yours truly golden retriever puppies reviews

To download your free ebook, please confirm your email address. Temperament and personality Due to their cross breed status, Miniature Goldendoodles have unique temperaments and personalities. Friendly Like their Golden Retriever parent, Mini Goldendoodles are gentle, friendly, and eager-to-please. They love meeting new people and get along with children and adults alike. Playful Because Miniature Goldendoodles are part Mini Poodle, they are incredibly playful and intelligent! Afterall, both their parent dog breeds continuously make the list for the smartest dogs in the world. Their intelligence makes training a Mini Goldendoodle easy, but it can also make them mischievous at times, so be prepared for your Mini Goldendoodle to outsmart you! Loyal Both parent dog breeds are warm towards people and crave love and attention from their pack. They are loyal and love to stay close to their humans. Energetic Mini Goldendoodles have a moderate energy level. Most require about 60 minutes of exercise per day, but the actual amount will depend on your dog. F1b Mini Goldendoodles are more suited for those with severe allergies. Appearance Size Mini Goldendoodles are anywhere from 15 to 35 pounds and are 13 to 30 inches tall. However, the size of the Mini Goldendoodle depends on the size of the Poodle that is being used for breeding the hybrid dog. These numbers can differ slightly depending on the height and weight of both the Mini Poodle and Golden Retriever parents. If you want a slightly bigger dog, you should consider a Standard Goldendoodle, and if you want one even smaller, look to the Teacup Goldendoodle. Coats Mini Goldendoodle puppies tend to have fluffy coats that change as they age. The coat of an adult Miniature Goldendoodle can vary. It can be similar to the Poodles and be curly , or it can be like a Golden Retriever and be straight. Their coat can also fall somewhere in the middle and be somewhat wavy! We advise you to comb through the coat at least once a day. Colors Miniature Goldendoodles also come in a range of different colors. Golden Retrievers can be a dark golden color also known as red , yellow-golden, or a light cream. A Miniature Poodle can be red, black, tan, cream, apricot, red, or brown. The most popular colors for Miniature Goldendoodles are cream or golden, however, you can have black, white, grey, red, or even mixed colors! Grooming needs Miniature Goldendoodles require lots of grooming, both at home and with a professional. Grooming a Doodle requires daily brushing, combing, and trips to the groomers to prevent painful mats and tangles. The good thing is, there are plenty of Goldendoodle haircuts you can browse for inspiration each time you go to the groomer! This includes: Cancer: Golden Retrievers have one of the highest rates of cancer of all dog breeds. Dental Disease: Miniature Poodles are more likely than other dog breeds to have teeth-related issues. It can cause weight gain, fatigue, and other symptoms. Ear infections: Dog breeds with floppy ears are more prone to ear infections. Regular ear cleanings will help prevent infections. You can keep your Mini Goldendoodle healthy by going to the vet frequently and feeding them high-quality food. The price depends on where you live, the pedigree of the parents, and other factors. Where to find Mini Goldendoodle puppies Reputable breeders The most obvious place to find Mini Goldendoodle Puppies is from a reputable breeder. Be very wary of people selling puppies through online marketplaces and on social media. Search through our list of Doodle rescues here to see what dogs are up for adoption in your area. While you may not be able to find a Mini Goldendoodle puppy at a rescue, you can likely find other Poodle mixes who are waiting to find forever homes. We adopted our Labradoodle after he became available for adoption at the agency we foster with! You can also contact breeders in your area to see if they have a Miniature Goldendoodle up for adoption. We have put together a directory of Goldendoodle breeders , which you can look through to find one near you. If you want a lazy dog, the Mini Goldendoodle is not the right pup for you. Summary Miniature Goldendoodles are perfect for people who want the personality of a Golden Retreiver and the intelligence of a Poodle mixed up in one fantastic dog. Do you have a Mini Goldendoodle? Drop a comment and tell us what yours is like! Mini Goldendoodles can be quiet dogs with the right training and socialization, making them great for apartment living and attached dwellings. Are Mini Goldendoodles good apartment dogs? Mini Goldendoodles make good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise. Do Mini Goldendoodles like to cuddle? Mini Goldendoodles need lots of playtime and exercise. Do Mini Goldendoodles get along well with children? Mini Goldendoodles are fantastic with children. Just be sure to keep a close eye on your children when they play with any animals and be sure to educate young children on the proper way to interact with animals. Are Mini Goldendoodles good dogs? Mini Goldendoodles are great dogs when they get proper socialization, training, and exercise. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchase. The cost is not inflated to account for the commission earned. Veterinary Disclaimer: travellingwithadog. Please consult your vet for any questions you have regarding your pets health. She has years of experience fostering dogs and has helped find homes for a variety of different breeds, both large and small! Learn more about her here. So many families were trying to avoid shedding coats and the Goldendoodle was proving to fill that need. We started this venture with a mini Poodle instead of a toy Poodle as we felt that was the best step in downsizing to achieve the mini Goldendoodle dog breed. Our goal was to create adult Goldendoodles with the average weight of about 35 lb. Our first litter arrived on January 11, providing us with 5 males and 5 females, all with wavy coats. This litter was an F1 litter , but was the beginning of the many future generations of Goldendoodles and the foundation for the multigen Goldendoodle. Fox Creek Farm retained two of the females in this litter for future development of the mini Goldendoodle breed. Pebbles whelped the first litter of F1B mini Goldendoodles in .We still have dogs in our breeding program that trace all the way back to Pebbles as documented in the GANA database. You can view photos of the entire litter below and some feedback provided by each family who raised one of these little teddy bears. Fox Creek Farm followed each and every puppy throughout its life to learn about temperaments, health, trainability, coat care, and longevity. We made some lifelong friends with these families who had trusted us to provide them with a puppy unlike any other breed they had met before. Not only were the reports always positive, just about every family has since come back for one or more mini Goldendoodles from Fox Creek Farm. The first of this litter to pass of old age lived to be .The last of the litter to pass was just a month shy of 17 years. On average, the mini Goldendoodles in this litter lived to be 15 years of age. We found this to be in part due to the hybrid vigor and in part due to the health testing certifications performed on the parents. This proves the importance of health testing dogs before they are bred. Listen to me, do I sound like a proud Mama or not? Amy, Triscuit has been a total joy in our lives. Then along came Triscuit. Triscuit, John and I look forward to a reunion with his siblings one day soon. I was so fortunate to have Triscuit come visit with me this past summer. He is an old soul, a great companion, full of life and loves everyone. Harry is the first of this litter that has passed away at the age of .Rest in peace my friend. Nelson Nelson is such a great dog. Her collar has smiley faces on it because it so fits her personality. To her everyday is a good day! She loves everyone. She thinks they all love her as much as we do!! She loves to swim, play in the snow, take walks, and sleep on laps. We love her so much! Hard to believe they are 9 yrs old. I am so glad to hear that her siblings are healthy and doing well. She was the runt of the litter, so proof that runts are healthy dogs! Buddy Buddy is a treasured member of our family. He still plays like a puppy, he loves the snow, playing fetch, and a good romp in the surf at the beach. Everyone who meets Buddy falls in love with him and he is known town wide as he spends hours siting in our driveway, butt to butt with our other dog, Scout, watching the cars go by. Golden fur aside, we swear that he is part human. Patricia Roscow Bonsignore Buddy passed away in August, at .His family misses him dearly. Libby Libby is a happy and healthy 9 year old, snoozing right next to me as I type. Roxi My Doodles are awesome!!! They are healthy, happy, and full of energy. Rusty Rusty is still a great dog, mellow and friendly to all! He is very tolerant of his crazy family, who still like to dress him up! He still loves to eat anything he can and likes to play in the snow. I am sad that he is already 9 years old! He still acts young, in his usual lazy manner! Thanks so much for keeping in touch. Casey A few words about Casey: He is very lovable and compassionate. He enjoys hiking though all seasons and is a great trailblazer leading the pack with his nose to the ground, stopping at any fork in the trail to be told which direction to continue in. Many times he will fall asleep with it under his paw. Casey has some funny and entertaining quirks that make me laugh out loud. He loves digging in the sand at beaches and on every July 4th he hides in the bathtub during the fireworks as loud noises scare him. Pebbles I have lots of dogs being a breeder. She produced 3 litters before retiring from breeding. She is my constant companion and seems to read my mind. All the other dogs have learned that when Pebbles says it is time for a bath, they have to drop whatever they are doing and let her clean their eyes and ears. Lucy Lucy produced many wonderful litters for Fox Creek Farm. She is the mother of Chester, one of Fox Creek Farms fabulous studs. She is living out her retirement with Debra Wachter. Lucy outlived all her brothers and sisters. She joined them all for a romp in the skies in early December, just a month shy of 17 years. Sign Up for our Newsletter First Name. The difference lies in the genetic makeup of the dogs. An F2B Mini Goldendoodle, on the other hand, is .What does F1B mean? F1B refers to a specific generation of Goldendoodles. Are F1B Mini Goldendoodles good dogs? F1B Mini Goldendoodles generally make excellent pets due to their friendly nature, intelligence, and low-shedding coats. However, like all dogs, their behaviour can be influenced by their environment and training. How big will my F1B Mini Goldendoodle get? Typically, an F1B Mini Goldendoodle will weigh between 15 to 30 pounds and stand about 13 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown. Are F1B Mini Goldendoodles hyper? Their activity level will largely depend on their individual personality and the amount of exercise they receive. Do F1B Mini Goldendoodles bark a lot? While barking can vary by individual dog and is often influenced by training and environment, F1B Mini Goldendoodles are not generally known for excessive barking. What are the characteristics of an F1B Mini Goldendoodle? F1B Mini Goldendoodles are known for their friendly and affable nature, intelligence, and their ability to get along well with both adults and children. They often have a curly or wavy low-shedding coat, and are highly trainable. Their size makes them suitable for various types of living environments, including apartments. Why are F1B Mini Goldendoodles more expensive? F1B Mini Goldendoodles are typically more expensive than their F1 counterparts due to their hypoallergenic qualities. They have a higher percentage of Poodle in their genetic makeup, which means they are more likely to have a low-shedding and hypoallergenic coat. Are all F1B Goldendoodles curly? While not all F1B Goldendoodles have curly coats, it is more common due to the higher percentage of Poodle genetics. The coat can range from wavy to curly, and is typically low-shedding. Is F1 or F1B better for allergies? F1B Goldendoodles are often better for people with allergies because they have a higher percentage of Poodle genetics, which are known for their hypoallergenic qualities. Life Span Did You Know? Although this breed is very popular, it is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club. As long as they are well-socialized, Miniature Goldendoodles tend to make excellent family companions. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they will alert you of strangers at the door, they tend to warm up quickly as they are more interested in making friends and receiving attention. Mini Goldendoodles are highly adaptable dogs. Their smaller size makes them a great fit for apartment living or for bigger homes with yards where they can run. As long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention, they can adapt well. These little dogs tend to do well in just about any climate. However, like any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Due to their smaller size, you may need to gear up with some dog-friendly winter gear when temperatures start falling. Because this dog breed is loyal and people-oriented, they love to be in your company and do not like being left alone for long periods of time. This means they can be prone to developing separation anxiety if you do not work with them on it early on. Instead, make sure your new Mini Goldendoodle puppy has an active role in your life. If you do need to leave them alone for a bit, make sure they have some comforting toys or challenging puzzles to keep them from getting bored. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests and clearances that have been done. The Mini Goldendoodles is a highly intelligent dog that picks up on things quickly and is eager to please. They tend to be sensitive to tone of voice as well. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive praise and reward, a Mini Goldendoodle will strive to be obedient and impress you and tends to excel at almost any task. These traits make the Mini Goldendoodle one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Daily brushing is recommended to remove tangles and prevent mats. Bathing is occasional and can often be relegated to the dog groomer that is recommended you visit every weeks. The groomer can help handle some of this during visits, but you will still need to do some maintenance at home between visits. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed help prevent ear infections. Daily brushing, plus cleanings at the vet as needed, is good dental care for dogs and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Although the parents of this breed have a lot of energy, a Mini Goldendoodle tends to sit in a more moderate activity range. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are usually enough for them. But, they are also likely to match their energy level to yours, so be prepared for some bursts of energy as well as plenty of cuddling on the couch. Fully-grown Mini Goldendoodles usually stand inches tall at the shoulder. A Miniature Goldendoodle puppy can vary in size based on the generation of the dog. The result is generally a dog that will range from pounds. Looking at the size of the parents for an F1 or F1-B puppy can be a good indication of what size to expect in a fully-grown Miniature Goldendoodle. Mini Goldendoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Goldendoodle Article. If this dog is now crossed with a purebred small Poodle again, the puppies are F1b Mini Goldendoodles. This cross has become increasingly popular as it is more likely to have the Poodles non-shedding qualities, as well as an even smaller size than the F1 Mini Goldendoodles. What do F1b Mini Goldendoodles look like? Their coat tends to be very much like the Poodle coat — curly and non-shedding. They can come in a variety of colors, though most dogs will have the typical Golden, reddish hue. A full-grown F1b Mini Goldendoodle is around lbs, though their weight can vary depending on the size of the parents. Their ears are always floppy. This is much smaller than the typical size of a full-grown Goldendoodle and closer to the size of Miniature Poodles. F1b Mini Goldendoodles have hypo-allergenic qualities and are very popular among owners with allergies. How big will my F1b Mini Goldendoodle get? Your F1b Mini Goldendoodle will most likely stay rather small at around inches. The smaller the parents are, the higher the chances that your dog will not get very big either. Many dog owner seek out F1b Goldendoodles specifically for their small size. If you want a very small one, you should ask the breeder for a female puppy — as with all dog breeds, females are around inches smaller and 5 lbs. Size is — of course — genetically determined, so if your puppy has any half siblings or full siblings you can assume his size will be similar to theirs. What is the difference between F1 and F1b mini goldendoodles? An F1b generation is produced when a Goldendoodle is crossed with a Poodle. The main differences between the two are: How many generations the purebred ancestors are removed: In an F1 Goldendoodle, the parents were purebred. What is an F2 Mini Goldendoodle? That means that one Mini Poodle parent and one Golden Retriever parent have offspring these are called F1 and then these offspring would be bred with other F1 offspring. Both parents of the puppies are mixes themselves, and the grandparents are two Mini Poodles and two Golden Retrievers. The puppies from a litter like this tend to be more homogenous in their appearance and temperament. While in every first generation litter the puppies can very quite a bit, with every breeding down the line the characteristics become more set and predictable. Why are there so many different types of crosses? As with every dog breed, the popularity of a certain type of color, temperament, coat texture etc. Doodles also containing the Bernedoodle , Sheepadoodle and more have become the most popular designer breed in North America and beyond. Breeders continuously received requests for smaller dogs with more reliable hypoallergenic qualities. They experimented with different types of parent dogs — a Golden and a Goldendoodle, a Poodle and an F1 Goldendoodle, etc. If you are unsure which of the many Poodle mixes best fits into your family, take our quiz: Which Doodle breed is right for you? How much do F1b Mini Goldendoodles cost? F1b Mini Goldendoodles are very sought-after. Depending on your specific requirements for the puppy this price might increase. Some breeders charge higher fees for dogs of a specific color for example light blonde Mini Goldendoodles or gender. You should not be a price shopper though! Breeders who do breed-specific health testing and raise their puppies with love and care will charge a higher price than breeders who put less effort into breeding and puppy raising. Keep in mind that you are getting a puppy who will be your companion for years to come — and do not shy away to pay a slightly higher price for a puppy from a responsible breeder! Finding dogs in rescue Some future Doodle owners hope to find dogs through rescues. Because they are such a wide-spread breed, it is likely that you will find some Poodle crosses through your local shelter. Whether you will be able to get an F1b Mini Goldendoodle specifically is another question — it may take quite a bit of searching to come across one that was surrendered. If you are not picky about which Poodle mix you get, going to a rescue is a good idea. If you have specific wishes for your future puppy however, approaching a responsible breeder is the way to go. Are F1b Goldendoodles good dogs? Goldendoodles in general can be a great fit for many families, but only if owners are ready to invest time and effort into raising, training, exercising and socializing the puppy. Both Golden Retrievers and Poodles were originally bred to be working dogs. As such they have a lot of energy and require daily activities with their owners. These activities can come in many forms — you can teach your F1b Mini Goldendoodle tricks, take him hiking, try out a dog sport such as agility or make him a therapy dog — but the dog needs to be doing something. Many owners are frustrated with the level of energy their dogs have and how it can manifest in destructiveness. As retrievers, F1b Minin Goldendoodles enjoy taking pretty much everything into their mouth. A bored pup will try out his teeth on furniture, hands and feet, shoes, houseplants … and as an owner you are not going to like that! These pups will need a steady stream of Goldendoodle-approved toys and chew items. F1b Mini Goldendoodles are great for owners who are ready to devote time every day to their dogs. They are very smart dogs that excel at learning new behaviors and can be taught dozens and hundreds of tricks. As retrievers, they love to — of course — retrieve and run. You can try out frisbee or flyball with your pup, he will thrive when he has a fun hobby with you! 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. Check out the adorable Goldendoodle puppies that are currently available here! PuppySpot is a dog adoption website that connects breeders with prospective pet owners. They have a zero tolerance policy for puppy mills which is why they screen every breeder annually! They have placed over , puppies in homes and offer various trusted, USDA-certified transportation options to deliver your puppy to your home safely! They love spending time around people and other animals alike and are so affectionate and gentle. F1b Mini Goldendoodles are keen to please which makes them pretty easy to train. They are also relatively easy to care for. The only real complaint of owners is the constant grooming requirements of Goldendoodles. F1b Mini Goldendoodles have a lifespan of 12 to 16 years. They have one of the longest lifespans of all Goldendoodle sizes and generations as they are a small breed yet not so small that they suffer from size related health issues like Teacup Goldendoodles. They are more likely to live to the higher end of their lifespan range. F1b Mini Goldendoodles are classified as light to non-shedders and shed even less than F1 Mini Goldendoodles. F1b Mini Goldendoodles like other cross-back generations of the breed shed less than F1 Mini Goldendoodles as they have a higher percentage of Poodle genes. Are F1b Mini Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic? F1b Mini Goldendoodles are more hypoallergenic than F1 Mini Goldendoodles as they are cross-backed to a Poodle which is a more hypoallergenic breed than the Golden Retriever. You can make your dog even more hypoallergenic by keeping up a good grooming routine as it will stop them from releasing allergens into your home. A brush down with a slicker brush every other day is ideal to remove any loose hairs. As for washing, a bath with a gentle dog shampoo every 3 months will remove dead skin cells, dirt and debris. White F1b Mini Goldendoodles are often mistaken for Mini Labradoodles because they are so light in color. You can read our full White Goldendoodle guide here. Their coats can be anywhere from a reddish cream to a rusty brown color. You can read our full Red Goldendoodle guide here! They are somewhere between a light red and a cream. You can read our full Apricot Goldendoodle guide here! They may have small white patches over their body like on their chest or paws however these as technically Black and White F1b Mini Goldendoodles. You can read our full Black Goldendoodle guide here! F1b Mini Goldendoodle via teddy. Some popular ones include: Puppy Cut.

Welcome to Magnolia Australian Labradoodles! Magnolia Australian Labradoodles was created to breed exceptional Labradoodle puppies to carry on the traits that make this breed so wonderful! We only have a few litters a year as we truly put our heart and soul into each of our puppies, as well as, the dogs that live here with us. At Magnolia Australian Labradoodles we consider each of our dogs a member of the family and we treat the puppies no differently. From day one, the Labradoodle puppies are in our home, being handled, played with and loved every single day. Someone is with them the majority of the time, making sure they are well cared for and interacting with them throughout the day. What makes us different? Through this method your new puppy will be calm and confident from day one. Your new puppy will be introduced to sleeping in a crate and beginning house training. This way your first night home will be a smoother transition for your puppy. We believe that attention to every detail is important. We are very approachable and when our materials do not answer a question you might have, we are committed to answering all your questions and fully preparing you to bring home your new family member. Our Goal is Excellence! Our goal at every point in the process is excellence. When you decide that Magnolia Australian Labradoodles is the best choice for your family, we take your decision very seriously. You become part of our family! We are passionate about sharing this exquisite breed with others, and providing wonderful homes for our pups. Once we decided to get an Australian Labradoodle, we then set out to find the best breeder we could find. We spent several months trying to find a breeder with not only good reviews, but also one who would understand our needs having a son with autism. We thought we had found a good breeder but they were not responsive and their contract was crazy long with some pretty crazy requirements. Right from the start, Judy was very responsive to ALL our questions. She understood our concerns about getting the right dog for our son. Once we decided to go forward with it, she even let us come visit to get to know our soon-to-be new family member. She has been so responsive to our questions and concerns even after bringing little JoJo home. Her training program has made such a huge difference and has taken away so much of the normal stress of having a new puppy. Thank you Judy. We are so in love with our sweet little JoJo. We elected to do bring our pup home around 12 weeks so he could do the advanced training and it was the right choice. Our pup did amazing in his crate, adjusted quickly and was comfortable going out on a leash to learn his bathroom spot at this new house. He did great with a 18 month old and 5 year old without any nipping. Chris Beck The decision to add a dog into our family was a big one. We took our time researching, with the selection of a breeder being a huge factor. I stumbled upon Judy at Magnolia Labradoodles and was instantly intrigued. I liked that she only had one litter at a time. I knew my puppy would be getting attention and care. I liked that past customers said she was responsive and the experience was personal. My telephone conversation with her was also critical. I had lots of questions and she had answers for all of them and gave me all the time I needed to feel comfortable. I could tell she loved what she did and it was personal to her…not just a business. We opted for the additional training and felt this made the transition home for our dog go smoothly. He did not nip at us, knew his name, how to focus on us, how to sit and was happy in his crate. We had to wait quite a while to bring our dog home, but Judy kept us updated with photos and videos. She even face-timed my children twice so they could see their dog. It was a great experience and worth the wait. I highly recommend Judy and Magnolia Labradoodles. We have always had English Labrador Retrievers, but due to us getting older we wanted something a little smaller but also hardy. Lexi is everything you could ask for: intelligent, kind, loving, good with people and children, loves all dogs, loves to play with our cat, walks and hikes great and the added bonus if the above items are not enough they are absolutely gorgeous!!!! We had an amazing experience with Judy!! Judy was always there to answer all my questions and she still is a year later!! That in itself is an outstanding quality, not to mention the wonderful job Judy does getting them ready for their forever homes. If you are skeptical about doing the 3 week training…DO IT!!! It was well worth it. We put Lexi in her crate the first night and she went right to sleep. I will never forget when we went to pick Lexi up. Judy let us in and there in the living room was this gorgeous, well behaved dog that just sat there until I went over and picked her up. I started crying and as I turned around, so was Judy!! That just showed me the love and compassion she has for raising these outstanding dogs. If after reading this, if you are still unsure, please feel free to contact me. Judy has my contact information. Debbie Stierly Working with Judy was fantastic. Cadbury Harmony and Rhett is as perfect a puppy as you could imagine. From the beginning, Judy helped my daughters face their fear of dogs and see how kind and loving puppies can be. This is absolutely a much better way to ensure success. Judy treats her pups with love and kindness. She dotes on them! When we brought Cadbury home, family and friends could not get over his calm and loving personality. He adjusted immediately, slept well on the first night, and already had learned manners. While it is hard to wait the extra 3 weeks, it is so nice to have a puppy that has learned basic obedience, crate training, and potty training! If you plan to add a puppy to your family and want a dog that will be sweet, obedient, and gentle, look no further! Judy was excellent throughout the process and was responsive, organized, detailed and passionate. Lucy was the smallest in the litter of Harmony and Rhett and needed a lot of extra care just to be able to make it to our home. Judy spent many sleepless nights to make this happen. Lucy is…. She is a kind and gentle puppy with a great spirit for adventure. We are enjoying her everyday! I highly recommend working with Judy if you are looking for a great addition to your family! The puppy that we recently got from Magnolia Australian Doodles was worth the wait and cost for such a lovely little addition to our menagerie. He was introduced to numerous adults, noisy children, other dogs, a cat, sweeper, hour car ride home and multiple other stimuli and he was unfazed. And this was just during the first two days. Not to mention a huge thunder and lightening storm. He is going to one of those special dogs, you talk about. PK Pamela Kratzer Five stars are honestly not enough! Judy made the experience of getting a puppy so easy and stress free. She was always available, and answered my thousands of questions. She sent us updates and photos weekly too! You can tell Judy puts her heart and soul into caring for each litter. Our puppy is almost 3 months old, and we are so happy we chose Magnolia Australian Labradoodles! Our puppy slept the whole first night, and is the most loving and fun puppy ever! Despite the pandemic going on, Judy did her best to socialize the puppies. She sends you home with a complete binder with everything you need to raise your puppy! Duke has been a great addition to our family and I highly recommend Magnolia Australian Labradoodles if you want a caring and knowledgeable breeder!! You guys are truly incredible. Thank you. He really brings a smile to all of us, all the time. I had done a lot of research on the web of this breed. Judy welcomed my questions and answered with obvious knowledge of having done her own research. She was able to answer any question or concern that I may have had. I highly recommend Judy and Magnolia Australian Labradoodle kennel to anyone looking for a beautiful Australian Labradoodle. I would also highly recommend the additional 3 weeks with Judy as she trains and teaches confidence. Ella came to us, confident and well adjusted. She was able to be in her crate all night 9hrs without even a whimper. She was able to sit and layed down on command. She is a lovable, sweet, attentive and is so well adjusted from the minute we brought her home. Without any hesitation, I give all the credit to her first human mommy, Judy Adams of Magnolia Australian Labradoodles. We adore our Little Miss Ella!! Joyce Rusin. For more info go to www. Get ready for night of fun frolics and frivolity with this 40th anniversary production. For tickets go to www. All of our cooked meals are given to charities for free to serve up or hand out to people who cannot afford three meals a day. You can simply make a donation to FareShare or you could consider giving to FareShare in a range of other ways. For more information go to www. Please check with the advertiser if you are planning to attend this event. Pictures are for illustration purposes only. We reserve the right to correct printing errors. Conditions Apply. Prices include GST. No older than 12mths. Going to loving home. Will travel through Victoria. Suitable to train horse. Reasonable price paid. Any condition, must be complete. Wheels with hard rubber tyres to suit s60 Howard Terrier Rotary Hoe restoration. If you have any. Real Estate Good or bad we want to hear it all. Lounge and kitchen. Front deck, side Verandar. Very neat. Close to freeway. Vic Goldfields. Seasonal dam. Some fencing. Parking available. Close to bus stop. Call for more information. Very remote. Peaceful and quiet surrouds. Three bedrooms. Fully Self contained house. Colourbond exterior. Includes 24 hour power. Sleeps .Linen supplied. Ceiling fans. Pizza Oven. Wheelchair Access. Outside Fire Ring. Very relaxing holiday with home comforts. This is great for fishing, sightseeing or just relaxing. This property is also for sale POA. Corner block with Double Gate, Electricity, Telephone. Private bush block. Section 32 ready. Offers invited. Outside laundry with enclosed storage area, single car garage. Fully secured fence with established Mango trees towards rear of property. Huge potential. Very comfortable living. Call today to arrange your viewing and escape the hustle bustle. Biggenden has everything you need. Only short drive to Childers and only 1 hr from Bundaberg. Close to mine district for work opportunities. .As new. Bus stop 75m. Very established wine area. Weekender Shed garage has been converted , 2BR, Dining, shower, part furnished. All in Excellent condition. Approx 5kms from town which has hospital, pub, chemist, supermarkets etc. We recommend you ignore such enquiries. It has a sunken lounge , large dining area , 3 bedrooms , two large garages. The famous Metung Yacht Club is metres to the East. Niche market, great rent. Easy Finance. Melway C9 Frankston Victoria. Bedrooms are spacious and have large built-in robes. Sizeable bathroom with separate bath and shower. Remote garage. Individual driveway. Landscaped garden. Local river fishing. Great town to raise family or enjoy quiet living. Newsagency Convenience Store in Tooradin Victoria. Well established business. This is a great opportunity to be your own boss, have fun while working and be a integral part of a fantastic community. Work with waterfront views. Ideal family business situated in growing coastal village only 65 km from city. Prime corner site with high volume passing trade. Offering a vast range of products and services, no home deliveries. Long term lease, low overheads. Email queries to: tooradinnews netspace. Well established business in Lynbrook. Coolroom, freezer, fryer,display fridges, pizza bar, woodfire oven and stainless steel work benches. As new condition. Lower oil prices are particularly helpful to consumers but can also be positive for some countries. Europe and Japan fall into this category which will assist with their economic recovery. In contrast, countries that rely on oil and gas exports will face economic pressure due to the lower prices. So what does this mean for investments? In this article, we explore the reasons for this fall in pricing and the outlook for oil markets. Much of the increase in production has come from the US. The Declining oil prices increased supply has meant an excess of oil and in turn, Oil prices have changed rapidly in the past year. This has been a result of two factors — global oil supply and demand, and the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries prices have declined. November .Lower supplies will help drive the market to correct to higher oil prices. So perhaps we should enjoy our cheaper petrol while we can. Disclaimer: Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Any taxation position described in this publication is general and should only be used as a guide. It does not constitute tax advice and is based on current laws and our interpretation. It is our aim to offer the most comprehensive and cost effective solutions to your financial and personal protection needs, tailored to your individual situation. Email us today!

What Size Crate for Labrador? The inch crate is the ideal crate size for a full-grown adult Labrador. Most adult male Labs weigh between pounds. They need an extra-large crate of 42 inches x height, inches x width inches. An adult female Labrador weighing pounds needs a large dog crate of size 36 inches x height inches x width inches. Measure your Labrador to ensure that you get the perfect dog crate size. Take a measuring tape. Make your dog stand on all fours. Make your dog sit on his behind. Measuring the height while your Lab is seated is important because most dogs are taller while sitting than standing. You have the right size crate if the length and height are correct. Find the best Labrador dog crates here! But you must keep upgrading to a large dog crate while your Lab puppy grows. A simple money-saving tip, Buy a 42 inches extra large crate or 36 inches large crate. Some crates come with a divider. As a Labrador owner, you may think you are doing a favor by putting your dog in a crate too large for him. But NO. A crate is meant to be snuggly and cozy. Moreover, your new puppy will use one end as the bed and the other as the toilet if it has a lot of extra space. Four Common Types of Crates While shopping for a crate, there are four typical types you can choose from. Metal Wire Crates A Metal crate is durable, long-lasting, and easy to clean. These heavy-duty crates are easy to transport and store as they fold flat. Some wire dog crates come with a leak-proof plastic tray and roller feet to protect your wooden floors. Wire crate gives plenty of ventilation. Metal crates are the best Labrador crates for lab puppies. Wooden Crates A wooden crate looks stylish and blends with your furniture, but it is expensive compared to other crate types. Soft-Sided Crates Very easy to set up, fold down and carry. These crates are ideal for outdoor trips due to their lightweight nature. Plastic Crates A plastic crate is the type of dog crate ideal for traveling. Petmate is one of the plastic dog crates which meets airline cargo specifications. They can be used as an open dog bed if the crate is no longer required. Avoid getting tempted to choose a large or a smaller crate. A crate with a small space will make your Lab feel uncomfortable. Consider the weight while choosing a crate. An adult male Labrador usually weighs between pounds. A 42 inches crate can accommodate this weight. An adult female Labrador weighs pounds, and a 36 incheslong crate can accommodate this weight. If your Labrador weighs between pounds, a 30 incheslong crate is suitable. Area of the Home Where the Crate is Kept Measure the area where you plan to keep the crate to ensure it fits the space. Consider a multiple-door crate for flexibility. You can buy a collapsible crate for easier storage. Material of the Crate Ensure the material used is durable, long-lasting, and suits your purpose. Is a Crate Essential for a Labrador Retriever? Crates are not an absolute necessity for your Labrador. But veterinarians, dog trainers, and most Labrador parents recommend using a crate as it has many benefits. House training is easier when your puppy is confined to a small space. Crating helps them become house-trained quickly. Labrador puppies chew anything that lays on the floor until they are over a year old. Crating will keep them safe from being poisoned or choked. Crating reduces the likelihood of destructive behavior while you are home away and keeps your possessions safe. Aids during an emergency or standard veterinary care. Crate training at home makes crate training in a car much smoother. Downsides of Using a Dog Crate If your dog is kept in a crate for extended hours, it can cause separation anxiety, fearfulness, depression, cage rage, and other behavioral problems. Crating is dangerous if your dog is wearing a collar or leash. The collar or leash can get stuck on the crate bar and lead to strangulation. Add a warm blanket during winter. Leave room for ventilation. Leave your dog in a crate as little as you can. When crates are used as punishment, your dog will associate the crate with negativity leading to behavioral issues. Teach Your Dog to Enjoy the Crate. Throw some treats into the crate and allow your dog to go into the crate at his own pace. Your dog will associate the crate with positivity when you do this repeatedly. A collar or leash can get caught in the crate bar leading to a strangulation hazard. It depends on the size of the Lab. Some Labradors may need a crate of 48 inches due to their larger size. How Long to Crate a Labrador? The maximum length of time to leave a Labrador in a crate is hours, regardless of the age of the dog. For Lab puppies weeks old, they should not be left in a crate for more than 3 hours. Lab puppies weeks old can be left in a crate up to 4 hours. Should My Lab Sleep in a Crate? Measure your Labrador to get the perfect-sized crate. Dividers can be used if the crate is too large for your Labrador. While buying a crate, consider the size of your Lab, the weight of your Lab, the crate material, and the size of the space where you will put up the crate. Using a crate for your Labrador has its pros and cons. You can eliminate the cons by acting responsibly and not leaving your Lab in the crate for extended hours. With all that said, for a hassle-free purchasing experience, I recommend you check out our detailed guide on the best dog crate for Labs. Was this article helpful? Check out our other picks for best quality and value wire dog crates. Wire dog crates are possibly the most used, the most commonly seen and generally speaking what people think of when you mention a dog crate. They come with a single door as standard, but some models have multiple doors side and roof for greater access. Advantages of Wire Crates: Very easy to keep clean. Allows the greatest airflow of all crate styles which is particularly nice in hotter climates. Many models fold flat for portability. Can come with divider panels for adjusting the crate size to suit a growing puppy. Most models have a slide out tray for ease of cleaning. Disadvantages of Wire Crates For some dogs, instead of comforting them being able to look around and see the family, the visibility can cause whining and stress. Some dogs are best covered over…but you can of course cover a wire crate. Can feel exposed, offering little shelter in colder climates. They may be collapsible for portability, but they can also be quite heavy! The noisiest of crates when dogs move around a lot. The easiest of crates to escape from for determined and intelligent dogs. Plastic Dog Crates Check out our picks of the best plastic travel crates. Plastic dog crates are the most often used for travel, particularly air travel. Advantages of Plastic Crates Lighter and hence more portable than wire, metal ones. Bottom of crate can sometimes be used as an open dog bed if the crate is no longer wanted. More sheltered, offering better insulation in colder climates Better for those that whine and cry if they can see activity and want to be a part of it. Less visibility better for easily distracted dogs and a greater feeling of security for a dog. More difficult than most wire crates for escape artists to get out of. Disadvantages of Plastic Crates Enclosed nature can stress some dogs who prefer visibility of their surroundings cure this with crate training! Harder to clean and therefore harder to keep fresh, and plastic can hold odors over time that become hard to eliminate. Cannot fold flat so need more storage space than wire crates. Reduced ventilation can cause overheating in places with a hot climate. Not very attractive, although people have different tastes. Way more practical for travelling types too, as can be folded flat and and weigh next to nothing, making them a highly portable option. Advantages of Soft-Sided Crates Extremely light and portable, most coming with a carry bag. Extremely easy to store when not being used and folded. Soft and flexible, they are more comfortable for the dog inside compared to most crates Great to use when out camping due to being extremely easy to put up and take down. Disadvantages of Soft-Sided Crates Not the most durable and long-lasting. Destructive dogs can literally claw and chew their way out, destroying the crate in the process. Some dogs can learn how to unzip and open the doors. Stylish Dog Crates Check out our list of of high quality, stylish, wooden furniture style crates. There are many styles of crate to suit those people who simply cannot stand the look of a wire or plastic one in their home, or are looking for something a little more stylish. There are crates made from rattan or a variety of finished wood crates available. Advantages of Wooden Crates Can more easily fit into the look of a home and its decor. Can double up as a shelf or end table to offer a usable surface. Huge number of styles available. Disadvantages of Wooden Crates Not good for destructive dogs who can really damage wooden crates. Not good for the house training process as any accidents will leave stains, possibly hard to remove odors and be hard to clean thoroughly. Expensive when compared to the others! In my opinion, until your dog is house trained and completely over their destructive chewing stage, the most practical crate is without doubt a collapsible wire type dog crate. You can see our pick of the best collapsible wire crates available by clicking here. Compared to other styles, a wire crate is by far the easiest to clean if there are any accidents, are highly durable and is the only one that cannot be damaged by the scratching and chewing of a destructive dog…and many Labradors love to scratch and chew! Recommended Crates By Us! With so many crates available to choose from, making the right choice is no easy task. These are the most popular crates with the highest feedback and most satisfied customers you can find. Quality and value proven by the feedback from many, many previous buyers: My Top Recommendation For US Readers: Midwest Life Stages Dog Crate This is — in my opinion — the best value for money crate available and with extremely good customer feedback to be found all over the web, many would agree. With a divider included free of charge, this single crate bought for a new puppy can be resized to provide increasing room and still fit them as an adult. This is one crate you should definitely shortlist and compare to any others you may be considering. They have a huge amount of extremely good customer feedback and receive high ratings from previous buyers everywhere they are for sale on the web. It would be extremely hard to better value in the UK for the money, so is definitely one to consider! But if you have a puppy, buy a crate for the size of adult dog they will grow to become and use a divider to reduce the size of this larger crate to suit them. For Labrador Retrievers this will be a 36 or inch crate. A stainless steel wire crate is the most practical and best value choice for a number of reasons as detailed above. But for transporting in a car or by air, a plastic crate would be the best choice. If you can afford to, I would suggest a permanent metal wire one for the home and a plastic one for travel. For those that would like to preserve an overall look to their house there are many stylish finished wood crates available and I think these can really look good in some houses. More information: This was part 4 in an 8-part series that details everything you need to know about the use of a crate and crate training your puppy. The information applies equally well to dogs of all breeds and not just Labradors. The Entire series is linked to here:. Dogs love having a small den to sleep in, and once trained, will find comfort in tucking themselves away in a crate. But Labs come in many different shapes and sizes, and grow quickly as a pup. Benefits of Crating a Dog There are many benefits to using a crate for a new puppy or dog. Safe Sleep and Relaxation Space A crate offers a safe space for your dog to relax and rest in. This is the most important use of a crate and should be your first priority when crate training. House training your puppy will be significantly easier if they are confined to a small space. Puppies innately know not to eliminate in their sleeping area. Using this innate knowledge to your advantage can mean only a few days of accidents in the house. This avoids them chewing on furniture or getting into kitchen cupboards. Labs are an intelligent breed who love to chew. They will quickly work out how to open kitchen cupboards and help themselves to your food. This space is only safe if you have correctly and fully trained your Lab to be relaxed and calm in the crate. Ensure you read over our crate training guide before you attempt to secure your Lab inside the crate. Preparing for Future Travel If you plan on traveling with your dog in the future, then it is wise to crate train them while they are young. This will minimize the stress they feel when they are inside a crate. If they are familiar with sleeping in a crate, they will be able to relax. Dogs will be put into crates at the vets if they ever need surgery or an overnight stay. Again, you can minimize their stress by crate training from day one. Untrained or nervous dogs are a danger to themselves inside a crate. Crating can cause a welfare issue if the dog is stressed inside it. However, most puppies and dogs will get used to and even enjoy the crate once they are trained. What Size Crate for a Lab? As a general rule, your Lab should be able to stand up fully, turn around and lay outstretched in the crate, without too much spare room. Depending upon the individual Lab, they can vary in height and weigh between lbs. Males will be on the larger side and dogs from the showing line will be bigger than working Labs. Measuring Up Since your Lab needs enough room to move around, you can measure them to see exactly what size crate they need. Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail while they are standing. Add 4 inches to this measurement. Also, measure from the floor to the top of their head while sitting. Add 2 inches to this measurement. This will give them enough room to move around, but not too much room to do themselves any harm. It is easy to set up and comes with roller feet to protect your flooring. The plastic tub style base will contain any accidents and is easily washable. Depending on the size of your Lab, purchase a inch crate or inch crate with the divider. A divider is good for puppies, as you can make the crate space as big or as small as you need to. We recommend the extra-large size to contain an adult Labrador. This would not be suited to young Labs that still chew. What Size Car Crate for a Labrador? Your Lab will need the same sized car crate. They should be able to move around in the crate comfortably, without extra space. If you plan on having the crate in the trunk of your car, you will likely require an SUV or truck as crates take up a lot of space. Crates vs Playpens for Lab Puppies I always use a full sized adult crate with a divider for my puppies. It saves a lot of time and hassle. If you need to confine your puppy or dog to an area for extended periods of time, then it is best to use a playpen instead of a crate. A Lab will require a inch playpen to keep them contained. Playpens can be used indoors and outdoors to keep your dog contained. If you want an even larger contained space, purchase 2 or 3 playpens of the same brand and size and join them together. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. More Information Introduction Labrador Retrievers consistently rank as the most popular dog breeds in the United States and it is not hard to see why. Sweet, friendly, and fun, Labs are the all-American dog, paws down! They are also very well-loved in Canada, the United Kingdom, in many other countries around the world. Due to their loving personalities and intelligence, they are frequently used as therapy dogs to help people who are diagnosed with autism or as a guide dog for the blind. They also can assist in detection and screen work with law enforcement agencies as well as making an excellent search and rescue dog. To round it out, they are also a favorite breed for waterfowl and sport hunting. Its expressive character, good temperament, friendliness, and intelligence makes Labradors one of the most popular family companions ever. Breed This breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in .They are classified in the Sporting Dog Group. They are high energy and are a medium-large breed in size. Labs are classified as retriever-gun dogs which is one of the three types retrievers, pointing breeds, and flushing spaniels. As the name implies, Retrievers.They are meticulously trained to do so without damage to the bird or animal. They are also bred to be obedient and eager to please. This trait that has been bred into this breed makes him coveted as a family member, best friend, hunting, and service dog. As far as the early heritage of the Labrador Retriever goes, their roots go back to the St. There were several events that led to the slow demise of this breed in Canada which was a policy for sheep protection in Newfoundland and a rabies quarantine in the United States. By the s, three noblemen collaborated together and created the breed we now know as the Labradors which was the official origination of the Labrador Retrievers we know today. Interestingly, some Labs today sport the markings of the St. Labs are often described as friendly, outgoing and active. Their lifespan is usually between 12 and 14 years. Appearance Labs have a dense weather-resistant coat that keeps him from getting cold when he gets in water during the wintertime which is a very feature for a waterdog to have. Because it is interwoven, his coat is conducive for swimming. It is short in length, straight but not wiry, and tends to be a little dry yet oily. White labs may range to even having a slight red tint to them. Silver Labs are not accepted by the AKC but they are in some other major dog organizations around the world. The hair on his head is clean cut with a broad back skull and a medium length muzzle. Jaws hang in a graceful manner and curves back just a bit. His eyebrows are slightly accentuated and his eye coloring is hazel or brown. His eyes are expressive and are lined in black, or should be. Lab ears are set just above his eyes and his ears hang close to his head. The tail of a Labrador is fairly broad yet quite strong which is useful to propel him when swimming. These dogs are bred for swimming right down to their toes. Their toes are webbed which makes them even faster in the water and also acts like a snowshoe of sorts, a big help to keep snow from painfully balling between their toes. Labradors are powerful - strongly physically built with an athletic look about them. Males usually weigh in around pounds and females run around .They are equal in distance from tail to withers and from the ground to withers. Specialized breeding has brought about two Lab bloodlines. Show dogs are heavier with bodies that are a little shorter and their tails and coats tend to be slightly thicker. They are also calmer in nature, as a rule. Working Labs from America are higher energy and rightly so for they are field dogs whereas versions from England are bred for their coloration and other characteristics for showing. Labs from America are a little taller and thinner with longer legs and lithe bodies, hence making them more agile. Their heads are narrower and their muzzles, longer. Both English Labradors and those from America are excellent with people although the calmer of the two may be more fit to be around young children. Their differences mostly lay in their physical appearance and in their energy levels for the most part. There is also controversy among breeders. Some classify them in their specializing field type, though not all as others adamantly do not agree with this classification. Despite the differences in the two varieties, Labs are easily recognizable, especially with their sweet faces and kind eyes. They are also prime candidates to be designer crossbreed dogs since they have such a good nature. Nutrition It is recommended to provide feed formulated to medium-sized breeds that is appropriate for the energy level of your Lab. Lab puppies are usually bounding with energy. Your vet may recommend several small meals per day initially. Labs can be sensitive to some foods so be sure to mention any itching, swelling, or vomiting. Your vet will most likely advise a good, high-quality food that will provide enough and other nutrients he needs as well. Labs can be little pigs. They burn off a lot of calories romping about and playing as pups and later, working or playing as adults, and they certainly have been known to become obese, especially when their daily exercise needs are not being met. Labs should boast a trim hour-glass shape. One more note is if your Lab has itchy, flaky skin, you may want to talk to his vet about the possibility of adding fish oil to his diet. It is also important to ensure that clean, fresh water is always available. Grooming Labs typically only shed about twice a year, in the spring and fall. Some, however, shed the whole year round. Much of the rate and frequency of their shedding depends upon the climate where they live. Those who live in very warm areas tend to shed continually. Doing so will also help keep shedding to a minimum. An occasion bath is a must as well. Once a week or more is ideal. Use a doggie toothpaste and either a dog toothbrush or your finger. If you get a nice canine-friendly toothpaste flavor, this sweet dog will probably help you brush them. Labrador Retrievers have fast nail growth and as such need regular trims using a nail clipper or grinder. Overgrowth of nails can cause splitting and cracking. Their ears can build up wax and other matter. To avoid infection, it is recommended to regularly check and clean around the opening but not inside their ears. This can be done with a large ball of cotton wool moistened with veterinarian-recommended ear cleaner or warm, previously boiled water. Be sure to keep their ears dry as Labs are naturally prone to have ear issues. Exercise It is important for Labrador Retrievers to get a lot of exercise. Despite their sometimes laid-back nature, they require plenty of exercise to stay healthy. Remember, Labs were initially bred for the physically demanding and arduous task of retrieving for game hunters. Exercise helps their hearts and muscles stay strong and fit and keeps their minds alert too. Although it depends on the nature and age of your Lab, it is generally recommended to give adults between 45 minutes to 90 minutes of active exercise each day. If your dog still has a lot of energy left over, bump the routine up a bit. Some Labs are more naturally high strung than others. Examples include swimming, jogging, playing fetch and similar activities that provide more intensity than a light walking speed. For puppies approximately 5 minutes per month of age until fully grown is sufficient. For aging Labradors, it is important to monitor their health more closely for signs of sore joints and other health problems. Collapse during exercise is a real threat as is often caused by a medical condition that is not uncommon with Labs. Consult his vet immediately if such a thing happens. Regularly vet check-ups will help determine the appropriate levels of exercise. The lack of sufficient exercise can lead to disobedient behaviors, excessive barking, and other destructive behaviors. It can also lead to weight problems, hip and elbow damage, heart disease, higher blood pressure and a higher incidence of diabetes. This dog loves to hunt so hide-and-go-fetch games are awesome to play with him. He was bred to swim and it will give him both physical exercise and mental stimulation, fulfilling his purpose. Especially when he is young and inexperienced, keep a watchful eye on him in the water. He is such a swimmer, he very well may venture out across the lake or into the ocean. Brain games are also vital for Labs. They are very intelligent and need the challenge. Most models also come with a divider that allows puppies to grow into space. Labrador retrievers are very social active animals. A dog crate will help you keep your dog away from mischief when you are not around to monitor its activities. Click here to learn about the best dog crates for Labradors. Have some toys in the crate for it to chew on to prevent it from chewing on the crate. When you are around, play with it and encourage it to have fun. Be sure to keep an eye on it as they are known to play themselves to exhaustion. More Information Stature Adult male Labrador Retrievers stand between twenty-two and twenty-five inches and they weigh an average of sixty to eighty pounds. Female adults, on the other hand, weigh between fifty and seventy pounds, standing at a height of twenty to twenty-four inches at shoulder height. Personality Known as some of the sweetest breeds of dogs that the world has to offer, these dogs are very loveable and they aim to please. This nature coupled with their high levels of intelligence makes them quite easy to train. Training your Labrador retriever puppy is of the essence as they are filled with high amounts of energy which can be used in destructive behavior where your dog is not well trained. As a result of this energy, these dogs do well in surroundings filled with activity. Labradors make such good companion dogs, you might be tempted to think they were bred for that reason alone. Labs are very versatile and can fit into life on the farm with ease but can also be in small spaces as long as they have plenty of exercise because they are active dogs. Still, recalling the things for which this dog was bred for will help you make sure you give him the ultimate care and understanding. Hunting, fetching, and swimming is what makes Labs tick. They love to roam and need ample exercise. They are also used to problem-solving because that was a skill that was required. They thrive on learning new things and recalling the information they already have. Labs tend to be quite proud of themselves when it comes to using their intelligence. Another thing Labs treasure is pleasing those they love. This made them good hunter and retrievers and make them excellent companions, family dogs, and service dogs too. Labs are awesome with kids. The English, show-type dogs, with the larger heads and bushier tails, are somewhat favored as being great fits with small children. Both types of Labs usually do well with other household pets, even cats though they might try to give chase until trained differently. One tendency they often have, mainly as pups, is that they love to chew. They also do it when pent-up or when they are not getting their energy out. Labs also can be a little much when young as far as their activity level goes. They are considered to be medium-high in activity levels and some, especially the working variety from America, can teeter on the very active side. Labs seem to linger in their adolescence stage. They act like puppies for longer than most dogs. It is adorable, though some behaviors can be unwanted like them tearing up or chewing things. Many suffer from separation anxiety. This dog breed is best with a family where someone is home much of the time. During the hours that no one can be with him, crating may be the best solution. Health Compared to most breeds, these dogs are quite healthy and if you take good care of them, chances are that they will not develop most health conditions that other dogs suffer from. Examples of diseases that your Labrador Retriever could suffer from include but are not limited to cataracts, epilepsy, cold tail, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Getting your dog from a good breeder lessens the chances of such diseases if they are hereditary. Labs are generally healthy dogs with a fairly long lifespan. One of the most prevalent is Patellar Luxation, a condition that is much like a dislocated kneecap. The condition can be quite painful and can cause limping and inability to walk altogether. If your Lab is showing signs of having this problem, see his vet immediately. Canine Hip Dysplasia is another problem of the joint Labs are apt to get. It can be present at birth as a deformity of the joints or can come about through environmental issues like jumping too much. It can also develop through excessive wear and tear. If your dog is favoring one leg or is limping or unable to walk, have him checked by his vet. Shoulder Dysplasia is also a common condition among Labs. Again, have your dog checked if he exhibits signs of this condition. Having hot spots is not uncommon with Labs. Also known as a Pyotramatic or Moist Dermatitis, this condition is one that involves a certain area of skin that is inflamed and infected. It is moist and may ooze and is often reddish and painful. Allergies are on the list to watch for in this breed. He is prone to have skin irritations like allergies to soaps his bedding is washed in or to shampoo or soap used in his bath. He may also be sensitive to rolling or laying in grass. There are a multitude of skin allergies a Lab may have and they may also be allergic to food so be careful if you change up his diet in any way. Osteochondritis Dissecans OCD is caused by the cartridge grows abnormally in a dog. It can occur in any joint within his body where two bones come together and there is movement allowed between them. This condition can be due to an abnormality at birth or one that is developed or can be caused by damaged incurred. Diabetes is a medical woe that Labs can be afflicted by. If your dog is acting differently such as becoming tired and lethargic in between meals or is excessively thirsty, it would be a good idea to have him screened. Hypothyroidism is a very real problem seen in Labs. Gaining weight without eating more or exercising less is a sign as is becoming very lethargic and not wanting to exercise. See his vet at the first sign of this problem. A change in diet and possible medication may be recommended. Muscular Dystrophy in Labs is, sadly, a possibility. It is an inherited muscle disease that is progressive and is a non-inflammatory degenerative muscular issue where there is a deficiency in dystophyin which is a membrane protein of the muscle. It is most noted in newborn pups or in dogs that are not yet one year old. Another eye-related condition is called progressive retinal atrophy. Although the list of Lab-related medical issues to watch for may seem excessive and overwhelming, they do tend to be a healthy breed. But, if one of the conditions should arise, being aware and getting prompt help is always the best measure so he can get fixed up and back to being his awesome self again. Proper Care Recreation Labradors are generally very active and social animals. Their social nature makes them ideal for the indoors because if you leave them in the yard alone, they will get bored and they will find ways to keep busy that are destructive, such as digging up your flower beds. Though activity levels vary depending on the type of retriever you have, it is important to keep them active. Exercising your dog on a daily basis helps it manage its stress levels and improves on its overall well being. Take it for a walk or a jog for at least half an hour on a daily basis. This kind of exposure not only helps it release some of its energy but it will also expose it to different people and surroundings, making it more sociable. Do not take puppies out for walks until they are at least a year old. Instead of walks, get your puppy a few toys to keep it busy indoors. When it comes of age, you can go out on long walks. Labs are workaholics and as such, it is important that you put an end to their games to prevent them from exhausting all their energy during play. Labrador retrievers are like any other retrievers and they are happy to have something to carry around in their mouths. Get your dog a toy which it can carry around and chew on when they get bored. They chew a lot and having toys near them prevents situations where they might chew on your clothes or furniture. Having a dog crate enables you to contain your retriever when you are not around to monitor their chewing behaviors. Training Due to their sweet nature, you might think that it is not necessary to train them. Do not make that mistake. These dogs are full of energy and without the right training, that energy will be put into negative uses. They are easy to train and have been known to excel in obedience contests. To start off the obedience training, you can enroll your puppy in a kindergarten where it will be taught how to interact with other animals. You can opt to train your dog on your own and as you do this, use methods that use positive reinforcement for work well done as opposed to punishing your dog for getting a command wrong. In this way, your dog will learn faster and the two of you will get to bond during the process. Have an identification tag on your retriever as they are known to take off in the event when they sense something exciting nearby, such as food. This will help you find your dog easily. Labrador Retrievers are one of the easiest breeds to train. They are smart, eager to please, and are naturally inclined to listen and obey for that stems back to their breeding. Not only were they taught to fetch a fallen fowl or small animal but to bring it back without damaging the bird or animal. Potty training should be fairly easy with a Lab puppy but getting his attention is the trick. Lab pups are busy, busy, busy. It may take a few tries and some patience but he will no doubt master it in due time. Socializing at an early age is a must. This breed is a lover and usually takes quite well to humans but there are exceptions, mostly with those who were never socially trained. Even friendly Labs -can be a nuisance if not properly trained. They need to be taught not to jump up on people and not to wear their welcome out by being pests. Expose him to various animals and different kind of people. Basic obedience will be a key training. Learning when enough is enough during playtime, when to sit, how to behave, etc. He already has the ability, you as his alpha pack leader must bring it out though just as his hunting owners did in the days of old. Labs on a leash can be a little hairy. Positive reinforcement is always in order for Labs. He aims to please so just letting him gently know he missed the mark is sufficient correction. By plenty of praise and a few treats now and then, Labradors will be doing all they can to achieve all you have laid out for them.Advance training is definitely on the agenda if you have a Lab that you want to help reach his full potential in life. Dogs sports, agility training, and even service training are all areas he excels in when challenged. If you are not a natural born trainer or do have the time, patience, or desire to learn to advance your training skills, you might do well to consider hiring a trainer for him. Cleanliness Bathing your lab depends on how clean your dog is. For dogs that prefer to stay indoors, a bath every two months should do the trick. However, if your dog loves to play in the mud, it goes without saying that the baths will be more frequent. When bathing your dog, be on the lookout for sore ears and eyes, a change in the coloring of the fur and any other symptoms that may be indicative of sickness. Labrador Retrievers shed a lot of fur and you should brush it daily to prevent it from shedding all over the house. The more nutritious the food you give your dog, the less amount of food it will need to get full. Measure out the amount of food to give your dog and feed it twice a day. When feeding a puppy, you should consider foods with low-calorie content. This prevents your puppy from growing at a rate that could be damaging to its bones. Labradors love to eat and you will catch them trying to get food from garbage. Ensure that you do not leave food lying about as they will eat it. They grow obese very fast if they are allowed to eat at will and this can bring about some serious health complications. Is a Lab Right for Me? Who could pass up the precious smile of a fuzzy little Lab? But, is a Labrador Retriever a good match for you and your family? They are for many people but.Labs can be high strung, especially those from America, working dog, variety. They can be a handful. They are certainly trainable but.If so and if you are getting a Lab puppy, you might want to put them away. One of the few naughty habits this breed has is excessive chewing. Of course, you will train him NOT to chew or to chew only his toys and treat bones, but.Exercise is a must for this kind of dog. He was brought into existence for the purpose of retrieving as well as a hunting dog. He simply must have his exercise and his mental stimulation as well. Are you willing to train this dog? A good dog is a terrible thing to waste. He is so highly trainable, it would be a sin just to stick him in the backyard. If you are willing to train him or have him trained, however, the stars are the limit. Do you have children? If so, yay! This dog loves children and has been proven to be great with them. If you have considered all the things having a Labrador Retriever entails and are still sure this breed is good for you, congratulations. There are few dogs that can even come close in comparison for being all-around awesome dogs. Last Updated on September 28, by Marco C. What dog crate size for lab do you need — how big and what type should it be? They are an amazing tool for training and looking after your lab, as well as keeping it safe in new environments. So, exactly what dog crate size for lab should you get and how should you use it? The ideal size of crate for any dog will be one that allows the dog to sit and to lie down properly. So, first, we should figure out what size kennel for lab is right by measuring your dog. The exact height and weight will vary depending on the model. If your home is spacious enough, you may feel the urge to get your lab a giant crate so that the dog can have lots of extra space. Dogs are den animals and they love to sleep in small dens and holes in the wild. Such dens are naturally small and cozy — they are meant to protect your dog and to make it feel safe. So, the crate must be just large enough for your dog to fit comfortably but small enough for it to be cozy. Besides — most of the time the crate will be kept open so that the dog can go in and out freely. Instead, the smarter way to go about it is to buy a large crate straight away. Many models come with such separators or you can fashion one yourself. Labradors are large and powerful dogs that can have destructive tendencies when they get bored. Metal mesh kennels are the way to in almost every situation. As for its other characteristics, the most popular crate shape is the rectangular one. Two-door models are increasingly popular as they can open from either the short or long side and are quite convenient. The right size for a dog crate is similar to the right bed size for a human bedroom. It should be large enough for the canine to sleep and sit in it comfortably but not more than that. But how do you crate-train a Labrador? To crate train a Labrador puppy, slowly introduce him by tossing a treat inside and letting him investigate the crate voluntarily. Only do it for a few seconds when you first close the door. Make this a fun game during the first few days and gradually increase to a few minutes. The idea is that the puppy learns to associate the crate with a positive experience, such as a treat. To learn tons more on crate training, check out my step-by-step guide, Easy Labrador Puppy Crate Training. A Labrador puppy can generally hold its bladder for 1 hour for every month of age, up to a maximum of 3 hours at 6 months old, and increasing to hours as a fully grown adult. However, young puppies should be allowed to relieve themselves every hour for fewer accidents. Exactly how long a Lab can hold its pee as they grow up depends on many factors such as age, health, diet, and size of the dog. However, the basic principle still applies to house-trained adult dogs, who should be allowed outside to pee at least times during the day. Remember, always exercise your Labrador and allow him to go to the toilet before leaving him in his crate. Health Issues of Over-crating a Dog Being crated for extended periods can lead to mental and physical health issues for your dog. Here are a few significant consequences of leaving your Labrador in a crate for too long: Separation anxiety is a miserable condition that some dogs have to deal with. Labradors are extremely friendly and social, and when left unattended for several hours, especially in a crate, they begin to get anxious and distressed. Hip and elbow dysplasia is a disease prevalent in Labradors. If your adult dog is crated for hours during the day, it cannot stretch out and move around sufficiently. Restlessness during the evening is a common issue when owners over-crate their dogs. Excessive amounts of pent-up energy might occur when your Lab is supposed to be tired or winding down for the night; even if you have taken him for his evening walk, this may not be adequate. Labradors left in their cage for too long can develop obesity. Without enough exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day, Labradors can quickly become unhealthy. Labs need open running space and at least two minutes of exercise per day, including lots of playtimes. According to a recent study, keeping dogs kennelled and isolated from humans can cause extreme stress. Despite being adequately stimulated during the day, these police dogs showed signs of mental illness after being kennelled after work. Labradors are a medium-large dog breed so it should be no surprise that they need a large crate. Labradors need a size inch crate which provides enough space for your Lab to comfortably move around and lie on his side with paws outstretched. Choose a metal crate and preferably a heavy-duty one with safe and secure slide-bolt latches. Most metal crates will fold flat, making them easily transportable. You can opt for either a single or double door or both, providing options depending on how you wish to position the crate in your home. I like the Midwest Homes for Pets icrate from Amazon as it has everything you need, including a divider panel and a wipe-clean removable tray. But if you want some other excellent alternatives, check out this article, The 8 Best Dog Crates for Labradors and Playpens. Nonetheless, a crate on its own will not just turn into a haven for your dog and keep him entertained. A suitable crate pad is essential to keep your Lab cozy and comfortable. I love the Big Barker crate pad. Plenty of toys. Provide your Lab with various exciting chew and interactive toys to keep him busy and entertained. KONG toys are ideal for Labs and will relieve boredom, and you can even stuff treats inside them to keep your dog happy. Food and water. It can be difficult to prevent your Lab from messing with their food and water bowls in a crate, but there is a solution! Purchase clip-on bowls that hang onto the side of the crate. These hold firmly in place, preventing anything from being knocked over. A blanket to cover the crate. This makes the crate feel more like a den and can help your Labrador feel more secure. It also prevented her from being distracted by outside noises, such as children playing. Crates can help your puppy settle on his first night in his new environment, but how long can you leave a dog in a crate at night? Labradors can be left in a crate at night for hours once they fully control their bladder and bowels, generally after months. Before this, they may need a potty break overnight. Owners of young puppies like to place the crate near their bedroom for this very reason. Some puppy owners will also have a second crate as it can be a pain having to move it around at night. These gates allow you to decide how much space your puppy can have to move around in your home by sectioning off various off-limit areas. You can find a large selection of dog gates on Amazon, and there are many different styles to match your decor. Dog playpens. Puppy playpens are perfect for young Labradors who need more room. Some of these can even be connected to a crate to make a cool combination of a cozy resting space and room to roam. You can even use some outside. Train your Lab to stay outside. Some owners prefer to leave their Labradors outside. This is okay as long as they have been trained to stay out from an early age. You need to provide food, water, and shelter, such as a dog house, especially in colder climates. You can slowly train your Labrador to roam free throughout the house no matter which method you choose. However, this process takes time. You can start by initially leaving the crate door open when you go out or gradually increasing the size of their gated area until it fits the size of a room. Once your Lab is used to the freedom, you can open the house up for them. My dog was 12 months old before I started leaving her crate door open and two years old before she was allowed free reign of the house. You can get cheaper dog cameras, but I love how you can toss treats out to your dog, all controlled remotely from your smartphone! If you are out at work all day, here are some other solutions you can consider. The crate should be at least a size 42 inches. Labs grow into big dogs! They require plenty of room to stretch out and turn around. In the meantime, use a crate divider. My dog adored her crate. She loved to go and chill out if she wanted to rest or needed some peace away from me! In fact, some dogs love their crate so much they never outgrow them! Related Posts You May Like:. Post category: Dog Kennel Tips When fully grown, Labrador retrievers are large dogs that need a generously proportioned kennel. The average adult female Labrador retriever usually weighs between 55 and 71 pounds. This size of dog needs a large crate at least 36 inches long, 23 to 24 inches wide, and 25 to 27 inches high. An adult male Labrador retriever usually weighs between 64 and 79 pounds. A dog of this weight class needs an extra-large kennel that is about 42 inches long, 28 inches wide, and 30 to 31 inches high. You can use a smaller crate to safely house a puppy. For instance, when the dog is between 35 and 40 pounds, a kennel about 24 to 30 inches long is ideal. Actually, putting a young puppy into a kennel that is too large for him or her may make the animal feel unsafe. Direct Animal offers multiple sizes and types of kennels for your convenience It can be tricky to figure out the needs of the different dogs under your care. Fortunately, Direct Animal makes it easy and affordable to customize your professional kennel configurations. If you operate a doggy daycare facility, luxury boarding company, or other veterinary-related business, you can turn to the experts at Direct Animal to provide guidance on selecting appropriately sized kennels. Our durable, competitively priced products are designed to protect the health and safety of animals, while allowing for convenience and ease of cleaning for the workers. Made from durable stainless steel and Starlite, our raised kennels , double-stack kennels, and extreme kennels are built to last for the life of your practice. Call us today to request more information about your ideal kennel configurations. You Might Also Like. Measure from the tip of his nose to the base of his tail. From these measurements, you can determine whether your pup will be able to lie down and stretch out fully in his crate. You need to be sure that your pup has enough room to sit and stand comfortably in his crate. Add two to four extra inches to your final figures to find the ideal crate length and height. Instead, buy a kennel that will fit an adult-size Labrador. He will probably make a bed at one end and use the other end as his toilet. An adult purebred Labrador will need a crate that is a maximum of 42 inches long. Most modern dog crates are fitted with two doors. Metal crates tend to be the most popular material. They fold flat for easy transportation and storage. The crate has a single door and comes in inch, inch, inch and inch sizes to accommodate the largest of Labs. The crate comes with a divider included, has a sturdy plastic tray, roller feet to protect wooden floors and also has a carrying handle. The door of the crate has two heavy-duty slide bolt latches to keep the door securely fastened with your dog safe inside. This crate comes in a range of sizes up to 42 inches. It is designed to accommodate dogs up to 70 pounds, making this a perfect dog crate size for a Labrador. This fabric dog crate is perfect for indoor and outdoor use. The collapsible crate can be set up in seconds. The crate is designed for indoor use only and doubles as an end or side table. The crate comes with a plastic tray that slides out for easy cleaning. The crate is suitable for large dogs up to 88 pounds and comes in brown or dark brown. The cover is made from high-quality, durable D mesh fabric, creating a strong, stylish, lightweight crate. The crate can be folded flat for easy transport in the free carrying bag. A convenient handle and hand-carry strap are also included. The crate comes with a cozy fleece lining included. There are three mesh doors for convenience and to allow breathability. Two accessory pockets are incorporated into the design. The whole thing, including the bedding material, is fully washable. If you wanted a Labrador crate to blend with your home, stylish wooden crates that look like smart pieces of furniture are also available. The robust, plastic crate comes in four funky pearlescent colors too. I can personally vouch for the superior quality of this kennel, as I have one myself. The other door is sited at the front of the crate. It fastens with a secure, simple-to-operate, squeeze-together mechanism that can be operated with just one hand. The kennel has ventilation openings on all sides. This US made crate is air travel approved and meets airline cargo specifications. Separate air travel kits are available if required. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. From potty training to behavioral training , a new dog owner has a ton of responsibilities—sometimes more than they can keep up with. Crate training benefits both you and your dog in significant ways. There are more dog crates for sale than you can count, and they come in all different shapes and sizes. Here are some of the top benefits of crate training your lab: Benefit 1. Dog Crates are Cozy and Relaxing Labs love their crate because they offer a safe place to rest, relax, and sleep. Image Source Some labs feel so attached to their crates, they may choose to eat their food inside or halfway in and out. For you, this can also reduce the stress of dealing with anxious dogs. Benefit 2. So here is one of the best training tips: crate your lab puppies to help them become house trained. A crate can help a puppy remain within a smaller area. Benefit 3. Essentially, having labs feel comfortable in their crate gives you options when it comes to transportation, house training, calming a stressed dog, and so much more. Buy an Adult Crate and Section It Off Crate size is really important because adult labs need to be able to get into the crate and turn around. There should be enough space for them to do this, but no more. This is also why a divider can give labs the right fit and adapt to their growth. Besides these tips, all you need to figure out is the size of your lab. Your lab might be taller when sitting upright than he is standing on all fours, so have your dog sit on its behind and look up towards you. Four Types of the Best Dog Crates In addition to different dog crate sizes, you can choose different builds that might suit your lab depending on their age and rambunctious nature. Image Source Type 1. Wire Crate Wire dog crates are the most popular type of dog crate and their construction makes them quite durable. The wire design allows for air to circulate around your pet, which can help cut down on odors. They also allow for handy slide-bolt latches that let you quickly open and close the crate while keeping it secured. Wire dog crates are best for a puppy that is extremely active. The wire construction allows your dog to look out of the crate and see what is going on around him. This is best for dogs that like to be able to see what is going on. Type 2. Plastic Crate The main advantage of plastic dog crates is the fact that they are lighter than metal wire ones. This makes them very portable and easy to move around. You can move them from one part of the house to another depending on where you want the dog to sleep. Plastic crates are often made of high-quality polyurethane, which makes them easy to clean and sanitize. This usually means buying plastic products with a carry handle. Many plastic dog crates have a divider panel, which can be taken out to enlarge the crate and create more room for a growing pup or adult dog. One of the advantages of using plastic dog crates is that they can be used for several different purposes. For example, the bottom of the crate can be used as an open dog bed if the crate is no longer wanted. Type 3. Type 4. Wooden Dog Crate Wooden crates are a great way to get the functionality of a metal crate, but with the luxury appeal of nice wooden furniture. Of course, this is also a much more eco-friendly material than metal. Wood is porous and absorbs urine which means that if your dog has an accident while in the crate, the pee will soak into the wood and leave a stain. You also need to factor in the amount of space in your home and how well you can travel with your crate. Each type of crate comes with its pros and cons. Buying the right size crate is only one of many steps in responsible labrador ownership , so make sure to check out our other training tips for raising a labrador puppy to give your new best friend a long, healthy, content, and happy life. Share on.

I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. With countless Bulldog breeders in Illinois, deciding which breeder to pick can be difficult. As a future dog parent, your only priority when purchasing a Bulldog should be the health of your future pet. And only a reliable and ethical breeder will ensure the puppies under its care are physically and mentally healthy. But how can you know which breeder is ethical in their breeding practices and can be considered reliable? Here are some qualities you should look for in your preferred breeder: Health Guarantee: A good breeder must provide a minimum one-year health guarantee against any genetic defects for the puppy, along with necessities such as vaccinations and deworming. Socialization: A good breeder must also ensure all puppies under its care have been well-socialized. This can be done by ensuring the puppies have regular interactions with kids if the puppies are home-raised or raised and trained with other puppies or pets. Encourage Visits: The breeder should not discourage you from visiting the facility where the puppies were raised. Visiting the facility where your future puppy is being kept can give you a good idea regarding the environment the breeder nurtures for the puppies under its care. The facility must be clean, with plenty of areas for the puppies to be comfortable and play around. Crucial information you should know about your Bulldog before you bring it home is as follows: Exercise Needs: Although the exercise needs of every Bulldog may vary, for most Bulldogs, around 20 minutes of exercise every day is enough. Exercise can include walking, playing fetch, wrestling, and more. However, this can be more or less, depending on whether your Bulldog has specific health issues. Frequently Asked Questions Is a Bulldog aggressive or not? Bulldogs are not aggressive at all. They are more lazy than prone to fight. Are Bulldogs good family pets? Bulldogs are excellent family pets that love playing with children. Can Bulldogs be left alone? Bulldogs can be left alone for around four to six hours. They have small bladders, so they will need to go to the bathroom afterwards. Illinois has several English Bulldog breeders you can choose from. We wish you the best of luck in finding yourself an English Bulldog! Located in the Midwestern region of the United States, Illinois is known for its bustling cities, rich history, and a wide range of dog-friendly activities. Our mission is to connect you with the best Illinois English Bulldog breeders and puppies for sale throughout Illinois. Our site features a wide variety of reputable breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. Explore the vibrant dog-friendly scene in Illinois, featuring welcoming restaurants, spacious dog parks, and captivating dog shows. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the International Kennel Club of Chicago Dog Show provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of English Bulldog canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. Illinois claims 10th in U. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable English Bulldog breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in Illinois. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your English Bulldog puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect English Bulldog puppy on TrustedPuppies. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Necessary Always Enabled Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information. Non-necessary Non-necessary Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

That means they can have an unpredictable mix of traits from each parent — and even two puppies in a litter might be different from one another. The Golden Retriever is a medium-sized dog first bred in Scotland in the s. They were bred to work alongside their humans as a water retriever. It has a beautiful, long golden coat, which is where it gets its name. Males are about 24 inches at the shoulder, while females are a bit smaller at 22 inches. Males are proportionally heavier than females, weighing about pounds. Females weigh pounds. They have soft, drop ears, dark eyes, and a well-balanced body with a deep chest. Goldens are trustworthy, smart, friendly, and eager-to-please their people. Pitbull terriers, technically known as American Staffordshire Terriers according to the AKC, is a smaller dog than the golden. They reach inches at the shoulder for males and inches for females. Males weigh anywhere from pounds, and females weigh anywhere from pounds. A smiling Pitbull dog These dogs were bred in England out of bulldogs in Great Britain in the 18th and 19th centuries. They were popularized in the U. Pitbulls have short hair that comes in a variety of colors, including black, blue, fawn, bronze, liver, red, seal, white, brindle or a mix of these colors. They have naturally floppy ears, though many breeders crop them in the U. They have a characteristically wide head and mouth A well-bred pittie lovable, highly-trainable, courageous, alert, agile, and graceful. The puppies from these two dogs can have a range of these characteristics. Wondering what this unique pup looks like? They can be any color that a Golden or Pitbull comes in, or any combination — including a mix of three colors! The coat can be long, medium or short, wavy, straight and can even have curls. It can help to head to Instagram and look for pictures of Golden Retriever Pitbull mixes to see what you could be in for if you decide to bring one home. Full-grown, these dogs are about 18 to 24 inches 46 to 61 cm at the shoulder and 30 to 75 pounds 14 to 34 kg. It can help to look at the parents of the puppy to get an idea about size and potential color, but even then, you can never be sure. Get the know the personality of this friendly mix Just as these dogs can vary in appearance, a Golden Retriever Pitbull mix can have a varied personality, as well. In general, this is a loyal, devoted, and family friendly dog who is happy watching and playing with the kids. Some are wary of strangers, but most are super friendly and social. Imagine how a Golden approaches the world ready to meet and mingle. Golden Retriever Pitbull mixes are usually similar. This can lead to digging, chewing, barking. The best way to do this is to leave calmly and give them a treat before you head out. This teaches them that leaving is a good thing. Be careful not to establish bad habits like begging unintentionally. Golden Retriever Pitbull mix have high energy and love to go hiking, walking, running, and swimming. This video shows a 5 month old having some playtime with their human. While they love their people, they can be independent. They may decide to ignore you and do what they want — so long as they can keep an eye on you. You need to keep them mentally stimulated, or watch out! They are aware of their surroundings at all times and will keep an eye out for intruders. That said, their personalities can be unpredictable and may have aggression issues. Especially if you get one from an irresponsible breeder who is just looking to make a buck. They have a high prey drive, so be careful if you plan to have them around cats, gerbils, or birds. That said, they do make good hunters and the squirrels in your neighborhood will need to keep an eye out. How to care for your Golden retriever pitbull mix Grooming will largely depend on the type of coat that your dog inherits. Long haired and double-coated dogs require more grooming than short or medium, or single coated dogs. The first should be brushed daily, while you can wait every days for shorter or medium, or single-coated dogs. That is, unless they get dirty. Use a dog-specific shampoo to prevent irritating their skin. Trim their nails every few weeks using a clipper or grinder. Be careful not to cut the quick. Brush their teeth every few days using a doggie-specific toothpaste and either a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger or a dog toothbrush. Clean their ears whenever you bathe them using an ear cleaning solution. This is especially true if your dog has Golden-like drop ears. TGolden Retriever Pitbull mixes need about 1, calories a day divided between two meals. Look for a high-quality kibble with meat as the first ingredient. Puppies should eat a large breed puppy food four times a day. The trick with making sure your dog has all the best traits and not the bad ones is training. This includes early socialization when your pup is young. Just keep it all positive. This means introducing them to new people and animals, and giving them treats or praise when they behave well. Repeat this with different noises, smells, and situations, like walking over a metal grate or being around an umbrella opening. You need to teach them to respect your space, your furniture, and your authority. Praise them when they behave well. You should also teach them to accept it when you leave to avoid separation anxiety, as we discussed above. Positive reinforcement starting right when they come to your home for the first time is key. This can include playing fetch, running, hiking, swimming, or anything else that they like to do. You can also mix in some mental stimulation in the form of puzzle games or treat toys like Kong stuffing treats. Is a pitbull golden retriever mix healthy? They have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Watch out for: Hip dysplasia. Temperament: Rambunctious, devoted and sociable. Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix Appearance There is no official standard for this hard to find hybrid, but its accepted that the breed should embody the positive traits of both parents. These dogs can come out looking like either one of the parent breeds, or a perfect mix of both. Their appearance is variable and will depend on gene expression. They should be large and well-built dogs that stand up to 24 inches tall. You will find they can be thin and lean or have a wider, more muscular build. Lab Pitbull mixes can come out with any possible combination of these appearances, but careful selective breeding can create a more predictable appearance. Height and Weight Males stand anywhere between inches tall with females standing inches tall. You can expect them to weigh anywhere between pounds. Coat and Colors This is certainly a dog of many colors. They can be the solid gold colors of a Golden Retriever, or a mix of darker colors against a white base. Your mix may be a solid, bi colored or even tri colored. This breed can be single or double coated, with fur of just about any length. A short coat is typically thin and fine furred, while a long coat may be shaggy or wavy. Some may even have an attractive curl to them. Short to medium coated dogs will shed mildly and only need brushing once or twice a week. Long coated dogs are frequent shedders with daily brushing and grooming requirements. The breed is not currently recognized by any organization, and there are no breed clubs or rescues. The Golden Retriever has history as a hunting partner used to retrieve waterfowl. This breed has no true name, but they are sometimes referred to as Retriever Pits. This name also applies to the more common Labrador Pitbull mix. Their unpredictability can make them difficult to train and to manage. One thing you can be certain about is their fun loving and active nature. A mix of a sporting dog and a terrier is a recipe for boundless energy. Their energy must be let out in bursts through the day. Your dog will certainly let you know when they need something to do. Pitbull Lab mixes social butterflies have an inborn desire to make new friends. They cannot tolerate boredom and hate to be by themselves. If you expect them to keep themselves entertained, they will do so by trashing your house. A high prey drive means that it will take some time for them to get along with your other pets. It is nearly impossible to pinpoint which specific behaviors your pup will inherit. But no matter what, you can expect them to be a loyal devoted friend to you and your family. This breed comes from two excellent family dogs, making it one of the best dogs for a family. They are known for extreme loyalty to their families, who they will view as their pack. Caring for a Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix Exercise Requirements Any dog in the sporting group needs more exercise than your average pooch. Taking your dog for long walks and runs will help both you and your dog stay fit. Golden Retriever Pitbull mixes need at least an hour of exercise every day. The best way to do this is to take them out for a 30 minute walk around the neighborhood and dedicate the rest of the time to play. They also love to jump, and will catch a Frisbee or a ball right out of the air. You can tune in to their wild sides by giving them toys to hunt. This is the perfect pooch for taking along with you on your own daily activities. They make excellent hiking partners and will enjoy a trip out into nature just as much as you will. Number of Walks Per Day: 1. Grooming and Shedding If you have a short coated dog, grooming will be much less intensive than it would be for a mix with a longer coat. Short and medium coated dogs need brushing once or twice a week. Long coated dogs will need brushing every day, and may need special brushes and combs for shed control. Do not be tempted to run to the bathtub every time your pooch gets a little dirty. You can give your dog a full bath every 3 months, but daily dirt and grime should be wiped away. Feeding and Diet These large active dogs need plenty of healthy food to fuel their daily work and play. This breed benefits from including raw foods in their diet. Even if you feed them kibble, you should find ways to add raw meat to the menu. You can replace one of their cups of kibble with some cuts of raw pork or poultry. Muscular breeds like this will need more protein than others. Fruits and vegetables make a great healthy treat for your dog. These are packed full of vitamins and minerals, but should only be given every once in a while. Hip dysplasia is very common for all large dog breeds. This is a malformation of the hip joints that causes pain and eventual arthritis. Having pet insurance could save you from potential headaches of going to the vets with reimbursement for every vet bill from now on! You should expect your Golden Retriever Pitbull mix to live for 10 to 15 years. This is a very little known breed with no official organization, so finding a breeder will be very difficult. However you will still need to focus on the four key areas: obedience, housebreaking, socialization and behavior. You will need to start tackling each one of these as soon as you bring your pup home. One of the first steps is to create a safe space for your dog to relax in while you are away. This is done through crate training. The crate will become your dogs den in the house, where they can feel safe and secure while they wait for you to come back home. When dealing with a bully breed, many assume that physical punishment should be used when training them. They could not be any more wrong. In reality the use of harsh correction and physical discipline will create aggression rather than eliminate it. Instead take advantage of your Golden Retriever Pitbull mixes loyalty. They will do anything to make you happy, so let them know how proud of them you are. If they misbehave just ignore it and they will catch on very fast. Loyal, intelligent, friendly, and social Training Status History and Origins Golden Retriever and Pitbull This crossbreed of dogs has been common for the past few decades. Crossbreeding is usually used to generate a new breed of canines. However, testing labs for dogs are mostly used in this method. Introducing new kinds of dogs in the world has become popular, but has also created controversy. In many cases, the loss of human life and lasting physical and emotional scars has been the cause. Most people are uncertain about the reason for breeding. They argue that knowing every single aspect of a pure breed is easy, but it is impossible to determine the behavior of mixed breeds. While others think that hybrid breeds have a wonder gene pool, and they are not prone to inherited diseases and are considered far healthier than their parent dogs. The Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix is also one of the healthiest crossbreeds. It is a result of mixing a loyal Pitbull Terrier and a humble-natured Golden Retriever. Unfortunately, like other mixed breeds, it is almost impossible to pin down their origin and why they were even created. However, if we look at the history of both, the Golden Retriever and the pitbull, we can see how these dogs influenced the mixed breed. You can find the roots of the pitbull at the start of the 19th century, in England, created from English Bulldogs for bull baiting. Later, this inhumane game was banned. These dogs were infamous for their aggression. After they got popular, people started using them as their companions and as farm dogs. The Golden Retriever has an older history than the Pitbull, and has its origins in the Scottish Highlands, during the mids. The retriever was primarily a hunting dog in those parts. These canines are comparatively less aggressive than Pitbulls. In short, because of the popularity of these two dogs, the golden retriever, and the pitbull, people may have thought of producing a hybrid that could have a concoction of their best qualities together. So, the intended outcome may have been to have a friendly dog capable of aggression when needed. Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix: Appearance and Temperament Appearance It is quite hard to predict the exact appearance of this hard-to-find hybrid, but you can see some positive traits of their parents, one way or another. Their looks can vary, and many totally depend on gene expression. All of them usually have a large and muscular physique that stands up 24 inches tall. However, they can be thin, broad, or a completely muscular build. Height and Weight The male can be 18 to 24 inches tall, whereas females can be 17 to 22 inches tall. They are mostly heavy and can weigh 30 and 75 pounds. Coat and Colors Another unique personality trait of this dog is that you can find some of them in various colors, all falling within the shades of golden. This dog can have solid gold colors, exactly the colors of a golden retriever, or a combination of darker colors with a white base. Your Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix can have a solid color, bi-colored, or even tri-colored. You will also find this breed with different types of fur coats too. This hybrid can be single or double-coated, with the fur of any length. A short coat tends to be thin, whereas, a long coat can be shady or wavy. Some dogs of this breed also have attractive curls in their fur. Temperament Because of the mixture of two dogs, this breed has some pretty unique personality traits. These strong companions have friendly and confident personalities. Sadly, their un-predictable nature can cause you difficulty in training and managing them. But one thing that never changes in this breed is their highly dynamic nature and love towards social interaction. This hybrid of a sporting dog and a terrier gives this breed extraordinary energy and strength. You have to create an environment where they can exhaust their energy without doing any harm to your property. Your dog will also let you know when it needs this type of surrounding. Because of their fun-loving nature and love for meeting new acquaintances, they have a desire to step out for a walk every day. They always need something to feel active; due to this, boredom frustrates them. Even if you encourage them to have fun all by themselves, they will end up trashing your property. They also take some time to adjust to your other pets. It is impossible to know what your dog will inherit from their parents and hard to predict their behavior. But no matter what they get from their genes, they are surely a devoted friend to you and your family. Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix vs. This golden companion is highly sociable and friendly compared to other dogs. The Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix is also more active than their furry friends. The most amazing thing is that they are aggressive, but you can train them. Through training, they transform into the best family dogs. The personality of a golden furry creature makes them different from other breeds. How to Train Your Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix Good training is always your responsibility as a dog owner, and it should be considered your top priority. These pups are very intelligent and are always ready to learn from you. It is best to give them their first training when they are young. Because of their active nature, they respond well, and you can provide them with food as a reward after training. They are willing to agree with you for praise or rewards like toys. The tarnished reputation of these Pitbulls tends to make people forget that these dogs are highly trainable. American Pitbull Terriers are the best service dogs for this reason. These four-leg companions have a natural desire to help people. As they are intelligent dogs, they become bored easily and always need mental stimulation. They also crave for their owner to build a relationship with them. When your dog is young, invite people over to tell them how to behave in front of your dog and give your guest treats so that they can feed your dog for good behavior. This way, your dog will feel happy, and your guests can have a good experience with your pup. This canine is best for active people or people who love outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, or running. These dogs are perfect partners for people who are active and love workouts. You may know that both the Golden Retriever and Pitbull have an undeniable love for swimming. This means that your hybrid pup will also love it. So, add swimming to their exercise curriculum. You can also take them for long walks and to play games involving a Frisbee. Moreover, it is vital to have large and secure backyards if you have a canine this big. This is because they are great climbers, so you need to prevent them from running or jumping outside your confines. A high fence is, therefore, a must. And stay close to them, if you are letting them run free without a leash, they can easily run off and be hard to catch. They easily make bonds with their owners and always remain faithful to their families. They are energetic compared to other dogs, and this ability makes them best for homes where they can have an area for exercises and playing regularly. They flourish in homes where they can have the company of someone during the daytime, especially someone who can workout with them and play with them. The social nature of this dog makes it a perfect dog for big families. They are great for older families too. Moreover, these canines also love to play with children, but it is better to consider the safety of your children if you have one, as these dogs can bite and can inflict some serious damage. Never leave your pup alone with your children, and also teach your children to treat your dog with kindness. Moreover, teach your puppy to play with your children. They can be good friends with your children. Giving these golden pups time, love, and attention will pay you off. You and your family will surely enjoy their presence in your home. The following are some benefits of having a beautiful and fun-loving dog: They remain loyal to you always. They have a loving nature. These dogs are good friends with children. You will feel amazed by their intelligence. You can train them easily. These canines are perfect for active and big families. People who want a companion for outdoor actives will fall in love with this pet. These dogs are prone to obesity because they consume a high amount of food. Wondering how to manage their diet? How much you can feed them depends on their weight. A good way is to make calculations of their food by comparing their weight. You can do this by giving them 30 calories for each pound of their body weight. For a pound dog, approx 2. Moreover, if you are feeding your dog the kibble with wet food, this changes the quantity of food they need. The most vital thing to consider is the protein content in their diet. Opt for foods that have high-quality ingredients, and that are high in fats and proteins. To give your Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix all the nutrients it needs, you need to choose a large-breed dog food, who can give them a long life span. Pick up foods that are rich in protein from an animal source such as meat, fish, and poultry. Limit the fat and calorie content in their foods. This will help you control their growth and maintain mass in adults. Moreover, when you are considering all the above factors, also find food that has a bigger kibble size. Bigger kibbles provide you a way to feed them smaller portions sizes, which give them all nutrients. Large breeds like golden Pitbulls have chances of bloating because of overeating. Should you be Worried about Any Health Issues? The Golden Pitbull Retriever Mix can suffer from various diseases, which can be mild as well as chronic. They are prone to joint problems, heart, eye, skin, ear, and hypothyroidism conditions as well as cancer. Because of their large and wide physique, they can also experience bloat, which can lead to death. These pups need health screening that is appropriate for both, Golden Retrievers and Pitbulls. The following are some screening needs for your canine: Hip Evaluation. The video was shared on TikTok earlier in March by the dog's owner, under the username Kopperkinodaily. In it, the fluffy dog, named Kopper, can be seen enjoying his owner's cuddles and giving her his paw as he winks at her. The viral post came with a caption that read: "What a half pitbull half golden retriever looks like. A crossbreed dog who is half a golden retriever and half a pit bull has melted hearts all over the internet. Veronica Garibey According to Alpha Paw, golden retriever-pit bull mix-breeds make great family dogs, and are undoubtedly friendly. The website states: "If you want a dog who can be your forever companion, this is for you. Golden retrievers are known for being one of the gentlest and softest dogs around, especially around children. They get along with anyone and are very patient. Pit bulls also share the same personality trait as retrievers, and they are very gentle and sweet dogs especially if you give them [the] right training. Christine Barton, veterinarian at The Vets, told Newsweek that mixing dog breeds can have potential complications in many ways, especially anatomy e. She said: "This can also include congenital, as well as genetic, disorders. These two breeds in particular are known for having sensitive skin and joint issues. Pit bulls are more likely to have cancers such as mast cell tumors than retrievers, who are more likely to have lymphoma. She said: "My neighbor had a blue female pit bull and a neighborhood stray that resembled a reddish-golden retriever got her pregnant. I got him entirely for free! All the pups were mutts but he was the only one that came out fluffy. His absolute favorite game ever is fetch with the tennis ball. He is all retriever when it comes to the tennis ball," she said. The video quickly went viral, attracting animal lovers from across the platform. It has so far received over 4. As a result of their size, they need to be on an excellent regular diet and fitness activities. The retriever and Pit Retriever has the potential of gaining weight without you noticing, and it can produce health complications. Keeping your Golden Retriever Pitbull at its ideal weight is easy, and you need to remember the following: Dedicate an active exercise regimen for them Give them plenty of walks Give them playtime to keep them engaged and fit There are many possibilities with what your Golden Retriever Pitbull might end up looking like, but you can expect that the build of your pup will take on the retriever, and the head from the Pit Bull. The Pitbull Retriever has a beautiful and unique coat, especially if the Pit Bull has a darker shade like black. There may be some instance when your pup can have a long black shaggy coat. If your Retriever and Pitbull takes on a long shaggy coat, then you need to be ready with giving them regular brushing and expect excessive shedding. You have nothing to worry about the temperament of Pitbull and Retriever Mix because they are generally well natured and friendly creatures. There may be several instances when the breed exhibits a rather odd trait, but this can all be corrected at a young age through the following: Train them at a young age; Give them exposure with other people and animals; Reward them for their excellent behavior. Do a bit of research to find out where your pups came from and whether they were successfully bred. You want to make sure that both the parents of the puppy are healthy. Doing your homework can help you avoid the following complications: Health complications. Development of negative personality traits. Shorter than average lifespan. Ask for documents to know the fitness of your puppies. A good and reliable breeder always have documents to show you the competence of the parents of the pups, as well as their health records. You can check whether they are updated with their vaccines and health records, and know what pre-existing conditions they might have. Most importantly, you want a breeder who already gave your pups some preventive vaccines. Crossbreeds can get very expensive, depending on the situation and where you get them. In most cases, the price is an excellent factor in determining the history of your pups. Here are some possible implications: Being charged a higher rate is average for the circumstance where the puppy shows a particular or rare trait. This can include different colors for the coat or eyes. Low charges can sometimes mean that the puppies were overbred, and overbreeding can often cause unhealthy litters. If your puppy takes after the coat of the Pitbull, a short, manageable coat, your job is relatively easy. Get their nails regularly trimmed, mainly because they are hyper dogs. Brush them regularly to eliminate loose furs. If your pup takes on the coat of golden retrievers, longer shaggy goats, then you need to give their grooming more attention. At times their grooming can be challenging especially because of their long shaggy coats. Be mindful, however, not to over bathe them since it might cause their skin to be dry. Your dog looks beautiful at all times. Regular brushing is an excellent place to start. All dogs have the propensity of developing genetic health problems, and some breeds are more prone than others. The Golden Retriever-Pitbull mix has an average life expectancy of 10 to 15 years, depending on their health. The combination is also likely to the following health problems: bloat, hip dysplasia, heart diseases, and cancer. Bloat is a medical emergency which is life-threatening to dogs. Bloat is among the leading cause of deaths for many large and giant dogs, which is why you need to watch out for the following symptoms: Swollen hard belly; Drooling; Signs of distress, pain and restless. Some of the symptoms of hip dysplasia include: Reduce activity and inability to jump and run properly. Having a hard time walking and exhibiting signs of pain. Although the Pitbull Golden Retriever mix is a large breed, you need to regulate their diet. Unlike the worst dry dog food, the best dry dog food contains all the nutrients dogs need. Avoid processed foods and choose ingredients rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, such as Wellness Core Dog Food or Dog For Dog Food. Adding food boosters such as Nutra Thrive dog food supplement can also be convenient. Unlike humans, dogs are better off with eating raw meat than cooked ones. Mind their size. Petite pooches have different dietary needs when compared to their larger cousins. Choose wisely between the best dry dog food for small dogs and the best large breed dry dog food according to the size of the pooch. Keep in mind their age. Age dictates the amount of needed nutrients, and best puppy food brands are not appropriate for older dogs, just as whelps will not make the most of the best senior dry dog food. Golden Retriever Pitbull Exercise Requirements Retriever Pitbull are highly energetic dogs, and they need a lot of exercises and to be with a playmate. A dog such as this retriever mix is excellent for someone who lives an active lifestyle, and who enjoys long walks, hikes, and the like. Take them on runs or when you want to exercise. Since Golden Pitbull is independent, training them can be hard because they can become stubborn. Let them know that you are in control and that they should respect your authority. A definite and firm hand lets them know of their place. Give your dogs some positive reinforcement especially when they do your commands right. Praising them for their excellent behavior helps encourage them to do your commandments. Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix and Families There are a lot of reasons to fall in love with Pit Bull retriever, and they are perfect for every family. The breed may not be so familiar, but keeping one as a family dog is worth it. They are sweeter, friendlier than most dogs, considering how both parent dogs exhibit great personality traits. The breed is perfect for families who can give the right time and attention in training and caring. Taking care of the kind requires a lot of love and attention from the family. Being a large and active breed, your doggo will need around 1, calories per day divided into two meals. Keep in mind that this is just a general estimate! Your dog may need more or less food depending on their age, activity levels, and any health problems. Golden retriever pit bull puppies should have four small, evenly spaced meals a day and eat high-quality puppy food designed for large breed dogs. After the first month or so, you can slowly transition your puppy to the formula of your choice. Long-haired golden pits, on the other hand, shed profusely and have to be brushed every day. The frequency of bathing will depend on how dirty and active your dog is. For most pups, once every three months will do the trick and help keep your mix looking and smelling great. However, you can always bathe your dog more often if they get extremely dirty or smelly from playing in the backyard or on outings. This grooming regimen should involve regular nail trimming, teeth brushing , and ear cleaning. To get your mix on board with their new grooming routine , start doing everything while they are still a puppy. The golden retriever pit bull mix is a wonderful dog that is deeply devoted to its owners and is fond of children. Friendly and loyal by nature, these dogs get along with other pets and people and tend to greet everyone with a wagging tail. While some golden pits may be wary of strangers, early socialization can help these pups to become friendlier and more accepting of new people. How much is a golden retriever pit bull mix? How big do pit bull retrievers get? The golden retriever pit bull mix is generally a large breed, but since there are no set breed standards, some dogs may be smaller. Male dogs are usually between 18 and 24 inches tall at the withers, while females are typically around 17 to 22 inches tall. Golden pit bulls usually weigh from 50 to 75 pounds, with males often being heavier than female dogs. Are pit bull golden retriever mix dogs aggressive? When properly socialized and trained from a young age, these dogs are no more dangerous than any other properly raised dog. Although pit bull mixes and bully breeds are often deemed as aggressive, golden retriever pit bulls are friendly, loyal, mild-mannered, and intelligent. Do pit bull golden retriever mixes shed? If you have a long-haired golden pit, invest in a de-shedding brush and a sturdy slicker brush that can go deep in the coat and remove as much loose hair as possible. Conclusion The golden retriever pit bull mix is still not as popular as other retriever mixes, but it is bound to attract the attention of dog lovers thanks to its loyal and friendly nature. Besides being extremely gentle with children and an ideal family dog, this mix is very easy to train and a great option for first-time owners. Do you own a pit bull golden retriever mix? What do you like most about your dog? Share your experience owning this mixed-breed with us and our readers in the comment section below! You May Also Like. The Golden Retriever Pitbull mix is a family-oriented, intelligent and loyal pup. They can have a personality that combines any or all aspects of the parent breeds. Golden Retrievers are known for being social happy-go-lucky dogs and this trait is definitely passed onto their pups. These mixes are extroverts and love to socialize, but at the end of the day they are most loyal to their family. Their loyal and protective nature can make them good candidates for family dogs as they are also patient and tolerant of small children. They are curious dogs who form strong bonds. This means that they can also struggle with separation anxiety if they are not properly trained to being left alone. Crate training from an early age can help with this problem. They do not like being left alone for long periods of time and would be best suited with an owner who wants a furry side-kick for their many adventures in life. If these dogs are left alone too long or not given enough exercise, they can resort to destructive behavior. Chewing, digging or barking can become problems with this mix. Puzzle toys and games can keep your pups mind busy so they do not get bored throughout the day. Exercise This hybrid is most known for being a friendly family dog, but they also have the characteristics of a focused sporting dog. Sporting characteristics from the Golden Retriever and terrier-like qualities from the Pitbull means this mix has a strong prey drive and the need for a job. They are intelligent and fast learners who are quick to pick-up commands and eager to please their owners. Ideally, they should have at least one hour of exercise per day. They enjoy going to the dog park, long walks and short training sessions to keep their brains busy. Like most dogs, this mix likes routine and creating an exercise routine will help keep them out of trouble. They are best suited for families who have a fenced-in-yard which allows them to stretch their legs and get the zoomies out. Both Golden Retrievers and Pitbulls have lots of energy. Therefore it is no surprise that the mix between the two of them is just as energetic. Are They Healthy? The typical lifespan of a Golden Retriever Pitbull mix is between 10 to 15 years. This is similar to both of their purebred parents. Mixes are generally healthy dogs , but they are prone to some of the same health problems as their parents. Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are common in large breed dogs and could affect this mix. Obesity is common in both Pitbulls and Golden Retrievers and should be monitored in your pup. Obesity can lead to many other health issues such as hyperthyroidism and heart disease. Both parents can also be affected by a congenital heart disease called Aortic Stenosis. Tumors are common for Golden Retrievers to develop. Many times these tumors are cosmetic, but they can also be cancerous. Pitbulls are relatively healthy, but they often suffer from skin allergies and irritation. These problems can be chronic and hard to manage. Many of the health problems of this mix are genetic. Therefore, buying from a breeder who has screened their dogs for these health problems before breeding is important to ensure your pup will be healthy. The parents should be tested for hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and eye conditions prior to breeding. Keeping a close eye on your pup and making sure they are as healthy as can be can reduce the risk for many of these health problems. Pitbull and Golden Retriever Mix Puppies If you want to buy this dog you will have to find a specialty breeder which can be difficult and expensive. All puppies are adorable, especially Golden Retriever Pitbull puppies. Their oversized paws and smushy faces will make you want to squeeze them. These happy, smiley dogs will brighten your day and keep you entertained for hours with puppy shenanigans. As a pup your dog will require lots of time and attention. Training should start at an early age to prevent unwanted behaviors such as chewing, destruction, and separation anxiety. Some owners may want to take their new companion to a puppy class for structured training. Providing structured training as well as socialization at a young age is a must for this breed. Most puppies begin to show their personality traits in adolescence, beginning around six months of age. It can be hard to predict what their personality will be like. Some pups are loyal, others are a social butterfly. The personality is unique to each pup, which means it may take some time to understand them as they grow into their big personalities. Price Golden Retriever Pitbull puppies are difficult to find from reputable breeders. Even when you do find a breeder, they are very expensive. They are on the upper end of the price range when compared to Golden Retrievers and a lot more than a Pitbull. There are only a few breeders who specialize in this mix and potential owners should be aware of the risks of buying from puppy mills and unethical breeders. Unfortunately this mix can sometimes end up in shelters due to behavioral problems. Adoption is always an option for potential owners as long as they are willing to find the right match. Shelter dogs are a great way to provide a home for pets in need. It is important for potential owners to be aware of the time and attention they will need to dedicate to their furry friend. This mix requires lots of exercise and attention from their owners. If you want a couch potato, the Golden Retriever Pitbull mix is definitely not for you! A Pocket Bully , English Bulldog or Pug might be better suited for owners who just want a cute cuddle-buddy. The Golden Retriever Pitbull mix is an athletic and enthusiastic pup who will demand physical activity. These dogs have strong and athletic bodies which are well-suited for long walks, hikes or runs with their owners. High prey-drive is often inherited from their parents. American Pitbull Terriers are known for their terrier-like qualities of chasing small prey. This dog might not be the best pet for a household with small pets which could become injured if chased or caught. Their wariness of strangers also comes from the Pitbull. This wariness can result in unnecessary barking, especially in the presence of new people. Proper socialization from a young age can help with this behavior. Due to their high energy and enjoyment of barking, these dogs are not well suited for apartment living. The amount of grooming will vary depending on the type of coat your Golden Retriever Pitbull mix gets. Short-haired mixes will require comparatively little grooming, although they do shed. Medium to long coated dogs need a lot more attention and grooming. Training A Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix It is important to begin training at an early age to keep these active dogs out of trouble. As a puppy, their attention spans are short. Quick and upbeat sessions are the best way to approach training. Puppy classes and beginner obedience training can be a great way to teach your puppy manners as well as work on socialization. Early socialization is extremely important for a Golden Retriever Pitbull mix to help them reduce their prey-drive and wariness of strangers. Introducing your new pup to lots of new people and dogs from an early age will help them be more confident as an adult. Crate training is often recommended to help with potty training. It will also help with creating a safe space for your pup to be in when left alone. The crate can be a great tool to help a Golden Retriever Pitbull deal with separation anxiety. Providing lots of toys and puzzles can be a good way to keep your mix happy and mentally stimulated. If they are bored or restless training will be difficult. They are more likely to find something to entertain themselves such as your favorite pair of shoes. Many pups also inherit the beautiful golden cream color of the Golden Retriever. Their coat can be short, medium or long and they often have markings on their chest, head and paws. These big babies are sure to steal your heart with their lovable personalities. Their personality should be the best of their parents. The Golden Retriever and Pitbull are both social and friendly dogs who love their family. These mixes are best suited for families and owners who live an active lifestyle. They need an owner willing to dedicate a significant amount of time to exercising and training their dog. If you give a Golden Retriever Pitbull mix the chance to be your pal, you are sure to have a life-long friend. He has spent decades training working dogs and spends most of his spare time studying, reading and learning about their behavior and welfare. Outside of Marvelous Dogs, he enjoys trail running and agility work with his working Labrador Retriever. You May Also Like.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. You probably already know that learning how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy can be a stressful time. But… once you know these easy steps, great things happen! Knowing how to potty train your German Shepherd is vital to having a happy, comfortable life with them. Use this training consistently to have the most effect. A proactive approach works best. Which means you should… focus on preventing accidents, instead of waiting on them to happen! Follow a strict feeding and bathroom schedule to see the best results. Basically, you teach your German Shepherd puppy the right potty skills… until it becomes a habit humanesociety. The key to quick success is taking your pup out every 2 to 3 hours and never giving the opportunity for them to have an accident inside. This means at least 8 to 10 trips outside every single day! In their welcoming and safe crate either resting, eating their meals, or enjoying a play toy. In an exercise pen or playpen with a strict potty area. Under your direct, undivided attention. This means you are always watching your pup. All it takes is for you to check your phone for a few seconds for your pup to have a toileting accident! You can either use a crate to speed up their potty training or provide them an area indoors to eliminate. I prefer the crate method. Housebreaking with the use of a crate speeds up your success rate incredibly! But you want to use the crate positively so they learn to love their little den. Make their crate an enjoyable and inviting place to go. How to show your pup how to love their crate: Never force your pup into their crate! Take your time with crate introduction and allow them to explore under their own will. Serve your pup at least one meal a day inside their crate. Use a Kong with their meal stuffed inside and mixed with a small spoonful of unsweetened Greek yogurt or peanut butter to entice them to stay and work on the Kong inside the crate. Offer treats when they willingly go inside to rest or explore their crate. Use a verbal cue when you want your pup to go into the crate. You can learn all the benefits of teaching your dog to use their crate in this easy post on crate training your German Shepherd successfully. Check it out to get the complete facts, tips, and step-by-step instructions to perfect crate training today. Use Puppy Pads You can use puppy pads if you need to… or skip to step 4 to learn potty training without pads. Not going to use puppy pads? You can skip to step 4. But… if you prefer to use puppy pads, then you need an area where you always take your dog when they need to go to the bathroom. Preferably place their pads near the door that you eventually want them to use to go outside. Place more pads down than you think you need at first. This is because puppies have poor aim and also may find a spot they prefer other than the one you pick. After a couple of weeks, you may remove the extra pads until there are only two puppy pads on the floor in the primary area they prefer to go. Keep the food and water area away from the puppy pads in another place. Using Puppy Pads Successfully Change your puppy pads as they become soiled. But a lightly soiled pad is attractive to your pup in the beginning stages of training and helps them learn the right area to potty indoors at first. Once they are reliably using the correct spot, you need not continue to use this trick and can throw away the pads as they become too soiled. Training Them to Go Outside After Using Pads Indoors If you set up your pads near the door you use to take them outside to their elimination area, then you can transition them to go outside more easily. So, place or move your puppy pads closer to the door from their original spot to begin the transition to the outdoors. When your pads are close to the door, watch them for their elimination signs and get them to the outside as swiftly as you can. While I generally use a crate to house train my German Shepherd puppy I also totally understand that you might prefer to learn how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy using a puppy pad for any number of reasons. Teach Them a Potty Routine Every day, follow the same routine and schedule to keep your puppy from having accidents inside your house. Teaching your dog to eliminate outside means that you must have a strict schedule. Watch for signs that your pup needs to go potty so you can avoid indoor accidents. Morning Potty Routine First thing in the morning when you let your pup out of their crate or from their sleeping area take them to their potty spot. If in doubt, carry them outside yourself. If you will not leash your pup when you take them out in the morning, then run ahead of them to lead them outside quickly. If you have stairs, carry your pup since rushing downstairs on a full bladder is never a good idea. Outside Potty Routine Stay with your pup until they do their business. You can place your pup in a small confined area to go potty or keep them leashed to you. Stand quietly until they potty. Then, praise them and offer a tasty treat. This can bore you at first, but potty training a German Shepherd puppy becomes easier every day. After 10 to 15 minutes, take them out of their crate and repeat the above process. Learning how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy takes repetition and patience. How do you know when to take your GSD puppy outside to potty? Take them out after a nap. They need to relieve themselves after sleeping or napping in their crates. Take them out after a play session. Take them out after they drink a large amount of water. Take them out first thing in the morning and the last thing before you place them in their crate or go to bed. Take your dog out when their body language says they are searching for a potty spot! You should take out your German Shepherd puppy every 2 hours for an 8-week-old pup. Add an hour for each month your pup is old. So, a week-old dog needs to go out every 3 hours. And a week-old German Shepherd needs to go outside to relieve herself every 4 hours. Puppy Age How often do you take them outside to potty? Most dogs do not have full bladder control until they are six months old. This means that even if your puppy does learn to hold it, accidents may still happen if it is left inside too long. Not potty training early can extend the process and make things harder. As the puppy grows, the mess and smells will increase. It is also harder to break an existing habit than prevent one from starting in the first place. How long on average does it take to potty train a puppy? If everything goes according to plan, your German Shepherd can be potty trained within five days. However, that does not mean your pup will be able to be locked indoors for eight hours while you go to work and not make a mess. Therefore, a two-month-old puppy needs to go out every two hours. A three-month-old can hold for three, and so on. German Shepherds also often have a high play drive and might completely forget that they need to potty when they want to play instead. There are few things more frustrating than playing outside with your puppy for an hour, only to have them calm down enough to relieve themselves the moment they come indoors. Have a complimentary diet An upset stomach is one of the most common setbacks in housetraining. In particular, puppies are vulnerable to garbage gut because they tend to eat anything smelly or exciting. This is another reason to make use of a crate. Excellent digestive health is not only good for your puppy, but it makes it much easier to stick to your routine. Use a specific door By now, you might be noticing a theme of consistency and routine emerging. Taking your puppy out through the same door helps condition and imprint the housetraining process on your dog and will also serve you later when your dog learns to always ask to go outside at the same door. Leash and lead The leash or lead is a further way of conditioning your puppy. The lead ensures that you can keep them close and make sure they always go to the specific spotty to potty. Do some research on the best collar for German Shephards , as there are some breed specific requirements. Then give a treat or some playtime to reward the correct behavior. Guide your dog back inside A potty run needs to be conditioned as a potty run. While praise, playtime, and treats should be used to make it a positive experience, your pup must learn to stay focused on the task at hand. Creating a negative experience for your dog is more likely to cause sneaky behavior such as peeing and pooping secretly out of fear that you will reprimand them if caught. Make sure you check on your puppy at least twice throughout the night Set an alarm clock and check if your puppy is awake and restless at least twice a night. This is your cue to take the pup outside. If the crate is near your bed and you are a light sleeper, you will likely wake when you hear rustling or whimpering. Stick to a routine A rigid routine is the quickest and smoothest route to a house-trained puppy. Be sure to take the puppy outside as soon as it wakes up in the morning, as well as after a nap, after playtime, and after meals. Until they are at least twelve weeks old, they should be taken out a minimum every two hours during the day. Positive Reinforcement As with all dog training, positive reinforcement works best. Make sure to praise and reward within three seconds of your puppy going potty to make a positive association. While your German Shepherd is learning that the entire house is out of bounds for elimination, the crate is a useful tool to avoid accidents. Once this has been achieved, you can gradually allow your puppy more free rein indoors. Pee Pads are not helpful. Puppies Puppy accidents are inevitable and can also be the most frustrating part of welcoming a new dog into your household. However, with a little bit of patience and the commitment to establishing a routine, you should get your GSD puppy potty trained in no time. This article will dive into how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy as well as give you step-by-step instructions and tips for success. German Shepherds become aware of their ability to control their bodily functions at around 3 weeks old. However, it is best to start potty training as soon as you bring your puppy home, usually, this is around 8 weeks of age. So, a 2-month old can hold their pee for about 2 hours. To avoid accidents, take them for potty breaks once every hour. No, not all adult German Shepherds are potty trained. Nevertheless, the general process of training an adult is pretty much the same as potty training a puppy. The key is in setting your rules and establishing a routine from the beginning. Ideally, choose a relatively quiet place. German Shepherds, like many other dog breeds, are creatures of habit. Having a designated potty area and using it consistently is key to making this process work smoothly. When dogs eliminate, their urine and feces leave behind a unique scent. Smelling it will signal to their brains that it is, indeed, time to go potty. Step 2: Establish a schedule Just like having a consistent potty area, sticking to a regular schedule is essential. Take very young puppies to their designated potty area every hour. As they age and as they become familiar with the routine, you can lengthen the time between their potty breaks. Start by choosing a command and sticking with it. When your pup gets to their potty spot, say your chosen command. Then say your command again and praise your pup as soon as your pup has successfully eliminated. You can usually tell this by their body language. Keep doing that until you can just give the command and your pup knows to squat and poop. Step 4: Reinforce positive potty behavior Whenever your GSD pup potties successfully, give them a good time! Reward them especially when they potty on command. Make sure you give them lots of praises and maybe a good head scratch. Depending on what motivates them, reward them with food or play. Step 5: Give it time and patience Following these steps will give you the best chance of success, but expect it to take some time. Top Tips for Potty Training Success German Shepherds are easy to train , so by following the proper potty training steps, you should get your GSD pup housebroken in no time. Nevertheless, here are some tips that will set you up for success and allow you to get over this tedious phase much more quickly: Tip 1: Make crate training a priority Crate training offers plenty of critical benefits, especially to puppies. Apart from providing a private space where they can feel safe, the right crate can be an excellent housebreaking tool. Tip 2: Establish a routine German Shepherds tend to thrive on a daily routine, so try your best to make every day the same for them. It will also help you more accurately predict when they need to go potty. Try to limit feeding times to three times a day for puppies younger than 6 months. German Shepherds that are at least 6 months old can eat once in the morning and then again in the evening. Tip 4: Withhold water at night Dogs should always have access to clean drinking water, but free access to a water bowl will make potty training more difficult. Once housebroken, your dog can have free access to water. When you take your dog out to potty, try to keep yourself relaxed and only talk when giving the potty command. This will also make your post-potty reward extra special. Disciplining your puppy for a potty accident is likely to do more harm. It will lead to negative potty behavior like being afraid to eliminate in your presence as well as feeling anxiety over having to pee or poop. Just clean it up and hope you can both do better next time. If your dog is having accidents too regularly, you likely need to take your dog out more frequently to prevent it. This is also the best way to maintain proper hygiene and good health. Tip 8: Listen and observe Dogs have their own way of communicating and will be especially communicative when they need to go potty. Some dogs might whine while others paw at the door. You just need to establish a routine and give them time to develop full control over their bladder and bowels. As long as you are committed to following your protocol, you should be able to enjoy a fully housebroken dog soon enough. Plenty of wipes and toilet tissue 1. Build a potty-training routine When you first start house training your German Shepherd puppy, you should aim to build a routine around their toileting needs. Luckily, their bladders and bowels are fairly predictable, as they are determined by not only their sleeping pattern, but also what they eat and drink. You should always take your puppy out to the toilet first thing as soon as they wake up — and this goes for whenever they wake up from naps too! As well as taking them out first thing in the morning, you should also take them out last thing at night or before you are going to leave them alone for an extended period of time: this is to prevent any accidents overnight or whilst you are gone! On top of this, you should also aim to take your puppy out to the toilet every thirty minutes to an hour. We actually started up a diary of what our puppy had eaten and and how often and what times he tended to urinate and defecate. Take your German Shepherd outside as soon as you see any signs that they need a pee or poop. All puppies have immature diet systems, which means that each meal tends to stimulate their digestive system faster than it would in adult dogs. Generally, puppies need to urinate within fifteen minutes of eating and then do a poop within half an hour of eating. Once your dog has finished eating, take away the food bowl until the next scheduled mealtime. This will prevent your puppy from overindulging. You should also ensure that the food you give your puppy is of the higher possible quality — this means avoiding dog food with artificial colours and preservatives and ensuring that real meat is the primary ingredient. Confinement and consistency When your German Shepherd puppy is in the early stages of potty training, it is good to confine to a small area such as a room, a crate or via a lead until you are confident that they can roam the house freely without accidents. Furthermore, consistency goes hand-in-hand with confinement, and it involves introducing your dogs to select areas to toilet in so that, over time, they will learn to associate going to the toilet with that area of the house or outside. A good way to ease your dog into this component of toilet training is via puppy pad training or crate training. Essentially, the purpose of the puppy pad is not only to reduce mess, but also to get your puppy used to the idea of doing their business in an approved, select area indoors an area that is easy to clean up! Overtime, your puppy will learn to associate the pad itself with areas where it is okay to toilet, and at this stage it is good to move the mad outside to help them adapt. You can buy puppy pads on Amazon. Here are the ones we used which also have very good Amazon reviews. Crate training Crates are an effective and approved way of toilet training your German Shepherd puppy at the beginning. It helps to avoid mess, helps you keep a closer eye for signs he needs to go and, most crucially, teaches the pup to hold it until they are let outside to go toilet. Make sure the crate is large enough for the puppy to stand, turn around and lie down but not large enough for them to defecate and urinate in. You can find a suitably-sized crate on Amazon which work well with the German Shepherd breed. Learn to pick up on the signs To avoid accidents in the home, it is good to learn to recognise signs that your German Shepherd needs the toilet. Commons signs include: Sniffing the floor. Looking restless and anxious. Going into an area they have previously toileted in. If your puppy shows any of these signs, take them out to your chosen toileting spot immediately. However, if accidents do happen, it is best to stay calm and not get angry at your puppy, as this will just make them fearful and cause them stress, which will actually result in more random accidents. Use a phrase they will learn to understand One of the most important aspects that goes a long with in potty training your German Shepherd puppy to use a phrase they learn to identify with. By doing so, he would learn to identify the phrase and location with the action. Reward the puppy for a good job When your German Shepherd puppy has finished his pee or poop in the right place , you should give them a reward or positive reinforcement with praise. By rewarding good behavior you will start a pattern of success which can lead to far faster house breaking and training. Never scold them Accidents are going to happen a lot, and whilst this can be frustrating, never shout at or scold the puppy. I remember countless times where I would have just cleaned a pee up from the kitchen floor, only for our puppy to crouch and pee again just seconds later. When should I start potty training my German Shepherd puppy? It is generally recommended to start house training your German Shepherd puppy once they are between 12 weeks and 16 weeks old. This is a good age to start because whilst it means that your puppy is still young enough to learn life-long skills and have their behavior moulded, at this stage your puppy should have enough control over their bladder and bowels to hold it when necessary — making the potty training process easier for them, and cleaner for you! How long does it take to potty train a German Shepherd puppy? There are other factors which come into play though, such as individual temperament and environmental factors. Be prepared for accidents, but above all, have some wipes and tissue paper on hand all the time as you will get through a lot of this stuff! Conclusion Now you know how we advise you housebreak a German Shepherd puppy, I would love to know how you got on. Get in touch via social media and leave a comment. Similarly, if you have better ideas on how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy, please share those in the community too. The bottom line is this; do not underestimate to the work that goes into taking care of a new puppy. Toilet training your puppy might feel a bit difficult at times, but with the right attitude, attentiveness and patience, they will learn this life-long skill. However, if you have any concerns about their ability to toilet train, always contact a vet or a professional trainer. As unlikely as this is, there are some German Shepherds who will need expert help. You might also like….

Plot[ ] At a hospital, Butch J. Bulldog paces nervously, waiting for his baby to be born. He is, and Butch happily faints. Back at home, Butch teaches his new son how to walk, act tough, and bite cats by practicing on a dummy. One day, the young bulldog is playing with a ball when he wanders upon Sylvester. His training kicks in, and he attacks Sylvester, who proceeds to place the small bulldog under a tin can. However, Butch catches Sylvester doing this and exacts revenge by taking Sylvester to a shed and hammering the tin can onto his head and, as his emergence from the shed indicates, ultimately the rest of his body. Later, Sylvester is walking along while the baby bulldog is biting at his tail. He slaps the baby bulldog, only for Butch to catch up to him and wallop Sylvester in retaliation. After that, Sylvester reluctantly plays fetch with the baby bulldog and decides to throw the stick into a busy street, hoping the baby bulldog will be flattened. However, the young bulldog retrieves it successfully. Annoyed, Sylvester prepares to throw it again but Butch sees this and throws the stick into traffic himself, pointing for Sylvester to fetch the stick this time. Sylvester successfully retrieves it amidst heavy traffic, but is run over by a man on a scooter on the sidewalk anyway. Once again, Sylvester plays fetch with the baby bulldog again and throws a ball into a doghouse, which Sylvester boards up when the baby bulldog chases the ball into it. Sylvester plans to drop a lit stick of dynamite into the open hole on the top. However, Butch once again catches Sylvester and places the doghouse over Sylvester instead; Sylvester doesn't hammer out the nails in the boards in time, and it explodes. Sylvester sets up a booby trap of a dog bone hooked up to a shotgun. When Butch's son begins tugging on the bone, Butch gives Sylvester a stern look, prompting Sylvester to run over and plug the shotgun hole with his finger so the baby bulldog is unharmed, getting his finger shot over and over, including once in the face, as Butch's son tugs. The stork arrives and announces Butch has even more puppies to add to his family. Having had enough with dealing with more pesky baby bulldogs, Sylvester chases the stork, shooting at him. Censorship[ ] When this cartoon aired on ABC's The Bugs Bunny and Tweety Show , the following scenes were edited: The sequence where Sylvester traps Butch's son in the doghouse and readies a dynamite stick to blow him up, only for Butch to appear and place the doghouse on Sylvester, blowing him up as he tries to escape. Several shots of Sylvester receiving painful blasts as he plugs the constantly firing gun and the scene of Sylvester getting his finger out and being blasted in the face were cut to make it seem like Sylvester was shot a few times off-camera. Cartoons , free of sound effects and voices. This short lacks a visible MPAA number on the credits card. The plot of this cartoon is a spoof of the Tom and Jerry cartoons with Spike and Tyke, where Spike is very protective of his son Tyke and would teach him to attack cats, particularly Tom at times. He would usually threaten and clobber Tom whenever he thinks Tom was annoying Tyke. This is one of the rare Looney Tunes or Merrie Melodies cartoons to have only one animator, in this case Gerry Chiniquy. This is the only short where the stork , who is normally drunk, is sober throughout and delivers babies to the right parents. In this short, the only character who speaks on the camera is The Drunk Stork. Bulldog is meant to be the same bulldog as Hector the Bulldog from the Tweety and Sylvester cartoons, which Friz Freleng also directed at the same time. Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series of cartoons. Spike is a burly, gray bulldog wearing a red sweater, a brown bowler hat , and a perpetual scowl. Chester is a Jack Russell terrier who is just the opposite, small and jumpy with yellow fur and brown, perky ears. The first of these films was Tree for Two .The cat is Freleng's own Sylvester , but every time Spike thinks he has the cat cornered, a runaway zoo black panther appears in Sylvester's place, thrashing the dog instead. When Chester decides to have a go of it, however, Sylvester finds himself at the little dog's mercy. By the cartoon's end, Spike and Chester have switched roles; Spike is the fawning sycophant, and Chester the smug prizefighter. The characters' second outing was in the short film Dr. Jerkyl's Hide .Chester, of course, never sees this transformed Sylvester, thinking his buddy is being beaten by the tiny tomcat. The final loss of face for Alfie is his being thrashed by a fly that has also been affected by the potion, as it occurs in front of Chester's eyes. Later appearances[ edit ] They appear in Daffy Duck's Fantastic Island as part of the characters that visit the wishing well, where Spike wishes that Chester be as brave as him, after it happening the events of Tree for Two. Spike and Chester appear in the movie Space Jam .They are seen as a pair of paramedics during the basketball game, who take Stan Podolak away after he was flattened by the Monstars. A live action version of Spike and Chester appeared in a commercial for Kibbles 'n Bits. Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series of cartoons. Hector is a muscle-bound bulldog with gray fur except in A Street Cat Named Sylvester and Greedy for Tweety , where his fur is yellowish and walks pigeon-toed. His face bears a perpetual scowl between two immense jowls. He usually wears a black collar with silver studs. History[ edit ] His first prototype appearance was in 's Double Chaser. Hector's first true appearance was in 's Peck Up Your Troubles , where he foils Sylvester's attempts to get a woodpecker. His usual role is to protect Tweety from Sylvester, usually at Granny 's request. He typically does this through brute strength alone, but some cartoons have him outsmart the cat, such as 's Satan's Waitin' , wherein Hector as Satan convinces Sylvester to use up his nine lives by pursuing Tweety through a series of extremely dangerous situations. Later appearances[ edit ] Hector was going to have a cameo in Who Framed Roger Rabbit , but was later dropped for unknown reasons. In the cartoon, he plays Granny's loyal guardian. The show makes Hector's low intelligence his Achilles heel , as Sylvester is constantly outwitting him. Hector appeared in Looney Tunes Cartoons , where he appeared as a military sergeant who tries to protect Tweety from Sylvester. Henry Holt and Co.

Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. Up to date on vaccinations and worming. My puppies are raised in a loving home with lots of socialization! I grew up with pugs and there is no other dog that compares! Adorable little girls full of energy and playful. Very sweet and love to be held. Dewclaws removed and first vaccine. We seek the best folks for our puppies to find their forever home. We have beautiful AKC registered pug puppies. We have been raising puppies for around 25 years and make every effort to raise healthy quality pets. Puppies available most times. UTD on shots and dewormings. Raised in my home! All of our dogs live in our home with us and are part of our family. We have standard as well as rare colors including fawn, brindle, white, apricot, merle. Puppies will have required vaccinations and come with health guarantee. September has available puppies. Give us a call today to discuss our puppies. Shots, and Vet checked. We have 3 beautiful fawn girls born May 22nd. Puppies come with CKC registration, first shots, micro-chipped and 1 yr health guarantee. Visit our site for more info. I have fawns and blacks, all are AKC registered. Boys available at stud. We breed sweet, healthy companions and occasional show pups. One year health guarantee Mountain View Puppies Woodbury, PA, Services: Puppies Looking for a forever home for Lucky, a sweet 7 month old gal, who loves attention, is good around small children and other dogs. We are a very small hobby breeder and raise puppies as part of our family. Puppies come with wellness checked, registered and with a health guarantee. They are health guaranteed and raised with children, dogs and cats. We do NOT ship. It is too high of a risk. We have only a few litters a year. All of our dogs and puppies live in our home. Too Cute Pugs.

How to accept discipline and more besides So taking a puppy any earlier is wrong and detrimental to their development. We follow many of the guidelines set forth by a program called Puppy Culture. Know that once you have your puppy, everything you do, everything they see, every good experience, bad experience, taste, smell, sight, reward and punishment trains them in some way. All of these experiences are granted to them by you and they will be looking to you for guidance through these experiences. Puppies are exactly like children. They take their cues from you to learn where they can go, where they should not, what they should be scared of, what they should not, what they can play with, what they can not…and on and on. You may as well take advantage of this innocence, when they have no idea of what life is with no preconceived ideas, no habits formed or needing to be broken, to start training them to fit into the life that they will lead with the skills that they will need. I believe you should start to train your Labrador puppy as soon as you get them home, from 8 weeks of age. But I stress this important point, to make it fun! You have to think of a puppy as a very young child. A puppy is just as impulsive, has just as little self-control and just as short an attention span. You need to think the same with a puppy. They are just like a child. A puppy will eat what they like, when they like. Go where they can, when they can. And they will not be able to listen to and act on your every word. They will have a very short attention span and no self-control. It would be totally unfair. While watching TV train your puppy during the commercial breaks. Commercial breaks are usually about minutes long perfect time for training your pup! This means going very slowly and not expecting too much. Having many small wins is very encouraging. Just do very gentle training exercises for short periods of time. Most people with a Labrador as a family pet will think of training as obedience commands and performing tricks. But you can train them basic things such as: Sit Stay for mere seconds…with no distractions! Keep it easy! Roll over. And yet, many new owners get so caught up in the cuteness of these bundles of fur that they disregard any training until the dog is much older. Sometimes new owners are just overwhelmed with taking care of their new puppy. Others lack the information needed to make good decisions regarding training for their new family member. Unfortunately, though, some bad behaviors or missed socialization and exposure opportunities are difficult to address with an older dog. So, if your goal is for you new retriever to eventually grow into an excellent duck dog, here is a guide to raising your Lab puppy to be a duck or gun dog. Picking up the puppy The journey with your new retriever pup starts the day you pick him or her up from the breeder. Hopefully you have done your homework and selected a litter of puppies with parents who have proven trainability. If you have a pick from the litter, you will want to take some time to observe the puppies. Even so, most trainers will tell you that picking a puppy is a complete crapshoot, meaning there really is no way to know how good the dog will be while looking at them as a puppy. Genetics and a proven pedigree are the best way to stack the odds in your favor from the start. Beyond that, if you have a good breeder, they are the next best source for information regarding the pups. A good breeder will give you a recommendation based on what you plan to use the pup for and your family situation. Check out this post on searching for a great retriever puppy and what to look for in breeders. If possible, bring someone with you to pick up the puppy. While you can put a puppy in a crate to transport them home, leaving the litter is a traumatic time for most puppies. Being held on the way home is a good way to start bonding with the puppy. Learn what to buy for your new Lab puppy. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. The first week raising your Labrador Retriever puppy There is very little training needed the first week you have your puppy home. Use this time to hold, pet and play with your new puppy. Bonding with the puppy is important and this is a good time to do that. You will likely be exhausted this week from getting up multiple times each night to let your puppy outside. Learn more in What should I do the first week with my new Lab puppy? Socialization is key for retriever gun dog puppies While socialization is important for all dogs, it is essential for retriever puppies destined to hunt. Socialization is the act of putting your retriever puppy in new situations and allowing the puppy to figure it out. Your puppy may handle new situations well, or she might show timid or frightened behaviors. This is not the time to coddle your future gun dog. Dogs are very aware of their owners and if you act or acknowledge your puppies fear, they will likely think you are scared too. This is the opposite of what we are trying to achieve with socialization. We want puppies to learn to adjust quickly to new situations. We want them to learn how to figure out new conditions and handle them without fear or hesitation. Puppies need to be socialized to people also. Let your puppy interact with people of all ages, including children. In addition, it can be helpful if they are also socialized to other dogs and cats. And yet we see too many retrievers with little to no retrieving desire. Sometimes this is just the result of bad breeding, but it can also be the result of poor introduction to retrieving or using the wrong items for retrieving. Many people like to play fetch with their puppy using a ball or Frisbee. But if your puppy is destined to be a hunting partner, this is going to make some retrieving problems down the line. We may use a ball to encourage a very young week old puppy to retrieve, IF, and only IF, the puppy is struggling with retrieving desire. Otherwise, we strongly discourage ongoing use of these items. Gun dogs and duck dogs are working dogs and they need to retrieve birds that fall to the ground. The rolling action of the ball or frisbee will create an excitement and energy that will make retrieving birds seem boring. We have found that dogs that have only retrieved balls or Frisbee often struggle when they need to retrieve a bumper or bird. We have an entire post on this subject, see How can I teach my retriever puppy to fetch? Expose your Labrador puppy to common hunting elements A retriever that is going to be expected to hunt, should be introduced to hunting equipment and elements at an early age. Hills and mounds, flat areas and shallow divots are terrain that a hunting retriever should learn to traverse with ease. In addition to land, different water is also an important factor. Lakes are good, but you should also try to expose your puppy to dirty water. Water with lily pads, cat tails and algae are all things a duck dog will need to handle to work. Hunting equipment Labrador retriever puppies need to learn all about the equipment you use when hunting. Doing this when they are young and continuing the exposure as they grow, will make this second nature to them. Boats and blinds If you hunt out of a boat or blind, introduce your puppy to it. For boats, start on land. Get your puppy comfortable getting in and out of the boat. Throw retrieves from the boat. Similarly, introduce your dog to the blind as a good thing. If you are using a dog blind or hut, make sure your spend lots of time getting your pup comfortable going into and out of it. Make it a fun place to go to get retrieves. Duck or goose decoys If you will use decoys when hunting, take time to expose your puppy to them. Many times over the next few months, put some out on your lawn and let your puppy learn what they are. Eventually, move them to water and again allow your pup to explore them. Throw retrieves through them and teach the dog that he can ignore the decoys. Guns This is one of the most important things that you need to exposure your new puppy to. And it really needs to be done right. The last thing you want to do is create a gun-shy dog. That is very difficult to fix and the dog may never be able to hunt if the damage is too deep. Learn more about how to do this correctly in Introduction to gunfire. Basic obedience for your gun dog puppy Your puppy is ready to learn obedience early on, and you will find that if you start when they are only a couple months old, they will learn quicker and be more obedient as they age. This will make a huge difference as they get older. Teaching HERE to young pups will require a long lead. Squat down a few feet from your puppy and say HERE as you gently pull them to you. Praise is essential with young pups, but the praise should be given when the puppy does something right. For instance, you say SIT and push his bottom down. You can use treats to teach your puppy obedience and reward him or her for obeying commands. But treats should only be used for very young puppies under 4 months. Many Labs will soon learn to only obey when given a treat, that is not the lesson you want your dog to learn. It can be difficult to discipline a cute little puppy, but it is essential. Here at Otter Tail Kennels, we get more than our share of calls from people whose puppies are out of control and causing problems in the home. The pups are causing friction in the family relationships. Small issues often become much larger issues if they remain uncorrected. If you see your puppy doing something wrong, you need to take action to let him know that the behavior is not acceptable. Final thoughts on raising a lab puppy to be a duck or gun dog The time to start training your Labrador puppy to be a duck or gun dog is now. Right away. Even if you plan to send your retriever puppy to a professional trainer in the future, you still want to take the time to socialize, expose, teach and discipline your dog now. Each week your puppy is growing and learning, and those first five months are the perfect time to get him or her off on the right foot. The socialization, exposure, and obedience are all steppingstones they need to advance in their role as a hunting partner. Do not skimp or disregard this time. You can give your ultimate duck dog some essential skills — the ability to adjust to every and all situations with ease. Nothing could be more important. You can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. Raising a lab puppy to be a duck or gun dog. Commencing Marker Training your chocolate labrador pup Start Marker Training at 8 weeks of age When you take your 8 week old labrador pup to their new home, you should commence their obedience training immediately. Just repetitively say yes and give your pup a treat immediately. Then familiarise your labrador pup with a leash. Clip the leash to their collar and allow the pup to roam a little. This way they will adjust to its weight and the sensation around their neck. If you try to walk your pup straight away, they will simply resist. Don't pull and command, but rather cultivate a positive experience with a leash. Secondly, I recommend that you feed your new labrador pup with a leash attached until they learn to sit. This will establish you as the master and immediately teach the pup restraint. Do not give the food bowl to your dog without firstly bringing him under your control. Even with my mature dogs, I will not let them feed except on command. Feeding should never be random. Hold the leash close to the labrador pup's neck and push their rear end down to the seated position. When they are sitting, enthusiastically praise your pup and, only then, reward their obedience with food. Remember, food should always represent a reward for good behaviour. They hear tones and frequencies. When we train them, we are conditioning them to associate a particular sound with a response so that it means something to them. Labrador puppies like all dogs learn contextually and by consistent repetition. In this way, a labrador pup learns to associate sounds with responses and rewards. This is why you should reward your pup immediately when they have performed a command correctly, even if they did not intend to do so. In the early stages, I prefer to teach a dog to 'sit,' then move on to 'staying' before teaching them to 'come'. This is especially so while they are still a puppy. Remember that a 12 month old dog is still a pup. They are regularly hyperactive and overstimulated. The goal is to get your labrador puppy into a calm and submissive state as often as you can. Ensure you are demonstrating a calm and composed, yet assertive demeanor. When you are in charge, your labrador pup will willingly sit and look to you for direction. Exercise patience and be repetitive but don't overdo it. Remember that the time you put in now will help you bond with your young dog, even if they do not appear to be advancing quickly. It will be a very worthwhile investment in a long term relationship for years to come. Of these three basic commands, the 'stay' command will take more time to teach. When this is mastered and entrenched in your dog's obedience, it can save your dog from danger. You are teaching them associations, not English words. Sit Teaching your new labrador pup to sit should begin immediately when you take it home. Begin by feeding them on a leash. Hold the leash close to the pup's neck. Give the pup the 'sit' command, but don't reward them with food until they are sitting. In this way you have begun to condition the pup to the 'sit' command. This requires patience at meal time. Remember that a labrador pup requires 4 feeds a day for the first phase of their life. This gives you ample opportunity for repetition and reward. When the dog sits, reward them with a treat and a lot of enthusiastic praise. Each time they repeat the behaviour, reward them with a treat again. You can train your labrador pup for short intervals at any time. Carry a few small pieces of food. Call your pup, then reward them with lots of affirmation and a piece of food when they comply. Teach them to sit by offering a small treat. Say 'sit', then let them smell the food as you move your hand over their head. A labrador pup will automatically lift the nose in the air to follow the food. As the head moves up and back, the pup will tend to sit. Give lots of praise and gradually increase repetition as they associate the word 'sit' with the food. Stay Your Labrador pup will need to understand the 'sit' command before you advance to 'stay'. Before you give the 'stay' command, make sure that the dog is seated. To keep the dog in the sitting position, you will use your hand with the fingers pointing up and the palm in front of their face. To begin with, position yourself about half a metre away from your pup's face. Direct the 'stay' command calmly, with your hand up. Slowly take half a step back and remain there for 3 seconds to begin with. Then step back towards to the dog. Wait for another 3 sec and then reward your dog with a treat. Repeat this 5 times. Reward them at the end of each 'stay' routine by praising them enthusiastically and giving them a treat. Don't praise or reward the dog until they have remained seated in front of you for a minimum of 3 seconds when you return. Your puppy should not move a millimetre until you give the reward. If your dog breaks early, you have gone too far. Simply return to your dog, reset them in the seated position and begin the routine again. Come It is important to make sure your Labrador understands the 'stay' command before you begin the recall or 'come' command. Make sure you pup is seated before you give the 'come' command. As your walk away from your pup, maintain eye contact. Don't back away too far too soon. If the pup breaks early, give the 'come' command to establish association. When you call your dog to 'come', do not let them jump up on you. If the dog wants to stand on its back legs and reach up, place the palm of your hand on their head and hold it away from you. I suggest that you don't say 'no! The down command should be used as a more constructive training command. If your pup jumps up, make your disapproval known by using a 'dog' sound; 'Ahhh! If you find yourself becoming frustrated, then put the pup away and start again tomorrow. Don't take it personally and don't blame the dog. Corrections are necessary, but not out of frustration or anger. If it's not working, then look at your consistency and your communication. If the training is a positive experience then you will strengthen the bonding and learning process. Develop consistent communication and trust with your dog in the process of the training. Labrador pups love to please and they will be very proud of themselves when they accomplish the command and gain your approval. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. Print Raising a retriever puppy like the pros Your Labrador puppy can seem small and fragile during those first few weeks home from the breeder. Labrador puppies will learn quickly about acceptable and unacceptable behavior those first few weeks, if you, the owner, are willing to set and enforce boundaries. Here is the training you should be working on with your week-old Labrador puppy. About this series of posts This is post three of a step-by-step training and socialization program for Labrador puppies. If you read our first post , you know that this series follows our training of Bubba, a female chocolate lab puppy. Bubba is already sold as one of our Custom Trained Retrievers, so it is our responsibility to raise and train her until she has progressed to the level of training the owner has requested. In this case, Bubba will be with us for almost a year and a half. Training and socialization for week-old Labrador puppy — week three home Your week-old puppy has been with your family for approximately 3 weeks now. This week you should start noticing some bigger changes with your puppy. Here are some of the changes I notice with Bubba. First, she is growing fast! Bubba is almost ready for a new collar already. I have loosened her current collar twice, and there is no more room to expand it. She is also learning a lot. Bubba is also becoming more personable. She likes and has more interest in people now and wants to be petted and scratched more often. Training equipment for Lab puppy We added a couple new training tools this week. But a thicker check cord will also work. We use this check cord for longer outside marks and assistant-marks which I will discuss more in a bit. Puppy sized canvas or light-weight plastic bumpers In week two, we introduced formal retrieving in a hallway in the house. In week three, we move outside with retrieving and introduce assistant throws, so it is helpful to have a few more bumpers. Puppy training that will continue Much of the training I have been working on for the past two weeks with Bubba will continue into this week and beyond. Dog training is not something that has a definitive end-date. For instance, you teach your puppy to SIT and then you must work and practice that command daily or weekly, often for months before the response to the command is solid. But even once the response is solid, you cannot completely stop training. If you stop training, even an older dog, the dog can lose the previous training. So, realize that you are never done working with your dog, especially on obedience training. Some areas that we will continue training Bubba on are: Crate training Bubba is doing great at crate training. She rarely makes any noise while in her crate and settles down quickly after being put into her crate. In the upcoming weeks, we will work towards getting Bubba to enter her crate on command. Looking for more information on crate training? Housebreaking Housebreaking Bubba is going well. We have caught her in a few accidents, but she already seems to understand that she is not supposed to go potty inside. This does not mean that she is done housebreaking. We still expect accidents and will for a few months, so we watch her carefully while she is running around in the house. We also praise her for behaviors like going to the door and tapping the door or whining at the door. These behaviors are rewarded with us taking her outside to go potty. When she goes potty outside, we praise her and then take her right back in. We want her to start understanding that these cue behaviors will get her out to go potty and that is all. Looking for more information on housebreaking? But we will also add a few new ones. We will use this while teaching our puppy the SIT command. It also will be used going forward, anytime we are done working on structured obedience work. We will release the dog from formal work with the OKAY command. But we also use it to mean go to a certain place, such as on a mat or stand. Or, when we want her to go into her crate or kennel. This is an associative command, meaning the puppy will learn the command through our repetition of the word as we tie it to a behavior. But over time, she will make the association and will perform it on her own. This is very important especially if you ever plan on doing more advanced training with your retriever. You will use whatever your dogs name is. A few commands that we will continue to work on this week We will continue to work on obedience commands this week and in the weeks to come. Each week we will expect a little more and better compliance and performance to the command. She is sitting when I put the leash and chain collar on her and when I am taking it off. This week we also added SIT before eating. We only make her SIT for a few seconds; we are working on control. She does not SIT on her own yet, but she will be doing that within a week or so I would guess. Right now, I grab her collar and say SIT. In week three, I have a slightly higher expectation. On walks, I make her walk right beside me for a minute or two using the HEEL command before releasing her and letting her run back and forth a bit. This tells me that she understands the command. Then release her. If every time your puppy comes to you, you put her away or take something away from her, soon your puppy will not want to come to you. You must work hard to make coming to you a good experience for your puppy. So, call her, praise her when she comes and release. Remember: Never use a HERE command if you are not in the position of being able to enforce the command. Make every effort to socialize your puppy You should continue to take steps to socialize your week-old puppy. Anything you can think of. The more things and situations you expose your puppy to, the better your puppy will be equipped to adjust and learn in the future. Learn more about socialization. Hand throws with a puppy bumper you are throwing out a bumper done outside will carry a lot more distraction than retrieves in a hallway. Just pick up the bumper and try again tomorrow. When retrieving outside, make sure you have a long foot rope attached to your puppy. Never try to do retrieves outside without a rope. You will have problems and encourage bad behaviors. You must have a way to get the puppy to come back to you, otherwise you should not be doing retrieves outside. Once your puppy is doing well retrieving outside, you are ready to introduce assistant marks. Introduction to assistant marks The most important thing we worked on with Bubba this week is assistant marks. Assistant marks are retrieves where someone else is throwing the bumper, not you. This teaches your puppy to watch out in the field for a mark. It is very rare that a duck will come from behind you, fly over your head and you shoot it. The ducks and pheasants will be falling in front of you, so the dog must learn to look out and watch for the mark. We start assistant marks on very short grass with white plugs so that the puppy can clearly see the item on the ground. We hold the puppy in a SIT position facing a thrower who is about 20 feet from you. When your puppy picks up the bumper, immediately start calling her back to you. Remember, you should have the foot check cord on her so you can pull the puppy in if needed. Then, take the bumper from her, throw it behind you, make your puppy sit facing the thrower again and repeat. Only do retrieves and then call it a day. Soon your puppy will learn this game and love it. They will start facing the thrower on their own and sitting and waiting for a mark. Final thoughts on training for your week-old Labrador puppy week-old puppies are so eager to learn, so be sure and take advantage of this enthusiasm to teach new concepts and enforce previous ones. Continue to teach your puppy to handle more and more pressure and correction while maintaining a good attitude. Lastly, assistant marks are a big deal. Once a dog learns this part of the game, you can work to increase the distance and complexity of the marks. If you are struggling or need additional help with your new puppy, you can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time, happy retrieving. How does it feel to be a new puppy parent? You must be chuffed. Take a look at these first few articles. All the ingredients you need for a happy home. But for now, beside your bed is the best place for your puppy to sleep — it will help them feel safe. Puppies like their crates rather cave-like; we suggest covering it with a blanket to block out light, but keep the front open so that they can see outwards. Make sure to make it snug inside with something like a vet bed or a blanket, or why not take it up a notch with a heat pad or hot water bottle to recreate the feeling of their mother. Nothing feels more comforting than that. Before you head to bed, take your puppy out for one last round of loo-going. Set your bedtime at a later time too — midnight sounds about right. Come back calmly, and place your puppy in the crate and turn out the light. Stuff you should know about Sleep Training your Labrador Your puppy will wake up several times in the night and will need the bathroom at least once! Be prepared for not-so-deep sleeps and tired mornings — just for the first few weeks. Having them sleep next to you is only temporary. Consistency is key! As for you, full nights of sleep will start getting closer and closer. Alone Training How can I teach my Labrador puppy to be ok on their own? Start by feeding your puppy in their crate during meal times. If they seem worried by you leaving, stay in view, and just pop right outside their confinement area. Keep it short and sweet: No need to stay away for long, 60 seconds tops will do for now. Repeat: Do this at least once a day to make progress go steady and smoothly. Socialization Exercises To Do this week Letting your Labrador puppy explore the yard Besides the gnomes and questionable yard furniture you may have, letting your puppy explore your own yard is a great and safe way to start showing them the sounds, lights and wonders of the outside world. Exploring different surfaces exercise Make sure that the surfaces you use are safe — nothing too crazy just yet. Gather surfaces such as An oven tray with a small layer of water A piece of astro turf A carpet tile A large piece of tin foil, cardboard or something crinkly PRO TIP: Set up for this exercise in the room your puppy spends most of their time in — it will help them to feel safe and confident. Pop the surfaces out safely on the floor and allow your puppy to investigate them. Nobody has ever enjoyed walking on those. Remember to be patient! Lucky for you — teaching them their name is easy peasy. Say their name in a happy jolly tone and reward with a treat. Repeat five times, 5 and take a break. Practice this 2 or 3 times a day so they get the hang of it. Teach your puppy to sit Teaching your puppy how to sit is a popular one. The first two are far more common though. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow it up with a food reward. In puppy logic, stinky means yummy. How to do it Start at home; where there are no distractions. Just make sure to shut off Gogglebox in the background. Recall — How to teach our Labrador puppy to come back when called Your puppy already knows their name at this point, so this should be a walk in the park. How to do it Treats and a cheerful voice will be what works here. Do these exercises before meal times so your puppy is more motivated. Practice this 5 times a day and in 3 different places in your house and yard to get them used to coming to you in all settings. How to do it Show your puppy that you have their favorite toy, and start to get them excited about it. When they show interest, throw it a little bit away from you. They will likely follow it and pick it up. If they do, encourage them back to you with your voice, so remember to sound happy! Swap the toy for a treat or another toy and do the process again. Repeat this about 5 times. Instead create more distance and excitement sounds to get them to come to you — spaniels like to show off, so they will likely want to parade what they have! Always swap the toy for something when they have it, this could be a treat or another toy. Resource guarding occurs when we force puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. For breeds like Labradors who are designed to want to hold things in their mouths, this is pretty important! Resource guarding is when a dog protects a resource from being taken by someone else — dog or human. For some reason, there is a solid list of things puppies find irresistible: Socks. You should take your puppy outdoors and let him exercise his socialization potential at a young age. Visiting friends and family is one way to go about it. You can also spot a dog park and carry him there. Remember that your pet is still learning to follow directions and walk with you. You cannot expect him to cover long distances. The best way to avoid this is to take them far enough from the house and ensure they have a positive outside experience. It is worth noting that you should do this as often as you can, preferably daily. Start Potty Training It would be best to start potty training your Lab puppy the first day you bring him home. Start by showing your pup where you want him to potty, such as a sectioned-off area of your yard or garden. A good idea is to cordon off a small area and add some bark chippings. Next, you need a potty training schedule such as first thing in the morning, after mealtimes and play, and hourly for young pups. Many owners use dog crates to help with house training. I have a step-by-step guide on Labrador puppy crate training where you can learn tons more. Discourage Biting If you follow my blog, you know I am against punishment-oriented training. If you train your dog young enough to avoid harsh bites, you will not need punishment-driven discipline strategies. In any case, using physical force or yelling at your pup will only instill fear and distrust and can cause aggression in your dog. You can also check out my article, How to Discipline a Labrador , for greater insight into this topic. Instead, you can wait until your Labrador bites during a positive activity and then discontinue it. It will anchor the consequence better. Follow up using positive reinforcement by rewarding the correct behavior with a treat. Your Labrador will quickly learn that displaying good behavior reaps nice things. Puppies need to learn their bite inhibition soft-mouth by continuing the excellent work their mother and siblings taught them. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Instill Patience You must use your best judgment when training your dog to be patient. Generally speaking, your Labrador will be mature enough to learn self-control by the tenth week. You can use a clicker or a whistle to teach your puppy to assume the natural heel position. Chances are, at first, your Labrador will try to change his pace to be behind you because of the force of habit. Walking in areas familiar to your dog will eliminate this problem. While you previously trained him to assume a heel position, you can also teach him these techniques. You may notice that your puppy can tell your words apart by the thirteenth week. So by the time he is four months old, you can use the position cues and positive reinforcement to get your dog to follow. These included whistling, clapping, or saying a specific word to indicate that your Labrador is doing a good job, typically followed by a well-deserved treat. Now is the time to see whether the anchors work! Where you previously whistled when your Lab ran towards you, now you must whistle, so he begins his run. This is the start of his Labrador recall training. Teaching good recall is an ongoing process. My dog was around 12 months old before seeing a noticeable improvement in her recall. Please avoid forcing the dog, as that only introduces confusion. Build Comfort With Crowds — Work on Socialization You have trained your Labrador to acknowledge close friends and family in the past few weeks. While this enables the puppy to be more social when you have visitors, a grown dog must learn to walk outdoors without acting out. This transition must be gradual, and try to keep experiences positive. Whether it is a cuddle, a pat, attention, or something tasty, you must teach your pup target training , for example, to touch a target with a specific part of his body. Remember that your Lab may end up biting or clawing to communicate if you do not teach him more acceptable communication methods. Here, I recommend teaching your Labrador to touch your hand with his nose. Ultimately, this is an excellent replacement for bites! Hand targeting is fun to teach, helps your pup build trust, and gets him using his brain! You have laid a strong foundation of discipline and positive reinforcement, making it easier to train your dog to follow more complex commands. In these weeks, you will introduce him to assuming different positions, obeying your commands as he moves away from you, and reacting to more nuanced anchors. Remember, 4-month-old Labrador puppies have a short attention span, so avoid long training sessions. Teach the Sit and Stay Teaching your Lab to sit and stay is a useful command for him to learn. Train Your Dog to Fetch If you have taken your Labrador to public parks and he has seen other dogs play fetch, it will be easier to teach him to retrieve whatever you throw. Your Labrador may not bring the toy back to you for a second round, but he will soon get the idea of retrieving it. You can gradually turn it into a game of fetch over the next few weeks and reward your doggo with high-value training treats. Continue Potty Training In the fourth month of Labrador training, you will continue potty training with a degree of independence. Continue with a good schedule and sync your walks with his natural cycle to align with the times he needs to go. You can use it to control your Labrador and later to test his ability to execute a command off-leash. A harness is also a good idea and is used for outdoor training and walks. Many owners will opt for a rear-attaching harness. Related: Harness vs. Collar for Lab Puppy: Which is Best? How to Train a 5-Month-Old Lab Puppy A five-month-old Labrador puppy is ready to be tested for his general obedience and the ability to deal with distractions, whether other dogs, people, or other animals such as squirrels or birds. Earlier, I mentioned that you could not expect an eight-week-old puppy to delay gratification. Your puppy can deal with distractions at five months old if you introduce them slowly. You must be prepared for your dog to run ahead of you now! However, suppose you have developed a solid relationship with your pup and worked on his training. In that case, he will stay within a reasonable distance, remaining by your side and showing loyalty. Once your Lab puppy has reached his 6-month milestone, it also marks the point where you introduce him to advanced obedience training. The good news is that all the training you have previously given will make it easier for your dog to follow your lead. Conclude Potty Training Your dog has had months to learn how to communicate his need to go potty. He has also likely refined the patience to hold it instead of relieving himself on the floor. Therefore, you can communicate your disappointment with your body language if your dog makes a mess. Avoid physical punishment and even verbal chastising as it impacts your dog negatively. All dogs can still have the odd accident up to 12 months old. Moreover, you must be prepared for your dog to relieve himself indoors if he is excited or frightened, known as either excitement or submissive urination. Increase Exercise Now that your Lab puppy is six months old, you can increase his exercise to thirty minutes twice daily. Energy levels, especially for larger breed dogs, escalate during this time. While the average exercise for a pup before this is generally five minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day, a six-month-old Labrador can be out for one hour if you split his walks into thirty minutes a day. To train your 6-month-old Lab puppy, start with two commands with the most practical use. From six months onwards, until your Labrador is a well-trained adult, you can teach the following commands or tricks in any order. How to Train a 7-Month-Old Labrador As your Lab progresses to seven months old, a lot of the previous training needs to be kept consistent as you gradually teach him to comprehend more commands. Maybe there is a trespasser, and you want your dog to scare them away. You will need to continue training your dog to hold things or release them on command, but you can also proceed to add distance and even more background distractions. Ironically, you need to teach him to bark on command before learning to be silent on cue. Over this month, he will learn to associate the respective commands with barking and silence. This is quite tricky, but your Lab will eventually get there if you practice and stay consistent. The eighth month is ideal for training your Lab to go to different places upon hearing the command word. Either way, do not overload him with place commands, and stick to no more than two per month. Or you can use the ninth month to teach a cool party trick! After a week, you can remove the treat and teach your Lab to follow your finger. Of course, you will still need to reward him after he follows the command. By the third week, you can cue your doggo to spin and see if he does so without your finger guiding him in a circular motion. It might take an extra week or two, but I recommend this as an addition in the ninth month because it allows you to continue training your pet to learn previous commands better. You can teach him to go to different places, hold or release objects, and fetch toys. You can now progress this further and teach him to roll over on command. Your 1-year-old Labrador only learns to comprehend more at the same pace as he has since the 6-month mark. You should also audit previously taught commands and see any weak associations you can reinforce. How to Train an Month-Old Labrador You will not have to alter your training regimen dramatically if you have trained your Labrador properly from eight weeks onward. If anything, this is the period where you customize his training to your convenience. Now is when your dog must learn to be compatible with your life. From the month mark onwards, you must train your dog to be harmonious with modern adult life within reason. It is sad to see dog owners having to give away their pets because of behavior issues. Such things are avoidable if you train your dog correctly and sufficiently exercise him. It would be best if you simply established authority by having a positive yet commanding presence. Once your dog acknowledges your authority and sees you as a guide, you can merely treat him as a six-month-old, albeit on an accelerated schedule, and train him accordingly. Your job becomes even easier once you have a workable training schedule and stick to your routine. This month-by-month Labrador puppy training schedule will help you successfully train your doggo and turn him into the beloved companion you always desired. Good luck with your training! Related Posts You May Like:. What is the best age to start training a Lab puppy to work? This guide will answer all of your questions regarding when to start training a Lab puppy. It will combine my personal experience with that of other experts in the field, along with information from behavioral research, to guide you with your decision of when to start training a Labrador puppy of your own. Congratulations on your fluffy new bundle of joy. Labs gained their well-deserved place among favorite breeds for so many reasons. Enthusiastic companions, fast learners, loyal and brave, Labrador Retrievers are fantastic pets. How Puppies Learn In the natural canine world, mother dogs teach their pups everything they need to know about their world, survival and living together happily in various stages of development. Most professional trainers try to mimic the natural canine learning process in their puppy training phases. In fact, we only recommend positive training techniques. Rewards can include food, special treats, praise and petting, playing with a favorite toy, etc. Basic Training Concepts Every Puppy Should Learn The first two components of your puppy training should be thorough socialization and potty training. Here are a few tips with each of those early behaviors. Socialization actually refers to exposure to a wide range of situations and individuals. This goes for being around lots of different people, including children. While your pup is still impressionable and inquisitive, introduce her to friends, neighbors and strangers. Introduce her to children with careful instructions to stay quiet, move slowly and pet gently. They could end up grabbing her tightly, and scaring or hurting her. Being handled by other people will be very key in socializing your puppy. Your dog should be properly socialized to gentle and careful handling, teeth brushing, touching ears and paws and tail. This will make trips to the vet and groomer easier. Make sure to also check out our guide to taking puppies outside for more help with socialization. Crate Training for Dogs Crate training is the process of teaching your dog to love spending time secure in their cosy den. Some puppies basically crate train themselves, loving their crate from day one. Others need a more gradual introduction to this safe space. The trick is to not turn crating into a punishment , but instead make it a wonderful place to have a short undisturbed rest. Most puppies will go through a play biting phase, so if you need help training your lab not to nip, you can follow this guide. It will be important for your dog to sit quietly in the field or duck stand. Self-control should be incorporated throughout daily routines and all training phases. Finally, learning how to walk politely on a leash in public is important. In addition to the behaviors listed above, there are a few extra considerations for training a gundog. As early as 8 weeks old, professional gundog trainers begin introducing lab puppies to various scenarios. The core behavioral requirements for a gundog that can be started in puppies this young are: Thorough socialization and desensitization to various environments and sounds. Be sure to start with quieter sounds and build to louder sounds, especially when introducing the sound of gunfire, to avoid creating a frantic dog. Calmness and steadiness amidst distraction. The earliest introduction to this is teaching your pup to sit for his meals, which can be captured as early as six weeks. There are, however, two important considerations to your Lab puppy training. Before their leg bones are fully developed, Labs can develop joint issues if they run too hard and long. Second, resist the urge to play fetch and retrieve every day with your Lab puppy. They overdo it with tossing a ball or dummy to try to encourage the pup to retrieve. The retrieving instinct typically kicks in quite strong around puberty between five to 10 months. Instead, we suggest focusing on sit, stay and waiting quietly with self control. Those are the more difficult behaviors for a lab to learn once adolescent hormones kick in. Start with socialization and household manners as early as 8 weeks old. Then move to sit, stay, steadiness training, and walking on a leash between 12 and 18 weeks. Training is an ongoing life skill, rather than something you do once and consider done. For a hunting Lab, adding various distractions and practicing perfect recall in different environments will be the two biggest training techniques to work on throughout life. Enjoy your training!