercise are needed from an early age. Conversely, if you are a very active outdoors type, this breed is for you! Training Needs of the Dalmador Training is one of the three most essential components of raising your Dalmatian Lab Mix. Once you get home with the new puppy, start with the basic commands: sit, stay, lay down, and come. Then once the puppy has mastered those, move on to different commands. Labrador Retriever In the very beginning, take your puppy out wherever you go. Allow the Labrador Dalmatian mix to experience new smells, sites, people, and animals. The more they see and experience the better the Dalmatian Lab mix reacts to strange and uncertain circumstances. You want them to be more comfortable no matter the environment. So, socialization is an important fundamental step to have a fantastic and upstanding citizen of the dog world. The one place you should never go when your dog is still a puppy is to the dog park! Your puppy is still very young. If things get out of control with an ill-behaved dog, it could scar your puppy for life. Dalmatian and Lab health The Dalmador is highly energetic, he will do best in a home with a yard and an owner who is able to take him on consistent walks or jogs. The Dalmador should do great in homes with children, but purebred Dalmatian dogs can be prone to guarding instincts, so it is important to supervise your Dalmador around small kids and pets. Origin of the Dalmatian Labrador Mix Both his purebred parents have fascinating histories , however, and their distinctive roots can help to give us some insight as to what their Dalmador puppy is all about. The Lab was originally bred for hunting, his primary job these days is to be a doting family companion. Or even leading the way on a search-and-rescue mission. Labs even make great service animals to their human counterparts, working as guide dogs for the blind or emotional support dogs. It is widely believed the Dalmatian originated in Croatia. Here he was once used in war to guard the borders of Dalmatia, a region in Croatia. Beautifully spotted Dalmatians were coveted by royalty and those who held a very high status in the community. During this period, the Dalmatian would walk alongside coaches of those of high status, and thus he eventually became known as The Spotted Coach Dog. This means features such as coat color, weight and height will be left up to chance, depending on which parent the Dalmador takes after most. The full-grown Labrador will grow to be inches and weigh about pounds. The Dalmatian is also a medium-sized dog who has a proportionate, athletic build. His famously spotted coat comes in two standard color types, including white and black or white and liver. The full-grown Dalmatian will be inches tall and weigh around pounds. Dalmador Grooming Your Dalmador will have a short coat that sheds seasonally. They are not a good fit for those with dog fur allergies, and will leave a spread of fur around the home on a regular basis. A weekly grooming routine will keep on top of most of the shed fur, and you can use that time to also check their floppy ears for any waxy build up that might lead to ear infections. The Dalmador Temperament Your Dalmador dog will be intelligent and eager to please. They get along well with members of the family of every age, but can be a little wary of strangers. This trait can be reduced by early socialization, but they are likely to remain less keen on strangers than your average Labrador Retriever. Energy levels will be high into adulthood and they will need loads of interactive dog toys, chews and games to keep them occupied. Dalmador puppies crave attention and can suffer form separation anxiety if left for long periods of time. Dalmador Training and Exercise Requirements The Dalmatian and the Labrador are intelligent, so your Dalmador puppy will be a treat to train. The Labrador, for example, is famous for his ability to learn and pick up commands. Training him proves simple, as he loves to learn and enjoys a challenge. However, as we previously mentioned, the Lab is very high energy, especially in his youth. Still, with patience and consistency, the Labrador makes an excellent student. The Dalmatian is also a pretty active dog who needs plenty of exercise to maintain his health and happiness. He has very little patience for boredom and, like the Lab, has been known to become destructive when not exercised enough or when left alone for too long without proper toys or activities. He is intelligent and responds well to training, which is what makes him such a successful show dog. In fact, the Dalmatian is known to excel in obedience training. Dalmadors are very energetic and can be prone to destructive behavior if bored. I recommend early socialization and proper training with your Dalmador puppy. A variety of toys and plenty of exercise should help keep him from getting overly excited or destructive to property. The purebred Labrador can be prone to suffer loose knee joints, elbow and hip dysplasia and ruptured ligaments in their hind legs. Eye disease, heart disease, epilepsy, cancer, and chronic allergies are also possibilities. Labs are also more prone than average to suffer the gastrointestinal syndrome, Bloat. The purebred Dalmatian has a lifespan of years. They can be prone to hip dysplasia, deafness, obesity, urinary stones, epilepsy and hyperactivity. His health issues will vary depending on what issues his purebred parents have passed on to him. For mixed breed dogs, it helps us predict what instincts and temperament they could inherit. They were first bred to retrieve fallen waterfowl and return it to their owner during hunting. To make successful working dogs, Labrador breeders looked for strength, a waterproof coat, attentiveness to their human handler, intelligence and stamina. Today, Labs continue to work as gundogs. Dalmatian history Dalmatians meanwhile started out as carriage dogs in the 17th century. They would trot alongside carriages, and deter threats such as highwaymen. Dalmatians were popular in this role because they were athletic enough to keep up with the horses, and they had strong guarding instincts. The same can be said of Dalmatians today. What does this mean for Dalmadors? They might also inherit strong retrieving or guarding instincts. Dalmatian Lab Mix Appearance Labradors weigh 55 to 80 pounds. They are traditionally bred in two different types: English, or show type Labs, which are more likely to be shorter, stockier and heavier. And American, or working type Labs, which are typically taller and relatively slender. Dalmatians are similar in size and build to the working type Lab. They weigh 45 to 70 pounds. Dalmador size depends upon what type their Lab parent was. And the size of their Dalmatian parent. Two small dogs are likely to produce small offspring. Plus, female Dalmadors are likely to be smaller as adults than male Dalmadors. Does a Dalmador have spots? Dalmatians owe their iconic spots to a combination of the Extreme White Spotting and Ticking genes. One way to think of it is that they have a black or liver coat, with white markings so big that they cover their whole body, and small holes poked in those markings, so that the black or liver spots show through. Labradors usually have solid coats inblack, brown, or yellow. But small white markings, such as a medallion on the chest, are permitted by the breed standard. Dalmatian Lab mix puppies are usually black or chocolate. They may have white markings which cover some, or a lot, of their body. And those white markings may have spots or flecks of color in them. Since both Dalmatians and Labs have an athletic build, and a relatively short coat, a Dalmador certainly will too. On the whole, Dalmador appearance is pretty predictable. But the same is less true of their personality. And since these two breeds were bred for very different purposes, Dalmador temperament can vary a lot from one dog to the next. Labradors are famously friendly and confident meeting new people. They are still very affectionate with their human family. But they often take a while to warm up to strangers. A Dalmador puppy might naturally be outgoing like a Lab, or more reserved like a Dalmatian. Some Traits They Might Have Dalmadors with strong Labrador traits might also love fetching toys and carrying them around in their mouths. They might also be very food oriented, and try to climb on counters or break into cupboards to get at snacks. Dalmatians on the other hand were bred for remarkable physical endurance. As pets, they tend to be extremely energetic and constantly on the go. Their owners report that they are also very goofy and playful! Training and Exercising Your Dalmatian Lab Mix Labradors were bred to work in close partnership with people, constantly receiving and acting on new information from their handler. A Dalmador who takes strongly after a Labrador will be very motivated to take part in training games. They will pick up new commands quickly. Dalmatians meanwhile had a much more straightforward role in the past. Which they learned to do without needing constant management from a human. A Dalmador who takes after a Dalmatian more might be harder for a novice dog trainer to teach. Whichever breed a Dalmador takes after, they will respond best to force free, positive reinforcement training. This mix is likely to be large, and could easily knock over children or elderly people. Socialization All dogs need socializing carefully as young puppies. This is even true of the ultra-outgoing Labrador. But it is especially true of Dalmatians and their mixes, which are less naturally confident around new things. Which would be stressful for them and you. Exercise Labs and Dalmatians are both able to work for several hours a day in intensely physical roles, without flagging. So Dalmadors demand a lot of exercise to meet their need for physical activity. This means at least two hours of walks. They also make great companions for runners and cyclists. They may resort to displacement activities such as digging outdoors and indoors, and chewing furniture. Around 1 in 8 Dalmatians experience some hearing loss or deafness. This is linked to their markings. The Extreme White Spotting gene also causes abnormal development of the cells in the inner ear. They are prone to: Problems with their teeth and gums Hip dysplasia. Like the name might suggest, these dogs are the result of crossbreeding a Dalmatian and a Labrador Retriever. Affectionately called the Dalmador, this hybrid is known for its intelligence, athleticism, and outgoing temperament. However, just like any dog breed, there is more to the Dalmatian Lab mix than meets the eye. There have been increasing amounts of controversy over cross breeding in the last few years. Some say that crossbreeding produces unhealthy and genetically deficient puppies, while others say that combining dog breeds creates healthier dogs. So, which is it? Hybrid Vigor Some people proclaim that crossbreeding two different breeds together creates a genetically deficient offspring. However, scientific evidence shows us that the opposite is actually true. This fact leads to an increased chance for genetic defects and mutations to take hold. When you mix two different breeds, though, their genetics are more diverse. This breeding creates more genetically diverse offspring who are less likely to experience some of the adverse health effects purebred dogs are commonly stuck with. We do not have room for a complete discussion of hybrid vigor here, but if you would like to get into the nitty-gritty and science behind it, you can read more here. They are not very common and usually only come from specialized breeders. The Dalmatian and Labrador Retriever, on the other hand, both have extensive histories. Dalmatian Origin The Dalmatian can trace its roots back to Croatia but today spans nearly around the world. The original role of the Dalmatian is varied. They are a truly ancient breed with strong guarding and hunting instincts, making them all-around great dogs for many ancient peoples. They were known to hunt wild boar and stags and were commonly used as retrievers, bird dogs, and trail hounds. The Dalmatian was extremely versatile, which contributed to its popularity and spread. On top of being hunting and guarding canines, these dogs were also commonly seen trotting alongside coaches and were highly prized during the Regency period for their elaborate, spotted pattern. In modern times, their most famous role has been working for firefighters. Initially, Dalmatians were employed to help guide the horses and firefighters to the fire, since they are very calm around horses and tense situations. Labrador Origin The Labrador retriever, though, has a different history. Labs themselves were bred to be active working dogs with even temperaments and a good work ethic. Initially, they were used as retrieving dogs, locating and bring back birds to their hunters. Today, they are renowned as guide dogs and detection dogs. The Dalmatian Lab mix carries traits from both these parents, as we will see. Dalmador Size Perhaps one of the most important things to consider before deciding to adopt or purchase a dog is its size. A puppy is small and adorable, of course, but puppies do get bigger. It is essential to ensure that you can house and take care of any puppy you adopt through its whole life. Figuring out what size a puppy Dalmador will grow into is tricky, though. Crossbreeding is not a sure science. When you mix two different breeds, they can inherit traits from both parents. This means that a Dalmador can either be around the size of a Dalmatian or the size of a lab. Labs typically weigh between 55 — 80 pounds, while Dalmatians are usually around 33 — 71 pounds. As you can see, Dalmatians can be a little bit smaller than a Labrador retriever. And overall, that means the possible size range of a full grown Dalmador is considerable: potentially anywhere from 33 to 80 pounds. You could end up with a Dalmatian lab mix that has the spotted coat of a Dalmatian, or a puppy might end up looking more like a Labrador retriever instead. When you crossbreed two different dog breeds together, you have no idea what traits are going to show up. This unknown factor is part of the risk you take when you breed a hybrid; each puppy can inherit different traits and be completely different from each other. The coat is no different. Dalmadors can have a mix of different traits from either parent, leading them to have a vast difference in appearance from dog to dog. It is likely that a Dalmador will have traits from both of its parents, giving it a unique temperament and mix of characteristics. Labradors are loyal, intelligent, and eager to please, while Dalmatians are generally obedient, outgoing, and laid back. Exactly how this mix turns out is entirely unknowable. It is impossible to guess which traits a particular puppy is going to inherit. This unpredictability is part and parcel of crossbreed dogs, and that might be off-putting for you, or exciting! Dalmatian Lab Mix Grooming Dalmatians have short, easy to maintain coats, which shed a little all year round. Labradors have thick, heavy-duty double coats adapted to protect them from the elements. And boy do you know it when a Lab blows their coat. Shed fur everywhere! Will a Dalmatian Lab mix shed a little or a lot? They might blow their coat like a Lab, just a little, or not at all. This is certainly a situation when you can hope for the best, but you should prepare for the worst! Labrador retrievers and Dalmatians are both big breeds, prone to hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is abnormal growth of the hip joint, which can lead to painful arthritis and eventually lameness. Adult Labs and Dalmations should have their hips checked by a vet before they breed — they will receive hip scores which your breeder can share with you to give an indicator of their joint health. Labs are also extremely prone to obesity , thanks to a genetic mutation. Because of this, it is important to ensure that your Dalmador is getting the proper exercise and eating a correct amount of food. Dalmatians are also unusually prone to deafness in one or both ears. Luckily, this is exactly the kind of inheritance which a Dalmador pup is likely to be protected from by being a crossbreed your breeder will be able to discuss it with you in more detail. Dalmatian Lab Mix Care Requirements As they are bound to be a larger dog, it is essential that you provide your Dalmatian Lab mix with plenty of room to run and exercise. Walks are going to be very important to the overall well being of your dog. Dalmatians and Labs are both working dogs, which means that their offspring will also benefit from regular training and mental stimulation. Of course, some Dalmatian lab mixes are going to need more exercise and stimulation than others. Keeping an eye on your dog can help you determine the correct amount of activity for them. Dalmador Puppies Dalmadors are somewhat rare, which can make finding a puppy difficult. We recommend checking with specialty breeders who might have litters planned for the future. Wherever you get your puppy from, we highly recommend checking on the health of the parents and asking about any health problems that might come up. You should ensure that the Dalmatian parent of your puppy has hearing in both ears. Luckily, both Labs and Dalmatians make great family dogs, increasing the likelihood that their offspring will be, too. The ideal home for a Dalmador will include lots of room to run and exercise, as well as many opportunities for mental stimulation. If you decide to get a Dalmador, we recommend keeping an open mind and not expecting your pooch to look or act a certain way. References and Further Reading.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. The biggest challenge is the first few weeks. We recommend that you plan on using some vacation time during the first few weeks to get your puppy off to a great start. Put the hard work in early, and you can sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor after! We see the biggest failures occur when people are not willing to invest the time needed during the first few weeks. In these weeks, your puppy will become crate trained, housebroken, and continue learning their basic commands sit, down, stay and come. We will have already started this in our home but you must continue putting the hard work in the first few weeks. Yes that could mean some sleepless nights but it will be over before you know it. Once Your Puppy is Home: Once your puppy is home, enjoy it. First and foremost just know that this will not last for a long period of time. Puppyhood can be so rewarding but you have to be patient and be their leader. Bernedoodles must be trained using a very loving and patient approach. We feed ours about 2. See our puppy contract in header above, click the link, and we have the feeding schedule spelled out there. If you want a housebroken puppy, and fast, the bottom line is that you need to get your puppy out frequently. We take ours out every minutes, and more frequently right after meals. After they drink we always allow them access to clean fresh water or eat we will take them out every minutes until they have both urinated and defecated. The bottom line, is that if you want to housebreak your puppy fast, you need to prevent as many accidents as possible. Never, ever, use newspaper or puppy pads if you want to do this the right way. Bottom line is that the puppies will quickly learn that outside is where they are supposed to go to the bathroom. Every puppy is different, and some will have faster metabolisms. You need to watch for the visual cues your puppy will tell you when they have to go increased pacing, head down sniffing.Also we set up our puppy area using baby fences that is next to the door that they will use to go in and out of the house to go potty. They will quickly learn to tell you when they have to go by either sitting or standing next to the door, or in some cases, scratching at the door.Some people have had success training their dogs to paw at some bells that you can tether up at the back door as well. Bottom line, is that the more you're on top of this early, the quicker they will learn the deal of housebreaking. In most cases we have had our puppies housebroken within a day or two, but this means we are always with the puppies the first few weeks until they have the hang of it. Once they do, they won't be perfect and accidents will still happen and usually the persons mistake. DO NOT scold the dog. Just quickly scoop up the dog and take them outside. When the puppies are young, we start telling them to go potty for pee and poo poo for.You can use any other command but this is what we have used successfully. Training them to go on command is hugely helpful and starts imprinting on the dog what they need to do outside. As the puppies start moving around outside we just say "Go Potty".We keep repeating this until they give the characteristic squat of urinating or hump backed and crouched position of defecating. As soon as they are done at the very moment, and not a second later we excitedly praise the puppy by saying "Good Potty" or "Good Poo Poo". You can also first say "Yes! The Bernedoodle puppies want to please you and they catch on to this very quickly. You continue to repeat this process everytime they go outside and they will get the hang of it. This is extremely useful especially when you're on long road trips or in a rush to leave the house for a bit! We typically remove food after the puppies have had all the opportunity they want to feed and usually have the last feeding around 7 pm but leave water out all the time until about 8 pm. We will continue to walk them every minutes unless they are sleeping and we try to get them some good romping around time at this point so they are good and tired for bed time. We use crates at night time and during the day on occassion to get them used to the crate. We give them one last walk around pm. When they are weeks of age, expect to get up once in the early morning hours to walk them, but just let them go to the bathroom, and then promptly return them to their crate. Be strong with this! Don't give in to any whining or barking or the like. If you do, they have conditioned you and the crate will become a dust collector. The first few nights the puppies may literally go bizerk on you.Be strong! Don't do anything more than this. We had one puppy that cried and pawed at the crate door the whole night and we thought for sure this would be the one that wasn't going to crate train. Well by day three, she was perfect. You just need to know that except on very, very, very rare occassion, your puppy is going to learn to settle and sleep in their crate. You just have to be mentally strong, get some ear plugs, give your puppies maybe a sound machine and some toys, and try to get some rest. We just get one of the XL size crates and then safely secure an object to give them less space.This way you won't have to get a bigger crate when they grow. Although we give them an open fenced in area that we supervise to play in, we will put them in the crate several times during the day for about an hour so that they can get used to the routine. They may fight it at first, but will learn to love it very soon. Just don't quit on this very important step. Don't over do this at the young ages and just incorporate training throughout the day as a general part of their daily routine. SO if you want to teach them sit, just put a piece of food in your hand, palm facing up, and begin moving the food slightly above their head and backward while saying "sit".We will have already started this with them but keep it going! Just be patient, enjoy puppyhood, have a great attitude, and you'll develop what will be your favorite dog ever! However there are some things you can do to help. First, have a toy or bone within reach and when the puppy begins mouthing a hand or arm or something just say "OUCH" and then give them the toy or bone. Do not hit nor tap on the puppies snout. Just a firm and loud "OUCH!! Puppies are exploring and play biting each other during the first 8 weeks and they learn how hard they can and can not bite. Human flesh, without the thick coat, is a lot more sensitive and the puppy needs to learn what is and what is not appropriate. Don't be afraid to raise your voice when the mouthing is too hard. Or if the puppy is doing good licking then say "Good kisses" or whatever praise statement you want to use. But really encourage the good behavior. The frequency of puppy mouthing will naturally decrease but you need to teach them acceptable force of their bite.We are always here for you and will help partner with you during this process. Please never, ever hesitate to drop us a line with any questions or concerns. We want to see you have great success with your new family member!! If used properly, they can be a wonderful safe haven for your pet. At Premier Doodles, we start this process early on and all of our puppies from weeks will have multiple crates available in their kennel kept in our master bedroom. They learn what we call a Positive Conditioned Emotional Response PCER which means they come to learn that the crate is a great place to be and have to train this. The crate should be big enough for your pet to stand up, lay down and turn around. Don't worry about dividers as most all of our bernedoodles are great in the crate. Should accidents begin to appear on one side of the crate you'll have to creatively reduce the amount of space they have inside the crate. IMPORTANT NOTE: you will need to purchase two crates, one at the back door with a connected x-pen or other type of portable fencing that is clipped onto the crate to make a small play area, and the other next to your bed if you want maximum success. We have a YouTube channel called Premier Doodles where we have a short video showing what this setup looks like. The crate should be used to safely confine your pet when you are away from home, at night and for short periods of time when you are unable to watch them. We do not recommend keeping any type of collar on your pet while in the crate or in your home.It is important that from the very beginning, you never use your crate to punish your pet. You must make it a positive experience from the start. We want to create a PCER. You most definitely can confine your pet for short periods of time when they are misbehaving, but you never want to place your pet in there in a harsh or negative manner. If your pet develops a fear or dislike to their crate, it can be a very difficult situation to turn around. The crate should be a safe haven for your pet. It is an area that they should be able to go to and feel secure and comfortable. Use softer chew toys as they are more quiet at night time especially while you're sleeping. This includes bedding. We will attempt to put old towels or perhaps even an old sheet in my dogs crate but if they start to chew them, out they come. It is not worth the risk to have a pet ingest something that literally can kill them or cost a hefty price to have surgically removed. We usually keep our pets in their crate at night until they are able to hold their potty all night and they understand that we sleep at night, we don't "party". We want our dogs in the bedroom at night so we will then use a baby gate to keep them in there with us at night. They are typically crated during the day while we are gone until they are approximately 2 years of age. That is the average for dogs to mature especially bernedoodles. This may seem like a long time, but it is well worth the patience. Dogs that are well socialized are a pure pleasure to be around. They are far more "stable" than an un-socialized pet. They are much less likely to get themselves into trouble, which could ultimately get you into "big" trouble. This couldn't be further from the truth. They should always be socialized with safe, healthy dogs that are tolerant of obnoxiouspuppies. It is a common misconception that a lot of people believe that in order to have a "protective" dog, you must keep it away from people. You must praise or encourage inappropriate behavior, i. In reality, a dog that is well socialized is every bit as likely to alert you, or perhaps even defend you in the face of danger. The critical difference is: An un-socialized dog is going to assume that every single person, child etc. They have a much higher ability to "perceive" what is a true threat than the unfortunate un-social dog. The un-socialized pet is actually one that is running on fear of the "unknown". The reality is this: You should be getting a pet for a "pet". They should be a well-loved, properly cared for member of your family. To get a "pet" solely for "protection" is usually a recipe for disaster. We all can take comfort in the fact that all dogs usually alert us to something "different" in or around the house. That in itself is a huge deterrent to someone who is up to no good. To rely on a pet to keep us totally safe from harm, is not fair to the dog, nor should it be "their'' responsibility alone. A final note: To allow a dog to pick and choose what they perceive as a threat, to not socialize your dog, to not properly train and provide care for your dog, to not allow your dog to be a member of the family, is almost ALWAYS a disaster in the making. Insurance companies, Boarding Kennels, Hotels, Apartments, etc. There are certain Breeds of dogs that are not "welcome". There are no "bad" breeds in my opinion, but unfortunately, there are literally thousands of "bad" owners. Expose your pet to all different types of people, noises, environments etc. Do not force your pet to accept strangers, nor do you want to coddle fearful behavior. Do be mindful that your new puppy is not fully vaccinated until 16 weeks of age. Until then, you can still get them out and in car rides and with a rubbermaid tote can put into a cart at Lowe's and let them hear and see new people. Do yourself a favor and socialize your pet. You and they will be glad you did! They need to be corrected the instant the unwanted behavior occurs. They live in a world of cause and effect. Dogs live in the NOW. Corrections have to happen in the NOW. The quickest way to teach your dog that you are not trustworthy is to punish your dog with physical violence or to reprimand him for some action that he is not presently engaged in. Abuse is never acceptable, hitting a dog is never acceptable. You cannot use fear as a means of making an animal behave; it doesn't work. Showing an animal strong leadership and giving rules is not the same thing as instilling fear and administering inappropriate punishment. Never correct an animal out of anger of frustration. When you try and correct your dog out of anger, you are usually more out of control than your dog is. You are fulfilling your own needs, not the animals. Negative attention is better than no attention at all This is something that most parents can relate to as well. Whether this is laying down napping, playing with appropriate toys, sitting before being allowed outside, greeting people, etc. My number 1 rule for solving behavioral problems is to NOT reinforce them. Extinguish them or better yet work to not let them creep up into their pattern of life. Simply put, if your dog is acting out inappropriately and you react to it, you are very likely reinforcing that behavior. You may be reacting negatively, but you are reacting. However; if you re-direct your pet to something appropriate and then reward them for that, you will usually end up extinguishing the behavior that you do not want. For example: If your dog is jumping on you and you scream, yell, push or otherwise acknowledge the pet, you are reinforcing that behavior. Have you ever seen a "sane" dog repeatedly attack a telephone pole for no reason???? Having said that, you must also use common sense. If "Fido" is chewing on an electrical cord, you can not simply ignore it. What you should do is very quickly but calmly get up and with a sharp "NO" correct the pup and then immediately re-direct the pup to something appropriate. Reward for correct behavior. But it doesn't have to be! And with our Premier bernedoodles you'll find them to be one of the easiest puppies to housebreak because we have already started this process well before you bring your new puppy home. The following tips are helpful, if followed, in making a great and fun time less stressful for you and your pup! Once your puppy is a little bit older, they almost always can hold their potty overnight. The crate should be big enough for your puppy to standup, turnaround, and lay down. Our bernedoodle puppies do great in a Midwest XL wire crate. Puppies should be fed 3 times per day, at the very least they need to be fed 2 times per day. Please talk to your Veterinarian about your abilities to feed your pet and follow their advice. We personally do not recommend "paper'' training a puppy. No matter how you look at it, it is giving the puppy permission to use the bathroom in the house. It, of course, is a personal choice and some people's work schedule does not allow for anything different. Just keep in mind, it will be more difficult to change the "way of thinking" for the older puppy and you need to be patient Young puppies need to potty much more frequently than older puppies. Take that into consideration when housebreaking. We typically take our puppies out every minutes the first week after coming home, whether we think they need to go or not. This will be increased to hours after a few weeks. The first order of business should always be to potty when first going outside. Take your puppy to the area you want them to go and give them just a short amount of time to take care of business. When they are outside we start using potty commands Go Potty for 1 and Go Poo Poo for 2 at about 4 weeks of age and we even start using these phrases the first weeks. We repeat these phrases until they posture to do their business, at which time we shut up. As soon as they are done like the millisecond! We also do this in the wee hours of the morning but without this excitement and never with the lights on. Then take them back out to the potty area and try again. Once they have pottied, they have earned some time to play, explore, etc. Puppies are like small children, they need to be watched at all times, they need to learn right from wrong and they need a chance to be puppies! Get the puppy outside immediately while somebody else is cleaning up the mess. We use OdoBan to take all odors out so that it does not become a place that smells like an area to relieve themselves. You must use common sense when taking water away. If it is hot, the puppy has been playing hard, etc. You can also give ice cubes. Make sure you take your puppy outside right before you go to bed. If they immediately start crying you need to ignore them - they are seeking attention, and giving it to them even negative is teaching them that "this is the way to get attention". Place the puppy down and let them take care of business. Again we are saying quietly "Go Potty". Once they've gone potty, quietly praise them "Good potty" and take them right back to their crate. Do not play with your puppy, or otherwise encourage them to "wake" up, or that very well may be their incentive to "party" at 3 a. Once your puppy has developed a little more control, you will find that they start sleeping throughout the night in no time. In the beginning, they physically cannot hold their potty all night, once they can however; it is not in their best interest to get up in the middle of the night unless it has been made "rewarding"to them. We always get our puppies out immediately after eating and drinking. If after 15 minutes they don't go potty we will bring back inside and place in a crate. About 5 minutes later we will take back outside and repeat this process until they have relieved themselves. This is so common that most puppies will go through this at some point in their early part of their life. The best thing you can do is to try to avoid doing those things that seem to bring this behavior about. This is normal. If this behavior continues best to have a veterinarian check for a UTI. Here are some tips to help: Use a crate when you cannot supervise. Put his crate near a door allowing him to get outside quickly, potentially avoiding an accident. Keep quiet but relaxed. Ignore his behavior. Build up gradually to new things. Do basic obedience training. Make it fun and confidence building. Using lots of obedience commands and praises helps distract. Take him out regularly to do his business so his bladder will not build up pressure every 15 minutes. Do not go straight to his crate when entering a room. Allow him to calm down first, before letting him out. Just ignore the dog and walk past. When you go to the crate to let him out do so quietly. When out in the yard, do not call him up to you but walk slowly around with him. Give him a command to urinate and praise him calmly using voice only when he does. Do everything slowly and work at making your body language calm and unconcerned. Keep verbal volume low. Get down at ground level. Or sit on a low chair. Be non-threatening. Spend time sitting with him by your side on a leash. Take him for walks where he can gradually be exposed to the situations that trigger his urination. Ask friends to practice no touch, no talk, no eye contact around him. Avoid situations and people that you cannot control until your dog is learning to control himself and gain confidence. Submissive urination can be annoying, but exhibiting your frustration to your dog only makes it worse way worse as this is the very reason why they will sometimes do it. With a little planning and adjusting your attitude, you can minimize and overcome the problem which will disappear anyways but mine as well help along the line. However,there are rules that must be followed. If you ignore the rules, you should not play at all. If played properly, these games are some of the best anti-aggression exercises you can practice with your dog. Rule 1 While playing tug-of-war, most dogs will make a mistake and grab fingers or a hand instead of the toy. Because we are playing a game and feel that the mouth or bite was accidental, people tend to ignore it. This is a BIG mistake! If you allow rough housing or tug-of-war, you MUST never allow the dog to mouth or bite for any reason. The very instant the dog's tooth or teeth touch you or your clothing, you must immediately reprimand the dog and STOP playing. Dogs are very capable of controlling their teeth. Rule 2 The dog should never be allowed to initiate the play session or grab for the toy without invitation. Only when you give a command such as "take it". Especially with puppies, if you allow the dog to grab things without invitation, then you can find yourself playing while trying to get dressed, put on socks etc. You start the game, you end the game. Rule 3 It is always a good idea to stop the game every 30 seconds or so. When you stop the game, give your dog the command to "give or drop it". Make your dog sit or down. Praise and release. If you want to continue to play, give the dog the command to "take it" and continue. If the dog does not respond to the commands to give, you must immediately take the toy away and stop playing. This would clearly tell you that your dog either does not understand the command, or you are absolutely NOT in control. If you are not in control, you should never play this game with your dog. What may be a "soft" bite to you very well may not be to a child or an elderly person. When bites occur in play, in greeting or as an accident, we tend to ignore or excuse it dogs are very capable of controlling their teeth. What happens is the dog learns that they can act recklessly around us. We have taught them that there is no need to exercise caution around us or be respectful. They learn that biting is acceptable. Dogs do not do this to each other. They don't rationalize or make excuses. Biting and disrespect are swiftly and effectively reprimanded and it very rarely, if ever, happens again. Puppies are going to mouth you.We want them to learn an appropriate ABI or in other words how much force can they bite down that is deemed acceptable ie doesn't hurt. We need to first work with this component and then work on reducing the frequency. But bite force first. As you're playing with your puppy just keep screeching "OUCH" when it's too hard and at the moment they cease or bite softly praise them big time. This will go back and forth and forth and back like a ping pong match well at least played by two competent players! This will not be a one session deal. This will take weeks and weeks of being very consistent in your "OUCH" every time they either bite you or your clothes too hard. We do want to promote gentle bite behavior as this reinforces the bonding and teaches them an appropriate ABI which is imperative for producing a stable adult dog. DO NOT take the mouthing behavior away but lets just shape it so that the puppy knows when it's too hard. If your puppy is clearly highly energized and not responding then the play session is over and you walk away. That's it. Never ever hit or smack your dog to correct or thump them on the head as this will only produce head shy dogs. Remember…It is natural for dogs to bite, it must be understood that biting human flesh is the problem and will never be tolerated when it's too hard. The good news is that puppy mouthing behavior aka puppy biting almost always goes away between months even if you let it go. We just prefer the process of teaching boundaries early on while still allowing for some gentle mouthing behaviors. Just remember this will take a LONG time and will make up a big part of your early puppy training. Remember, dogs repeat behaviors that are in some way, shape or form rewarding to them. If you can remove the reward negative punishment , the behavior usually will decrease and then disappear. You need to figure out what the "reward" is and then remove it. Obviously, some behavior will not be able to be extinguished. For example, if the dog enjoys rolling in feces or mud, chewing, barking or anything that in and of itself is rewarding and you cannot "remove" it, it will continue. Yes there are some more invasive ways to extinguish these behaviors thru negative punishment e-collars, putting dog feces in holes being dug in the backyard and filling it, etc. Extinction can work great for nuisance behaviors such as barking, whining for attention, jumping, begging, controlling play, etc. If you attempt to use extinction, be prepared for the behavior to escalate before it starts to decrease. For example: If your dog is used to jumping on you and receiving attention and you decide to ignore it, the dog will become confused - "Hey.Very often, they will try harder to get the desired attention. If you stick to your guns and refuse to acknowledge the dog, the behavior will usually decrease and eventually stop. If you pay attention or reward it even one time or even slightly, it will be all the more difficult to extinguish in the future. The only thing you will accomplish is to have the dog work harder to get what they want. The type of reaction depends on the individual personality of the puppy, his overall resilience, and your reaction. We do fear recovery response training during the first 8 weeks to make sure they have a fast recovery to new novel noises and objects and situations. The how and when of fear periods also depends on the individual puppy, so you may or may not see it in your puppy as described. Generally speaking, puppies go through two potential fear periods during puppyhood. The first fear phase comes when the puppy is just months of age. This also coincides with a very critical socialization period. Your puppy is coming into a new home, leaving behind his mother, and litter mates, and is being introduced to a new family. What you have to do is just keep everything FUN! Puppies look to you as a security buffer and want to see how you react in a situation. Carry super yummy treats with you everywhere you go. Ask people to give your puppy a treat. Give treats with lots of praise in situations where you see your puppy is a little unsure. Carry a favorite toy with you and play squeaky toys or tug of war. This helps a puppy feel more comfortable. It is important to be upbeat and excited about new things and encourage your puppy to feel the same way. The second fear phase comes later in puppyhood. These puppies normally become worried about novel things, or you may see your puppy express fear over something that never bothered them before. The key to this phase is to not force your puppy into situations, and just like before, remember to keep it fun. Instead, give a few treats, talk to him, and then YOU walk up to statue and touch it. YouTube is littered with videos of dogs being forced to interact or even being chased! This type of interaction can be seriously distressing for your puppy. Remember to keep it fun and positive, and he will move through the phase without any problems. A More Thorough Response.There are windows of time when certain types of behaviors e. We have done our part, but this training must continue long after they go to their new homes. Fear-based periods can include fearful responses to noises, dogs barking, music, really anything that could be interpreted as a threat. Although dogs have been domesticated for a long time, they still carry DNA from their wolf lineage and that includes protective puppy behaviors such as quickly scampering to cover when a threat is perceived. Between months these types of responses can be manifested by cowering behavior but can also include barking, growling, ears back and tail down, and in some cases just a bit of unsureness about the stimulus causing this reaction. Keep in mind that these behaviors manifest from a genetic basis that likely came with wild populations of dog ancestors e. Well, there are several key socialization periods as well and the first one occurs during the first 8 weeks, and this is when puppies begin to bond and trust their human family. Without a thorough socialization program, you will be battling that on top of puppy-fear based responses at a whole new level. Trust me fear-based training does make a difference when started in the first 8 weeks and research corroborates this and that early puppy training the first 8 weeks helps to temper these responses, but every puppy is different, and every home and environmental conditions are different as well. Just keep all of this in mind during the training period that these genetically programmed responses helped the puppies survive before becoming household pets that we have today. Unfortunately, they carry the genetic baggage from their past ancestors, and we just need to work around this. Understanding this is the first step toward puppy training… Ok so what to do!? Is there hope? Absolutely and the above information just sets the stage for how to train the puppies and help them thru these two fear-based periods. This can be extremely overwhelming and can manifest itself in many ways wanting to be with you all the time, depressed immune responses, etc. The main thing is to use the first fear-based period between weeks to absolutely bond to your new puppy and make sure they feel secure, protected, and not frightened. Many families have young kids and although they were raised with kids of all ages this first 8—week fear-based period can kick in and when chased by a young child, grabbed, pulled, or petted and handled can induce a fear-based response that may be hard to detect at first but can slowly creep in. Make sure that whoever is interacting with the puppy is doing so in a very friendly and non-threatening way. But remember kids can induce a fear-based response as can other dogs during this initial fear-based period. Allow the puppy to initiate contact with new people. Early traumatic experiences to a hostile child or dog can have a lifelong impact on the puppy and in many cases, this can cause permanent behavioral changes and why we do not advocate for dog parks or other situations where lots of dogs are together without proper supervision. You can also use a Bluetooth speaker and occasionally play novel noises during the day search in YouTube for Puppy Culture noises. During these very positive training episodes you can again play novel noises but very brief and have lots of treats ready to redirect their behavior. Such as they are fearful of going into the back seat. Your job is to create a positive experience by getting into the back seat. Maybe get some raw meat and put into a Ziplock bag and let your dog smell it. Then if they put one foot up onto the back seat treat them. Then two feet only gets a treat etc. Keep it fun. But you must be abundantly patient during this time. Dogs that routinely go thru basic obedience training school during this time seem to fly thru it with flying colors, but patience and praise is the key. The bottom line is that training and socialization is going to happen the rest of their lives. Certainly, it gets easier! Your investment now will have a lifelong impact on the well-being of your fur baby. We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime. Therefore, this article is dedicated to establishing some Bernedoodle training ground rules to make training as smooth for both you and your dog. Even though they are designer dogs, they are not meant to be trained for dog shows. If you like partying, you can have your Bernedoodle accompany you. If you like lying around, you can have your Bernedoodle accompany you. The breed is moderately active. Therefore, they can take on any activity you would want them to take on, as long as you give them enough rest. Since a Bernedoodle will always want to accompany you, it is best to train them according to your schedule and lifestyle. If you lead a super active lifestyle, we suggest you train your dog to be docile in the outdoor environment. However, if you like to stay at home, you can teach them basic household chores such as bringing a towel, etc. Try not to put too many irrelevant commands in their minds because their goofy minds might end up getting confused. Train Them Early Train them early to reap the fruits in the long run. Bernedoodles tend to get too comfortable in their surroundings and, as quick learners, adapt to habits in no time. Before getting a puppy, we suggest you plan a mini-vacation for the first week of your companionship. You can devote this first week to bond with your Bernedoodle puppy and training them diligently. Teach them a few obedience commands right when you get them. When a puppy is given too much time to themselves before training, they pick up naturally bad habits and are generally crate trained. Therefore, they get stuck learning only the basic commands for most of their life. However, if you train your puppy early, they will adopt a curious and adventurous mind. Therefore, they will learn how to do advanced tricks and abbey special commands in no time. After all, a Bernedoodle is a companion dog and will adapt to the way you live. Therefore, if you live a train dedicated to active training, they will live that way too. However, if you get lazy with training, they will slack off in picking up commands. Always Use Positive Reinforcements Dogs are sensitive to your behavior — so tread carefully. Something to be careful about — not only with Bernedoodles is how sensitive they can be towards your behavior. If you show them anger — they will either reciprocate it or feel stressed about your negative emotion. Dogs — like humans — cannot learn and perform while they are under stress. Therefore, it is best to make them feel welcome during their training session. Many dog trainers in the past used to punish dogs for not performing the desired command. However, doing that to a Bernedoodle can lead to anxiety and long-term bonding issues. The best way to train a Bernedoodle is to use positive reinforcements. Positive reinforcements are the act of awarding your dog for good behavior instead of punishing him for bad ones. Positive reinforcements allow the dog to create a stronger bond with you. Moreover, it allows the dog to be happy with his training sessions instead of dreading them. Laser-Sharp Focus Dogs get distracted easily, but they will not learn any complex commands unless they can focus. Much like humans, dogs need to be idle to focus on the task at hand. Whether you want to teach your dog new commands or want them to stay quiet for a while, they cannot do it until they are focused. The best way to teach your Bernedoodle to focus is to teach them the sit and stay command combination. Once your dog knows how to sit on command, move a little away from him and continue commanding him to sit. Add the stay command and slowly increase the duration of each stay session. When your dog knows how to stay until further notice, they will learn how to do nothing even when there might be some distractions around. Unless the dog learns not to do anything, he will never learn how to stay focused and learn new tricks. Take Them Outdoors — Learn from Experiences Outdoors is the perfect place for your dog to learn many visual cues and boost their sensory development. When you take your dog outdoors, two things happen — they interact with the world around them other than you, and they get physical exercise. When a dog gets to interact with a world other than you and your house, they learn several visual cues. Moreover, being outdoors with your dog is the perfect opportunity for you to gauge how he responds to other animals, strangers, and children. Most Bernedoodles are likely to be friendly and docile with other animals and strangers. Therefore, you will not have to make them undergo extensive training. However, some might get aggressive and will need specialized training to be friendly. Being outdoors also gives the dog the physical stimulation it needs to go about his day properly. If dogs have too much pent-up energy in them, they tend to develop destructive and aggressive behavior. Give Them Mental Games to Play Physical stimulation is important, but so is mental stimulation, which is why brain training for your dog is vital. How well your dog is mentally stimulated makes a huge difference in how well he can be trained. However, the same is true too. The more mentally stimulated the dog, the more intelligence he is likely to develop. The more intelligent the dog, the easier it will be to train him. Bernedoodles, in general, tend to be highly intelligent dogs — therefore, they like to be mentally stimulated and like to learn new things every other day. If a Bernedoodle is not adequately mentally stimulated, he will become sad and aggressive. The best way to mentally stimulate your Bernedoodle to keep his mind sharp enough for rigorous training is simple. You can get your dog to try a new command every three days. This will give them enough challenge to feel stimulated but not too much to overwhelm and distress them — which brings up the next ground rule. Training can be very difficult for your dog to wrap his head around. Therefore, while continuous training sessions are vital, it is necessary to keep each session short. Therefore, it is best to keep them happy about training for only minutes a stretch and let them imbibe the commands you teach them. An overworked dog will end up feeling too tired to obey the commands they have learned. Therefore, the best way to keep them from burning out is to teach consistently but gradually. If you are teaching the basic sit command to your dog, make sure you only make a few repetitions in one go. Too many repetitions will make your dog resist the training and resent the next session. Allow your dog at least two days to learn a command as simple as sit. Reinforce their training with the first few repetitions and slowly do away with the treats once they start to get the hang of the command — even if it takes a few days. Bernedoodles are companion dogs and love to spend all their time with their family. However, they are also very sensitive and need to learn how to be alone at an early age. If your dog is used to being with you at all times as a puppy, not having you around for even a short duration can be a cause of significant distress and sadness for them. When your puppy is only in his socializing stage, make sure you give him time to himself. Therefore, he will learn to feel comfortable in your absence. The best way to do so is to let the puppy move around in your house while you stay out of their sight for a while. Begin with 10 minutes of solitude, and you can gradually increase the time to hours at a stretch. This resonates with the ground rule of training your Bernedoodle in accordance with your lifestyle. If you need to go out to work for most of the day, train your puppy to learn your schedule. When you return home, make sure you spoil him with a lot of treats. This will let the dog understand that even if you leave them alone for a while, you will come back and shower him with love when you return. Use the Leash Wisely The leash is the first and last control you have over your dog. Therefore, it is important to use it accurately. Your dog will learn to associate the leash with training and walking, which should induce excitement in him. You must never use a leash to get strict or punish a dog. Otherwise, he will associate the leash with negativity. Dogs tend to associate places and objects with emotions. Therefore, once they have associated the leash with negativity, they will never be happy to be on a leash even while training and walking. Using a leash while training your dog is very important. This is especially true for Bernedoodles because even as intelligent dogs, they tend to be very distracted. If your dog is not on a leash while training, it will become difficult to keep him in one place. You can start walking your dog on a leash and teach him to stay at your heel. Once you are confident enough that your dog will not run off towards distractions and will listen to you if you call him, you can try walking him without the leash as well. However, the transformation from with to without a leash should be done very slowly and carefully. It is best to start the transformation within the confines of your home so that your dog will still be in reach if he runs off. However, their loyalty can cause problems when not trained properly. However, mixed with Poodle traits, the dog might not have any chill. If your dog is also aggressive in nature, he is likely to be too protective. This leads to them being suspicious of anyone who comes to your house. They might even have a tendency to bite. Therefore, you need to teach him the boundary between loyal and aggressively loyal. Loyalty is an inept trait in Bernedoodles. Therefore, you have to focus on training him not to be aggressive to anyone in your house. The answer is not to tie him up when someone visits — that will only make him more aggressive. You must make sure the dog is comfortable with people entering your house. To do so, you can walk your dog on a leash to the door when guests arrive. When your guest arrives, give the sit command and allow the guest to give him a treat — but only if the dog is sitting and not being aggressive. Once the guest is inside, you can allow your dog to roam freely and give him treats whenever he is not aggressive. This will teach him to trust having strangers in the house in your presence. Biting Training Dogs can nib — but teach them not to bite. As mentioned earlier, dogs are very receptive to your emotions. We will use that dog characteristic to our advantage. You can allow your dog to nib on your hand. This will let your dog know that they hurt you by putting pressure with their jaws on your hand. Eventually, with enough treats and repetitions, the dog will learn not to apply pressure to avoid causing pain. Make sure your dog is well-adept to not apply pressure while nibbling. Once that is done, you can ask your family or friends trusted by your dog to follow the same command sequence. This way, the dog will eventually learn not to bite either you or any other human around him. Every time your dog refrains from putting pressure while nibbling, award him with a treat. You will end up with a fierce dog who is not afraid to scare but will not cause harm unless he senses danger. Summing Up Bernedoodle is an interesting dog breed. With high intelligence, loyalty, and goofiness, they are extremely adorable. Their curiosity also makes them easy to train as long as you start training them as soon as you get them. With the right blend of positive reinforcements, accurate tool usage, scheduling, and patience, you can train your Bernedoodle to be the best companion dog there is. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. February 7, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? When it comes to having the best of both worlds, Bernedoodles are it! These mixed breed designers pups were bred to be the perfect companion dog and quickly rose up in the ranks of popular puppy breeds over the last two decades! How do you know if a Bernedoodle is a right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Bernedoodles! Sherry Rupke of Swissridge Kennels claims to be the very first breeder that purposely cross-bred two purebreeds: Standard Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog. Since this breed is only approximately two decades old, the American Kennel Club still does not consider the Bernedoodle a purebred. Nevertheless, the rise in popularity has also led to many more breeders producing these pups. If you were interested in bringing a Bernedoodle home, while there are many reputable breeders that specialize in these pups, you can also find these pups in shelters or rescue groups that focus on Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs, to potentially find these mixed pups! What are Bernedoodle Breed Characteristics? When it comes to range, few breeds can beat the Bernedoodle! These pups come in a variety of sizes and coat colors. Bernedoodles come in a few different sizes: tiny, miniature, medium, and standard. They can range in weight from ten pounds in the tiny category all the way to ninety pounds in the standard category. Along with variety in sizes, their coats can be within a range from completely black, black and white, black and brown, or tri-colored with patches of either black, white, or brown. Probably the most common coat and markings people seek when looking for a Bernedoodle puppy is the tri-color variety that is in closer resemblance to the Bernese Mountain Dog. Depending on which side of their genetic makeup your pup takes after, some Bernedoodle pups coats can be curly, or wavy like the Standard Poodle and not shed as much making them a good candidate for parents who suffer from allergies. Other Bernedoodle pups can have straighter coats that have a tendency to shed more and are not hypoallergenic. What are Bernedoodles Personalities like? The Puppy Academy student, Hamilton! Goofy, smart, loyal to their families, and friendly, these pups have the best personality traits from both sides! Most Bernedoodles parents pick these pups because of their good demeanors and temperaments. Your puppy may lean toward the Standard Poodle side, depicting traits of high intelligence, hard-working, and loyal. Or your puppy can lean toward the Bernese Mountain Dog which is good-natured, confident, and affectionate. Some Bernese Mountain Dogs can be stubborn, in particular during their adolescent phase, and a bit aloof or standoffish toward strangers. With good basic obedience and early socialization, any Bernedoodle can make a great fit for a family and develop friendly demeanors toward new people. While these pups are considered to be working dogs and do require daily exercise, they are also content with hanging out with you at home. Moderate exercises such as one to two longer walks, with play sessions in between, a day is sufficient to burn off energy and keep your pup content! Tiny and Mini Bernedoodles are better equipment for urban environment living whereas Medium to Standard sized Bernedoodles would need more space to exercise and play. No matter the size of your Bernedoodle puppy, they are going to need adequate exercise, which is why they do really well with active families! Tiny and Mini Bernedoodles will require a bit less activity and can adapt to tighter living spaces that come with urban environments such as apartments or condos. As for Medium to Standard-sized Bernedoodles which are taller and wider and can grow upwards of ninety pounds, they may be bumping into more coffee tables and have trouble fitting in the same hallway as you in smaller dwellings! For all sizes, access to either a fenced-in yard or a nearby park you can take them to is ideal for this breed! How to Care for Your Bernedoodle Puppy! When it comes to caring for your new Bernedoodle puppy, start off by scheduling a first veterinarian visit within the first week of bringing your puppy home! Like many large breed working dogs, Bernedoodle may suffer from joint dysplasia. Bernese Mountain Dogs have been known to suffer blood disorders, some cancers, and progressive retinal atrophy. Generally, Bernedoodles are healthy and sturdy especially if they come from a reputable breeder. General care for your Bernedoodle puppy will include brushing their teeth to avoid tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Floppy ears means they may be susceptible to ear infections so regularly check and clean them to avoid these from happening. Because their coat types can vary, depending on your puppy, if they have a curly coat you may need to frequently brush them to avoid matting. We recommend that you take your puppy to a professional groomer every few months to get their fur trimmed. The Puppy Academy student, Cali! Create a Daily Puppy Training Schedule Bernedoodle puppies are smart and easily trained but they can have a stubborn streak as they get into their adolescence. Creating early structure at home can help mitigate this stubbornness by establishing daily routines your puppy can expect and also establish you as leader. Since Bernedoodles are made up of two intelligent hard-working breeds, basic obedience training with food positive reinforcement will benefit their behavioral growth! Socialize Your Bernedoodle Puppy with People, Children, and Other Pets Bernedoodles have friendly dispositions and make great family dogs, however, they can be standoffish to new people as they get older. Use Play to Help Train Them Tap into their playful nature and use your playtime sessions together to teach good manners! For example, use Fetch to teach your Bernedoodle how to come to you, Drop-it to give the toy back, then ask them to sit to teach polite manners as they learn to wait until you toss the toy again for them to get. Although Bernedoodles love to work, they sometimes need a bit more motivation! This can come with the aid of food rewards, and providing variation to their training routines to keep them engaged. Enrolling your puppy in training classes, or working with them by yourself at home using a program like our online puppy school will give you a plan to follow with basic training routines to teach your Bernedoodle good manners, as well as keep challenging them along the way so they never get bored, and advance their skillset! Did you recently bring home a Bernedoodle puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! This will help temper the Berner side of aloofness. If he takes after the Poodle side, the dog needs outlets for his boundless intelligence and energy. Manners training, retrieving and enrichment activities like puzzle toys can help satisfy his needs and prevent boredom. Dog breeders typically try to cross dogs that have the most appealing characteristics of each breed. Each Bernedoodle is unique and may take on more of the appearance or temperament of one parent breed than the other. Most Bernedoodles have a wavy coat with minimal shedding. Some have a curly coat similar to their Poodle ancestors. They can be pure black, black and white, black and brown or tri-colored black, brown and white. There are three sizes of Bernedoodles The standard Bernedoodle is a cross between a standard Poodle and a Berner. He ranges between 50 to 90 pounds and 23 to 29 inches at the shoulder. The mini Bernedoodle is a cross between the mini Poodle and the Berner. He ranges between 25 to 49 pounds and 18 to 22 inches at the shoulder. The tiny Bernedoodle is a cross between a toy Poodle and a mini Bernedoodle and is between 10 to 24 pounds and 12 to 17 inches at the shoulder. The mini and tiny Bernedoodles may have slightly higher energy levels than the standards do. Bernedoodles can make great family members for people who want an intelligent, easygoing companion. But be aware that your puppy may take after his high-driven, friendly Poodle ancestors or his aloof, headstrong Berner side in appearance and temperament. Start early and use plenty of positive reinforcements. They will be more happy and confident if they understand that you are in charge. Mini Bernedoodle pups are intelligent, and they will quickly learn what is expected of them. Here are a at home training tips for Mini Bernedoodles — there are also many good resources online. This will be home to your MiniBernedoodle pup when they sleep or when you are away. Make sure the crate is big enough that your pup can comfortably lie down, sit, and stand up. Place some comfortable rags or mattresses for them to sleep on and lure them inside with their favorite toys. Every time they pop into the crate willingly, give them a treat or play with them to show your appreciation. Many pups come to see their crate as a safe place to go when they want to rest or need a break. Potty Training One of the most challenging parts of the training is teaching your MiniBernedoodle pup to do their job at the right place. You will need to be patient and use many positive reinforcements while showing them the right place to do their business. Take the puppy out first thing in the morning and after every time that they eat, drink, or play. Make sure you reward them when they poo or pee at the proper place. Socializing You need to start socializing your mini doodle puppy as soon as possible. Although these puppies are quite even-tempered, they can also be anxious around strangers. To avoid unpleasantness later on, when guests come around, start training your pup to socialize when they are still babies. You have to train your pup to socialize with not just humans but with other dogs as well. Many people tend to think that dogs get along with dogs. Frequent walks and visits to doggy daycare and dog parks are great training tools. The more they see and interact with other pups and people the better their social skills will be. A well-behaved, friendly dog is a pleasure to be around since they are safe and loved by all. Barking Training Another problem you might face with your Bernedoodle pup is barking — this is their way of expressing themselved. The will most often do this for food, when they need to go outside, to alert you of strangers, or to get your attention. Try to understand the reason behind their barking so you can find a solution. For instance, if your pup mostly barks for food, have their feed ready at their place at fixed times every day. They will quickly learn that there is a time and will wait more patiently. Again, reward them the first few times they wait patiently for the food without barking. It will help them to understand what they are expected to do. Outdoor Walks - Leash Training Start out by introducing your puppy to their harness or leash. Let her wear in around the house for short periods of time while you are playing. Teach you puppy to come to you for treats around the house when you ask them to. Progress to holding the leash and asking them to follow you for the upcoming treats. Practice inside first, then outside as they become more comfortable. Here is a great leash training article from the American Kennel Club. Discourage Nipping Puppies playing with other pups will nip out of sheer playfulness. Your Mini Bernedoodle puppy might do the same when playing with you. But you have to train them that nipping is not allowed. The point to note here is that nipping is not the same as mouthing, a typical dog trait for showing affection. The difference lies in the force. So, you have to teach your Mini Bernedoodle pup the difference between mouthing and nipping. Eventually, your pup will understand the difference between nipping and mouthing. They will learn that nipping will not get them anywhere and learn to control the amount of force they use when play-biting. Verbal Cues Every dog understands a few human words. You, too, can train your Bernedoodle pup to follow verbal cues of things that you want them to do. For instance, when potty training your pup, you may use the word potty. Just make sure you use the same word every time. When your puppy poos after you say the word reward them, to show that this is what you are asking of them. You can use similar simple words for eating, going out, playtime, treats, and so on. If you are consistent they will learn to associate the word and will follow your verbal cues. Final Words Mini Bernedoodle puppies are a pleasure to be around. They are wonderfully friendly, active, and playful family-friendly dogs. Early and proper training will head off many difficulties. You will have a fantastic companion for life whose love is irreplaceable and completely unselfish. Pleasant Creek Mini Mini Bernedoodles puppies are socialized and positive behaviors are encouraged from the start! Laura: .February 13, Table of Contents Origin and History of the Bernedoodle Bernedoodles are a novel Doodle breed that has not been around for long at all. The first crosses were born in , and since then the breed has become highly popular in the US and abroad. The parents of the Bernedoodle however are old breeds with a long history. Poodles Poodles are waterdogs that originated in Germany. While we know them as delicate show dogs, they actually are very athletic canines that used to work tirelessly with their owners in duck hunting. The first drawings of Poodles can be found as far back as the 15th century. Although today Poodles are often portrayed as dainty dogs that need a lot of grooming and mostly go to dog shows and sleep on the couch, they are highly intelligent dogs that are devoted to their owners. Their characteristic coat was originally bred to be suitable for long days in and out of the water. Nowadays their coat quality makes them a popular choice for cross-breeds as they can add a low or no-shedding quality to other dog breeds and make their fur more manageable. They were originally bred to be all-around farm dogs. They would guard a property and livestock and also function as draft animals, pulling carts for their owners. Bernese Mountain Dogs are a highly popular breed for many families in Switzerland, Austria and Germany due to their calm temperament. They are very friendly and generally do not require a lot of training. If you go to any restaurant or beer garden in the summer, you are likely to find at least one Bernese Mountain Dog snoozing underneath a table. These dogs are generally great with kids and other dogs. They have a stable temperament and tend to not be scared or skittish. However, a Bernese Mountain Dog will protect his home and scare off intruders with his bark if needed! Most dogs grow very tall with inches at the shoulder and weight between 70 and 90 lbs. Temperament It cannot be overstated that a Bernedoodle is not a couch potato dog. Many Doodle owners find themselves with a puppy that is much more energetic than they hoped for. If you want a low-key, laid-back dog, it is better to decide on a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog. As all Doodles, Bernedoodles are extremely outgoing and social dogs. They love to meet and greet everyone and become friends with every person and dog they meet. They often stay very puppy-like for several years before settling down. Bernedoodles are heavy chewers. If you do not provide them with plenty of chew items they can and will start to chew your furniture, shoes, walls … Many Bernedoodles have a lifelong chewing desire and you need to be ready to fulfill it. Due to their energy level and tendency to be exuberant and over-the-top, they will require training. If you do not invest time into teaching your puppy to walk well on a leash, to not jump up on people and to come when called, your adult Bernedoodle will be out of control. Bernedoodles usually love children and greatly enjoy being around them. They thrive in the company of their people and are ideal for families and couples that spend plenty of time with their dog. Since they are so social these dogs are not at all suitable to be outside-only dogs or dogs that mostly live in kennels. If you do not want to share your house with your dog, do not decide on a Bernedoodle. Do Bernedoodles Shed? One of the main reasons many owners decide to purchase a Poodle cross is their tendency to shed less. It is very important to note that there is no guarantee that your Bernedoodle will not shed. While Poodle mixes do shed a lot less than many other dogs, as with every cross it is impossible to reliably predict certain qualities. Even though your Bernedoodle will probably not shed a lot or maybe even not at all , he will still require grooming. If Doodles are not groomed regularly, their coat mats and quickly become unmanageable. You should have a plan in place for grooming your future puppy. If you enjoy brushing your dog and bathing him, you can do it yourself. You can also find a local groomer who can help with the bathing and trims. While yes, your Bernedoodle will likely not shed a lot he will need regular grooming. Training Bernedoodles generally are good dogs that grow up to be well-behaved, social and friendly family members. Based on his breed-specific characteristics, the Bernedoodle will require training focused on showing good manners even when excited. Deciding on a Bernedoodle Are you wondering whether a Bernedoodle would be the right addition to your home? While looking at adorable puppy pictures will make you want to decide in a heartbeat, it is important to consider several key aspects of owning this mix breed. The characteristics of the two breeds make Bernedoodles very intelligent, outgoing dogs that often require quite a bit of exercise and training. Many owners are surprised at how energetic and social their Bernedoodles are and struggle with them especially during the puppy stage. The Poodle adds a lot of athleticism and drive to the mix which should not be underestimated. A Bernedoodle is not the right dog for you if: You want a couch potato dog You don't want to groom your dog You are looking for a dog that does not need training and exercise You want a dog that can stay by himself for many hours You don't want an outgoing, people-loving dog A Bernedoodle is the right dog for you if: You like to be active with your dog You are ready to invest time and energy into raising your puppy the right way You enjoy training your dog and are ready to train him a little bit every day You know that regular grooming will be required either by you or a groomer You want an outgoing, social-butterfly type of dog Finding your Puppy Breeder If you are ready to say yes to a Bernedoodle, the next step is to find the right breeder. It is really important to pay attention to the way your breeder is raising the puppies. A lot of imprinting happens during the first 8 weeks after birth. The more committed your breeder is to making this an enriching and positive period of their life, the better the puppies are set up to become friendly and outgoing family dogs. You also should inquire if your breeder is testing the parents for breed-specific conditions. Both Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles are for example prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. It is largely genetic so making sure that the parents have healthy joints will be crucial. Do not let the distance to the breeder guide your decision process too much. Responsible breeders might require you to neuter or spay your Bernedoodle puppy at a certain age. This is not a red flag — rather, they strive to prevent irresponsible cross breeding of their offspring. How much is a Bernedoodle Puppy? Like for all designer breeds, prices for Bernedoodle puppies can vary wildly. This is a huge investment, but with an average lifespan of years you will have a wonderful companion by your side for a long time. Many owners are repeat Bernedoodle buyers — they fall in love with the breed and cannot imagine ever owning a different breed. The outgoing, social, happy-go-lucky nature of the Bernedoodle is captivating and makes for amazing companions — whether on an adventure or just relaxing at home. Why are Bernedoodles so expensive? A lot of thought, effort and time goes into breeding healthy puppies with great temperaments. A responsible Bernedoodle breeder will always make sure to check the parents for any genetic conditions that could be passed on as well as to extensively evaluate their temperament. Raising puppies properly also requires a lot of time and resources. They need high-quality food, a lot of interaction and socialization, toys, vet visits etc. Even if a Bernedoodle puppy might seem expensive to you — the breeders most likely did not get rich from breeding dogs. It is a passion for them! Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day. View All Articles in Training When to Start Training Your Pup While training may not be the first thing you think about when collecting your cute new bundle of floof from the breeder, it should certainly be up there on your priority list. Chances are, if you picked a good facility, your puppy will already have a leg up on the training ladder. Either way, the very best way to quickly make your new pet feel at home is to establish the boundaries of their behavior in a firm but fair manner. Take them outside to pee frequently and praise them when they do what you want them to do, but never punish any accidents. Every dog learns at their own speed, and training takes patience. Yet, the rules need to be in place from day one. If you let your pooch sleep on your bed one day but banish them from the bedroom the next, they are going to end up very confused. Routines that are established in these first few weeks will stick with your Berne. After all, these super-intelligent dogs learn fast. Compared with more excited, energetic Doodles, they can be a breeze to handle if you pick the right teaching method. Here are four of the best as recommended by canine experts: Positive Reinforcement Early ideas on dog training focused heavily on the owner asserting dominance over their pet through positive punishment shouting, hitting, and hurting. We have moved far away from these today. Such treatment often backfires, creating an anxious, aggressive dog that is liable to lash out when provoked. Now, most trainers make use of positive reinforcement methods. Instead of reacting to unwanted behaviors, they focus on rewarding the wanted ones. They do this through the use of attention, praise, toys, and treats. The idea is that if the dog associates a particular behavior with a reward, they are more likely to repeat that behavior. A potential issue with this technique is that sometimes bad behavior is its own reward. Say your dog likes to steal food from the counter or escape from the garden. In these instances, a negative punishment removing a favorite toy, treat, or simply your attention is recommended to let them know this is not acceptable. Clicker Training Based on the same principles as positive reinforcement, clicker training is the method most often utilized by doggy trainers. Secondly, it can be used at the exact moment your pup displays the wanted action. In this way, the positive behavior is very clearly marked. Of course, with this method, you first have to train your pal to associate the clicker with a future reward. Do this by encouraging them to obey a command they are already familiar with, using the clicker, and promptly feeding them a treat. With time a link will form between the two. Eventually, the clicker may even become the reward itself — the signal of a job well done for your dog. This desire to mimic as a way of pleasing the leader is a natural behavior among pack animals in the wild. They are given the freedom to engage in dog-like behaviors within reason. Training often occurs off the leash and focuses on promoting actions associated with hunting, defending, and retrieving. Socialization plays a crucial role in mirror training. Owners are encouraged to include their pooch in all aspects of their lives so as to build a strong bond with them. Getting out and about with other dogs is also vital. Pack-animal mentality means that positive behaviors are also acquired this way. Relationship-Based Training As the name suggests, relationship-based training is also highly focused on the bond between pet and owner. The idea is that any training built on a solid and trusting relationship is likely to be far more effective. You are looking to learn everything you can about your pup and their specific needs. The aim is to be in tune with their emotions, be able to accurately interpret their body language, and understand what motivates them. Positive reinforcement methods are then used to shape behavior. At the same time, the environment is closely controlled to set the dog up for success. So, for instance, you try not to leave temptation in their way if it can be avoided. This training takes a little longer than other kinds but can offer more success in the long run. Training Items You Absolutely Need for Your Doodle Depending on the method you opt for, you will need a few tools to guarantee success. For instance, with each one, you will require reward items such as treats and toys. Here are some toys that will work for Bernies. Aside from that, you will want a good quality collar or harness and leash for outside training. Opt for a harness if your puppy likes to pull. These are generally better for bigger, more powerful dogs such as Bernedoodles, anyway, as they give you a little more control. Many owners also choose to crate train their pup. This has a number of advantages, including giving your dog a place that is all theirs, a place where they can feel safe and secure. Check out our dedicated articles on leash training and crate training for more specific advice on each one. However, it also increases the likelihood of them snatching food from tables and counters if not closely supervised. When they obey, offer pets and praise, and they will soon get the hang of it. Avoid mixed messages by never feeding your pup from the table. Jumping While Bernedoodles tend to be cautious with strangers, the opposite is true with those they love. They may demonstrate their enthusiasm by jumping up to say hello — not ideal if your Bernie is on the larger side. It can be challenging for owners who appreciate all the loving to discourage such behavior, but not everyone enjoys being sent flying. While the natural response might be to push your pup down, they will likely view this as part of the game. Instead, the best thing to do is withdraw your attention. Turn away from your dog without a sound and cross your arms over your chest. If they keep jumping up, then simply turn around and leave the room. If you are having problems with a noisy hound, try to identify what might lie underneath the behavior rather than simply trying to control it. Barking can signal an array of issues — everything from boredom to anxiety. So, pay attention to when it occurs. Bernedoodles, being highly sociable dogs, are prone to separation anxiety, so if your pup is disturbing the neighbors when you are away from the house, this is likely the problem. Find out what you can do about separation anxiety here. Early and thorough socialization is the best preventative measure for this. Pulling on the Leash A common issue among most young pups, pulling on the leash can be a serious problem with Bernedoodles, though — especially when they are on the larger side. This behavior usually occurs simply because your pup is excited to be outside, and that enthusiasm translates to them wanting to get to the dog park as quickly as they can. Mastering walking on the leash mostly just takes practice. You need to be firm and not let them get away with doing it at any time. If your Berne starts to get ahead of you, simply stop, make them sit if you can, and begin to walk again only when they are a bit calmer. See here for more leash training tips and tricks. Digging Just like barking, digging tends to be a symptom of an underlying problem like boredom. The thing with Doodles is that incredible intelligence makes them less likely to be satisfied with merely hanging out in the yard all day. They need to be kept both physically and mentally stimulated. If they are not… bring on the destructive behaviors! Digging is a firm doggy favorite. The trick is to divert their attention to something else. If they are getting enough walks and plenty of affection, try throwing a few toys into the mix. Puzzle toys have been designed specifically to keep clever canines entertained for longer. Finally, try giving your dog a designated space in the garden to dig far away from the fence and your favorite plants and flowers. Biting and Mouthing While common in young pups, especially when teething, aggressive biting is not a Bernedoodle trait. Herding dogs such as Bernes might nip to get you to go where they want to go a behavior they can easily be trained out of. Still, if your pup is getting a little vicious for no reason, you could have a problem. If it is just puppy teething — not fun in any way when they are having at you with those needle-sharp teeth — consider investing in a high-quality teething toy such as one of these. They could be feeling particularly anxious about something — a new person or other kinds of changes in the household. Alternatively, they might be sick and in pain. If you are confident that they are getting enough nutrition for their weight and life stage, chances are your hound is just looking for something fun to chew on and taking it to the extreme. Again, chew toys are the best answer. They will keep your pet occupied and help them to fulfill their natural instinct for mouthing. This is what keeps their teeth clean and their jaws healthy, after all. The issue should resolve itself in no time at all. Especially because most breeders begin this process long before you pick your new puppy up. Just keep things consistent, and you will get there fairly quickly and painlessly. A few things you can do are: take your pup out to the place you want them to go on a regular basis. Designate a specific command and offer lots of love, hugs, and praise when they do what you ask of them. Never punish any accidents — this could actually set your dog back. Some owners recommend crate training for puppies who are having a slightly more difficult time getting the hang of it all. When To Get Professional Help If your pup starts or continues to display behavior issues such as aggression, food aggression, excessive barking, destructive chewing, mounting, or separation anxiety, it is likely that he will need special attention to address them. The best way to deal with Doodle behavior issues is to hire a trainer, or a behaviorist to come to your home for a one-on-one consult. Not only will you learn the skills you need to be successful, but your puppy will learn incredible manners and behaviors as well! See Also: Click the image Amy helps you set up your home, get your family all on the same page and teaches you exactly what to do the second your puppy arrives for optimal training success. You can also schedule LIVE! Office Hours for one-on-one help with Amy and participate in weekly online puppy classes right in your living room! Need help with training? We recommend this on top of group classes. By the way, the skills they teach works for any dog at any age. Bernedoodles, with their incredible intelligence and people-pleasing manner, are relatively easy to train compared to other dogs. Keep things light, fun, and interesting, and you should be able to teach your pal to do just about anything within reason. How do you train a Bernedoodle puppy? There are various training methods. The one you subscribe to will be the one that works best for you and your pup. How do you discipline a Bernedoodle? Discipline is a tricky business in the world of canines. Experts agree that shouting and hitting simply do not work in the long run. Bernedoodles are awesome dogs, and you will never regret adding one to your household. However, they do take a fair bit of looking after.

Since your bulldog will likely eat anything he can get his grubby little paws on, you're responsible for portioning his food and monitoring his weight. Fit bulldogs have better overall health, so feed carefully for a longer, happier life. Feeding Puppies Puppies are big eaters by nature, and bulldogs are no exception. Until he's about 4 months old, your puppy should eat almost twice as much as an adult. Always defer to the portioning instructions on your food package, since the nutrition content changes from brand to brand. That in mind, though, a puppy under 4 months old should eat three to four cups of food per day, divided into four feedings. Between 4 and 6 months, cut back to three feedings for a total of two and a quarter to three cups of food per day. Amount and Frequency After six months, your dog should be on his adult feeding regimen: one and a half to two cups of food per day, divided into two meals. Bulldogs have a tendency to gorge themselves when free-fed, and eating too much too fast can make them sick. Unlike other dogs that can self-regulate their meals, then, bulldogs must be fed on a routine schedule to keep their digestion healthy and regular. Avoiding Obesity Monitoring your bulldog's weight begins when he is a puppy, because this short, stout breed is prone to joint and bone problems when overweight. Since bulldogs are naturally so pudgy and wrinkly, you may have difficulty eyeballing his weight. Instead, get hands-on—literally—to see if your dog has too much junk in the trunk. When your dog is standing, wrap your hands around his midsection with your thumbs on the spine and your fingers stretching out along his sides. If you can feel his ribs without squeezing too much, he's in good shape. If not, gradually restrict his diet and make your morning walks a little longer. Treats and Behavior Feeding your dog doesn't stop with what goes in his bowl. You have to monitor his treat intake, too, or else his health and behavior can both suffer. Never give your dog a treat without his earning it, or he won't be motivated when you try to train him. Instead, reward him with attention like playing together or going on a walk, both of which help him maintain a healthy weight. When you do give him treats in a training context, remember not to overfeed—always defer to the portioning instructions on the package. More Articles. What should American Bulldogs eat? Because of their well-developed muscular system, American Bulldogs best thrive on high-protein and low-carb food. They can also be susceptible to allergies, so choosing a diet for your pet can take some trial and error. It all stems from the breed of your dog, and understanding some basic facts will help you feed your pet in the best possible manner. Diet Elements for an American Bulldog American Bulldogs have a highly developed muscular system that needs support. Before they were domesticated, dogs with a lot of muscles would feed themselves with animal-based sources that they can find in the wild. Sources of protein can be different but it is recommended that they should get one that is as close to what they would get if they lived in open nature. Protein from animal sources is the obvious candidate here. Deboned chicken is a good source of protein though since chicken meat contains the least amount of fat compared to other meats, and that is applicable to other bird meat like turkey. Lamb is also a great option for American bulldogs. Bulldogs tend to have chicken allergies. For your pet, Omega-3 will also help their cardiovascular system. American Bulldogs are highly active, and they should stay active to develop properly. High activity levels can put too much stress on their heart, and although American Bulldogs are not typically prone to heart diseases, it does not mean that you should not take care of that part of their health. Omega-3 is usually abundantly present in fish, which is also a good source of protein. Bulldogs can easily gain weight, and feeding carbs will only exacerbate this process. Starchy carbs can be found in grain, wheat or corn. Think of all unhealthy foods that you should minimize in your diet: white bread, sugar, corn syrup. All the same is also applicable for an American Bulldog. When choosing a dry food, look for the following: No Wheat No Corn No Grain Gluten-free foods can also be a good idea for a dog for the same reason: dogs did not eat gluten in the wild. Not All Carbs Are Created Equal Carbs or carbohydrates have recently become a new scare for those who follow nutrition advice. While starchy or simple carbs are not good as food, whole grains or complex carbs are quite beneficial since they contain most calories per gram, and calories are, first and foremost, a measure of energy, and your dog needs a lot of that. When shopping for dog food, look for whole grains, brown rice or sweet potatoes. Fruits are a great source of healthy carbs but do not overdo them. Fruits still contain a lot of sugar. Our bulldog, Daisy, loves bananas. We give a few slices to her as a treat here and there. Yes, you can hardly find a wild dog or wolf eating broccoli from a plate. However, even wild animals would sometimes feed on greens voluntarily, and that happens when they feel problems with digestion. Vegetables are the best source of fiber — a nutrient that supports the digestive system and makes it more efficient. Dogs can benefit from some vegetables in their diet for the same reason — it helps digestion, and protein will not do any good in that area. Usually, about percent of their daily nutrition should consist of fiber. Making Sure Your American Bulldog Eats Right Sometimes, you can follow any advice and do everything seemingly right, and still find your dog suffering from an improper diet. Only your dog knows what is right for it, only it can know what reaction your chosen plan causes to their bodies. Unfortunately, they do not have a way to communicate. Even if you choose the best meal plan for your pet, you should check for unpleasant reactions from time to time. Here is what you should check for how to adjust a diet appropriately. We have the ultimate guide to what bulldogs can and can not eat that you may find helpful. Bulldogs Are Prone To Obesity Bulldogs are always hungry, especially when they are developing at an early age. That is because they are normally active but living inside with little room for constant physical activity, their excessive energy can get stored in the form of fat. It will put an excessive load on their heart, ultimately reducing their health and lifetime. It will always look hungry, so make sure to portion the amount of food that it gets. Check regularly for excessive weight. While touching your dog, you should feel its ribs without pressing too much. If that does not happen, consider switching the meal plan to more moderate amounts. Check For Immune Reaction Unfortunately, many pets have their weak spots, and for American Bulldogs, it is their immune system. In case a dog gets the food that is inappropriate for them, the immune system will treat the food like an allergen. There is no way to say in advance which foods will cause that reaction — it can be any protein source that you choose. If you notice your bulldog does not eat well and does not feel well, that might be a signal that the source of protein that you have chosen is not right and you need to switch. Check out our article on common bulldog allergies to help guide you. Do not switch immediately. The best way to move from one meal to another at a slower pace. Take days and gradually substitute one source of protein for another, starting from a smaller batch of new food and expanding it over several days. If a problem persists, see a veterinarian. Best advice is to stick to an athlete-like diet that has a lot of healthy protein, like deboned chicken meat, and an excellent source of complex carbs such as whole grains and fruit. These simple steps will help your four-legged friend to enjoy a long and healthy life. Post Views: 1, September 30, Did you know that American Bulldog is a breed that loves to eat much? That's why you should carefully keep an eye at their ration and forbid him to eat anything he can get his paws on. A dog owner is responsible for his dog, and you should become responsible for his ration to grow a healthy and happy dog, you should watch for portioning and monitor his weight, which, in the end will grant your Bully happier and longer life. While your American Bulldog is a puppy, you should feed him twice as much as an adult until he's 4 months old. Keep in mind that puppies under 4 months should eat four times a day, in general three cups of food, puppies between 4 and 6 months - three times a day and a total of two cups of food. After your Bulldog reaches the six months' age, he should chande to an adult feeding plan, which is two times a day feeding with a total of two meals a day. While choosing between commercial and homemade food, you should remember that nowadays it is only a question of time - commercial food contains all necessary minerals and vitamis as well as the homemade one. Feed your dog correctly and he will become a happy mature American Bully! It is a perfect item for any activity where strength and reliability of the collar mean much. Thus, it will do a great service in training your American Bulldog, walking on small and large distances or without a lead, as well as exercising and sporting. It is time to take care of your pet and change old into new one. This Luxurious Shining Leather Dog Harness is a perfect tool for training, daily walks, daily exercising and just for making your dog more gorgeous. At eighteen months of age, they are already considered fully grown in terms of height, but it is possible they will put on more muscle until they are two years old. Large dogs that have different-sized parents can range from medium-large to large and require a lot of protein in their diet. So, an American Bulldog puppy will need more caloric food than an English Bulldog. This is especially important during the period between six and twelve months when at least eighty percent of their adult body weight is already there. Weighing your American Bulldog is crucial in fine-tuning the amount of food per meal. High-quality kibble is a great choice for puppies because it provides the right amount of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals without much calculation on your side. Wet foods can be useful too, but only if the ingredients are well balanced. Meal frequency decreases with an increase in amount. Every individual dog requires adjustments, and the chart is supposed to give you an estimate of how much and how often. If your dog is very active, then you might want to add some treats during the day. Always promote frequent physical activity over lowering the amount of food. Dog bodies are astonishingly efficient at spending those extra calories, especially with the amount of muscle American Bulldogs have. Up until eighteen months of age, you should feed your puppy the full twenty-two percent of protein from dry matter and around ten to twelve percent fat per meal. Make sure the food you are feeding to your puppy has adequate amounts of vitamins A, B-complex, D, E, K, and choline. Minerals such as phosphorus and calcium play a key role in nutrient synthesis and normal hormonal function , so read the list of ingredients and nutrients on the food label. Calcium, vitamins B-complex and choline are all vital in normal bone formation and strength. Large dogs with a lot of muscle require dense bones to be able to support the pressure of the entire body. An American Bulldog puppy grows so rapidly that the bone density can often fall behind weight gain. Regularly weigh your dog to see if its weight matches that from the chart, and feed accordingly. Once your American Bulldog reaches eighteen months, you can slowly start switching to a raw diet if you set your mind to it. Do not feed puppies fewer than two meals a day. It is always better to feed them three or four smaller meals to avoid bloat or Gastric dilatation and volvulus GDV. Although it is rarer in young dogs, it is still a risk you would want to avoid. Also, make sure the food is small enough for the dog to be able to chew it properly without just swallowing. Many high-quality dog food brands have puppy food, which contains all the ingredients for a balanced diet and is appropriate in terms of size. Consult the veterinarian before adding dairy or third-party liquids to the meal. Creating new diet plans and regimes seems to be a trend that is ramping up. Some are well-received by the animal medical community, while others receive negative feedback. Kibble and wet food are convenient, and busy people find them an excellent choice. Those with more time to spend with their dog prefer a home-cooked fresh or raw diet. Every diet has pros and cons, so allow me to help you decide which one is the right fit for you and your dog. Kibble And Wet Food Diets I am sure you have read about additives whenever kibble or wet food is mentioned. Indeed, eliminating fillers from large-scale kibble and wet food production would be a very bad business decision. Storing this type of food is great too. It has a lengthy shelf-life and can be stored virtually anywhere. The packaging always has detailed information about what ingredients are in the food. Portioning is simple with kibble and wet food — you can measure the correct amount by calculating cups of food. The standard unit of measure is an eight-ounce cup. All is good if the protein content is first in line, followed by fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. The long shelf-life is achieved by adding preservatives. The two types include natural and artificial preservatives. Overall health and lifespan will be improved if you opt for wet food because canning mostly includes natural preservatives. Dry food will probably be your best choice for an American Bulldog puppy, and wet food once it reaches sixteen or eighteen months of age. Wet foods can cause diarrhea in puppies, so best to avoid them at the beginning. Canned food does not have enough water content for your growing puppy or adult dog. Animal meat, organs, vegetables, and bones are all ingredients of a comprehensive meal. Many dog owners claim their dog had a longer life and better overall health on a fresh diet. Unfortunately, there is no scientific proof confirming a drastically better quality of life in dogs that are on a fresh diet. A large number of breeders and performance dog owners are adamant that their dogs have a higher level of activity and better coats when on a fresh or raw diet. The higher level of activity is plausible since the food will be digested more quickly the nutrients in this form are easier to absorb , and poops will be smaller due to the greater concentration of easily absorbable ingredients. By now, you must have realized that it is actually a slightly healthier diet than kibble or canned food, but there are some downsides. You first have to find certified and high-quality raw ingredients. Then, you have to cook and portion them fittingly. This is time-consuming and takes a while before you establish a routine that will create an efficient process. Consider your budget as well because a fresh diet does not come cheap. Their developing digestive system is not able to process the nutrients properly. Once your American Bulldog reaches one and a half years of age, you can start introducing raw food. Raw food diets are similar to fresh food diets, with one big difference — the ingredients stay raw. Veterinarians and animal medical associations agree that a fresh diet is superior in terms of nutritional value and health reasons. Prepackaged raw food meals are available for you to buy, but it is important to look for certificates that guarantee the meat passed all health checks with flying colors. This simplifies portioning and saves you some time, but every dog should have a diet tailored to its individual needs. Unlike French Bulldogs, the American counterpart is much more athletic and with fewer health problems. Purely on their role as working dogs and muscularity, owners often deem raw diets mandatory. Be Cautious Of Bacteria Whether we are talking about a Husky, American Bulldog, Pitbull, or any other breed, the type of diet does not matter as long as it contains all the required ingredients for a healthy life. Still, raw food has a major downside — bacterial, viral, or parasite infections. The meat can be certified and successfully pass health checks but still contain traces of pathogens such as salmonella or listeria. Just handling the raw food can spread germs all over the house, putting your family at risk of infection too. Certain grains like oat are tough to digest in a raw form, and the dog will benefit from them being cooked. The same goes for vegetables and fruit, though fruit is not a dietary requirement for dogs. Fruit such as plantains, fig newtons , prunes , durian , and guava are all safe for your dog if you want to add some new flavor to the diet. Keep in mind that your dog could be allergic to certain foods, so consult a vet before including them. Putting the word science in a product name does not make it better. There have been several recalls of this product line due to toxic quantities of vitamin D in the food. I would not consider products that have been recalled as the main diet for my dog. From a purely logical point of view, buying any product that has been recalled would be a hard pass for me. High-quality food does not have to come from a corporate giant. This means that your American Bulldog has a higher chance of having problems with its airways and allergens that can be inhaled. Unfortunately, this is not the only health problem that likes a good boy or girl. Obesity caused by overfeeding, hip dysplasia, and cherry eye are some of the most common health issues that plague Bulldogs. Let us quickly go through them and be done with the bad stuff. Obesity American Bulldogs grow fast. You will break out the best snacks the snack drawer has to offer and perhaps share some of them with your dog. Even if you feed your dog only the best foods on any kind of diet, there is a possibility of overfeeding it. One of the most common causes of overfeeding is treats. Most owners do not count them in the daily calories total and unwillingly teach their dogs some bad eating habits. Oftentimes, owners will want their dogs to grow faster or bigger than they naturally can, so they feed them so much meat that the dog becomes obese in just a few months. A diet should be balanced for the best result. Low-quality foods with lots of fillers that include starch and complex carbohydrates can cause sudden weight gain. You will know your dog is overweight if its size increases, but the musculation is less visible. Hip Dysplasia Everybody and their dog knows about this condition. It occurs when the ball of the femur does not sit properly in the socket joint of the hip, and the cartilage that lines the bone starts degrading until it is completely gone. Once that happens, the bone tissue becomes damaged with every move, and the dog starts experiencing pain and difficulty moving. If caught early, it can be treated with NSAIDs, but more severe cases require complex surgery or hip replacement. Cherry Eye This is a congenital condition that affects Bulldog breeds more than others. It is characterized by a protruded third eyelid that gets inflamed due to irregular eye anatomy. Dogs affected by cherry eye or protruding eyelid often have something that resembles a red cherry mass on the inside corner of the eye. Routine surgery is the most common treatment, with a rather easy and short recovery. Long exposure to foods your American Bulldog is allergic to can cause cherry eye. If you are a first-time dog owner, this American Bulldog feeding chart will be immensely helpful in getting you started. There is no one size fits all approach to dog feeding, so some effort in ironing out the details will be required. All these elements combined have an impact on the lifespan and overall health of your American Bulldog. Do not forget to provide ample exercise for your canine friend, and consult a vet if you notice a change in behavior when switching between diets. One can never be too careful. Read Next:. Nutritional requirements of a American Bulldog What exactly should the diet of a American Bulldog consist of for optimal health? Protein from quality meat sources 2. Essential Fatty acids and omegas 3. Natural vitamins and minerals from bone and plant sources 5. Hydration — high moisture foods and drinking water 1. Protein When selecting what to feed your American Bulldog, choose a diet with high-quality animal-based protein sources, such as beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, eggs, and fish. As such, protein impacts canine health in many ways, including: Providing consistent energy Forms new skin, hair, nails, and other tissue. Keeps the immune system healthy. Makes hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. Properly balanced fats are essential for optimal health, and also provide energy. Dietary fat we generally refer to as a triglyceride. There are two types of triglyceride, saturated and unsaturated fat. In balance, they promote a healthy coat, skin, eyes, nervous system, control hormones, fuel brain and learning, and reduce inflammation. Carbohydrates, such as vegetables and some fruits, provide fibre, prebiotics food for beneficial bacteria , and antioxidants that are lacking in meat alone. Dogs are carnivores, but they can benefit from some vegetation in their diets for optimal health. Natural vitamins and minerals A raw food diet aims to replicate what dogs evolved to eat in the wild. As such, meat, bone, offal and a small amount of plant ingredients are all important ingredients in the diet of a American Bulldog, each adding highly beneficial vitamins and minerals to meal times. Incorporating ground bone in meals or providing recreational bones for enrichment add nutrients that will support digestion, skin and bone health, and mobility. As such, water is a vital nutrient for all cells, systems and functions, including: The regulation of body temperature Maintaining healthy organ function. The digestion and absorption of nutrients. Detoxification; water helps to flush out toxins and waste products from the body. Preventing dehydration which can lead to serious health problems, including kidney damage and heat stroke. Lubrication and cushioning of joints, thereby supporting ease of movement. Discover more about a raw food diet for dogs in our complete. American Bulldog raw feeding guide Whilst you could create homemade raw food meals for your American Bulldog, dog owners new to raw feeding can often find making their own raw dog food meals complicated. Formulating meals with the appropriate ratios of key ingredients is essential to ensure your dog receives optimal nutrients, so going it alone can seem daunting. The good news is there is a much simpler approach. By choosing a reputable supplier of pre-prepared raw dog food supplier, you can stock your freezer with quality raw food meals at the click of a button. American Bulldog Feeding Chart. Every recipe comes personalized and proportioned for your dog and addresses any medical needs that they might have. Even better, the formulas all come from a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, and only the best-quality ingredients are used for each portion. The recipes are tailored specifically for your pup, which is ideal if your dog has a sensitive stomach or food allergies. Pros Formulated recipes by board-certified veterinary nutritionists Personalized and pre-portioned meals for your pup Made in the U. Only the best quality ingredients Different recipes More expensive than store bought brands 2. This moderately-priced dog food comes in pound bags. The small kibble is specifically designed for Bulldog puppies, aged two to 12 months, based on their jaws and biting patterns. We found that this food could be too rich and may not work as well for sensitive stomachs. These LifeSource Bits include a combination of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They offer omega fatty acids for improved skin and coat health. They can aid in good eye health because of the inclusion of taurine. They also contain vitamin B12, D, and L-Carnitine to further support good health. Its main ingredients are deboned chicken and chicken meal, which are a good source of protein. Other significant ingredients include rice, barley, and oatmeal. This is a grain-inclusive food, which means that it might not be suitable for dogs with food sensitivities and allergies. Although the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Dry Dog Food is a little more expensive than some of those on the list, many of its ingredients are high quality and provide a balanced and nutritional diet. However, a handful of ingredients are considered low-cost, low-quality fillers. Pea protein and alfalfa meal, for example, do not provide much nutritional benefit. The ingredients also include garlic. This low-cost dog food comes in .It naturally contains Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants and is made without poultry by-products, preservatives, and artificial flavors. When we tested this dog food, we found that it had plenty of protein and provided quite a bit of energy for active Bulldogs. It also works well for dogs with sensitive stomachs. We did find that it sometimes arrived stale, and some bags may contain bugs. Purina offers a great money-back guarantee. Share Are you aware that the American Bulldog is a breed that enjoys eating a lot? That is why you should keep a close eye on their rations and prevent him from eating anything he can get his hands on. A dog owner is accountable for his dog, and you should take responsibility for his diet in order to raise a healthy and happy dog. You should control portion sizes and keep track of his weight, which will help your Bully live a happier and longer life. Bulldogs in the United States are typically gentle, playful, and voracious eaters. Bulldogs who are in good physical shape have superior overall health, so feed them properly for a longer, happier life. Puppies Feeding Bulldog puppies, like any puppies, are voracious feeders. Because the nutritional composition of foods varies by brand, always follow the portioning guidelines on the container. Keeping this in mind, a puppy under the age of four months should consume three to four cups of food every day, divided into four feedings. Reduce feedings to three times a day between 4 and 6 months, for a total of two and a quarter to three cups of food each day. Quantity and Recurrence Your dog should be on an adult eating schedule after six months: one and a half to two cups of food per day, divided into two meals. When free-fed, bulldogs have a tendency to overeat, and eating too much too soon might make them unwell. Bulldogs, unlike other dogs that may self-regulate their meals, must be fed on a regular schedule to maintain a healthy and regular digestive system. You could have trouble judging his weight because bulldogs are inherently chubby and wrinkled. If not, progressively reduce his food intake and lengthen your morning walks. Behavior And Treats Feeding your dog entails more than just putting food in his bowl. You must also keep track of his treat intake, or else his health and behavior will deteriorate. Instead, give him attention by playing with him or taking a stroll with him, both of which will help him maintain a healthy weight. When you do offer him goodies in a training situation, remember not to overfeed him—always follow the product portioning guidelines. Feed three meals a day to American bulldog puppies aged three to six months. Puppies aged six months to one year should be fed two meals every day. When the American bulldog reaches the age of one, one meal per day is sufficient. Adult American bulldogs, on the other hand, may benefit from two smaller bowls. Excellent-quality dry dogfood can be mixed with canned food, broth, or water to give a well-rounded diet for growing American bulldogs. Puppies of the American Bulldog should be fed high-quality, brand-name puppy food. Only clean, fresh water should be used, and food and water dishes should be washed frequently. Only if the puppy has been separated from his mother or if there is a large litter and not all of the puppies are getting adequate food will a human be required to intervene in this process. If this is the case, you should seek advice from your veterinarian. At this stage, their tummies are too sensitive to give them anything. English Bulldog Puppy, 4 Weeks If you have a four-week-old English Bulldog puppy, he should still be with his mother and littermates. At this stage, he is unlikely to be ready for puppy chow, but you are allowed to see if he is interested. English Bulldog Puppy, 6 Weeks When you have an English Bulldog puppy that is 6 weeks old, you may notice certain changes. While it is still too young for him to leave his mother, weaning should begin at this stage. At least once a day, he should be given puppy chow. If your puppy is still not interested in puppy food, it is possible that it is still too early, and you should try again. Your puppy should be weaned from his mother and eating puppy chow by the age of eight weeks. Even though he is unlikely to eat much at a meal, you should feed him three times a day. Each day, roughly 1. At this stage, his hunger is likely to have increased. Make sure your dog is gaining adequate weight if he looks ravenous. As previously said, you should be able to see a waist in your puppy but not be able to count any ribs. English Bulldog Puppy, 12 Weeks When your English Bulldog puppy reaches the age of 12 weeks, he will consume around 2 cups of puppy food each day. He should still consume three meals every day because he will be burning a lot of calories from both growing and exercising. For the first 14 months, feed your dog large-breed puppy kibble to encourage moderate but steady growth. Until your dog is fully grown and eating an adult diet, avoid calcium-rich foods or supplements. The additional calcium may interfere with proper bone development. Before switching their food, seek advice from your veterinarian. Then gradually introduce your puppy to his new diet. When it comes to determining what to feed your Bulldog puppy, you have four options. An English Bulldog puppy who is free fed has constant access to the food and can eat as much and as often as they desire. This manner of feeding, while simple and convenient, poses a risk to your puppy. This strategy is effective provided your puppy only eats when he or she is hungry, which is not the case for the majority of dogs. House training and establishing feeding patterns are challenging with free feeding. It can result in obesity in dogs who are unable to stop eating when they are full. Kibble for a Bulldog Puppy The most popular all-around puppy food is definitely dry kibble. Choose a dry puppy formula that is specifically formulated for puppies. You should also look for one that is appropriate for medium to large breeds. Not all brands, however, are created equal. Avoid using substances such as Corn. When it comes to feeding your American Bulldog puppy, it is important to choose a high-quality food that is designed for large breeds. Puppies grow quickly and need plenty of nutrients to support their growing bodies. Look for a food that is rich in protein and fat, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Avoid foods that are high in fillers or contain artificial ingredients. Your American Bulldog puppy should eat three to four times a day, so divide their daily ration into smaller meals. Puppies under six months old need to eat more often than older puppies. Always have fresh water available for your puppy and monitor their food intake to ensure they are getting enough to eat. A healthy American Bulldog should eat about 2 to 3 cups of food a day, divided into two or three meals. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian how much food your dog needs. Puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs may need more food. Senior dogs may need less. There are a variety of raw meats that you can feed your American Bulldog. Some of the most popular include chicken, turkey, beef, and lamb. You can also find specialty raw foods that are made specifically for Bulldogs. These can be found at most pet stores or online. You should also wash the meat thoroughly before feeding it to your dog. Raw meat is an excellent source of protein for your American Bulldog. It can help to build muscle and keep their coat healthy. Raw meat is also easy for them to digest and can give them the energy they need to stay active. If you are unsure of what kind of raw meat to feed your American Bulldog, you can always ask your veterinarian for advice. They will be able to recommend the best type of food for your dog based on their individual needs. Blue Buffalo is considered a good source of nutrition for American Bulldogs. It is a high-quality food that contains all of the necessary nutrients and vitamins that these dogs need to stay healthy and active. Additionally, Blue Buffalo does not use any cheap fillers or artificial ingredients in their products. This makes them a safe and healthy option for American Bulldogs. Is Pedigree Good for American Bulldogs? Just like with any other type of dog, it is important to do your research before you decide to feed your American Bulldog Pedigree. While Pedigree is a popular brand of dog food, it may not be the best option for American Bulldogs. There are a variety of factors that you should consider when choosing the right food for your dog. This includes the ingredients, the size and activity level of your dog, and any health concerns that your dog may have. One of the main things to consider when choosing food for your American Bulldog is the ingredients. Another thing to consider is the size and activity level of your American Bulldog. If your dog is on the smaller side or is not very active, he may do better with food that has fewer calories. Conversely, if your dog is larger or more active, he may need food that has more calories to help him maintain his weight. Finally, you should also consider any health concerns that your American Bulldog may have. If your dog has allergies or sensitivities, you will want to choose a food that does not contain any ingredients that could trigger an allergic reaction. There are a few commercially available dog foods that are specifically designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs, and these may be a good option for your American Bulldog. Can American Bulldogs Eat Chicken? Yes, American Bulldogs can eat chicken. In fact, chicken is a great source of protein for them. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly to avoid any food safety issues. Can Bulldogs Eat Bread? Most bread is perfectly safe for American Bulldogs to eat, but there are a few things to be aware of. Additionally, some bread can be very high in sugar, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Chocolate is toxic to American Bulldogs and can make them very sick. Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which is a stimulant that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death in large quantities. Can Bulldogs Drink Milk? Yes, Bulldogs can drink milk. In fact, many American Bulldogs enjoy drinking milk and it can be a good source of nutrition for them. Just be sure to choose low-fat or skim milk to avoid any health problems. Can Bulldogs Eat Fruit? Yes, Bulldogs can eat fruit. In fact, some fruits, such as blueberries and strawberries, are packed with nutrients that can be beneficial for them. Just be sure to wash the fruit thoroughly and remove any pits or seeds before feeding it to your Bulldog. Can Bulldogs Eat Peanut Butter? Yes, American Bulldogs can eat peanut butter. Can They Eat Table Scraps? Table scraps are often high in fat and calories, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems. There are a variety of dog treats available that are safe for American Bulldogs to eat. Just be sure to choose treats that are low in fat and calories, and avoid any that contain chocolate or other potentially harmful ingredients. Foods that are high in fat, sugar, or calories can lead to weight gain and other health problems. While these heavy-set medium-sized dogs were first bred for fighting, American Bulldogs are really just big ole softies. They are easygoing, friendly, and highly social, which is why they make excellent companions for singles. American Bulldogs are also confident, courageous, and trainable, which is why they are much-loved family pets. They are highly attentive and will keep watch over the family. At the same time, they are docile pets that will stay close and nap at your feet while you watch TV. If trained and socialized early, American Bulldogs tolerate children well and are eager companions that are always ready for playtime. According to the American Kennel Club , American Bulldogs weigh about 50 pounds and can grow up to about 15 inches in height. They have a life expectancy of about 10 years and are generally physically strong and healthy dogs. American Bulldogs are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, kidney problems, thyroid problems, cherry eye, ACL tears, and bone cancer. Depending on the genetic line, they can also develop ichthyosis a skin disorder causing dry scales and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis or NCL a nervous system disorder. American Bulldogs are also prone to developing allergies. But did you know that these strongly-built dogs can jump up to seven feet? American Bulldogs love to eat and thus have a tendency to become overweight. You also need to make sure that the ingredients will contribute to keeping your American Bulldog pup lean and muscular. Look out for fillers like corn, soy, wheat, and bean hulls, which are in many dog foods. These have little to no nutritional value and can contribute to your dog developing bloat. Being overweight also contributes to the development of conditions like hip and elbow disorders. Many dog food companies offer low-carbohydrate dog food varieties. These are worth checking out. Protein Because they are highly active and incredibly muscular, American Bulldogs require a diet rich in protein. A sufficient level of protein helps maintain the muscle mass of American Bulldogs, gives them sustained energy to romp around all day long, and helps prevent muscle, bone, and joint problems. The appropriate food for American Bulldog puppy contains meat protein as the primary ingredient. Like other allergy-prone breeds, American Bulldogs do best on purer forms and single sources of lean protein. Bone health American Bulldogs have short limbs and muscular frames, which makes them prone to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These conditions can lead to crippling lameness, muscle atrophy, and may cause severe pain. Hip and elbow dysplasia are common in larger dogs. They usually start early in life and are often hard to prevent. The ideal food for American Bulldog puppy should thus contain sufficient levels of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Studies have found that these can help keep the bones, joints, and tissues lubricated and help reduce inflammation. Allergies American Bulldogs can develop allergic reactions to some foods. If you are unsure if your American Bulldog puppy is allergic to certain ingredients, try a variety of dog foods with different protein sources and see if he reacts to any of them. If your dog is experiencing an allergic reaction, you may catch him licking his paws or observe red and itchy skin under his fur. Despite their size and stocky build, American Bulldogs are excellent jumpers. To avoid allergies, the most nutritious food for American Bulldog puppy should have as few ingredients as possible and should be grain-free. Avoid dog foods with highly allergenic grains like wheat. In terms of carbohydrate source, there should be good hypoallergenic starches like sweet potatoes and barley. Bloat Bulldogs are known for excessive gassiness, which can cause bloat. This is a serious medical condition that can be fatal. To avoid bloat, you should steer clear of dog foods that contain highly fermentable ingredients like grains, milk products, and fillers. Choose dog foods that have a low fiber content and that contain wholesome sources of protein, fruits, and vegetables. Nowadays, plenty of dog food manufacturers resort to unethical practices to drive down production costs. There are companies, for instance, that hide the real first ingredient in their products by splitting the ingredient up. American Bulldogs do best on a diet that is high in protein and low in simple carbohydrates and filler ingredients. A certain dog food may be made up primarily of corn. To avoid having to identify corn as the first ingredient, the company could split it into two ingredients: corn flour and corn meal. This allows them to list a different ingredient, like a protein source, as the first ingredient. To find the ideal food for American Bulldog puppy, ask for recommendations from your veterinarian, other dog lovers, and breeders in your community. The original turkey and chicken formula we recommend here is particularly appropriate for American Bulldogs because of the high lean protein content and the high-quality carbohydrate sources. This Wellness Core dog food also contains probiotics for good digestive health and antioxidants for overall nutrition. The formula is grain-free and contains no wheat, soy, corn, meat by-products, artificial flavors, and other nasties. This dog food is made with free-run chicken and turkey, nest-laid eggs, and wild-caught fish. The ingredients are produced locally and delivered daily, ensuring freshness. This Orijen dry dog food formula contains bits of raw chicken and turkey liver that are gently freeze-dried. The raw ingredients nourish your pooch as nature intended and provide bursts of irresistible meaty flavor. Your American Bulldog pup will love the taste of this dog food. The recipe is formulated for the dietary needs of young Bulldogs. In the case of your American Bulldog, their tendency to develop dysplasia is addressed by the addition of glucosamine and chondroitin in the formula. In this particular recipe, the first ingredient is lamb meal, which happens to be a good source of lean protein for large breeds. Another thing we love about this recipe is that it contains glucosamine and chondroitin to help your American Bulldog develop strong muscles, bones, and joints. It also has vitamins C and E for stronger immunity. We hope this guide on choosing the best food for American Bulldog puppy helps you keep your pet healthy and happy. I was born into a dog-loving family and have been a proud doggy mommy ever since I can remember. I love sharing my dog knowledge and love being an active part of the dog-loving community. Related Posts.